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Syrian Crisis Syrian Refugees Forced Out Of Lebanon By Alice Seeley Published On July 25, 2020 In the past week, President Michel Aoun of Lebanon renewed his call for Syrian refugees to return to Syria, as Lebanon believes the Syrian refugees have had serious repercussions on Lebanese society and economy. ​ The Lebanese President ordered this despite a US State Department warning that this is not a good time for Syrians to return. Syria is currently in the ninth year of civil war and is extremely unsafe. ​ Despite the danger of life in Syria, the number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon has recently decreased dramatically, to 890,000. Hundreds have returned to their homeland, viewing it as the better option as life in Lebanon has become increasingly unsafe and untenable for them. ​ The border between Lebanon and Syria still remains closed due to the coronavirus pandemic but is opened for Lebanese returning to their country and Syrians returning to Syria. ​ The American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East assists Syrian refugees in Kurdistan, Jordan, and other countries where they have fled. It also works with the Syrian Orthodox Church in Amman to assist Syrian Orthodox Christian refugees from Iraq. The organization and its partners assist these individuals by providing life-saving humanitarian assistance, to help them overcome horrific circumstances and obtain a better life. These resources are made possible by the generous donations of faithful donors. ​ American FRRME is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes reconciliation, provides relief efforts, advances human rights, and seeks an end to sectarian violence in the Middle East. To make a donation to American FRRME, please visit https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/frrmeamerica?code=WebsiteGeneral The Syrian Crisis Worsens By Alice Seeley Published On July 15, 2020 With a severe bread shortage caused by many bakeries suspending work because of a lack of flour and a rise in the price of baking materials, Syria currently faces the risk of mass starvation or another mass exodus. Anti-regime protests have taken place across the country over the past six weeks as civilians risk arrest to protest Syria’s worsening economic crisis. ​ Since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011, more than 380,000 Syrians have been killed and a staggering 13.2 million have been displaced, with 80 percent of Syrians living in poverty. Making the situation worse, Syria’s currency recently collapsed, causing food prices to soar. In the past six months, the number of people struggling with food shortage in Syria has risen from 7.9 million to 9.3 million. Half a million children are considered to be stunted by malnutrition. In desperation, many Syrians have no choice but to flee to neighboring countries like Jordan, as many did in 2015. ​ The American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East does not have a center in Syria. However, American FRRME is increasingly helping a number of Syrian refugees in Kurdistan and also does work with the Syrian Orthodox Church in Amman to assist Syrian Orthodox Christian refugees from Iraq. The organization and its partners assist these refugees in Jordan and other countries by providing life-saving humanitarian assistance to help them overcome horrific circumstances and obtain a better life. These resources are made possible by generous donations by faithful donors. ​ American FRRME is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes reconciliation, provides relief efforts, advances human rights, and seeks an end to sectarian violence in the Middle East. ​ To make a donation to American FRRME, please visit https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/frrmeamerica?code=WebsiteGeneral The Syrian Civil War Crisis By Alice Seeley Published On May 13, 2020 One of the worst humanitarian crises of modern time has been going on for ten years, as of March 2020. This crisis is the Syrian civil war. Over the total course of this catastrophic war, 12 million Syrians have been displaced from their homes. Over the past few months, this already astronomic number has increased dramatically. From December 2019 to February 2020, over 900,000 people have been forced to flee as the conflict increased. Their homes are bombed out and they are left with no necessities. Of these refugees, 5.6 million of them have fled to neighboring countries such as Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan. Turkey alone is home to more than 3 million Syrian refugees. Lebanon and Jordan host 1.6 million. Many of