A delegation from Yazidi Culture and community in Berlin e.V with Berlin Parliament member

from the CDU party, Mr. Danny Freymark.
The discussion focused on:
The situation of Yazidis in Berlin and Germany in general, and ways to support their
integration into German society.
The delegation’s request for the party’s support in preventing the deportation of
Yazidis from Germany.
The situation of Yazidis in Iraq, emphasizing that conditions have not changed even
after 11 years since the genocide, despite billions of euros spent by Germany and
other countries.
Regarding the issue of deportation from Germany to Iraq, Mr. Danny Freymark
explained that Yazidi families can apply to the Petitions Committee
(Petitionsausschuss), confirming that their cases will be reviewed and efforts will be
made to assist them as much as possible.

Today, a delegation from Yazidi Culture and community in Berlin e.V met with Member of the German Parliament Max Lux. The two sides discussed a set of proposed plans aimed at stopping the deportation of Yazidis from Germany, as well as several future projects related to the Yazidi situation in Shingal and Germany.
After the meeting, candles were lit and a minute of silence was observed in honor of the victims of the genocide committed against the Yazidis by the Islamic State.
Dr. Khairi Fahad also delivered valuable and moving remarks addressing the dimensions and challenges of the Yazidi cause.
We thank him, on behalf of the Association, for his meaningful contribution.
02.08.2025

A delegation from the Yazidi Culture and community in Berlin e.V met with Member of the German Parliament Max Lux

A delegation from the Yazidi Culture and community in Berlin e.V met with Dr. Abdulkarim Khunda.

On Tuesday, 10 June 2025, a delegation from the Yazidi Culture and community in Berlin e.V met with Dr. Abdulkarim Khunda, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic in the Federal Republic of Germany. The meeting covered several important topics, foremost among them the issue of Yazidi abductees located in areas under the control of the Syrian government, as well as circulating reports about mass graves in those areas dating back to the period of control by terrorist groups. Dr. Khunda expressed his deep concern for this issue and confirmed his full readiness to cooperate and coordinate with the relevant Syrian authorities at home, in a way that supports humanitarian efforts, uncovers the truth, and provides all possible assistance.
The Yazidi Culture and community in Berlin e.V extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Khunda for his understanding and responsiveness, and hopes that this meeting will be a positive step toward uncovering the fate of the abducted and delivering justice to the victims.

Ongoing Protests in Berlin to Stop the Deportation of Yazidis from Germany to Iraq

Ongoing Protests in Berlin to Stop the Deportation of Yazidis from Germany to Iraq
Protests continue for the third consecutive day in the German capital, Berlin. They are organized by the Yazidi Culture and community in Berlin e.V in cooperation with the Ezideu group, with wide participation from members of the Yazidi community. The demonstrators aim to pressure German authorities to halt the deportation of Yazidis to Iraq due to the dangers they may face there. Previous Protests and Hunger Strikes
In October 2023, Iraqi Yazidis held demonstrations in front of the German Bundestag that lasted two weeks. The protests included a hunger strike involving several participants, which led to seven of them being taken to the hospital. These actions came amid growing concerns about deportations, despite the German parliament’s recognition in January 2023 of ISIS’s crimes against the Yazidis as genocide. Local Measures to Protect Yazidis In December 2023, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia issued a decision banning the deportation of Yazidi women and children due to the dangerous conditions they face in northern Iraq. The state’s Minister for Refugee Affairs, Josefine Paul, called on the federal government to take similar steps to protect this vulnerable group. Criticism and Calls to Stop Deportations Although Germany hosts the largest Yazidi community in the world, many still face the threat of deportation. This policy has sparked criticism from politicians and human rights organizations, who are urging the German government to stop deportations and ensure protection for Yazidis within the country. Continued Yazidi Mobilization These ongoing demonstrations reflect the commitment of the Yazidi community and its supporters to defending Yazidi rights and ensuring their safety amid current
challenges. Participants hope the German government will respond to their
demands and take urgent measures to protect Yazidis from forced deportation to Iraq.

