Christian Refugees Wonder 'Is Any Place Safe'
SODERTALJE, Sweden -- Middle East Christians escaping militant Islam have found a safe refuge in the West.
The massive wave of Muslim migrants into Europe has left some of those Christians wondering if any place is safe, according to a group of Christian migrants in Sodertalje, Sweden.
More than half of the people in Sodertalje are Christian immigrants, most have fled violence and persecution in Iraq and Syria.
Many have come to churches because they want to express themselves freely, to worship freely in the West.
But even in Sweden, they are questioning their safety and their future.
Those attending services at St. Efrem's are members of the Syriac Orthodox Church - the world's oldest Christian community. They pray and sing in Aramaic, the ancient language of Jesus.
Some of the Christians are worried about the sudden wave of new migrants and refugees entering Europe.
"If the massive influx of Muslim immigrants come from North African countries and from Middle Eastern countries, they want to impose Sharia law. We are just trying to keep our traditions and our values and our democracy alive," David Dag, with the Aramean Democratic Organization of Sweden, said.
As thousands pour over borders, will they assimilate and embrace Western culture, or will they attempt to impose their ways on the West? And as they did in Iraq and Syria, will these Muslim refugees extend their war to Europe?
These Christians found a safe haven in Sweden, but now some fear it may eventually be lost.
Amer Georges Behnam, an Iraqi immigrant, worked with the Americans in Iraq. He fled his country because his life was threatened.
"I was an engineer and I wanted to build my country but they wouldn't let me. They forced me out of my country. I'm afraid these newcomers may want to destroy this peaceful country," Behnam said.
Some people on social media are questioning the motives of the refugees. A Hungarian police video shows male migrants tossing water onto train tracks. They said they didn't want food or water, they only wanted to get to Germany.
But why? Are they seeking jobs and a better life, or are some coming to wage war on Europe?
ISIS claims 4,000 of its jihadists have infiltrated the refugee ranks. Bulgarian border guards have already arrested suspected ISIS terrorists posing as refugees.
Aiham Jneidi, a Muslim migrant from Syria. has some advice for the Swedish government.
"Before letting them settle here, the Swedish government should check Facebook and use other means to determine if these refugees were fighters in Syria or Iraq," Jneidi said.
Some Christian migrants of Sodertalje believe European governments need to do more to protect them and Western culture from a potential armed, or unarmed Islamic invasion.
"They're trying to be nice, but it doesn't work," Dag said. "They should be concerned for the future generations and take their Christianity more seriously and come back to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
