Chaldean prelate says terrorism shouldn't stop Iraqi relief efforts

Published: 2003-10-29

BALTIMORE (CNS) -- Chaldean Archbishop Djibrail Kassab of Basra, Iraq, said Catholic and other humanitarian organizations have not been shaken in their mission despite the recent suicide car bombings in his country that included an attack on the International Committee of the Red Cross. "The bombings will not stop them from delivering the humanitarian aid to the people," said Archbishop Kassab in an interview with The Catholic Review, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. "In fact, the bombings will encourage them to do more," Archbishop Kassab said. The Chaldean Catholic archbishop was in Baltimore Oct. 27 to visit Cardinal William H. Keeler and to meet with leaders of Baltimore-based Catholic Relief Services, the U.S. bishops' overseas relief and development agency. CRS provides support to various projects in the Basra Archdiocese, including a food ration program, a pharmacy that distributes free medication and a computer learning institute that helps 42 students a month.

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