Project for Teaching the Yazidi Religion and Culture to Children and Youth of Êzîdxan
in Berlin

As part of the efforts of the Yazidi Culture and community in Berlin e.V to preserve Yazidi identity and strengthen its presence among the younger generations, the association has launched an educational and cultural project dedicated to the children and youth of Êzîdxan. The program offers regular classes on Yazidi religion
and culture every Sunday from 12:00 to 14:00. This initiative stems from our belief that building an aware generation connected to its roots begins in childhood. Early knowledge of Yazidi identity and heritage forms a strong foundation for a more cohesive and resilient future. The younger generation is the true guardian of the cultural and spiritual legacy carried by our ancestors through the centuries. The Importance of Family Participation The association emphasizes the vital role of families in strengthening identity. We encourage parents to motivate their children to attend the classes and take part actively. We also urge families to continue teaching Yazidi culture at home, as it has a direct impact on shaping awareness and a sense of belonging. Acknowledgment and Appreciation We extend our sincere gratitude to Sheikh Subhi Nabo, the head of the Yazidi Religious Council in Europe, for his kind cooperation and support for this project. Community partnerships like this are what give collective efforts their strength and continuity.
Project Goals
Through this program, we aim to:
Strengthen the religious and cultural identity of the new generation.
Reinforce the connection between youth and their Yazidi heritage.
Create a safe, supportive, and knowledge-rich learning environment.
Build a generation that is confident, proud of its roots, and committed to its
authentic human and Yazidi values.

The Yazidis: A Distinct Religious and Ethnic People

The Yazidis are an ancient community with an independent religious, cultural, and ethnic identity. They have their own beliefs, religious practices, and a long historical presence in the region of Shingal/Sinjar and the surrounding areas in north-west Iraq. Their identity is not a branch of another ethnic or sectarian group, but a unique one rooted in their own history and faith. The Yazidi Tragedy Since 3 August 2014
On 3 August 2014, the Islamic State (ISIS/Daesh) launched an attack on Yazidi areas in Sinjar/Shingal. The assault included mass killings of men, young people, and the elderly; the kidnapping of thousands of women, girls, boys, and children; sexual and commercial enslavement of women and girls; and the forced recruitment or abuse of children. Villages, homes, and religious shrines were destroyed and burned, forcing entire communities to flee or be displaced.
The attacks hit every age group without exception, leaving the Yazidi community in a state of collective trauma and deep loss. Official Statistics (up to 2025)
More than five thousand Yazidis were killed.
Around (2,745) children were left orphaned.
A total of (6,417) people were kidnapped, including women, men, and children.
Of those, (3,585) survivors have been freed or rescued.
Between (2,554) and (2,558) Yazidis remain missing or still held captive.
In Sinjar/Shingal, (93) mass graves have been discovered, in addition to dozens of individual burial sites.
These numbers show that the violence inflicted on the Yazidis went far beyond killing and destruction. It included kidnapping, torture, sexual enslavement, and an attempt to erase their identity entirely, according to the Yazidi Kidnapped Rescue Office (2025). The Current Situation: Ongoing Pain and Hope for Justice
Thousands of kidnapped and missing Yazidis are still unaccounted for, and families continue to wait for any information about their loved ones. Some remains have been found in mass graves and returned to families after DNA identification.
Many survivors are living in displacement camps or scattered across the diaspora, especially women and children who were enslaved or forced to change their identity. The community continues to suffer from psychological trauma, loss of identity, and a shaken sense of cultural security. The situation requires international support, rehabilitation, and protection of basic human rights. A Call for Justice and Human Responsibility
What happened to the Yazidis is not an isolated incident; it is a genocide in every sense through killing, forced displacement, enslavement, and attempts to erase an entire people.
We call on the international community, human rights organizations, and global media to:
Recognize the Yazidis as a distinct people, not a subgroup of another ethnicity.
Support efforts to search for the missing and kidnapped, uncover mass graves, conduct DNA tests, and return victims to their families.
Protect the right of survivors to return safely and with dignity, and ensure the reconstruction of their villages and communities.
Hold the perpetrators of crimes against humanity accountable, through national or international mechanisms when needed.
Provide psychological, social, and cultural support for survivors especially women and children to preserve Yazidi identity and human dignity.

