They are destroying homes, property and land, but even more worrying, they are destroying tradition and heritage.
ISIS has been ruthless in its attacks against religious and ethnic minorities in Syria and Iraq. A U.S bipartisan committee got to hear first hand accounts of what it's like for some of these targeted groups.
SR. DIANA MOMEKA
Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena (Iraq)
'A bomb was detonated at our convent in Mosul. Five sisters were in the building at the time. They were lucky to have escaped unharmed.â?
In a year, the attacks haven't stopped. The terrorists have been crippled by targeted strikes, but they've also gained territory in key cities.
Two U.S legislators have proposed the so called Protecting Religious Minorities Persecuted by ISIS Act. If approved it would give relief to displaced religious minorities who have been forced out of their homes. Furthermore, it would give them priority in seeking asylum in the U.S.
But the solution, isn't that simple.
SR. DIANA MOMEKA
Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena (Iraq)
'There are many who say, why donâ??t Christians just leave Iraq and move to a different country and be done with it. To this question we respond-why should we leave our country? What have we done?'
Terrorists are also hoping to eliminate any cultural, archaeological or religious monuments that threaten their wish of implementing the Islamic State.
They range from the destruction of the tomb of the Prophet Jonah in Mosul, Iraq, to the destruction of Dura-Europos in Syria, which includes a Christian chapel.
KATHARYN HANSON
University of Pennsylvania
'I want to share some examples of ISIS' destruction. The chapel dates to about 235 AD and contains the oldest known depiction of Jesus Christ. The site has now been extensively looted and is now under ISIS control.â?
The bill was introduced in March, but it still has a long way to go. It would have to be approved by the House and the Senate and finally be signed into law by President Obama, for it to be put into action.
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