"We Are Rising Again"—The Syrian Christian Community in Maaloula Determined to Rebuild after ISIS Devastation

Leah Marieann Klett : May 19, 2016
Gospel Herald

"They came here to convert the Christians to Islam, and they wanted to destroy Maaloula because it is Christian..."

[Gospel Herald] A Syrian Christian community is attempting to rebuild itself after Islamic extremist groups killed many of its members, burned down churches, and desecrated priceless icons. (Photo: Fred Pleitgen/via CNN)

Last September, Islamic militants attacked and eventually occupied Maaloula, one of the oldest Christian cities in the world and the last place where the Aramaic that Jesus spoke is still in use.
 
Resident Maryam El Zakhm recalled the horrific day the militant group overtook the historic city: "They came here to convert the Christians to Islam, and they wanted to destroy Maaloula because it is Christian," she told CBN News. "They shouted 'Allah Akbar!' They were from Chechnya, Egypt, Libya, from everywhere—Tunis, Algeria. They came with long hair, long beards and scary faces."

The resident also shared how ISIS militants forced their way into her home, threatening to kill her daughters.
 
"They attacked my house and started screaming...
 
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