Alqosh, the Last Christian Town in Iraq, is Here to Stay

World Watch Monitor ^ | 11/3/16

[marshmallow]

A view from the Christian town of Alqosh in the Nineveh Plain.

For more than two years it lasted, just minutes away from Islamic State-held territory. The Iraqi town of Alqosh (50km north of Mosul) is the only Christian stronghold in the country that survived IS.

Looking for signs of hope for the future of Christianity in Iraq? This town, with its four churches, two monasteries and 500 Christian families, is where it can be found.

For those who grew up reading the Bible, Alqosh might ring a distant bell. It was the town where Old Testament prophet Nahum, "the Elkoshite", lived. His grave, which also houses ancient Hebrew texts, can be visited in the old centre of Alqosh. The message of the New Testament also found its way to this community long ago; since the early Middle Ages this town has been Christian. And it’s determined to stay that way.

"All over Iraq, Alqoshians are known to be strong, tough," Father Araam, one of the town’s Chaldean-Catholic priests, says. Like many Christians here, he is determined to stay, whatever happens. "I am one of God’s witnesses here. God is still here, why should I leave? As long as I am able to give a glass of water to someone who is thirsty, I am able to serve Jesus in Alqosh."

Visiting Alqosh is not easy. Before entering the town, all visitors are stopped at a heavily guarded checkpoint. Only if one of the community leaders will vouch for them are they allowed in.

The safety measures are not an unnecessary exercise; for a long time IS was just a 10-minute drive away. In 2014, IS tried to conquer Alqosh. The women and children all left the town, but most of the men stayed to defend their community.....

[ebb tide]

The self-implemented rule – that only Christian Alqoshians are allowed to own land or houses in the town – has kept the community safe from other religions and tribes.

Music to my ears.

[2banana]

They armed themselves and fight.

Their Christian priests are on the front lines. They have no illusions of ISIS.

If only American Christians had 10% of their courage...