By Pari Ibrahim | Executive Director
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Hope can be fragile in the aftermath of mass atrocities, but with the right care and support, it can grow into resilience. At FYF, we witness this resilience every day in the determination of survivors, the leadership of Yezidi women, and the quiet strength of families striving to rebuild. Their strength continues to inspire everything we do at FYF.
This month, we have stood beside survivors seeking justice, contributed to global efforts to document and remember atrocities, and continued to invest in education as a tool for long-term change. The everyday work of recovery and resistance remains at the core of our mission to empower the Yezidi people, especially women and girls, as they rebuild their lives with dignity.
Thank you for standing with us. None of this would be possible without your support.
FROM CAPTIVITY TO JUSTICE: A YEZIDI SURVIVOR'S FIGHT FOR REPARATION
Saddam is a Yezidi survivor from Dugurê, Sinjar. He was only 11 years old when ISIS attacked his village and captured him along with his family. In an instant, his life was shattered. ISIS militants separated Saddam from his mother and subjected him to constant beatings before he was forcibly taken to Mosul, completely cut off from his family—unsure if they were dead or alive. Later, ISIS forced him into a brutal training camp—a place of fear, violence, and indoctrination, where boys were tortured if they resisted.
In 2019, after five long years in captivity, Saddam managed to escape after being transferred to Syria. From here, he was transferred to Kabartu IDP Camp in Duhok. But freedom came with new challenges. Like many survivors, Saddam and his family had lost all their legal documents during the genocide.
Through its protection program, FYF provided legal support to help Saddam and his family obtain the necessary civil documentation. A dedicated FYF lawyer accompanied him to court and supported him through every step of the process, helping them reclaim their legal identity and begin to move forward. This support also included assistance under the Yezidi Survivors Law, ensuring Saddam could access his legal rights and receive compensation as a survivor of ISIS crimes.
Now 22 years old, Saddam speaks with strength and honesty—refusing to let the world forget the suffering endured by Yezidis. He hopes to continue his studies and find work where he can build a better future.
Watch Saddam tell his story here.
FYF CONTRIBUTES TO IMPERIAL WAR EXHIBIT ON SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN CONFLICT
FYF is honored to have contributed to the Unsilenced: Sexual Violence in Conflict exhibit at the Imperial War Museum in London. This important exhibition sheds light on the atrocities committed during the Yezidi Genocide, including the systematic and brutal enslavement of Yezidi women and girls by ISIS.
Rebecca Jinks, a researcher from Royal Holloway University, London, traveled to Duhok and partnered with FYF to hear from Yezidi survivors. Excerpts from her research project, as well as Claire Thomas' photos, are featured in the exhibit. Survivors' stories form a vital part of the historical record, bearing witness to the genocide and helping to ensure that these crimes are never forgotten.
The exhibit also includes primary source materials with analysis by researcher Aymenn J. Al-Tamimi, documenting ISIS' disturbing “rules” governing the enslavement, sale, and abuse of women. These materials offer chilling insight into the institutionalized violence that was enacted against the Yezidi community.
In 2023, FYF team members traveled to the United Kingdom to engage with British government officials, members of Parliament, and museum staff. We are deeply grateful that both the suffering and the resilience of the Yezidi community are represented in the exhibit.
We extend our sincere thanks to FYF board member Rebecca Tinsley for her support during the FYF team’s visit to the UK.
To learn more about the exhibit, please visit: Unsilenced: Sexual Violence in Conflict
SUPPORTING GIRLS' EDUCATION TO REBUILD COMMUNITIES AFTER CONFLICT
In June, FYF hosted a session with the parents and guardians of students enrolled in our English Microscholarship Access Program in Sheikhan.
During the session, we explored the critical role education plays in rebuilding communities affected by conflict, with a particular focus on the importance of girls’ education. We encouraged parents to actively support their children’s learning at home, stay engaged in their educational journey, and help ensure that girls remain in school and are empowered to pursue their dreams.
Investing in education, especially for girls, not only transforms individual lives, but strengthens families and entire communities. Learn more about the impact of our English Access Program here.
Thank you for standing with us as we continue this vital work. Together, we are building a more inclusive, resilient future.
Sincerely,
Pari Ibrahim
Executive Director
Free Yezidi Foundation
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