At Yazidi New Year celebration, Lincoln man honors father killed by ISIS

On Wednesday, local Yazidis held their new year holiday celebration at Holmes Lake Park.

A big crowd of people of all ages enjoyed live music, dancing and a feast.

Not just any feast: One that Jamal Aldakhi held in memory of his father, who — along with his uncle — was killed by ISIS in 2014.

Jamal said ISIS gave them an ultimatum.

“They asked them to convert their religion to be Muslims, or they would be killed,” he said.

He said he later went back to Sinjar, where he identified his father and uncle in a mass grave.

For what they stood for, Jamal said very he’s proud of them.

“They got that level of principles, not to get down for some bad people like ISIS,” he said.  “That they told them ‘no and we will not be with you.”

Jamal said his dad used to cook food for Yazidis every Yazidi New Year.

He and his wife said they feel by holding Wednesday’s feast, they also represented his father and uncle.

Jamal said the plight of Yazidis in the Middle East is ongoing.  He said he’d like to see the government or other groups evaluate the conditions they’re living in, so they can get help.