A VIDEO PRODUCED BY STEVE MAMAN "THE LIBERATION OF CHRISTIAN AND YAZIDI CHILDREN OF IRAQ HELD HOSTAGE AND SOLD AS SEX SLAVES” Dear friends, Months ago, ISIS took over the town of Mosul, Iraq. Christians, Yazidis and other religious minorities were driven out of their homes by fear. ISIS systematically killed men, women and children without pity. Many of the women and young girls are being held hostage for enslavement and sexual purposes. In captivity, they also suffer from malnutrition and physical abuse causing their overall health to deteriorate at an ALARMING rate. They are held in the worst conditions, often forced to sleep in cages. The women and children are then sold like cattle in markets as sex slaves to ISIS fighters and militants. Some of these children are as young as 8 years old. Not only are they at the mercy of the fighters, but also of the men still residing in Mosul; men of various ages, in some cases over 60 years of age. The rapes, abuse, and brutality they suffer at the hands of their captors are beyond imagination. There are many reports of owners that have decapitated innocent children and women because they refused to perform certain sexual acts. Those who comply are repeatedly beaten and serve as sex slaves to their owners, as well as their friends and guests, hardly ever limited to one predator at a time. Many young adolescents are sold to brothels, where they are raped 30 to 40 times a day by ISIS fighters. The U.N reports that ISIS militants have forced overly abused sex slaves to undergo virginity restoration surgery, up to 20 times after being raped and sold. This type of female genital mutilation is gaining popularity as these young girls may command premium prices on the MARKET. In light of all this, I said to myself: I can not, and will not stand idle. I will not look at the daily reports and stay passive. As I was always taught: “One who saves a life, saves a world” I decided to act and make a difference. Thanks to highly placed contacts in Iraq, we were able to put in place a structure to liberate and assist the freed Christian and Yazidi women and children. We are able to say with assurance that the mission was very SUCCESSFUL. In the short period of time since January 2015, 102 women and children were safely pulled out of the town of Mosul. They were escorted to a secure location in Northern Iraq where short-term shelter, food, and MEDICAL CARE was provided. Assistance was then offered to help them relocate and rebuild their lives. Unfortunately, there are thousands left in this situation. I cannot turn away from all the others after such positive results. This mission is a major undertaking and I feel confident that we can carry on with success. However, it is clear that we can no longer continue without financial support for the most important humanitarian cause of this era. Those of you who know me well, are aware that I would not undertake a project that cannot be completed SUCCESSFULLY. Which is why I am reaching out to you. Donate generously by providing aid for: “The liberation of Christian and Yazidi children taken hostage and sold as sex slaves in Mosul, Iraq.” Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any further inquiries about our mission or how to help. Yours truly, Steve Maman President, Foundation C.Y.C.I. (Christian and Yazidi Children of Iraq) * Should you wish to donate: you can do so, by CREDIT CARD or by contacting us at the email address below. e-mail: [email protected] * An official tax deductible receipt will be issued.