Australia has a long and complex history of providing a safe haven for those fleeing persecution, a tradition that has profoundly shaped our social, cultural and educational landscapes. In my own work as an educator, writer and traveller, I have had the profound privilege of witnessing this transformation from two distinct vantage points: through my […]
The Yazidi people, an ethno-religious minority primarily based in northern Iraq, possess a rich and resilient culture shaped by centuries of tradition, spiritual devotion, and survival in the face of persecution. Their customs, beliefs, and social structures reflect a unique synthesis of ancient religious elements and deeply rooted communal values, making Yazidi culture both distinctive
Yazidis have faced historical persecution, culminating in the devastating attacks by ISIS in 2014. During this invasion, ISIS militants sought to eradicate Yazidi culture, labeling them as heretics. Thousands were killed, and many women and children were abducted and subjected to enslavement and abuse. The siege on Sinjar, a Yazidi stronghold, led to mass displacement, forcing