Maryam Younnes was just five years old when her family fled Lebanon for their lives. Her father was a brave soldier who fought alongside Israel against Hezbollah terrorists. Now she can never go home again because radical Muslims have banned her forever.
This is the real face of Christian persecution in the Middle East that the mainstream media ignores. Maryam’s family risked everything to stand with America’s strongest ally in the region. While other Lebanese bowed down to Iranian-backed terrorists, her father chose to fight for freedom and democracy.
Today Maryam studies at an Israeli university and lives as a free woman. She speaks both Arabic and Hebrew and understands both cultures. But Hezbollah thugs have made it clear that any Lebanese Christian who lived in Israel is marked for death if they return.
Lebanon used to be called the Switzerland of the Middle East because Christians and Muslims lived together in peace. Now it’s nothing but a terrorist playground controlled by Iran. The beautiful country has been destroyed by radical Islamic groups who hate Christians and Jews equally.
Maryam still has family trapped in Lebanon who she cannot even call or visit. These innocent people live in fear because their daughter chose to live in the only free democracy in the Middle East. This is how terrorists punish entire families for seeking liberty.
The South Lebanon Army fought bravely alongside Israeli forces for over twenty years. They defended their Christian villages from Palestinian terrorists and Iranian militias. When Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon, these heroes had to choose between abandoning their homeland or facing execution.
Thousands of Lebanese Christians like Maryam found safety in Israel where they could practice their faith freely. They became proud Israeli citizens while never forgetting their Lebanese roots. Israel welcomed these refugees when the whole world turned its back on persecuted Middle Eastern Christians.
Maryam’s story shows why America must always stand with Israel against Iranian terror. She represents the millions of Christians across the Middle East who face death for refusing to submit to radical Islam. Her courage and patriotism should inspire every freedom loving American to support our democratic allies in their fight against evil.
