A Father’s Journey: Equipping Himself to Heal and Uplift Yazidi Survivors Home and Abroad.

My name is Firas Sulaiman, and I am from the north of Sinjar, the homeland of the Yazidi people. In 2014, when ISIS attacked our communities, thousands of Yazidis were killed or captured. I was among those who fled for our lives through the mountains. Many of my relatives did not survive. That experience changed me forever — survival became a responsibility. Since then, my life’s work has been dedicated to helping others heal from the pain of war and genocide.

For the past ten years, I have worked with both local and international NGOs in Iraq, supporting people who have endured trauma, displacement, and loss. Through this work — and through my own journey — I’ve seen how deeply violence can wound not only individuals, but entire generations. I’ve also learned that mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) are essential for rebuilding hope and dignity in post-conflict communities.

In 2025, I was honored to be accepted into the PhD program at Leipzig University in Germany, where I will research trauma, shame, and guilt among Yazidi men who survived genocide. This subject is close to my heart. By understanding these hidden wounds, I hope to help shape better mental health services in Iraq and give voice to survivors who are often unheard.

My studies are tuition-free — a tremendous opportunity. But I still face the challenge of covering basic living costs, housing, and travel. Most importantly, I want to bring my wife and our one-year-old daughter with me on this journey. Our daughter is bright and curious, full of energy and life — unaware of the weight of history her parents carry. I want her to grow up in a safe place, where her laughter is not shadowed by fear. Having my family beside me means emotional stability, strength, and the balance I need to focus on this work — but it also increases our expenses beyond what I can afford alone.

The average cost of living in Germany is around €2,500 per month for a small family. Your contribution will help us cover housing, food, childcare, and other essential expenses during our first year as we work toward stability and self-reliance.

But this is about more than just one family’s survival. By completing this PhD, I will return home equipped to train local counselors and build trauma-informed programs for Yazidi survivors — especially men who rarely seek help because of cultural stigma. Your support will help transform one survivor’s journey into a source of healing for many others.

Every act of generosity helps turn survival into renewal. With your support, I can continue transforming pain into purpose — for my family, and for the Yazidi people still struggling to rebuild their lives.

Thank you for believing that hope, knowledge, and compassion can outlast the shadows of genocide.

Donate now