Pallone Expresses Outrage at Destruction of Armenian Genocide Memorial Church in Syria

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement condemning the atrocious acts of destroying the Armenian Genocide Memorial Church in Deir ez-Zor, Syria. Reports are that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) carried out an attack on the anniversary of Armenian independence on the church:

“I am deeply saddened and outraged by the destruction of the Armenian Genocide Memorial Church in Deir ez-Zor. This church stood to commemorate and honor the hundreds of thousands of Armenians who died on the march to Deir ez-Zor. At the order of the Ottoman Turks, Armenian refugees were sent to die in Deir ez-Zor as part of the 20^th century’s first genocide. The destruction of the church memorializing this terrible point in history must be met with a strong international response.

“The United States government and other international partners in the region must work to protect religious minorities and to ensure that Armenian Christians are not targeted for such appalling acts. As the 100^th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide approaches, we must remember that it is our duty to stand against the targeting of Armenians all around the world and to prevent any further targeted violence.