Gishru, known for organizing cultural and heritage trips for young Assyrians, confirmed that its 2026 trip will not go ahead as planned due to the evolving security situation. “Due to the ongoing escalation of the conflicts now affecting Iraq, including areas in the north, we have made the difficult decision last week to postpone the 2026 GISHRU trip,” the organization said in a public statement, adding: "This journey is postponed, but our mission continues. We’re already looking ahead to a safe return as soon as conditions allow, and the heart of GISHRU, connecting, supporting, and standing with our people always remains stronger than ever."
For years, Gishru has played a key role in strengthening ties between Assyrians in the diaspora and those living in their historic homeland. The organization’s annual trips offer participants the opportunity to visit ancestral villages, connect with local communities, and gain a deeper understanding of Assyrian history, identity, and resilience.
These journeys often include visits to towns and areas across northern Iraq, particularly within the Nineveh Plains, where many Assyrians continue to live despite years of displacement, conflict, and reconstruction following the ISIS era. For many young participants, the experience represents a first direct encounter with their roots, transforming abstract identity into lived reality.
While the organization did not specify particular incidents, northern Iraq has seen periodic security challenges in recent months, raising concerns about the safety of travel groups. Gishru emphasized that the safety of participants remains its top priority, making the postponement unavoidable despite months of planning.
Despite the setback, the organization underscored that its broader mission remains unchanged. “This journey is postponed, but our mission continues,” the statement read. “We’re already looking ahead to a safe return as soon as conditions allow, and the heart of Gishru, connecting, supporting, and standing with our people always remains stronger than ever.”
