Christians are disappearing from the Middle East
In 2003, 1.5 million Christians lived in Iraq. Today there are well below 100,000 of them. In Syria, nearly 15 per cent of the 22 million inhabitants were Christians before the outbreak of the war. More than half of them emigrated or had to flee.
The scenario that has unfolded in Iraq and Syria may now be repeated in Lebanon. The previous year only deepened the crisis. Catholic schools may close, fuel prices increase dramatically, residents have electricity for only one hour during the day.
The situation of Christians in Saudi Arabia has not improved either. Christians are perceived as a cheap labour, allowing the economy to “roll”. They come from India, the Philippines and Bangladesh. They start working on the borderline of slavery.
Saudi Arabia is receiving reports of sexual abuse of women and dramatic penalties for minor offenses. “Breaking the plate can cut your hand,” according to Tomasz Zawal, member of the Polish branch of the Aid to the Church in Need program.