these are Christian refugees, often families with young children, who are caught in the middle with nowhere safe to flee. ​ Syria is a dangerous region for everyone, but most especially Christians. Before the Syrian civil war, more than 20,000 Christian families lived in northeastern Syria. Christians have been in this region since the first century AD. Over the course of the civil war, ISIS has targeted, enslaved and brutally murdered many Christians in attempts to take control of the region. For example, bombings in 2015 and 2016 specifically targeted Christians. Today, sadly, only 7000 to 8000 Christian families remain in northeastern Syria. Now, according to recent reports, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (a terrorist organization) has started seizing Christian properties in the area. It considers them to be spoils of war. This has resulted in the displacement of more families. ​ Syria is currently the fifth most dangerous place in the world to be a Christian. Christians are fleeing Syria in hopes of a better life. To help them achieve this, the American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East partners with churches and other NGOs in Jordan and other neighboring countries, but this is only made possible by donations. Please donate today to help these religious refugees. American FRRME is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes reconciliation, provides relief efforts, advances human rights, and seeks an end to sectarian violence in the Middle East. ​ To make a donation to American FRRME , please visit https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/frrmeamerica?code=WebsiteGeneral Syrian Civil War

The Hope Since 2014, the height of the ISIS rampage across Iraq and Syria, villages have crumbled. Countless communities have been hollowed out, as families fled to escape the violence. These families need support. “The Hope”, a support, prayer, and English language conversation practice group, was founded at the Olive Tree Center by four remarkable Iraqi women: Riveen, Raneen, Fada, and Karmen. Members of the group range from 16-year- old to 32-years-old. It is a place to encourage, support, listen, and pray during these challenging times. While the Olive Tree Center was physically closed due to COVID-19, members of The Hope still found other safe, social distancing ways to support each other. ​ Faced with adapting to “a new normal,” which often means severely limited and reduced freedoms, individuals who struggle with fear, anxiety, panic, claustrophobia, and depression have had these conditions surface. Mental health struggles and the need for extra support as the future remains so unknown are vast, and the need for encouragement and positivity is needed more than ever. ​ The refugees in Jordan that we serve have experienced much hardship and trauma in their lives. However, the most vulnerable members of the community are meeting these new obstacles with resilience, patience, and faith. To survive, they must embrace and rely on the power of prayer. The strength of these young women and others within the refugee communities American FRRME supports is incredible; they rely on their faith now more than ever in these difficult times. Their lives have been further uprooted and made much worse by the spread of Covid-19, yet they remain hopeful, positive, and more committed than ever to their faith. ​ One example of this is Raneen, one of the founders of The Hope. Originally from Qaraqosh, her family was separated when ISIS invaded in 2014. She fled with her mother and younger sister to Irbil and lived in an IDP camp until they made their way to Jordan as refugees in 2017. She suffered from anxiety following her experiences in the camp. She was separated from her husband and brothers, and has been trying to join her husband in America for years. However, the situation has been very challenging. She asked the prayer group to pray for her immigration to America to be accepted, and recently received news that she’s been approved! She referred to it as a “Mercy Miracle”. Raneen never gave up despite one hardship after another. In the midst of her struggles she continued praying and reaching out to others. ​ She is just one example of the many refugees that American FRRME supports with your help. American FRRME is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes reconciliation, provides relief efforts, advances human rights and seeks an end to sectarian violence in the Middle East. American FRRME is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes reconciliation, provides relief efforts, advances human rights, and seeks an end to sectarian violence in the Middle East.

