The Fourth Laureate of the Aurora Annual Prize is Mirza Dini, Co-Founder of the Air Bridge Iraq Organization

The fourth laureate of the Aurora Annual Prize is recognized as Mirza Dini, co-founder and director of the Air Bridge Iraq (LuftbrückeIrak) organization. Driven by humanitarian motives, Mirza Dini has managed to assist the most vulnerable members of the Yazidi community during numerous conflicts unfolding in Syria and Iraq, overcoming bureaucratic and logistical obstacles.

Mirza Dini was awarded the Aurora Prize in 2019 during a formal ceremony held in Yerevan as part of the Aurora Forum. The Aurora Prize is given on behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide, in gratitude to those who saved them.

“Mirza Dini is an exceptional individual, as he did not silence his conscience upon learning that innocent people are left behind and suffering greatly. Confronted with unspeakable evil on one side, and attempting to help humanity on the other, one may also face significant challenges and disappointments, along with numerous dangers; however, Mirza Dini did not back down. I warmly congratulate him on becoming a laureate and welcome him to the Aurora family,” said Tom Catena, the 2017 Aurora Prize laureate and president of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative.

As the Aurora Prize laureate, Mirza Dini will receive a $1,000,000 award, which will enable him to continue the chain of humanitarian efforts, supporting organizations that inspired him in the past. He has chosen three organizations that provide medical assistance and rehabilitation services to those affected by terrorism from the Islamic State. These organizations are:

• Air Bridge Iraq (LuftbrückeIrak)
• SEED Foundation
• Shai Fund