Fates of the Yazidi women: escape, trauma and new beginnings in Bad Saarow

The shocking fates of Yazidi women in Germany will become particularly clear on Tuesday, December 26, 2024, as the farewell to an aid project in Bad Saarow marks the end of unique support for survivors of IS crimes. After years of slavery and violence, around 60 Yazidi women found protection here and are now trying to start a new life. How rbb24 reports, these women have endured horrific experiences ranging from rape to kidnapping. Natali tells how she was sold by IS fighters at the age of 14 and abused as a sex slave for years. Despite these traumatic experiences, she shows impressive strength and the will to learn a new language and start a family.

Another survivor, Zeri, was sold multiple times during her captivity and fought for the life of her newborn son, who was taken away from her after birth. Their moving stories highlight the brutality that Yazidis have suffered at the hands of ISIS's reign of terror since August 3, 2014. Every year thousands of Yazidis lose their lives or are injured s-j-a.org reported. The genocide, which systematically wiped out women and children from their communities, caused many to flee. Today, over 200,000 Yazidis live in Germany, one of the largest diaspora communities in the world.

Farewell to Bad Saarow

The project to support the Yazidis in Bad Saarow ends after more than four years, with no possibility of extension. The women here have found ways to overcome trauma and tried to build a new life for themselves. Thanks to psychological support and joint efforts, they have achieved the unimaginable: they now live in different cities in Germany and have achieved independence. “I am grateful for the freedom I have here,” says Zeri and reports on her desire to stay in Germany. Many women have lost their families, but now care for their children and thus gain a new identity, characterized by the will to survive and hope, as rbb24 reported.