Save the Date: August 6, 2021 By Alice Seeley Published On July 2, 2021

Thank You! By Alice Seeley Published On July 15, 2021 At American FRRME, we bring hope, help, and healing to those whose livelihoods have been destroyed by acts of violence. ​ To continue restoring lives we need your support! ​ In the outskirts of Erbil, Iraq at the Harsham refugee camp, hundreds of young boys happily play soccer, made possible through your donations! With nothing to do, they were at risk of radicalization from extremists. This is why we created the soccer project funding the soccer field, the Coach’s salary, and soccer equipment. The boys are extremely grateful! One boy said, “We are very happy for this support and for the kits. I love it. Thank you!” ​ As little as $20 a month gives a young boy the chance to play soccer. Please consider donating today! Through your prayers and your generosity, we can provide hope, help, and healing to Christian refugees in Nineveh Plain. American FRRME is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes reconciliation, provides relief efforts, advances human rights, and seeks an end to sectarian violence in the Middle East. Harsam Soccer Good News From The Harsham Soccer Project By Alice Seeley Published On October 13, 2020 Three years ago American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East started funding the Harsham Soccer Project to restore the soccer field in the Harsham Internally Displaced People’s Camp in northern Iraq. The soccer field was completed in 2019 and since then at least 250 children play on it every month! Unfortunately, the soccer field has been closed for much of 2020 due to COVID-19. ​ Now the field is back open, the boys are playing soccer again and their coach, Dastan is back at work. This lockdown was a difficult time for the young boys and their families. 13 years old, Firaz Nasr from Sinjar described his quarantine as “very hard for us because we had to spend the whole of our time in our tent. We were not allowed to come to the pitch (field) and play football.” With the restrictions loosening up, Firaz is much happier: “We are allowed to come out and play football. I love it!” Jasim Fathi, also 13 years old from Mosul describes his experience as: “It was not good at all. We stayed in our tent for a long time… I really wanted to go out of the tent to play football with my friends.” Now that the soccer field is open again, Jasim says: “Now, life is back again; as you can see us on the pitch. Dastan is here and all of my friends are around. We are very happy.” ​ 8-year-old Fahd Emad from Sinjar expressed the same struggles as the other boys: “I couldn’t play football. The pitch was closed, there were no matches. No friends were around.” ​ Now Fahd says: “Now everything is good. I can come out from our tent and play football with my friends… We are doing great!” “The children have a lot of energy which needs to be released in a positive way,” says dedicated Coach Dastan, “Keeping busy with sport[s] and making friends is such a benefit for them. When they come here in the afternoon they play and play and play, then they get tired and go home and sleep. The pitch (field) is open five days a week and is always full.” ​ Thanks to your generous donations and Coach Dastan’s hard work, the soccer project has had several success stories! For example, soccer student Mohannad Hosam is now a member of the Aljazeera football club in the United Arab! This is an incredible achievement! “I care for these children and want to continue helping them,” Dastan says. “They are the next generation.” This is only possible due to your generous donations! ​​ American FRRME is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes reconciliation, provides relief efforts, advances human rights, and seeks an end to sectarian violence in the Middle East.

Christian Persecution in the Middle East Continues By Alice Seeley Published On June 6, 2020 The persecution of Christians in the Middle East is near genocide levels. The Christians of the Middle East are no strangers to persecution, but it has worsened significantly in the past 20 years and has led to a significant exile of Christian believers from this area. In Syria, the Christian population has dropped from 1.7 million in 2011 to below 450,000 today; and in Iraq, the Christian population has dropped from 1.5 million before 2003 to below 120,000 today. A century ago Christians comprised 20 percent of the population in the Middle East, but since then the population has fallen to less than 4 percent. Christianity is at risk of disappearing in the Middle East. ​ Civil wars in Syria and Iraq have caused increased persecution against the Christian population. The most extreme form of persecution, obviously, is martyrdom. Other forms of persecution include violent threats, harassment, confiscation, and attacks on churches and properties owned by Christians, imprisonment, and legal discrimination. Some Christians are given the option of conversion or death. If they’re lucky, they might simply be heavily taxed for being non-Muslim. In addition, many Christians do not attend church out of fear of attacks, such as bombings. Christian leaders in the Middle East have been subject to arrests, kidnappings, and killings. ​ Christians face specific challenges in displacement. Many avoid entering refugee camps out of fear of targeted attacks or because they feel safer in a Christian community. Instead, they live in private homes or seek asylum in religious buildings. Not living in refugee camps restricts their access to assistance and services. ​ Charities