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Writer's pictureHermiz Shahen

Celebrating Assyria Day: Preserving Heritage, Fostering Unity, and Advocating for Rights

Sydney - 30 June, 2023. The Assyrian National Council - Australia, in collaboration with the Young Assyrians, is thrilled to announce the upcoming Assyria Day celebration. We extend a warm invitation to all Assyrians to join us for this virtual event on Sunday, 2nd July 2023, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. The event will take place on the Zoom platform and will be live streamed on the Voice of Hope page (Qala D’Sawra) on Facebook. Access the live stream at: [https://www.facebook.com/qaladsawra/].


Assyria Day holds deep significance for the Assyrian nation, symbolizing the call for the return from exile to Nineveh, the unification of Assyrians, and the preservation of our rich traditions and history, particularly among the younger generations.


While National Day celebrations often commemorate the achievement of independence by a state or territory, the Assyrian people have yet to realize this aspiration. Throughout history, they have faced vulnerability to plots aimed at sowing sectarian and tribal conflicts, as well as international conspiracies designed to keep them away from their homeland. Acts of genocide committed against their fellow citizens during WW1 by the Ottoman Turks and the Semele massacre by the Iraqi Army in 1933, and most recently the ISIS invasion in Iraq and Syria , have significantly reduced their population and deprived them of the peace they deserve on their ancestral land.


In light of these challenging circumstances, the Assyrian people are actively seeking international recognition of their legitimate rights. The Assyria Day celebration serves as a platform to raise awareness about these struggles and foster dialogue among participants from diverse backgrounds, including scholars, activists, community leaders, and supporters of the Assyrian cause.


We are honored to announce our distinguished keynote speakers for this event. Dr. Ron Susek, an ordained minister, evangelist, former television and radio Bible teacher, and founder of the Susek Evangelistic Association from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, will share his insights and inspirational messages. Joining us will be Dr. Yaacov Moaz, Chairperson of the Committee for the Revival of the Aramaic Assyrian Language in Israel, who will provide valuable perspectives on language revitalization efforts. We are also privileged to have His Beatitude Mar Meelis Zaia AM, Metropolitan of Australia, NZ and Lebanon, Patriarchal Vicar General, Assyrian Church of the East, as one of our esteemed speakers.


Additionally, we are delighted to welcome Members of the Federal and State Parliaments of Australia, Mayor Joseph Haweil of Hume City, Victoria, and Stephanie Basdekis from the Assyrian Cultural and Social Youth Association, who will contribute their unique viewpoints to this important day.


We sincerely hope that you will honor us with your presence at our live program on face book at the Assyria Day celebration, where you can lend your support to this important movement. Together, let us celebrate the resilience and heritage of the Assyrian people, while advocating for their rights and fostering unity.


For more information and to register for the event, please visit [Insert Event Registration Link].


Media Contact:

Hermiz Shahen, President

Email: info@ancau.org


About Assyrian National Council - Australia:

The Assyrian National Council - Australia is a leading organization representing the Assyrian community in Australia. Committed to preserving the Assyrian heritage, advocating for the rights of the Assyrian people, and fostering unity among Assyrians, the council works tirelessly to raise awareness and build a stronger future for the Assyrian community.


About Young Assyrians:

Young Assyrians is a dynamic and vibrant organization dedicated to empowering the younger generation of Assyrians in Australia. By providing a platform for cultural and social engagement, as well as educational and leadership opportunities, Young Assyrians strives to inspire and support the Assyrian youth in their personal and collective growth.




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