Community leaders gather on 10th anniversary of Yazidi genocide Coffs Coast Coffs Coast - popup ad Coffs Coast News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - August 11, 2024 Yazidi House volunteers. (Back row) Edw Khalaf, Sofyan Hadi Almahma, Akram Ibrahim and Manea Mousa. (Front row) Sleman Abdi, Abo Jewana, Sami Sheebo and Hadi Shammo. YAZIDI House in Coffs Harbour has hosted a solemn commemoration to mark the 10th anniversary of the Yazidi genocide. The Islamic State (IS) began their genocidal campaign against Yazidis in Iraq and Syria on 3 August, 2014, and continued until 2017. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Over 3000 people were killed and at least 6000 were captured and enslaved. Saturday’s commemoration at the Toormina Community Centre allowed attendees to reflect on the tragic events, and on the resilience and ongoing struggles of the Yazidi people. Community leaders and survivors delivered heartfelt speeches, shared personal stories and paused for a moment of silence. Attendees lit candles in honour of those lost and as a pledge to support survivors in their journey towards healing and justice. A photo exhibition and storytelling session provided a powerful visual narrative. “The exhibition depicted the harrowing experiences and the resilience of the Yazidi people, while the storytelling session allowed survivors to share their journeys, fostering empathy and understanding among the attendees,” said the President of The Yazidi House in Australia Association, Sami Sheebo. He said the event served as a powerful reminder of the need for continued efforts towards healing, justice, and the preservation of cultural heritage. “The presence of various community leaders, organisations, and nearly 200 attendees, underscored the solidarity and support for the Yazidi community, emphasising the importance of unity in the face of tragedy.” The success of the event was due to the dedication and generosity of volunteers, donors, and sponsors, including Daham Qasim Haji Haji of Midway Asian Supermarket, and Nexus Human Services, an NDIS provider, In attendance were Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh, who is known to the Yazidis for his steadfast support of their local community, representatives from Anglicare North Coast, City of Coffs Harbour Deputy Mayor Sally Townley, members of the North Coast Settlement Service, representatives from the Coffs Harbour Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS), Aboriginal community planner Richard Widders, Vigeeta Chauhan from Settlement Services International, Coffs Harbour mayoral candidate Nikki Williams and Jude Dardel from the Community Hubs Coffs Harbour. By Andrea FERRARI President of The Yazidi House in Australia Association Sami Sheebo and Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh. Nearly 200 people attended the commemoration. Yazidi House volunteer and event presenter, Manea Mousa.
