Bashir* is a Kurdish-Iraqi Christian refugee living in Turkey. He is married and has three beautiful children.
Philoi had the chance to meet them in Yalova, Turkey, and we have been supporting them in their quest for safety. Bashir’s story is one of courage and unwavering trust in God despite immense adversity.
Life in Turkey is tough for Bashir and his family. As Kurdish Christians, they face marginalisation and persecution. The Turkish government has already rejected Bashir’s asylum claim, and the entire family has been sent to a detention facility, facing deportation back to Iraq.
His children used to attend a local school but often faced bullying and being called “dirty” or “terrorists” because of their Kurdish heritage. They are not welcomed in Kurdish communities either because they are Christians. The children struggle with their identity, and if they are deported back to Iraq, the whole family will be in grave danger.
Bashir’s journey to Christianity began when he was introduced to it in high school. The teachings of Christ resonated deeply with him, and he decided to become a Christian. Alongside his wife, he found a community in a secret Kurdish-speaking House Church. In 2018, Bashir was baptised, marking a significant milestone in his faith journey.
However, his newfound faith brought immense suffering. When his family discovered his conversion, his parents reacted swiftly and severely.
His father threw him out of the house and reported him to the authorities. Bashir was arrested, and his extended family continued to threaten him. The threats turned violent when his wife and children were kidnapped and later released with a clear message: renounce Christianity or lose the family forever.
Despite these overwhelming difficulties, Bashir’s faith remains steadfast:
“We thank God for giving us patience with all these difficulties we face because of our faith. We are getting strong by Him each day.
This is the grace of Christ who is with us.”
Bashir’s story is a stark reminder of the persecution many face who choose to follow their faith against the odds. It highlights the urgent need for greater protection and support for religious minorities and refugees worldwide.
As a global community, we are responsible for standing with individuals like Bashir, advocating for their rights and offering the support they so desperately need.
Bashir’s family applied for an Australian humanitarian visa three years ago. They have a file number confirming their application is in order, but they haven’t heard anything yet. Bashir shared that many Iraqis who applied for visas or were selected by UNHCR years after them have already resettled in Australia and other Western countries. He laments why these countries despise our faith and fail to recognise their need for our protection.
If you feel called to support Bashir or families like his, please contact us or follow the link below to donate. Your contributions will help provide relief, relocation, and resettlement services to these families and continue to support them in the ways they so desperately need.
*Names changed for security reasons.
LATEST UPDATES FROM BASHIR:
JULY 3, 2024
Bashir is currently still in Turkey, and is in a detention camp with his family.
Because the Australian Department have not gotten back to him for 3 years, despite having a file number, Turkish Immigration will send him back to Iraq any day. They will send him back into his home town.
Please join us as we pray for a miracle for Bashir and his family.
“The exit permit only allows us to go back to our hometown. And by this, my family will fall into danger. And we have no other choice but to go back. But if we get an interview with the Australian Embassy, our case will be processed for Australia and Turkey will have to keep us until the end of the process.”
JULY 4, 2024
Bashir and his family were forced to buy tickets back to Iraq, where they will face the likelihood of death.
He messages us:
“The Turkish authorities took us to the terminal and forced us to buy tickets back to Iraq, where we will arrive the 5th of July. Their attitude towards us was terribly bad, like they have arrested a dangerous criminal. We were deported. Please pray for us to be protected and to live in a safe place. Let us wait for God to work in our lives.”
WAYS YOU CAN HELP:
$75 can provide a refugee family with emergency food rations, covering their basic needs.
$50 can fund a month’s worth of school fees or supply a school pack for a refugee child.
$150 can assist a refugee family with rent or cover medical expenses.
$9,000 can support a refugee family’s resettlement application or cover flights to a safer location in their home country.
Reach out to us for more information or any questions you may have. To give, click here.
I just heard that the Turkish authorities arrested the family for deportation.
I hope you have read Bashir’s story. With a heavy heart, I must inform you that due to the inaction of the Australian Embassy and the apathetic response from the UNHCR, Bashir’s family has been arrested and deported back to Iraq. Despite our efforts and numerous pleas for urgent assistance, the delays in processing their case have led to this tragic outcome. This family, who sought refuge and a chance for a safer life, now faces an uncertain and dangerous future.