Written by: Jamal Qawal / Sinjar.
When I applied to participate through a link shared on social media, I did not expect the program to be so specific, comprehensive, and distinguished. Even though it is only the first phase out of six phases that make up the program “In Dialogue We Remain and Rise.”
I simply thought that the camp would include workshops and limited activities. However, the experience exceeded my expectations; it included dialogues with prominent figures from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds, and visits to important landmarks that held special meaning for all of us.
As an Yazidi person from the farthest point in Iraq, this was my first official visit to Baghdad, and it truly was a special moment. I had the honor of engaging in dialogue with one of the most prominent Shia religious figures in Baghdad, Ayatollah Al-Faqih #Hussein_Ismail_Al-Sadr, and this meeting demonstrated the pivotal role that religious leaders can play in building a cohesive community. We felt in his speech how religious roots can integrate with enlightened thought to create an inclusive discourse. This meeting made me reconsider my role as an individual and seriously think about dedicating part of my life to work for a community that embraces everyone without discrimination.
On the other hand, representatives of other minorities exemplified tolerance and peace. Our visit to the Armenian Church and our meeting with Archimandrite #Oshakan_Kulkulian was an inspiration for me and a motivation to work for the cause of the Yazidi genocide.
As for the meeting with the representative of the Zoroastrian faith, it revealed to us the beauty of diversity when it lives in harmony within a single community.
On the other hand, one of the most beautiful transitions in the program’s activities was living with Baghdad families, which was one of the highlights of the program. I can only express my deep gratitude to the families that hosted us, especially the family of the educational figure Nabiha Al-Muhasini, the sister of Captain Pilot Ahmed Thuwaini, who risked his life to save the lives of citizens in my city of Sinjar during the genocide we experienced in 2014. The invitation was generous, the food was delicious, and most importantly, there was a sincere feelin