A Visit by the Yazidi Culture and community Berlin e.V to the Embassy of Greece

A delegation from the Yazidi Culture and community in Berlin e.V paid an official visit to the Embassy of Greece in the capital, Berlin, where they presented a documented file containing information and evidence about the genocide committed against the Yazidi people on 3 August 2014.
The purpose of the visit was to deliver this file to the Greek government and parliament, requesting that they recognize what happened to the Yazidis as genocide, following the example of several countries that have already taken this humanitarian stance.
The delegation also stressed the importance of giving due attention to the current situation of the Yazidi community, calling for them to be exempted from any new decisions that might negatively affect their status, and for special care to be extended to them in acknowledgment of their ongoing suffering since that humanitarian catastrophe. For his part, the ambassador welcomed the delegation’s requests with a positive spirit and affirmed his commitment to conveying them to the relevant authorities with full honesty and transparency.
At the end of the meeting, the delegation expressed deep gratitude to the government and people of Greece, appreciating their noble humanitarian position in welcoming the Yazidi community. They emphasized that such stances bring hope to those who have suffered greatly and are still waiting for justice. The memory of August 3 will not fade, Recognition is a right and justice.

The First Consultative Conference of the Yezidi Community in Europe: Unifying Ranks and Establishing Mechanisms for Preserving Collective Memory (Memorial)

An Analytical Study of the Outcomes of the Consultative Meeting in Hanover, 8 February 2025
As part of the Yezidi community’s efforts in Europe to strengthen internal cohesion and confront historical and contemporary challenges, the first consultative conference was held in the Federal Republic of Germany on 8 February 2025, with the participation of prominent active Yezidi institutions, including the Yazidi Culture and community in Berlin e.V, the Center for Yezidi Affairs, the World Federation of Yezidis in Europe, and the Hanover Academy, which includes (33) associations and institutions, in addition to representatives of academic elites and civil activists. This conference came as a decisive response to the need to unify visions on crucial issues, most notably reviving the collective memory of the 2014 genocide and enhancing institutional coordination to ensure effective representation of the Yezidi cause at the European level. The conference centered on two main axes. The first was institutional unification, aiming to strengthen cooperation between Yezidi entities in Europe and overcome divisions through the adoption of a joint coordination mechanism. The second was symbolic memory preservation, through discussing the establishment of a museum or memorial in Germany to commemorate the victims of the genocide committed against the Yezidis on 3 August 2014, an event considered a defining turning point in the collective Yezidi identity.
The conference opened with candle lighting and a moment of silence in honor of the martyrs of Êzîdxan, followed by academic dialogue sessions focusing on analyzing the current situation of the Yezidi community in Europe, with an emphasis on the need for a unified discourse when dealing with European governments, particularly Germany. Proposals on memory engineering through the creation of a memorial were also discussed, as a project that goes beyond symbolism and serves as a political tool to reinforce international recognition of the genocide as a crime of genocide. The discussions concluded with a vote to form a “Joint Committee” consisting of the Center for Yezidi Affairs, the Federation of Yezidi Associations, the Hanover Academy, and independent experts, to serve as the official body authorized to coordinate with the German government regarding the memorial and community demands. The conference resulted in two key decisions. The first was approving the Joint Committee, which will undertake tasks including drafting legal and technical proposals for establishing the memorial, strengthening dialogue with the German parliament and cultural institutions to secure support for the project, and documenting historical testimonies of the genocide as an academic and legal reference. The second was reinforcing transparency and participation by allowing broad community involvement in decision-making.
This conference represents a significant milestone in the Yezidi struggle for memory preservation and political empowerment. The formation of the Joint Committee is an unprecedented institutional step toward strengthening Yezidi demands in Europe, especially given Germany’s central role as a host country for the community and its diplomatic influence in the genocide recognition file. Moreover, the focus on the memorial is not limited to its humanitarian dimension but is considered a strategy to link the Yezidi cause with the global discourse on preventing crimes against humanity.
The conference recommends the need to follow up on its outcomes through periodic reports published in Arabic, English, and German, enhancing cooperation with European research centers to document the genocide in accordance with UNESCO standards, and activating the role of Yezidi youth in international awareness campaigns as a guarantee for the sustainability of the project.

