When Life Stopped in an Instant

Friends and relatives attend a funeral for the victims who died in a fire during a wedding ceremony in Hamdaniya, Iraq, Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. Photo by Hadi Mizban/AP

The first anniversary of the Hamdaniya tragedy

By Hanan Qia

Around this time last year, the town of Qaraqosh (Bakhdida) was shaken by a tragic event that its residents will remember for years to come. A fire broke out during a wedding in a hall, resulting in the deaths of dozens, most of whom were from the same families. Survivors and the injured were left in shock, as the tragedy devastated the community.

This was not a fleeting event; it was a disaster that altered the town’s character and deeply impacted the hearts of its people. On the first anniversary of this heartbreaking incident, we conducted an exclusive interview with Mr. Issam Behnam, the district mayor, who provided a comprehensive view of the event and its aftermath.

Number of Victims and Depth

of the Tragedy

Mr. Issam Behnam somberly stated, “The death toll reached 134, including 50 children, and 200 were injured. Most of the injured have recovered, but there are still eight cases undergoing treatment, and they have been sent abroad twice for medical care.” These figures are not just statistics; they represent broken lives, families that lost loved ones, and children deprived of their parents’ care.

The numbers tell the story of a catastrophe, but Mr. Behnam added, “Some families lost between one and six members, and all of the victims were from the Christian community. That night was nothing short of a disaster, and the emotional and psychological impacts have been devastating.”

Impact on the Community

The incident had profound social and economic effects on the town. Mr. Behnam explained, “Some families lost the head of the household, while others lost both parents, leaving children orphaned. We are dealing with a complex humanitarian tragedy, where many widows and orphans have emerged, and some families have certainly been economically affected.”

He emphasized the importance of the support and sympathy the town received in the aftermath of the incident but noted that the effects of the tragedy are still present. “Many survivors suffer from psychological trauma and are in need of treatment. In coordination with the church, a psychological support team has been formed to follow up on those affected.”

The church played a crucial role in restoring confidence in the government’s measures, as well as in raising awareness, guiding the community, and coordinating with organizations that provided various types of support. Mr. Issam Behnam, in his capacity as district mayor, was also instrumental in attracting support through coordination with the government, international organizations, and the church.

Efforts of Support and Assistance

Mr. Behnam elaborated, “We have a psychological support team, but it lacks a dedicated building. A plot of land has been allocated for this purpose, but we need financial support to construct the building.” The situation here is a call to all to stand with the community and help it rebuild its life.

He also noted that “all buildings and institutions have been inspected by the formed committee, and the majority have complied with safety measures. However, unfortunately, no significant changes have been made in the organization of wedding celebrations, which raises concerns about the future of such events.”

Legal Challenges and

Government Support

Regarding government support, Mr. Behnam highlighted intervention by the Prime Minister’s Office, which allocated financial compensation of 10 million dinars to the families of the deceased and 5 million dinars to those with burn injuries.

However, the district mayor expressed regret that the proposed legislation for a Disaster Victims Law, approved by the Cabinet, has yet to be ratified by Parliament. “This is the long-term support that could protect widows and orphans. We need effective legislation to guarantee the rights of the affected and provide them with a better future.”

How the Community Commemorated the Tragedy

Mr. Behnam confirmed, “The tragedy remains etched in the minds of the victims’ families. Some of them held private memorials at their homes and received condolences, while masses were held in churches, and cemetery visits were made. There were also community events and marches to mark the anniversary.”

The commemoration saw strong participation from the community, showing their solidarity and support for the victims’ families. However, Mr. Behnam also pointed out that “while the moral support and sympathy were present from the beginning, we have seen hundreds of newlyweds migrate abroad, reflecting the profound impact this tragedy had on their lives.”

Awareness and Necessary Improvements

Mr. Behnam spoke candidly about the urgent need for awareness, stating that the community requires further education on safety measures. “We must work to reduce the extravagance in wedding celebrations, which place a heavy financial burden on families. Such behaviors lead to unnecessary waste of money.”

He emphasized that “business owners and professionals who manage events with large gatherings must understand their responsibility for the safety of the public. Their sole concern should not be making profits at the expense of people’s lives. What is happening now is a state of chaos with dire consequences that ordinary citizens do not fully comprehend.”

Anniversary Observance: Moment of Silence and Church Bells

On the occasion of the first anniversary, Nineveh Governor Abdul Qader Al-Dakhil called for a moment of silence on Thursday, September 26, in all governmental and educational institutions in the province. At the same time, church bells in the Diocese of Mosul and its surrounding areas for the Syriac Catholics rang at 8 a.m. to honor the memory of the victims.

This anniversary is not just a reflection on a painful event; it is a reminder of the importance of community solidarity in the face of disasters and a call to continue supporting the victims’ families and survivors, ensuring that such a tragedy never happens again. This heartbreaking incident underscores the need for awareness and collaboration among all members of the community to ensure safety for all.

The above image is taken from The Holocaust of Bakhdida: A Wedding Consumed by Fire and Turned into Mourning, a book by Monsignor Ammar Yako and Dr. Basim Habil, published in Bakhdida, Iraq, 2024.