Anis (58) is determined to stay in Qaraqosh. “Before ISIS, we were here in Qaraqosh with 50,000 Christians. But now, 25,000 have returned. However, even if there was only 1,000 Christians left, we would stay here”, he says. “I want to stay here. Forever.”
For the first time since ISIS drove all the Christians from Iraq’s Nineveh Plain in 2014, the Christian town of Qaraqosh celebrates Easter after many of its families returned. All this week leading to Easter, we will be visiting Qaraqosh to meet with Christians there.
Anis (58) is determined to stay in Qaraqosh. Whatever it takes.
58-year-old university teacher Anis Behnam is a wise man. He has been through a lot; and life has purified his character. His friendly, patient demeanor hides a man of iron determination and strong principles.
Standing amidst the rubble of houses demolished by ISIS in Qaraqosh, he is crystal clear about his future plans: “Before ISIS, we were here in Qaraqosh with 50,000 Christians. But up to now, 25,000 have returned. However, even if there was only 1,000 Christians left, we would stay here”, he says. “I want to stay here. Forever.”
While showing us around his war-torn neighborhood, he explains: “This is the old part of the town. Most of the houses here came down; burnt or destroyed by ISIS. Now, people are just trying to rebuild their houses.”
Anis himself was one of the Christians who returned last year to Qaraqosh. “This is the place where I spent most my life. I’ve been brought up here and I love it. That is why I am here again.”
Next Sunday will be the first time since moving back that Anis will able to celebrate Easter again in his beloved town. “Easter is a message to humanity. A message of new life: After torture, after hardships, after tough conditions, there will be life. This is the main thing that we expect from Easter.”
For Anis, serving his community like Christ served mankind, defines his life in Qaraqosh. “Our Lord is risen. This gives a great hope, and we try to be just like Him: living a new life with Jesus Christ”, he says. “I cannot think of myself living elsewhere. I tried to do that and I failed. So this the only place where I would like to be; just to stay here forever, to be useful in my community.”
Anis has a clear message for Christians worldwide: “You now are aware of the fact that there are Christians here who are tormented. But we want to survive. So, please give us some morale support, so that we are able to stand firm in Iraq.”
Anis specifically requests prayers for the safety of the Christians in Qaraqosh. “Just to pray for us, to be protected”, he asks. “To be sound and safe in our country from now on.”
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