like the American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East can reach these refugees by providing assistance to churches, UN camps, and non-official camps, giving humanitarian assistance and hope to Christians in the Middle East. The foundation also works closely with St. George’s Anglican Church in Baghdad to help those in need. In addition, American FRRME opened the doors to its first Olive Tree Center in Madaba, Jordan – providing a place of refuge and a community center for believers near Amman. ​ American FRRME is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that promotes reconciliation, provides relief efforts, advances human rights, and seeks an end to sectarian violence in the Middle East. ​ To make a donation to American FRRME, please visit https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/frrmeamerica?code=WebsiteGeneral

Healing Through Music By Alice Seeley Published On March 12, 2021 The Olive Tree Center in Madaba, Jordan offers several different types of therapy and classes including music therapy and lessons to the refugee community, as music is a wonderful tool for healing. Many refugees have witnessed horrific events or lost loved ones and are frequently afraid to ask for help because people with mental health problems are often stigmatized in the Middle East. Many have benefited greatly from the therapy offered at the Olive Tree Center, music being the most popular among the youth at the center. The music lessons at the Center are taught by Daniel, a 23-year-old Jordanian. “There are so many healing benefits to music,” Daniel explained. “At the Olive Tree Center, we can see that impact directly. So many of the students have gone through a lot of tough times as refugees, and music helps them process that, and get release from it – it brings them peace.” When asked about what he enjoys most about the center he said: “It’s been amazing to work with refugees who are so talented but have had their lives disrupted by hardship and displacement. They haven’t had the opportunity to learn music before so seeing how happy that makes them and to see how talented so many are is very rewarding for me. Some of my students, like Andi, are extremely talented, but have never had the chance until now to actualize that talent. I’m excited to see him as he continues to practice and progress!” Andi, the student Daniel is referring to, is an 18-year-old refugee from Qaraqosh, Iraq. When ISIS destroyed Christians’ homes and businesses in Iraq in 2017, Andi fled to Jordan with his parents where they received support through the Olive Tree Center in Madaba. Andi is beyond grateful for the opportunity to take music lessons! “Music helps take my stress away, when I am here and able to play, I feel very happy. I love the Olive Tree Center,” he said. “I love music and I have always dreamed of learning to play the piano. I get the chance to learn music here. I look forward each week to piano classes at the Center, it’s my favorite part of each day.” ​ Before music lessons began at the center, Andi did not know how to read music and would learn new songs by listening and memorizing them. Now that there are music lessons available, Andi has learned how to read music and is extremely skilled at the piano! In his spare time, he enjoys finding new songs to learn on YouTube. Andi is just one of many children that are benefiting from music lessons at the Olive Tree Center thanks to your generosity! ​​American FRRME is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes reconciliation, provides relief efforts, advances human rights, and seeks an end to sectarian violence in the Middle East.

The Yazidi Genocide By Alice Seeley Published On May 22, 2020 The Yazidis are a religious ethnic minority, living primarily in northern Iraq. The terrorist group ISIS has accused them of devil worship and because of this has have committed genocide as well as other horrendous crimes against the Yazidi people. Their intent was to wipe out this Kurdish-speaking religious minority, which practices an ancient, monotheistic religion. In August 2014, ISIS invaded, attacked and occupied Sinjar, the homeland of the Yazidi. Almost 200,000 Yazidis were besieged by ISIS, executed, abducted into slavery, or forced into ISIS training camps. ​ Since 2014, we know that at least 5,000 Yazidis have been killed, an estimated 7,000 Yazidis kidnapped and thousands of Yazidi children orphaned because of ISIS. Mass graves have been found testifying to the slaughter, the true extent of which may never be known. This genocide of Yazidis by ISIS prompted the largest wave of immigration from Iraq in recent history. Thousands of Yazidis fled the horrors of captivity. They sought safety by fleeing to Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan. Today, hundreds of thousands of Yazidis remain displaced. ​ Although Sinjar was retaken in November 2015, the Yazidis are still displaced and have no place to return. Nearly 70 percent of buildings in Sinjar were damaged or destroyed during the fight to retake the city. Modern-day Sinjar is a ghost town, without water, schools, or hospitals. ​ The American Foundation for Relief & Reconciliation in the Middle East provides humanitarian assistance, health care, and education to Yazidis who have fled the genocide throughout the Middle East. ​ American FRRME is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that promotes reconciliation, provides relief efforts, advances human rights, and seeks an end to sectarian violence in the Middle East. ​ To make a donation to American FRRME, please visit NETWORK FOR GOOD.

