Newsletter- April 10, 2017

IDC Activities

On April 3, IDC’s Director of Government Relations Kristina Olney met UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief Dr. Ahmed Shaheed.

On March 22, IDC’s partner the ANCA (Armenian National Committee of America), Survival Pictures and Open Roads, hosted at the Capitol Visitor Center the upcoming Hollywood blockbuster ‘The Promise’. This feature film tells the story of the Armenian Genocide from the perspective of a romance drama, and opens in U.S. theaters on April 21. IDC Director of Marketing and Media Communications Ninar Keyrouz and National Outreach Associate Steven Howard attended the Hill avant-premiere on Capitol Hill featuring the film producer and director.

On March 21, IDC Director of Government Relations Kristina Olney meets with the Holy See Mission First Secretary Monsignor Simon Kassas to discuss initiatives to protect and preserve Christianity in the Middle East.

On March 16, IDC and partners organizations in the Genocide Coalition hosted an event “Marking the Anniversary of the U.S. Government’s Recognition of the ISIS Genocide in Iraq and Syria” on Capitol Hill.

Representatives Fortenberry (R-NE) and Eshoo (D-CA) sponsored this event to remind policymakers that nothing is yet done in support of these internally displaced people who have become refugees and are waiting for the international community’s support in order to return home.

IDC Executive Director Philippe Nassif told participants and attendees that “the American public needs to understand how severe this crisis is.”

The Genocide Coalition released a joint statement urging the Trump administration and the U.S. Congress to take recommended steps towards protecting Christian communities in Iraq and Syria.

Genocide Coalition participants including with ISIS victim survivor Nadia Murad, IDC Executive Director Philippe Nassif and IDC Vice President and Senior Policy Adviser Andrew Doran.

IDC Chapter Events

On March 28, St. Maron’s Maronite Catholic Church of Philadelphia and IDC’s Philadelphia Chapter hosted IDC Executive Director Philippe Nassif and National Outreach Associate Steven Howard for a town hall meeting with over 60 parishioners and members of the local community.

IDC Executive Director Philippe Nassif and National Outreach Associate Steven Howard had the opportunity to share IDC’s mission with the south Philadelphia community as well as engage in discussion with town hall participants.

In addition to parishioners from St. Maron’s, clergy and laity from other Christian communities and traditions, Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox, attended the event and participated in community discussion.

On March 25th, Steve Khoury, Chair of IDC’s Houston Chapter, and Geno Ikhbeis, chapter Vice-Chair, made their way out to Houston’s 2017 Palestinian Festival and helped spread the word to the local Houston community about the advocacy IDC does for Christians in the Middle East.

IDC Houston Chapter Chair Steve Khoury (left) and Co-Chair Geno Ikhbeis (right) at the festival.

Don’t forget to check out on our website our upcoming events!

IDC in the News

Christian Daily, March 28, Egyptian police disperse angry Muslim mob targeting Christian homes
“Americans need to know that one of the oldest Christian communities in the world is under threat from being completely pushed out of Egypt,” In Defense of Christians’ executive director Philippe Nassif told CNA.CBS News, March 28, Dozens In Philly Learn About Struggles Christians Face In The Middle East
“A lot of these people should have priority access to come to the United States because they’re victims of genocide,” said Philippe Nassif, Executive Director of In Defense of Christians (IDC).Catholic Philly, March 20, Advocates seek more on anniversary of ISIS genocide declaration
“..there was more politics to the issue of genocide which I ever thought there could be,” said Catholic University of America law professor Robert Destro at a March 16 event at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center sponsored by In Defense of Christians”.Crux, March 18, Genocide Coalition says religious minorities need protection from ISIS
“Also signing the statement were Carl Anderson, the Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, and Toufic Baaklini, the president of the advocacy group In Defense of Christians.”National Catholic Register, March 17, The US Declaration of Genocide: One Year Later
“Philippe Nassif, executive director of In Defense of Christians, told the Register that Kerry’s genocide declaration made a “pretty big difference” in shedding light on the eradication of Christians…”.Voice of America, Armenian Service, Interview IDC Executive Director Philippe Nassif
“All of these Yazidis, all of these Christians, all of these Armenian people that are fleeing genocide should be given priority entry in the United States”. English Article here.Washington Times, March 16, Advocates encourage Trump to take action on anniversary of Christian genocide designation
“Philippe Nassif, executive director of In Defense of Christians, said American leadership is imperative to alleviate the plight of groups persecuted at the hands of Islamic State.”Illinois Review, March 13, KHOURI: THINKING OF OUR PERSECUTED SISTERS IN THE MIDEAST
An Op-Ed by IDC advisory board member Tonia Khouri

The Hill, March 6, Trump’s plan for safe zones in Syria necessary for the civil war’s end
An Op-Ed by IDC President Toufic Baaklini

Public Radio of Armenia, March 3, ANCA explores policy priorities with Administration officials and Members of Congress
“ANCA leaders held a working dinner with the senior leadership and staff of In Defense of Christians, led by President Toufic Baaklini.

The American Interest, March 2, Security in the Aftermath of ISIS
An Op Ed by IDC Vice President and Senior Policy Advisor

EWTN News, March 2, Egypt’s Christians are being driven out – will the world notice?
“Americans need to know that one of the oldest Christian communities in the world is under threat…”. Philippe Nassif, executive director of the advocacy group In Defense of Christians, told EWTN News.