Tomorrow, February 22, 2025, the remains of 32 victims of the 2014 Yazidi genocide will be handed over to their families. This day marks the painful return of lives lost simply for being Yazidis. The perpetrators aimed to erase the Yazidi identity, and this moment represents over a decade of suffering for their families, many of whom still do not know the fate of their loved ones.
Read MoreToday, a team from the Iraqi Directorate of Mass Graves Affairs began the critical work of exhuming mass graves of Yazidi genocide victims in Sinjar City. This essential step is critical to uncovering the fate of innocent individuals who suffered and died as a result of some of the most heinous crimes against humanity in recent memory.
We stand in solidarity with the families who are desperately seeking answers–answers that will bring them peace of mind and restore the dignity of their loved ones.
Read MoreOne year ago today, the Yazidi Genocide Memorial was inaugurated in Sinjar, Iraq. The memorial is a monument to those who suffered and died at the hands of ISIS, a place of remembrance and healing, and a tribute to the resilience of those who survived the genocide. Since its opening, the memorial has welcomed dozens of daily visitors, including official delegations, diplomats, government officials, and victims’ families. Thousands of Yazidis have gathered there for ceremonies, burials, and genocide commemorations.
Read MoreEight years after the Yazidi Genocide, Yazidis were able to gather at Lalish once again to celebrate the Autumn Assembly. The Assembly is the biggest celebration of the Yazidi calendar year, and includes an annual pilgrimage to the tomb of Sheikh Adi ibn Musafir, a prominent religious figure.
Read MoreToday, in the presence of Yazidi community members, clergymen, and community leaders, a ceremony was held to exhume the remains of Yazidi genocide victims from Sinjar found in mass graves in Qani village, Sinjar, Iraq.
Read MoreYazidism is an ancient monotheistic religion recognized for its prayer rituals, belief in reincarnation, and the central role of the Peacock Angel, Tawusi Malek, as a messenger to the Yazidi God. On this World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, learn more about the unique culture of Yazidism and its religious practices.
Read MoreLast week, Nadia's Initiative and implementing partner Sunrise NGO came together to celebrate Cenja Sare Sale, the Yazidi New Year, with vulnerable children from the Sinjar community.
Read MoreIn Bashiqa, Nadia’s Initiative rehabilitated the WASH facilities, kitchen, and main yard of Sheikh Obaker Temple. Sheikh Obaker is the third Yazidi temple the Initiative has rehabilitated. We hope the restored temples will offer a safe venue for future religious celebrations.
Read MoreTo secure religious freedom, we must invest in Yazidi religious sites like Sheikh Obaker Temple. With funding from the Republic of China (Taiwan), NI rehabilitated Sheikh Obaker Temple, which is now reopened to the community.
Read MoreThe fully rebuilt Sheikh Hassan Temple is ready to once again be a cultural and religious center for the residents of Gabara village and neighboring areas. The temple will host weekly gatherings and annual feast celebrations.
Read MoreNadia’s Initiative is thrilled to announce the commencement of our third Yazidi temple project! With funding from the Republic of China (Taiwan), NI is building WASH facilities and landscaping for Sheikh Obaker Temple in Bashiqa village.
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