Iraqi NGO champions homecoming for emigrated Christians

BAGHDAD — “It’s time to come back.” This resounding call echoes from the heart of non-governmental organization The Return, dedicated to welcoming Christians who once fled Iraq. Overseen by Iraqi Christians themselves, The Return aims to ease the return of displaced Christians and other minorities back to their homeland, marking a reversal from the exodus prompted by Iraq’s tumultuous past.

In the wake of the collapse of the regime of Saddam Hussein in 2023, Iraq descended into a maelstrom of arms, political upheaval, religious strife, and sectarian discord, exacerbated by the scourge of terrorist factions like the Islamic State (ISIS). Amidst this chaos, countless Christians found themselves compelled to seek refuge beyond Iraq’s borders.

Yet, as Iraq tentatively charts a path towards stability, a growing number of these exiles now harbor a fervent desire to reclaim their roots and rebuild their lives within their ancestral soil.

“I was born in Ankawa, a Christian enclave on the outskirts of Erbil. My family and I departed Iraq when I was barely a year old. Despite our physical absence, we maintained a profound connection, regularly returning post-2003 and Saddam’s downfall. This instilled in me an unwavering longing to return and forge a life here,” shares Dilan, a Chaldean of Franco-Iraqi descent, holding a law degree.

The NGO’s emblem, featuring the Tigris and Euphrates rivers with intentionally blurred borders, symbolizes unity without discrimination among Iraq’s diverse communities, including Christians, says Dilan.

Undeterred by the myriad challenges confronting them, Dilan remains steadfast in his resolve and urges others to follow suit, dispelling the notion that repatriation signifies a failure to integrate elsewhere.

“Returning to Iraq doesn’t denote regression; rather, the adoption of English by Christians abroad merely underscores their unique circumstances,” he contends.

Nicholas, an Australian-born Christian without of Iraqi citizenship, attests to this sentiment. Fluent in Aramaic, he feels a profound disconnect with Australia, citing a childhood steeped in Syriac–Assyrian culture.

“Australia never felt like home. We were steeped in Assyrian traditions at home. Conflict and persecution forced our families out of Iraq,” Nicholas shares.

For Vana, a mother of two, the decision to return to Iraq alongside her family stemmed from a harrowing ordeal at the hands of ISIS in 2014. After six years in Canada, the longing for their homeland proved irresistible.

Joined by others like Jenny, Jessy, and Melinda, The Return has documented over 50 returnees, predominantly resettled in northern Iraq, all united by a common yearning to tread upon the soil of their forebears.