EUROPE: Episcopalians assist as France receives first group of injured Iraqi Christians
Episcopal News Service. November 11, 2010 [111110-03]
French Minister for Immigration Eric Besson and representatives of the Association d'Entraide aux Minorités d'Orient (AEMO) on Nov. 8 received the first group of Iraqis wounded in the attack on the Syriac Cathedral in Baghdad on Oct. 31.
The group is being admitted to France under a program first initiated in 2007 to provide refuge to a certain group of persecuted Iraqis. Since 2007, AEMO volunteers -- Episcopalians, Iraqi Chaldeans, and French Catholics -- have been working alongside the French government, in Baghdad and in France, to provide sanctuary to Iraqi religious minorities whose lives are endangered for reasons of their faith. To date, AEMO has aided in the safe transfer of 1,300 Iraqis into France, mostly Christians, but also some Mandaeans and minority Muslims.
The Rt. Rev. Pierre Whalon, president and co-founder of AEMO, and bishop-in-charge of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe, expressed his thanks for the rapid response of the French government in this case. "In offering refuge to the victims of this latest assault, we are making more than a gesture. We are also protesting this egregious violence inflicted on fragile religious minorities in Iraq, and indeed, throughout the Middle East," he said.
This first flight from Baghdad included 54 individuals -- 34 injured Christians, one injured Muslim and 19 family members and helpers -- and carried only those seriously injured in the Oct. 31 attack. Most of the injured were transferred directly to one of several Paris-area hospitals, where they will receive treatment for injuries caused by gunshot or hand grenades. In total, some 150 Iraqis and their family members are expected to travel to France for medical care and reasons of security. A second flight will carry 93 additional people.
On Nov. 8, the gathering inside the Salon d'honneur at Orly Airport was somber as AEMO volunteers, clergy, and members of the Iraqi community in Paris waited to meet the group traveling by air ambulance from Baghdad. As the Iraqis began to disembark, young AEMO volunteers reviewed final logistics with French immigration officials and emergency medical personnel in preparation for their roles as translators aboard one of the 30 waiting Red Cross ambulances.
Other AEMO volunteers and area clergy quietly prepared to offer pastoral support to the relatives and helpers who accompanied the injured travelers. Elish Yako of AEMO commented on the extent of the injuries, both physical and psychological. "Those making the voyage to France are seriously traumatized; they are survivors of a very violent event that happened during an ordinary Sunday Eucharist. Many lost family members in the attack. Some have bullets in their spinal columns; others received injuries from exploding grenades."
Besson visited with arriving family members, who were in shock from the attack. One mother mourned the death of her daughter who died in her arms while still inside the cathedral. Before meeting with the families, the minister outlined to journalists the program to be accorded to the new arrivals, reiterating that they will have the option of filing a claim for political asylum in France. In an earlier statement in French, he said that "France supports their legitimate desire to remain and live in peace in their land, where they have been present for many centuries. With this relief operation, France also demonstrates that she continues to uphold her tradition of asylum."
Whalon added, "I am grateful for the efficient work of Minister Besson and his team, and for the support of French Foreign Minister Bernard Kuchner who made it possible in 2008 for AEMO to bring into France that first group of Iraqis, and who continues to support this important work.
"While we all hope for stability in Iraq, the fact is the severe persecution of Christians, as well as other religious minorities there, continues unabated. Until the situation changes in Iraq, it is incumbent on the United States and the entire international community to join France in her efforts to protect these vulnerable groups and indeed, in many cases, offer them the protections provided under the established international standards for asylum."
The Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe includes 20 parishes, missions and specialized ministries throughout Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland.