$700,000 Raised • 29 Projects Completed • Thousands of Lives Impacted

Thank you to every donor who helped turn tragedy into hope for the people of Bakhdeda, Iraq.

From Tragedy to Recovery: Our Report

On September 26, 2023, a devastating wedding hall fire in Bakhdeda, Iraq, claimed lives, injured hundreds, and forever changed the community. In response, Assyrian Aid Society of America (AASA), together with Assyrian Aid Society-Iraq (AAS-Iraq), Assyrian Aid Society of Canada and Assyrian Aid Society of Australia, launched an emergency relief and recovery campaign to support victims and their families.

Because of your generosity, this campaign has evolved from immediate disaster response into one of the most impactful recovery efforts in AASA history.

Campaign Impact

$700,000 Raised

Through donations from individuals, organizations, churches, and community partners around the world, AASA raised more than $700,000 to support victims of the Bakhdeda Fire tragedy.

By the Numbers

29 recovery projects completed

Across emergency relief, medical care, psychosocial support, education, and livelihood restoration.

187+ Individuals Received Direct Medical Assistance

• 114 people received medicines
• 10 individuals received medical equipment
• 18 patients received support while hospitalized in Turkey
• 15 patients received support while hospitalized in Erbil and Duhok
• Multiple surgeries and medical treatments were funded through subsequent assistance programs

50 Orphaned Children Supported

• Provided a one-time emergency stipend to 50 children who lost either one or both parents in the fire.

100 Families Received Emergency Food Relief

• Humanitarian food assistance was provided during the immediate aftermath of the disaster.

5,000+ Community Members Served

• Through the Community Psychological Support Center, providing trauma recovery and mental health services through multiple phases from 2024–2025.

1,600 Individuals Received Christmas Assistance

• Providing seasonal support and encouragement to affected families during recovery efforts.

150 Individuals Supported Through Physical Therapy Services

• Delivered in partnership with SWIC to assist survivors and community members in their rehabilitation journey.

65 Youth and Children Enrolled in Education & Skills Programs

• 30 participants in Assyrian Language Learning
• 35 participants in Computer & Microsoft Office Training

60 Families Supported Through Agricultural Recovery – IN PROGRESS

• Through the Nineveh Greenhouses Project, AASA’s largest recovery and development initiative to date.

Featured Project: Nineveh Greenhouses

Largest Project In AASA History

The Nineveh Greenhouses Project represents the next phase of recovery: helping families rebuild sustainable livelihoods and strengthen food security throughout the Nineveh Plain. It is the largest project ever undertaken through the Bakhdeda Fire Campaign. We have partnered with the Syriac Catholic Archdiocese of Mosul to source the land and reach the community.

Project Snapshot

• 60 families supported
• Nineveh Plain, Iraq
• Currently under construction
• Expected completion: Q1 2027

This project demonstrates how donor support is creating lasting impact, not only helping families recover from tragedy, but providing opportunities for long-term economic stability and community resilience.

Thank You

Your generosity transformed a community’s darkest moment into a story of resilience, healing, and hope.

From emergency medical care to psychological support, from helping orphaned children to launching AASA’s largest-ever development project, your support continues to make a lasting difference for the people of Bakhdeda.

Together, we are rebuilding lives.