UNAMI offers condolences on death of Yazidi spiritual leader Baba Sheikh: he will be remembered for holding his community together in time of despair
02 October 2020
Baghdad, 2 October 2020 - The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) is saddened by the passing of Baba Sheikh, the spiritual leader of the Yazidi community in Iraq and across the world. The Mission expresses its sincere condolences to the Yazidi people and to his family.
Baba Sheikh (Khurto Hajj Ismail) was a uniting figure in the Yazidi community, which was ravaged in 2014 when members of the community were slaughtered, raped, taken captive and sold into slavery by ISIL/Da’esh.
He held the Yazidis together in their moment of despair as the survivors fled their ancestral homes on Sinjar mountain, where many remain displaced to this day. He will be remembered for his tireless efforts to heal the wounds of his beleaguered community.
"I was privileged to call on him last year to discuss the Yazidi cause. He beamed with energy and his soft voice rang loud when he explained his community's plight, and this left a lasting impression on me," said Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert.
May his soul rest in peace.
Samir Ghattas
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