Iraqi Refugee Family
“When ISIS came, at first, everything was okay. But then they forced my family to pay a heavy fine because I am Christian.”
I ducked into what seemed to me like a permanent residence.
In traditional style, all the men sat down in the front room. The women went to make tea. The children buzzed in and out in curiosity and boredom. I was introduced by the translator, along with my friend Brian. We were here to gain a better overall understanding of the crisis happening in northern Iraq.
We got the story from the father, I’ll call him Abir.
Abir told us what had happened to his family. “Daesh (ISIS) came in as protectors, but us Christians were treated like dogs. My family was forced to leave our home or pay heavy fines which we couldn’t pay.”
He packed what he had and began his journey East.
His family joined many others in a camp just outside Erbil in Iraqi controlled Kurdistan. They had been lucky and were able to get a small home made with solid materials. They even had an electric clothes washer.
His wife entered with hot black tea which was served to us by an older daughter. This was welcomed on the chilly November afternoon. Several heaping spoonfuls of white sugar entered into my my little cup. I dare not complain as the glass made the kind of familiar clinking noise as only a small silver spoon assisting the sugar dissolve can.
We asked about work. They had been able to set up a little shop to resell items within the camp. We inquired about medical facilities. They had a doctors office, but it is always full and the women are forced to give birth at home.
Brian offered, “My wife teaches midwifery. She can help teach the local women how to safely give birth at home when there is no doctor available.”
Abir thanked us for coming, for being willing to spend time with his family, to hear their story, and to try to help him and his people.
Millions of families have been displaced. They deserve respect and resources. They have the skills and motivation to design solutions, but need support.
