According to this heartbreaking report from The Daily Beast, along with creating millions of refugees from all backgrounds, the on-going civil war in Syria has fostered new levels of persecution aimed at Christians. The violence is forcing many to flee to Turkey. Though Christian communities in the country can be traced back to the New Testament, Christians are now outnumbered and victimized as social structures have broken down.
The report notes that in the early days of the war, violence against Christians mostly came at the hands of radical Islamists and al Qaeda-backed jihadists, but now, the Free Syrian Army—the main rebel force—has taken to attacking Christians as well. Those who have made it safely to Turkey have said that Christians have been the victims of executions, kidnappings, gang rapes, extortion, forced conversions and other atrocities. Writer Jamie Dettmer notes that if the rebels do eventually win the years-long civil uprising, it may be a long time before it is safe for Christians to return their country …
Update: For those asking how you can be of help, International Orthodox Christian Charities is one of the few organizations that is trying to offer help in the region. You can visit their page here and learn more about how to donate. If anyone knows of any other trusted charities, please tell us in the comments and, as always, do you research before you send money.
