|
 Obama noted that the Islamic State's occupation of some areas will
mean Christians there will have to keep their beliefs and
celebrations quiet.
"In some areas of the Middle East where church bells have rung for
centuries on Christmas Day, this year they will be silent," Obama
said in a statement released by the White House.
"This silence bears tragic witness to the brutal atrocities
committed against these communities by ISIL," he said, referring to
the acronym used for the Islamic State which controls territories in
Syria and Iraq.
Obama has been criticized by Republicans in Congress and on the
presidential campaign trail for being too soft on refugees who are
fleeing the Islamic State, the majority of whom are Muslim.
Republican presidential candidate Senator Ted Cruz has proposed
allowing only Christian refugees into the United States, a
suggestion the White House has derided.
Cruz has argued that Christian refugees do not threaten U.S.
national security in the same way the Muslims do.
As the Obamas prepare to celebrate Christmas on Friday in Hawaii,
the president said in the statement that he and his wife Michelle
are "ever-mindful" that "many of our fellow Christians do not enjoy
do not enjoy that right" to celebrate openly.
[to top of second column] |
Obama said they "hold especially close to our hearts and minds those
who have been driven from their ancient homelands by unspeakable
violence and persecution."
He quoted a Christmas carol: "The Wrong shall fail, The Right
prevail, With peace on earth, good-will to men."
(Reporting by Julia Edwards; Editing by Alistair Bell)
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