Representative Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) is calling on the Trump administration to emphasize the protection of religious and ethnic minorities in Syria following a deadly terrorist attack on a Greek Orthodox church.
In a statement, Meng, a member of both the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security and the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, condemned the violence and urged continued U.S. support for an inclusive future in Syria.
“The United States must continue to stress the importance of protecting religious and ethnic minorities and support efforts to build a more inclusive Syria,” Meng said. “No one should fear for their life while worshiping, regardless of their faith.”
The attack occurred during a peaceful religious service, leaving several dead and many others wounded. Syria’s Interior Ministry has attributed the bombing to the Islamic State (ISIS), though as of yet, no group has officially claimed responsibility, according to multiple news reports.
Meng expressed her condolences to the victims’ families and the global Greek Orthodox community. She also highlighted the solidarity of Greek Americans in her home district of Queens, New York.
“New York’s Greek community – including Greek Americans in Queens – has always been a pillar of strength and solidarity when tragedies impact their families, friends, and neighbors. I know they will rally around the Greek Orthodox community as it mourns and recovers from this attack.”
The Congresswoman added she is praying for peace in the region and reiterated the need for international vigilance in protecting places of worship amid ongoing conflict and instability in Syria.
