Nadia Murad Celebrates the Autumn Assembly in Sinjar

October is a time of celebration for the Yazidi community, but there has been little to celebrate since ISIS’ genocide in 2014. With the progress of NI's projects throughout Sinjar, the community is being supported to return to communal life and traditions in their homeland. This year, NI founder Nadia Murad returned to Sinjar to attend the first Autumn Assembly that was held at the sacred site of Lalish since the genocide began. On her way there, Nadia was able to check in on bright young students returning to a rehabilitated school in Tabba village, as well as the progress of construction on NI’s brand new medical center supported by the French government.

Visiting the Kocho massacre and burial sites was a reminder of how much work still needs to be done to honor those who were killed and support those who survived. In light of this, Nadia met with the Kurdistan Regional President, Nechirvan Barzani, to work toward a concrete plan for rescuing the Yazidi women and children who are still subjected to slavery. Conversations with local community members are also shaping the development of support programs for the new year.

Nadia’s Initiative is committed to supporting all Yazidis to return to Sinjar and experience the same reconnection with community life that Nadia did.