Contact: Hal Meawad, 240-644-5153; Magdi Khalil, 202-725-3091; both with Coptic Solidarity

WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- A Coalition comprising the Coptic Solidarity International, the World Maronite Union, and the Middle East Christian Committee, as well as several Middle East Christian organizations unequivocally oppose a US military intervention in Syria without a strategy to crumble the regime and defeat the Jihadists at the same time. The coalition also opposes aid sent to Islamist groups claiming to be the opposition in Syria. As shown by polls, the vast majority of Americans support this view.

To send a strong message against these actions, the groups are hosting a rally on Saturday Sept. 7, at 2:00 to 4:00 PM, in front of the White House Main Gate ( at Pennsylvania Ave).

While the loss of life due to the recent use of chemical weapons in Syria is mourned, there are conflicting reports as to whether rebel groups or the Assad regime used them. The world awaits the results of the UN inquiry, led by Swedish Dr. Ake Sellstrom, to reveal more details regarding the attack. The only conceivably justifiable reason to enter Syria is to locate and remove chemical weapons. Coptic Solidarity and the Middle East Christian groups also urges the UN to provide safe zones to civilian populations immediately, as a reported 100,000 Syrians have already perished in the war.

All parties in Syria including the Assad Regime, and rebel groups such as the Islamist components of the Syrian Free Army and Al -- Nursa front, have committed grave human rights abuses against the Syrian people. Right now, the Islamist-backed rebel groups are the best organized, funded, and armed of all the rebel factions. They have made clear that there will be no room for religious or political minorities should they come to power. Women's rights will certainly be demolished as sexual violence against women has been rampant and committed by all armed groups. Many thousands of Christians and other minorities have fled to save their lives. According to the UNHRC, this is the largest refugee crisis since Rwanda, and an estimated 2 million Syrians are currently refugees.

The United States government should not choose the side of Jihadists or the Assad regime in Syria. US misguided policies before the withdrawal of Iraq and since 2011 in Egypt have resulted in the deaths of many Christians and members of religious minorities, destruction of countless churches and Christian institutions, and the emigration of many thousands of Christians who are no longer safe in their homelands. This is due to the rise of Islamists and an effort to enforce a hegemonic Sunni fundamentalist order throughout the region. Qatar is believed to be the main financial backer of Syrian Islamist militias, pursuing this strategy. US taxpayers do not want their funds used to support a completely foreseeable genocide in Syria, should the Islamists come to power with the military and financial aid of the US.
 
Coptic Solidarity and the Mideast Christian groups call for the protection of Christian and other minorities in Syria, for the establishment of a new government freed from the Baathist regime, Iranian influence and above all Muslim Brotherhood, Salafist and Jihadist dominance.

We call upon all individuals who care about religious, political, and womens rights to join us in the rally.

Coptic Solidarity is non-profit organization dedicated to leading efforts to achieve equal citizenship for the Copts in Egypt. For more information, contact Hal Meawad 240-644-5153, Magdi Khalil 2027253091.