Thank You For Helping Linda Restore Her Life! By Alice Seeley Published On June 24, 2021 When ISIS invaded the Nineveh plain in 2014, Linda, a Christian mother to five children, suffered an immeasurable loss. ISIS burnt down her family’s calf-rearing farm; her family’s only source of income. After this, she and her family fled to Erbil. Once ISIS had been defeated, Linda and her family returned home. However, their misfortune did not stop there. Linda’s husband died in an electrical accident shortly after returning home. This unexpected loss left Linda devastated. She told American FRRME: “Before ISIS, we were raising 40 cows on this farm and then we would sell them in the market. It was our only source of income. But now, there is nothing I can do with this ruined farm. I hope someone is able to help us to rebuild it.” Through the support of our donors, American FRRME was able to restore Linda’s family farm! Our latest Nineveh SEED project has fully rebuilt the calf-rearing farm, as well as added a brand new well to provide the farm with clean, and freshwater. ​ Thanks to your generous support Linda is able to stay in her hometown and provide a good life for her five children! ​ American FRRME is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes reconciliation, provides relief efforts, advances human rights, and seeks an end to sectarian violence in the Middle East.

No COVID-19 Cases In Camp Rukban. By Alice Seeley Published On September 1, 2020 Ten miles away from an American military base in Syria is Camp Rukban. Here 8,000 refugees are starving and isolated from the outside world. The only good news amidst this horrible situation is the zero cases of COVID- 19 in the camp. Camp Rukban used to be home to over 30,000 people, who fled there from all parts of Syria. Thousands of refugees have since returned to their wartorn homes –where they face detention, torture, or execution. Surviving off of smuggled bits of food, the remaining refugees are begging the outside world for help. But they have received very little aid. Despite this, the Jordanian government has continued to admit more refugees to Rukban, without increasing food or aid. Doing this means there is a high risk of COVID-19 spreading in the camp. These refugees are in desperate need of assistance. The pandemic has spared them so far— but because of the dire situation and the influx of refugees, their luck may soon run out. ​ The American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East assists Syrian refugees in Kurdistan, Jordan, and other countries where they have fled. It also works with the Syrian Orthodox Church in Amman to assist Syrian Orthodox Christian refugees from Iraq. The organization and its partners assist these individuals by providing life-saving humanitarian assistance, to help them overcome horrific circumstances and obtain a better life. These resources are made possible by the generous donations of faithful donors. ​ American FRRME is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes reconciliation, provides relief efforts, advances human rights, and seeks an end to sectarian violence in the Middle East. ​ To make a donation to American FRRME , please visit https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/frrmeamerica?code=WebsiteGeneral COVID-19 Aids ISIS By Alice Seeley Published On June 10, 2020 COVID-19 has created suffering across the world but has helped one group. The Islamic State militant group (ISIS) has used the virus to its advantage as it seeks to increase its hold in the Middle East. Christians in the Middle East have faced decades of persecution. Recently, ISIS has been their main persecutor, with its attempts to annihilate the Christian and Yazidis communities. ISIS moved rapidly a half-decade ago, taking town after town. Gains have been made against ISIS in the last few years. However, COVID-19 has now forced security forces to turn their attention to battling the virus and imposing curfews, which has helped ISIS. For example, recent reports show the terrorist group has used the COVID-19 pandemic to its advantage by tripling their attacks in the area of Kirkuk, Iraq. ​ Iraqi Christians are already in a difficult situation. The recent increase of ISIS activity, combined with the COVID-19 pandemic, has increased this hardship. ​ Nineveh SEED (Sustainable Enterprise Economic Development) is an initiative designed to help Iraqi Christians whose homes and businesses were destroyed by ISIS get back on their feet. Nineveh SEED revitalizes villages in the Nineveh Plain in northern Iraq by creating jobs. It