Help initiatives are increasing so Christians do not disappear from the cradle of Christianity. As an example, the humanitarian association SOS Chrétiens d'Orient extends its innovative initiative to Italy.
The French organization helps Christians in territories that are especially difficult for them. It was initiated in Paris in 2013. Since 2014, more than 1,400 volunteers have shared in the daily sufferings from the consequences of wars or fundamentalism in the land of Christ.
CHARLES DE MEYER
President, SOS Chrétiens d'Orient
'The objective of SOS Chrétiens d'Oriente is not to impose a European model, but to show them that their fortune matters to us. We want to live close to them and grow with them, because the Christians of the East help us much more than we have helped them.'
Material assistance, reconstruction and restoring a wounded coexistence are the pillars of this association. Major projects such as the restoration of the medieval fortress built by the crusader Krak des Chevaliers in Syria, are added to small projects, like allowing Hussam to reopen his bakery in Teleskuf, one of the villages demolished by Daesh.
SEBASTIANO CAPUTO
Representative, SOS Cristiani d'Oriente Italy
'When SOS Chrétiens d'Orient helps, it does not only help Christians. It helps the entire civilian population. Because when a hospital is opened or a school is rebuilt, no one is asked if they have been baptized, it's for everyone.'
It is present in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Palestine and Pakistan, where their material help translates into spiritual help. Although, on many occasions these volunteers are the ones who have received the most.
SEBASTIANO CAPUTO
Representative, SOS Cristiani d'Oriente Italy
'The most beautiful message that comes to us from these Christians is that by looking at them, we see ourselves reflected. Thanks to them, we can rediscover a Christian identity that the West has completely lost. It is a West that calls itself 'Christian,' but when it comes to helping Christians in the East, it turns its back on them.'
CHARLES DE MEYER
President, SOS Chrétiens d'Orient
'The Christians of the East witness an identity of their own. They fulfill a vocation of children of God, who live as a gift in extreme abandonment to Providence. I think this is a message for Christians around the world.'
SOS Chrétiens d'Orient wants its work to help sensitize the West about the fragility of the Christian presence in these regions. It also serves to remember that Christianity was born in the East and evangelized the West, which is why there is a certain debt to these people that still preserve the essence of the faith.