Aswad Mako, the President of the Yazidi Culture and community in Berlin e.V , had the opportunity to meet with politicians from the SPD party, namely: Gaby Bischoff, a Member of the European Parliament; Franziska Giffey, a German politician who serves as Senator for Economic Affairs and Energy; and Hakan Demir, a Member of the German Bundestag. During the meeting, a number of issues concerning the Yazidis were discussed. 18 January

Aswad Mako, the President of the Yazidi Culture and community in Berlin e.V , had the opportunity to meet with politicians from the SPD party.

Mr. Aswad, President of the Yazidi Culture and community in Berlin e.V, met with Mr. Martin Schaefer, Mayor of the Lichtenberg district in Berlin.

On the morning of 18 December 2024, Mr. Aswad, President of the Yazidi Culture and community in Berlin e.V , met with Mr. Martin Schaefer, Mayor of the Lichtenberg district in Berlin. This meeting was an important opportunity to discuss key issues related to the situation of Yazidis in Germany, particularly in Berlin. It was clear that the meeting addressed a variety of topics, such as the preservation of Yazidi culture, the process of integration into German society, as well as the challenges and issues faced by the Yazidi community.
It should be noted that in Germany, cultural and social integration is considered a central issue for migrant communities, especially for groups such as the Yazidis, who possess a unique cultural and religious heritage. The discussion also touched on how to preserve cultural identity while achieving integration into the new society, a topic that requires a delicate balance.

Lighting Candles at the Brandenburg Gate in Commemoration of the Victims of the Yazidi Genocide

With a large turnout from the Yazidi community in Berlin, and with the participation of German politicians and academics who support the Yazidi cause, a symbolic gathering was held today, 2 August 2024, at the Brandenburg Gate. During the event, candles were lit in memory of the victims of the genocide committed against the Yazidi people.
This gathering was held to honor the memory of thousands of innocent victims and to remember the genocide committed against the Yazidis a crime whose humanitarian, social, and psychological impacts are still deeply felt today. The joint presence of community members and supporters sent a clear message of human solidarity, stressing the need to recognize these crimes and to work seriously to prevent their repetition.
Participants emphasized the importance of keeping the Yazidi cause alive in collective memory and continuing legal, political, and academic efforts to achieve justice for the victims, support the survivors, and guarantee the rights of the Yazidi community to dignity and safety. Lighting candles at this symbolic location, the Brandenburg Gate, carried a profound human meaning. It reflected the commitment of both Yazidi and German civil society to the values of justice and human rights, and a firm rejection of all forms of genocide and extremism.
TheYazidi Culture and community in Berlin e.V extends its sincere thanks to everyone who participated in and contributed to the success of this event, and to all those who stand with the Yazidi cause in support of justice, in remembrance of the victims, and in the belief that justice does not expire with time.

Visit of a Yazidi Delegation to the Iraqi Embassy in Berlin

A delegation from the Yazidi Culture and community in Berlin e.V , representing the advisory body of several Yazidi associations and families of victims, visited the Iraqi Embassy in Berlin on 29 May 2024. The purpose of the visit was to discuss a number of important issues concerning Yazidis in Iraq and Germany.
The discussions with His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Luqman Al-Faily focused on the following points:
1. Survivors and challenges related to official documents:
The delegation discussed the problems faced by Yazidi women survivors regarding official documents, such as issuing ID cards and passports. His Excellency expressed his full readiness to stay in contact with the delegation on this matter and to send a team to assist them anywhere in Germany if needed.
2. Other issues concerning Yazidis in general:
The meeting also addressed several other topics related to the situation of Yazidis both inside the country and in the diaspora. This visit comes as part of ongoing efforts to support the cause of Yazidi refugees and asylum seekers and to help them overcome the difficulties they face. The discussions with Ambassador Al-Faily are considered an important step toward finding solutions to these issues and continuing follow-up efforts.
The delegation also submitted a request to His Excellency the Ambassador, appealing to the Iraqi government to reconsider the case of Mr. Kheiro Balo.

A delegation from the Yazidi Culture and community in Berlin e.V met with Mr. Helge Linhd and Mr. Hakan Demir from the SPD party, along with other members, during the delegation’s visit to the German Parliament.

During the meeting, both sides discussed several issues concerning the Yazidi people in Iraq and around the world. One of the most important topics was the formation of a team to search for and investigate the fate of Yazidi women and men abducted by ISIS terrorist groups.

