Ten years after IS captured Mosul, believers still feel unable to return
“My name was first on the list,” says Father Zakariya, recalling the poster put up by so-called Islamic State (IS) listing the names of people ‘to be slaughtered’. It was in July 2014, ten years ago, when the militant group seized Mosul, Iraq, forcing millions from their homes, including 10,000 Christians.
Mosul was liberated in 2017, but ten years after being driven away, only a few dozen Christians have returned. “I have a 16-year-old son,” says Father Zakariya. “I refuse to go back and live there because I fear for him.” Due to conflict and persecution, the number of Christians in Iraq and dropped from 300,000 to 154,000.
But these believers are not alone. Through 150 Centres of Hope run by Open Doors partners, they are being given support including discipleship and microloans, and help with reconstruction projects, enabling believers to return to their homes – when they feel ready.
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