Report: Christians Beheaded, Shot in the Valley of the Christians

Will there now be an ethnic cleansing of Christians in Syria as there was in Iraq during the reign of the Islamic State? It is a distinct possibility. “When you meet the unbelievers, strike the necks.” (Qur’an 47:4) 

Paul Antonopoulos wrote for Greek media on Monday, December 16, “Two Greek Orthodox Christians in Wadi al-Nasara (Valley of the Christians) were murdered in their home during a reported ‘burglary.’ Samaan Satme and Helena Khashouf from the village al-Jamasliyye in Syria’s Homs province were brutally murdered in their home.”      

“Although the murder was initially reported as a burglary gone wrong, it later emerged that Samaan was beheaded and Helena shot, indicating that there were other motives.”

Murdered on December 13, their funeral procession began the next day in the Church of Saint Simeon Stylites, Haba. According to local reports, “random murders” in Homs and the coast continue, often fitting the pattern of assailants entering a house to murder the victims.  

At the same time, a video is circulating on social media of a Lebanese Christian woman in Syria saying her brother living in Latakia with her mother was attacked by neighbors upon rebels’ arrival, telling him: “You’re Christians, leave the house, we don’t want you here!” (JW / VFI News)

“Our Heavenly Father, we pray for all our Christian brothers and sisters currently residing in Syria. We pray in Yeshua’s name that You protect them from the enemies and help them remain and prosper in their country or find safe permanent residence elsewhere. We also pray that You comfort the families of Samaan Satme and Helena Khashouf and that the latter will be resurrected with the righteous at Your appointed time. May You cause all peoples to know You, repent, realize Your unfailing love, and worship You alone.”

The articles included in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Vision for Israel. We try to provide accurate reporting on news pertinent to Israel, the Middle East, the diaspora, and Jewish issues around the world—and we hope that you find it both informative and useful for intercessory prayer.