For Parish Priest in Amadiya, Advent Among Mosul Refugees Sees Solidarity Stronger than Hardships

AsiaNews ^ | 12/16/17

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Fr Samir describes an atmosphere of joy and hope, despite the lack of resources and less aid. The struggle for survival has boosted the bond between Christians, Muslims, and Yazidis. About 150 refugee families are still living at the centre, 70 per cent depending on resources provided by the Church. Hundreds of young people attend the prayer meeting in preparation for Christmas.

Erbil (AsiaNews) – Despite hardships, "a climate of joy and hope" can be felt among the refugees from Mosul and the Nineveh Plain, still hosted at the reception centre of the parish of Enishke, in Iraqi Kurdistan, said Fr Samir Youssef, a priest in the diocese of Amadiya (Kurdistan).

Speaking to AsiaNews, he said that the daily chores and daily struggle for survival "have in fact boosted the bond and solidarity among Christians", which ends up embracing "even Muslim families" as well.

Over the years, the clergyman has helped thousands of families of Christian, Muslim, and Yazidi refugees who fled their homes in 2014 to escape the Islamic State group.

The fight against the jihadist movement might be over, as Iraqi Prime Minister al-Abadi announced last week, but displaced people still face huge problems without the means to deal with them.

Still, the families "do not let sadness and fatigue overwhelm them even if they live in difficult situations," Fr Samir noted. On the contrary, they seem "to be sustained by a force that goes beyond the material sphere."

There is a "common feeling of belonging among people" who often try to "help each other, buying food and basic necessities, clothes". All this "really helps to create a Christmas atmosphere, a feeling and sense of caring that make us feel truly loved."

About 150 Christian, Muslim and Yazidi families still live at the centre, refugees from Batnaya, Qaraqosh.....