The Mandaeans are an ancient Gnostic sect that originated in Mesopotamia over 2,000 years ago. They have faced centuries of persecution which has led to the loss of most of their written history and the scattering of their community across multiple countries. In recent decades, violence and persecution in Iraq has caused over 95% of the Mandaean population to flee, leaving only around 3,500 remaining in Iraq and threatening their culture and religion with extinction. International organizations are calling for assistance to help resettle Mandaean refugees and preserve their unique heritage.