Iraqi Muslim erects massive Christmas tree to express solidarity with Christians

In a rare show of inter-faith solidarity, a Muslim businessman has purchased and erected the largest Christmas tree in Baghdad.

Yassir Saad’s welcome gesture comes in the backdrop of the ongoing war in Mosul, where Iraqi troops continue to battle the so-called Islamic State.



Saad said he aimed at “joining our Christian brothers in their holiday celebrations.”

Placed in the center of al-Zawra amusement park in the Iraqi capital, the 85-foot-tall artificial tree that has a 33-feet diameter is visible from afar. Saad said it had cost him $24,000 to purchase and erect the tree.

“This tree represents love and peace,” visitor Saba Ismael said. “I wish all Iraqi Christians could return to Iraq and live normal and peaceful lives,” she added.

Iraq’s Christian community has been the target of numerous IS atrocities. Following the summer of 2014, when IS swept across northern Iraq, thousands of Christians fled Mosul. The community has witnessed a significant decline in the wake of members leaving the country in pursuit of safety and better economic prospects.



Saad said he hoped the gesture would help "Iraqis forget their anguish, especially the war in Mosul."

This article originally appeared on The Independent.

Additional reporting by Associated Press.