is funded by the American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East and made possible by your generous donations. American FRRME is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that promotes reconciliation, provides relief efforts, advances human rights, and seeks an end to sectarian violence in the Middle East. ​ To make a donation to American FRRME, please visit https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/frrmeamerica?code=WebsiteGeneral Update on COVID-19 in Jordan By Alice Seeley Published On June 5, 2020 The country of Jordan has taken immediate action concerning COVID-19. It has responded to this crisis by having all its borders closed including airports, ports, and ground crossing gates, the exceptions being cargo flights and transport. Jordan has had complete closure of all educational institutions and a ban on gatherings. A mandatory curfew has been set from 6 pm to 10 am, which has been enforced strictly. The reported rates of COVID-19 are lower than the neighboring countries due to these restrictions. Jordan has outstanding medical professional capabilities for the Middle Eastern region. It has 16,000 inpatient hospital beds, and 1600 respirators. The Jordanian healthcare system did face a shortage of testing kits for those who suspected they might have COVID-19 but was fortunate to receive 100,000 donated testing kits. This increased the country’s testing capacity. Jordan has recorded that more than 180,000 tests were used. Testing did take place in refugees’ camps, such as the Zaatari and Azraq camps. These camps very rarely have running water and bare health care necessities to ensure proper hygiene. Hygiene kits have been provided to refugees at this time which has helped slow down the spread of COVID-19. ​ The currently confirmed case number in Jordan is 746 confirmed cases, 535 confirmed recoveries, and 9 confirmed deaths. Currently, restrictions are being gradually lifted for the betterment of the society and economy. The American Foundation for Relief & Reconciliation in the Middle East has provided life-saving hygiene articles to persecuted Christians and other religious refugees at this desperate time, due to your generous donations. Please donate to help us continue providing care to these refugees. ​ American FRRME is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes reconciliation, provides relief efforts, advances human rights, and seeks an end to sectarian violence in the Middle East. ​ To make a donation to American FRRME, please visit https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/frrmeamerica?code=WebsiteGeneral The Impact of COVID-19 on the Middle East By Alice Seeley Published On May 7, 2020 Coronavirus has devastated China, caused havoc in Italy, and shut down the U.S. and most of the Western World. But few countries are as vulnerable to this global bug as those of the Middle East. The virus arrived in Iran in late February. By March, despite spreading into other countries, the case number remained low. Now, like the rest of the world, the Middle East suffers from thousands of new cases a day. And in this region, the effort to stop COVID19’s spread is impacted by civil wars, unstable governments, and refugees who have nowhere to go. ​ As of April 30, 2020, there are 73,993 confirmed cases in the Middle East. While Turkey is the hotspot for the virus in the region, the situation in Syria is especially alarming. Syria has millions of refugees and refugee camps that make social distancing impossible. People and families are being told there is no way to test for the virus. And to complicate an already challenging situation, far-right militants in Turkey have cut off the water supply for 460,000 people. ​ Due to the pandemic, the region’s economy is suffering greatly. With the borders closed, countries such as Egypt that rely heavily on tourist revenue are troubled. Sinking oil prices are another great economic burden, since it is the main export for some of the countries in this region. COVID-19 has affected everyone, but persecuted Christians and other refugees are among those most affected. With borders closed, some refugee boats are currently stranded at sea, waiting for a country to let them in. Refugees in camps are also greatly impacted. As in Syria, millions of persecuted Christians and other religious refugees across the Middle East are without necessities right now. Moreover, and cause for further alarm, it has been reported that refugee camps lack even the most basic hygiene necessities, such as running water and soap. In the West, being