Yezidi community donates flood relief supplies

Members of the United Yezidi Community of Lincoln spent their weekend gathering and distributing supplies to flood victims in Fremont because they said no Nebraskan should suffer.

Donation after donation poured into their tent near NW 9th street and West Belmont.

“We had a truck laden with different kinds of food, water, diapers, toilet paper, a lot of stuff we gave them,” Salih Rashki, president of the United Yezidi Community Organization said.

All of which was delivered to Fremont, a community nearly washed away by flooded rivers.

“We saw a lot of photos on Facebook so I just started posting– saying let’s do something that can help them,” Zeyad Eesa said.

Their willingness to help out came from their own loss and suffering.

“We had over 20,000 Yezidi homeless refugees who live in camps without electricity, without water, it’s a horrible situation,” Eesah said. “My parents are still there in Iraq. I’ve had that same feeling– and how much would I appreciate someone coming to help me.”

They said nearly everyone in the Yezidi community of Lincoln helped, even those who couldn’t afford to donate supplies, donated their time.

They’re not done yet.

“We’re going to set up another tent for more donations to help more people,” Rashki said.

They’re just starting their mission to help as many of their neighbors as they can.

“Let’s do this. Let’s put our hands together as Nebraskans, not just as the Yezidi community but the Nebraska community.”  Eesa said.

They’re going to set their tent up again this week and have several more trips to Fremont and other areas of Nebraska to volunteer as well. Not just members of the Yezidi community are invited– everyone is welcome.

To get involved, go to the Yezidi Community Lincoln NE on Facebook or call 402-617-3755.