Livelihoods & Education
Bible Distribution in Iraq
- Location Iraq , Lebanon , Syria , Turkey
- Timeframe 2021 - Ongoing
- People Aramaic speaking Christian communities , Churches , Families
- Project Goal $116,000
Livelihoods & Education
Iraq’s Christian community has endured decades of persecution, displacement, and cultural erosion, drastically reducing their numbers from 1.5 million before 2003 to fewer than 200,000 today.
The spoken Aramaic language — once flourishing — has been neglected in education and under threat from conflict and displacement. Prior to this project, most families did not have access to a Bible in their own language. Traditional versions were difficult to read due to complex script and absence of vowels, limiting personal engagement with Scripture.
There was an urgent need for a readable, modern version of the Bible to strengthen faith, educate children, and preserve linguistic heritage.
This project provided 2,200 modernized Aramaic Bibles, printed with improved formatting and readability, including vowels and simplified script.
The Bibles were distributed through trusted church networks across the Syriac-Orthodox and Syriac-Catholic dioceses in Iraq. Dedicated local and international volunteers ensured smooth transportation and direct distribution to families, churches, language schools, and church libraries.
By placing Bibles directly into the hands of families, the project created opportunities for daily Scripture reading, family devotion, and community learning, revitalizing spiritual life at the grassroots level.
This initiative builds on a broader, ongoing strategy to preserve the Christian faith and cultural identity in Iraq.
In 2024, the Iraq Modern Aramaic Bibles Project brought Scripture into the homes of persecuted Christians across Iraq by printing and distributing 2,200 modernized Aramaic Bibles. These Bibles were delivered to 11.000 individuals in Christain communities across regions including Basra, Baghdad, Kirkuk, Suleymaniye, the Nineveh Plains, and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
In 2022–2023, Shai Fund successfully printed and distributed 5,000 Bibles in the Chaldean dialect and 5,000 in the Assyrian dialect. Recognizing the unique needs of Western Aramaic speakers, this project expanded the effort to the Syriac-Orthodox and Syriac-Catholic communities. For many, it was the first time they could read the Bible in their own language at home.
By engaging local churches and leaders, the project is building trust and ensured sustainable impact, creating a replicable model for future initiatives. Plans are already underway to expand the project by printing an additional 2,800 Bibles and developing a digital version for Aramaic-speaking diaspora communities worldwide.
This initiative strengthens faith, preserves cultural heritage, and supports Christians who continue to face hardship and marginalization in their homeland. The project plans to achieve the following:
Through these efforts, we are supporting Christian communities more widely across these areas:
Bible in Aramaic
Print and Distribute: The modern Chaldean and Assyrian translations of the Bible will be produced and distributed to families in the communities throughout the region, and to diasporas. Christian families will have a bible in their home which they can freely read with their children, which will enable them to continue living out Christianity in Iraq, learning the stories while preserving their native language.
Contributing to the distribution of Aramaic Bibles in Iraq has a profound impact on Christian communities facing persecution and displacement. With 30,000 family Bibles being equivalent to 150,000-180,000 individuals, each Bible priced at $5.87, the approved project budget of $180,062.40 seeks to provide spiritual nourishment and support to those in need. The urgency for funds in 2024, amounting to $121,295.40, highlights the crucial need for additional support to fulfill the project's goals.
Donors can make a significant impact through various contribution options:
Without your help, this project would not be possible. Each donation plays a crucial role in making these Bibles accessible to those facing persecution, providing a source of strength, continuity, and spiritual guidance in challenging times. Donors have the opportunity to directly contribute to preserving the faith and cultural heritage of Christian communities in Iraq through their support of this vital initiative.