without these basic necessities, even in a pandemic, is very rare. Sadly, that is not the case for much of the Middle East. In places like Syria, Jordan, and Iran, being without soap, water, and toilet paper is the norm. Your donation will help The American Foundation for Relief & Reconciliation in the Middle East provide life-saving hygiene articles to persecuted Christians and other religious refugees at this desperate time. ​ American FRRME is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes reconciliation, provides relief efforts, advances human rights, and seeks an end to sectarian violence in the Middle East. ​ To make a donation to American FRRME, please visit https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/frrmeamerica?code=WebsiteGeneral

A beacon of hope, help, and healing By Alice Seeley Published On September 1, 2021 Did you know that Christians are the minority of the minorities in Baghdad? “I worry for the future of the Christians in Iraq. I pray that God will save us from what could happen in the future,” said Canon Faez Jirees, the only Anglican priest in Baghdad. Christians have fewer rights than other citizens and are the most vulnerable population in Baghdad. ​ Then the COVID pandemic hit… ​ “The situation for Christians in Baghdad was bad,” says Faez, “then the Coronavirus made it worse. We were working hard at St George’s Medical Clinic to improve the situation, but the virus restricted our work.” ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ St. George’s Medical Clinic treats 2,000 patients each month for FREE! The pandemic restricted the work of the clinic, yet, at great risk to themselves, the medical team pressed on. This clinic is only made possible through your support! ​ As scripture says: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.”(Philippians 2:4) ​ Can you help St. George’s continue their work? Your donations will help provide FREE medical care to the poor and the sick of Baghdad, including widows, children, and the disabled.

Olive Tree Center Open House By Keely Jahns Published On June 17, 2022 We are proud to announce our upcoming Olive Tree Center Open House, on June 24th, 2022. Join us from 6-8 PM for traditional Iraqi food, music, dance, artwork, culture and FUN! There will be mosaics on display, created by the refugees at the center. Enjoy learning more about our outreach, and the many classes, apprenticeship programs, and therapy groups that the OTC has to offer. ​ Learn more about Iraqi Christian traditions, and help support these deserving people and the programs that are bringing help, hope, and healing to the refugee community in Madaba. If you are in the area, we’d love for you to join us. ​ ADDRESS: ​ 1492 Land Parcel #6 Madaba, Jordan ​ Near University Bus Stop Beside Target One Supermarket Contact: +962 7 7667 8120 ​ We hope to see you there!

Easter Sunday: Traditions in Iraq and Around the World By Keely Jahns Published On April 14, 2022 This Sunday, April the 17th, millions of Christians around the globe will be celebrating Easter and commemorating the resurrection of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Among them are most Protestant denominations, Roman Catholics, and a majority of people in Europe and the Americas. Even among the unaffiliated, Easter is still a celebration of new life and springtime, and a reason to attend a religious service or gather with family. ​ Easter is the most sacred holiday for the Body of Christ, although it is slightly less significant in the sphere of Western culture than Christmas. You will find it to be less commercialized (although many still use it as an opportunity to give sweet treats to little ones in the form of Easter baskets and egg hunts), without so many movies, decorations, or toys. ​ While the kids enjoy its more whimsical traditions, and candy companies in the United States still make a sizable dime, Easter is a smaller holiday within popular culture. Yet, it is the most important celebration in all of Christianity. This brings the focus away from that of a commercialized holiday, and to one that is centered on togetherness and sacredness. It is a dually solemn and joyous celebration of faith, as we remember both the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. ​ Easter is a celebration of Jesus’ victory over sin and death. Easter is celebrated by Christians as a joyous holiday because it represents the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament and the revelation of God’s salvific plan for all of humankind. In commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus, Easter