Mandaeans only number about 60,000 total and yet they are an extremely ancient religion and culture. They mainly inhabited the area known today as Iraq and have been forced to flee due to the sectarian violence and other factors relating to the war there. It is a Diaspora; they have ended up in Syria, Jordan, England, Australia, Sweden and the U.S. More detailed info can be found at:

http://mandaeanunion.org/

There are challenges that Mandaeans face which include staying connected even though physically separated. In addition Mandaeans often face extreme hardship in attending religious services because clergy are scarce and also geographically separated.

Mandaeans need a critical mass in order to carry on their traditions, culture and religion.

We, the undersigned, are willing to volunteer, from time to time as we see fit, our services, our time, and/or our expertise in order to assist Mandaean refugees. In stating our own field of endeavor, we demonstrate specific ways in which we can help newly arrived Mandaean refugees. In stating the community in which we reside, we appeal to the immigration authorities of the various countries involved in managing Mandaean refugees to direct and concentrate said refugees to our communities in order to facilitate cohesion in the Mandaean culture.

Displaced Mandaeans will, through our efforts, enjoy contact with each other rather than being isolated and alone. Displaced Mandaeans will, through our efforts, enjoy a path towards success in their new homes that is made easier by having a pre-existing support net in place, ready for them.

We appeal to all governments and immigration authorities involved in this crisis to ensure that Mandaean refugees from Iraq and other countries are brought into geographic locations where there are existing Mandaean communities, and not to isolated places far from their peers.