Yazidi community in Lincoln commemorates 11th anniversary of genocide

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Yazidi community in Lincoln came together Sunday to remember a devastating attack on their people.

Hundreds gathered at the Diamond Palace Ballroom to commemorate the 11th anniversary of the genocide committed by the Islamic State group against the Yazidis in Iraq and Syria.

“It is really important to come together as a community,” Hasan Kahlil said. “To have a voice, to never forget, to keep advocating for our people.”

The U.S., alongside several other governments and international organizations, has recognized the crimes committed against the Yazidis as a genocide, carried out with the intent to annihilate them.

On Aug. 3, 2014, the Islamic State launched a brutal campaign that included mass killings, sexual enslavement, forced recruitment of children, abduction and forced displacement.

The consequences of this genocide continue to this day.

Over 200,000 Yazidis remain displaced in camps, more than 2,700 are still missing and immigration from the region continues at a high rate.

Lincoln is home to the largest Yazidi community in the United States, and they said it’s their responsibility to keep the voices of the victims alive.

“The Yazidis are not just victims; we are survivors,” Dawood Ahmed said. “At the same time, we are thriving as a community. We have a very strong community united in Lincoln, Nebraska, and some other states.”

Eleven years on, the Yazidi community said justice has not yet been served.

They said their native areas — particularly the Sinjar district in northern Iraq — remain mired in political division.

The Yazidi community said continued support will help their rebuilding efforts as a community.

“The strategic support of the United States for the Yazidi cause since 2014 and continuing to this day has been instrumental in saving lives, documenting crimes and pushing the international community toward recognition and accountability,” Isam Maroo said.