also celebrates the defeat of death and the hope of salvation. ​ Belief in the bodily — literal, not metaphorical — resurrection of Jesus Christ is the bedrock on which every other Christian belief rests. It’s how we know that Jesus was not merely a preacher, or a good teacher, but actually the Son of God. He was pierced for our transgressions, and he rose from the grave three days later. ​ For Catholics, Orthodox, Anglicans, many mainline Protestants, as well as other, smaller liturgical groups; the preparation for Easter begins 40 days in advance (albeit on a different date for Orthodox church goers) with Ash Wednesday. The Lenten season is one of fasting and penance in preparation for Resurrection Sunday. ​ Even those who do not observe the Lenten fasts often attend special services throughout the Lenten season to commemorate dates of religious significance, like Palm Sunday and Good Friday. But, the common thread for Christians everywhere, is that Easter Sunday means church attendance. Regardless of denomination, many churches will also be holding potlucks, as well as Easter egg hunts for the children in their congregations. ​ Resurrection Sunday services in the West vary from denomination to denomination. Catholics will celebrate a special mass. Many liturgical denominations will include sacraments, such as baptisms, confirmations, and communion during Easter services. Evangelical and non-denominational churches may include less orthodox expressions of worship and praise, such as dance performances, skits, artwork, and special music to commemorate the day. Many churches conduct services with both traditional and contemporary elements. ​ It is worth mentioning that while most of Western Europe, North and South America will commemorate the Resurrection this Sunday, many of our brothers and sisters in Iraq will be celebrating Orthodox Easter, which takes place a week later. Their traditions, shaped by the earliest Christians, stand firm against years of adversity. ​ For many in Mosul and other areas of Northern Iraq, olive branches are distributed to farmers on Palm Sunday, who plant them on their land and pray for bountiful harvests. Women often dye eggs in red and yellow as a sign of joy and love. The eggs are dyed using traditional materials, such as onion skin and lentils. Also on this day, Christians will eat a special kind of bread called “Tkharca Daochgan,” a yellow-dyed bread made from bulgur and wheat flour. ​ During the morning before church, this bread is distributed in the community, particularly among the poor and needy. After church, Christians will return home for a meat dish called “pacha.” In some regions of Iraq, both Christians and Muslims work together to prepare sweets for the holiday. The week before Easter, they often work alongside one another to prepare desserts for the Feast of Alklejeh. Among these sweets is kleicha, an Assyrian pastry considered to be the national cookie of Iraq. ​ Kleicha is a sweet, round or half-moon shaped cookie that often resembles a small cinnamon roll. Its spiral center consists of layers of sweet foods like dates and spices like cardamom, wedged between the layers of sweet dough. Other variations may be stuffed and oblong and may be topped with walnuts or sesame seeds. Kleicha can be made in a variety of ways and is as unique as the person baking it. ​ For Iraqi Christians, the Thursday before Easter is also an important observance, as many will go to church and contemplate the Last Supper. On Good Friday, many Iraqi Christians will attend mass and services to reflect on the crucifixion of Christ. Many may also attend passion plays, reenactments of the crucifixion, which are popular with Christians around the world during Holy Week. On Sunday morning, Iraqi Christians, some on the 17th and others on the 24th, will gather to celebrate Christ’s resurrection with all Christians around the world with messages, sacraments, and songs. Regardless of orthodoxy or expression, all of Christendom will be celebrating Christ’s resurrection as a victory. We look forward to seeing the wonderful Easter traditions that will be part of our Easter celebrations at the Olive Tree Center among our refugees in Madaba, Jordan. American FRRME supports all efforts to create a better future for Christians in Iraq and the Middle East. As we learn more about the traditions of Christians in Iraq and across the globe, it is our sincere wish that Christians find unity in our celebration of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ this Easter. Happy Easter from American FRRME!