A delegation from the Yazidi Culture and community in Berlin e.V met with Mr. Max Landero, State Secretary at the Berlin Senate Department for Labor, Social Affairs, Equality, Integration, Diversity, and Anti Discrimination.

The purpose of the meeting was to work with the ministry on supporting the Yazidi community and improving their integration in Berlin across all areas, strengthening relations with other cultures in the city, extending the suspension of deportations of Yazidis for a longer period, and exploring ways to reach a permanent solution.
The discussion also covered the memorial for the Yazidi genocide, which the German government had previously decided to work on, as well as other issues related to the Yazidi cause in Germany in general.

The Yazidi Fasting Feast in Berlin, A Message of Faith, Identity, and Coexistence

In an atmosphere filled with spirituality and joy, the Yazidi Culture and community in Berlin e.V organized the Yazidi Fasting Feast (Eda Rojeya), celebrating one of the most sacred religious occasions in the Yazidi faith. This feast carries deep meanings of fasting, drawing closer to God, and renewing human values based on peace, love, and tolerance.
This celebration reflects the Yazidis’ strong commitment to their religious and cultural identity, and their dedication to passing on their spiritual heritage to future generations, especially in diaspora communities. Observing the Fasting Feast is not only a religious act, but also a cultural and social one that strengthens ties to roots and reinforces a sense of belonging among the Yazidi community in Germany.
The event aimed to bring Yazidis together, strengthen bonds of solidarity and mutual support, and open space for dialogue and connection with friends of the Yazidi cause from different communities. Many German friends joined the celebration, sharing the joy in a spirit of respect for religious and cultural diversity, and affirming the values of peaceful coexistence that democratic societies stand for. The celebration was honored by the presence of Mr. Murad Ismail, a representative and advocate for the Yazidi cause. His visit had a strong and positive impact on attendees, reflecting genuine concern for Yazidi issues and meaningful moral support for their efforts to preserve their identity and secure their legitimate rights. His presence also sent a clear message of solidarity and emphasized the importance of continued joint work toward justice, recognition, and fairness for the victims of the genocide committed against the Yazidis.
This occasion also carried a profound humanitarian message: despite the tragedies and genocide they have endured, Yazidis remain deeply connected to life, to a culture of peace, and to a faith that gives them strength to move forward. The broad participation of people from other communities and German friends created a bridge of mutual understanding and an opportunity to introduce the history of the Yazidi faith, its values, and the ongoing struggle of its people for justice and human dignity.
At the conclusion of this blessed occasion, the Yazidi Culture and community in Berlin e.V extends its warmest congratulations and best wishes to Yazidis in Berlin, across Germany, and around the world on the occasion of the Yazidi Fasting Feast (Eda Rojeya). We pray that it returns to everyone with goodness and peace, carrying hope, reassurance, and a more just and dignified future for the Yazidi people.
(Eda Rojeyt Eze le wa peroz bit)
Happy and blessed feast to all.

The Jesidische Kultur- und Gemeinschaft Berlin e.V. extends its sincere and profound condolences to the victims of the terrorist attack in the city of Solingen. We express our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims and stand in solidarity with all those affected by this tragic and reprehensible act. Our thoughts are with the injured, and we wish them a full and speedy recovery. We also hope that the families of the victims find strength, patience, and comfort during this time of great sorrow. Such acts of violence are an affront to humanity and shared values of peace and coexistence.

Official Condolences

Cultural Support Services

Empowering the Yazidi community through cultural preservation and social integration initiatives.

Community Engagement Programs

Fostering unity and participation within the Yazidi community through various activities.

Cultural Heritage Projects

Preserving Yazidi traditions and history through educational and cultural initiatives.

Advocacy for Rights

Defending Yazidi cultural identity and rights in contemporary society.

Our Projects

Supporting Yazidi community through cultural and social initiatives.

Cultural Preservation

We implement projects to preserve Yazidi heritage, history, and traditions, ensuring they thrive amidst contemporary challenges and fostering a strong cultural identity within the community.

Community Support

Our initiatives focus on strengthening community cohesion, promoting integration, and encouraging active participation in society to empower the Yazidi community in Berlin and Germany.