Washington DC: Across four decades, Iran has financed, trained, equipped, and provided strategic advantage to proxy terrorist militias spanning the region.  In the wake of the October 7, 2023 attack in Israel, Iran has grown increasingly belligerent.  With the war’s looming expansion into a broader regional conflict, there will be devastating implications for the remaining Christian communities in the Holy Land, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and anywhere else Iran’s menacing footprint exists.  Iran’s proxy terror groups pose an existential threat to Christians in the Middle East.

Since 2014, In Defense of Christians (IDC) has fought to bring awareness—and affect action—in Washington, DC for persecuted Christians.  More work remains, and IDC can only continue the fight with your support!

In response to Iran’s mounting rhetoric and belligerent action, IDC has focused its advocacy agenda on cutting off Iran’s ability to fund its proxy terror groups.  This is a top legislative priority for IDC in 2024.  Here’s a brief snapshot of what IDC has achieved in 2023, and will tackle 2024:

As a result of IDC’s focused advocacy, on September 12, 2023, the Fight and Combat Rampant Iranian Missile Exports Act (also known as the Fight CRIME Act) was passed in the U.S. House of Representatives.  This bill imposes sanctions on countries, individuals, and entities that attempt to acquire, transport, or deploy Iranian missiles (including technology, materials and equipment).  The bill has now been referred to the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and in 2024, IDC will continue to zealously advocate until it’s passed by the Senate and receives the President’s signature.

IDC’s advocacy also resulted in the November 3, 2023 passage of the Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum Act (also known as the SHIP Act) in the U.S. House of Representatives.  This legislation imposes sanctions on individuals who knowingly transport, process, refine, or otherwise profit from Iranian petroleum.  The SHIP Act targets Iranian petrodollars, the lifeblood of Iran-backed terror.  In 2024, IDC will fight to ensure the bill’s passage in the Senate.

In 2024, IDC will also ardently advocate in support of the Maximum Pressure Act, which is the toughest Iran sanctions package ever proposed by Congress.  The legislation would gut Iran’s ability to fund terrorism throughout the region, and sanction the Supreme Leader of Iran.  The legislation would also require the U.S. President to enforce the sanctions on Iran, and restrict executive authority to provide money to Iran as part of a nuclear deal.

In addition to Iran-focused policy, IDC’s 2024 objectives and priorities also include:

Advocacy for Azerbaijan to be held accountable for the ethnic cleansing of Armenian Christians in Nagorno-Karabakh

Pressure on the U.S. State Department to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern for its violation of religious freedom against Christians, and for the appointment of a Special Envoy

Advocacy for the protection and preservation of the ancient Christian communities and heritage of Egypt, Iraq and Syria

Advocacy for the protection and preservation of Lebanon’s unique Christian mission

These critical initiatives are just a small snapshot of what IDC is working on, and will only be brought to the finish line with your partnership!

IDC is empowered through your generous support to accomplish its mission through a three-prong approach to advocacy:

Policy & Government Relations: IDC provides authoritative advice and counsel to Congress on foreign policy matters relevant to Christians in the Middle East; drafts targeted legislation and advocates for broad, bipartisan congressional support; and maintains strategic partnerships and a broad coalition to magnify our voice in Washington, DC.

Public Affairs & Media: IDC promotes greater awareness of the plight of Christians in the Middle East through regular TV and radio appearances; contributions in print media; and a documentary film, “Our Last Stand,” available on Amazon Prime.

Education & Training: IDC educates and trains policymakers, advocates and the public through Capitol Hill training events; seminars and webinars; guest lectures at universities; and various internships and fellowships.

These three pillars constitute IDC’s comprehensive approach to advocacy, and enable our focused message to reach the right audience in the halls of Congress, in the White House, and throughout American society.  Our message has grown more critical than ever.

IDC’s mission depends on the generosity of faithful supporters like you.  Your gift is an investment toward the preservation of Christian communities in the Middle East, and their ancient Christian heritage.

A gift of $100, $500, $1000—or whatever you can manage—will help ensure IDC can continue to advocate for Christians in the Middle East, particularly during this rapidly developing crisis.  Please know how grateful we are.