Noeh says ‘Thank you’ to all who signed the Hope for the Middle East petition

Noeh, a 12-year-old boy from Karamles, Iraq, has thanked the 808,172 people who signed the Hope for the Middle East petition as he visits New York to present the petition to the UN.

Noeh, a 12-year-old boy from Karamles, Iraq, has thanked the 808,172 people who signed the Hope for the Middle East petition as he visits New York to present the petition to the UN. Watch this short message from him:

Noeh has travelled to New York with his father, Hathem, to ask world leaders to provide a better future for Christians and other minorities in Iraq and Syria. It is the first time they have left Iraq.

Noeh and Hathem were forced to flee their home, along with their whole family, to escape the self-proclaimed Islamic State, who burned down their house and took over their village in 2014. For three years, Noeh and his family found refuge in Erbil, but were able to return to Karamles earlier this year.

They represent thousands of families in Iraq and Syria who have been forced to flee their homes with nothing, simply because of their faith in Christ.

Noeh and his father were able to attend a prayer meeting in New York, organised by Open Doors USA. Noeh even brought his marbles, which he found in the burned remains of his home in Karamles – a spark of hope in the ashes.

To thank Noeh for his time visiting the UN, Open Doors have given him a football shirt from FC Barcelona, the club he supports, signed by Lionel Messi, his favourite player!

Please pray:

• That the leaders who meet with Noeh and Hathem will be moved to act on behalf of Christians and other minorities in Iraq and Syria
• For safe travels and good health for Noeh and Hathem as they return to Iraq this week.