The unwavering faith of a young Iraqi girl who was forced to flee her homeland in the
Middle East together with her family has stood out among the many horror stories on the
IS terror campaign. In a recent media interview that went viral, 11-year-old refugee
Maryam Behnam said that, despite all the transgressions committed by the IS, including
the brutal killing and abduction of thousands of people, she said she has forgiven the
jihadists. She also said that her words come from the Holy Spirit. When asked ‘What are
your feelings towards those who drove you out of your home and caused you hardships?’ She
replied, ‘I won't do anything to them, I will only ask God to forgive them.’ She also
said, ‘In the Bible Jesus said, 'Don't be afraid, I am with you,' and also, He said
‘forgive others no matter who is hating you. You have to forgive them.’