Zina Hamu's family is facing genocide for their religious beliefs from ISIS, but despite concerns over religion, she chose to be embraced by a Christian university.

A woman from Iraq is "learning how to be peaceful" with Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) while her family is facing persecution. Zina Hamu's family is Yazidism, a religious minority in the country that believes in one god and seven angels. Her family is now displaced from her home and many of Hamu's friends are missing or have been killed by ISIS because of their beliefs.

On August 3, 2014, only one week after her father passed, Hamu's neighbourhood was destroyed with many of her friends and family members taken or killed by ISIS. Hamu was unable to finish high school with her peers because of the attack. Hamu's mother and most of her 15 siblings are now living in tents.

"The thing I do is wait."

She has documented her community's struggle through photography and often uses those pictures to share her story.

"Having your family living in tents for five years, it's not easy. I'm safe here but for them, I am always worried," Hamu says. "I will never forget for the rest of my life."

Zina Hamu is studying International Development at CMU. The choice to attend a Christian university was easy for Hamu, as two of her sisters are also studying at Christian schools.

Hamu has found the environment to be welcoming and understanding of her situation. She has also found some similarities between her religion and Mennonite culture. Both place importance on music while worshiping, but Hamu's religion values not only the music, but also the instruments. 

"We kiss the instrument because it is holy for us," Hamu says.

Hamu says the people at CMU are helping her get through the trauma through conversation.

"People would ask me if I need help, or to talk about my story," she says. Hamu also adds that when it gets difficult, "the thing I do is wait."

Her time at CMU is helping her learn about helping others in the same position as she was. 

"International Studies is about doing humanitarian aid," Hamu says. "It's about helping people in the future."

Hamu is continuing her studies at CMU and hopes her family will find a permanent home soon.