We are re-opening businesses in Iraq after they were destroyed by ISIS.

This weekend, The Shlama Foundation went into the village of Tesqopa, located 18 miles (30 km) north of Mosul. The primarily Chaldean Catholic village was briefly captured by ISIS, long enough for ISIS to completely destroy many homes and businesses.

Today, at least 1,000 people have returned to the village and have started to rebuild their lives. Yet, they have received almost no support in the process so far.

Shlama selected four businesses for repairs so that they could begin operating again: a barbershop, a hardware store and two clothing stores. Each business had different needs based on the destruction, including painting, electrical work, door repairs, metal work, window installations, etc.

During the repairs, Shlama kept donors and supporters connected by posting live photos and videos on Snapchat, as well as photos and videos on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

As with every project ever completed by Shlama, a video was posted on YouTube HERE and the donation details were listed on the website HERE.

Unfortunately, many business owners had to be turned away due to limited funding for the project. That's where we could use your help! If you are interested in helping a business owner in Iraq make the repairs needed to re-open their doors, Shlama can make that happen! Who knows? Maybe one day, you will visit that store in person.

You can find donation information at shlama.org/donate, and you can reach out to me directly with questions!

NOTE: When making a donation, please note where you'd like your donation to go or send us an email at [email protected] letting us know. Otherwise, it will be considered part of the general funds to be used on any one of the following project categories: Emergency Response (food, medicine, etc.), Community Development, Youth Activities & Education, Housing or Cultural Preservation.