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Welcome to The Word, where you can hear weekly recaps of news sourced directly from your Assyrian community.
Iran launches retaliatory strikes toward Israel, the Chaldean patriarch visits Baghdad and a nonprofit nearly completes an Assyrian village project.
Assyrian New Year celebrations get underway, a nonprofit revamps an old Alqosh market and the Chaldean patriarchate cancels Easter celebrations.
ISIS claims responsibility for an attack in Moscow, Assyrians celebrate Palm Sunday and Chicago's Assyrian New Year parade returns — with some special guests.
Nahla farmers report checkpoint trouble, Iraq considers the PKK a banned organization and Nahla's villages announce a centennial festival.
Masrour Barzani meets Assyrians in Washington, Turkey strikes northern Iraq and Assyrians in the KRI show off their traditional clothing.
Community members in Michigan join a protest vote against US President Joe Biden, Assyrian parties in Iraq meet with the head of the country's top court and nonprofits partner on a village project.
Iraq's top court revokes the KRI parliament's minority seats, Assyrians mark International Mother Language Day and Turkey reportedly strikes PKK members in northern Iraq.
A Swedish Assyrian soccer team comes to Canada, a nonprofit starts a new phase of a mental health-focused project in the Nineveh Plains and armed groups in Iraq are expected to dial down attacks on U.S. facilities.
Two organizations partner on a project in Nahla, an individual is arrested in connection to defacement at an Assyrian cemetery in Iraq, and Iraa condemns U.S. strikes.
The U.S. strikes Iraq and Syria, ADM marks the anniversary of the execution of three of its leaders and a nonprofit continues Christmas deliveries in Armenia.
Iraq and the US begin talks to end coalition presence, an organization in Arizona works on a new community center and a known movie star talks about her Assyrian roots.
Erbil reels after an Iranian attack, Iraq wins a round of the Asian Cup soccer tournament and the Shlama Football league announces a third-season dedication.
Turkey carries out strikes in northern Iraq, an armed drone is shot down over Erbil's airport and a nonprofit begins a new project in Tel Keppe.
Iraq prepares for the removal of U.S.-led international coalition forces in the country, ISIS claims responsibility for a deadly attack in Iran and Assyrian nonprofits continue Christmas toy deliveries across Iraq.
Iraq moves to end U.S.-led Coalition presence, a drone is shot down in northern Iraq and famed Assyrian composer Nouri Iskandar dies.
It's Christmas Day. From toy drives to Turkish parliament, here is what's happening this week in Assyrian news.
Iraqis vote in provincial elections, a U.S. General visits Iraq and Syria and a village in Iraq gets a newly renovated soccer field.
The U.S. embassy compound in Baghdad is struck with seven mortars, Kurdistan Regional Government delegates and oil companies negotiate resumption of oil exports and a nonprofit delivers new religious garments to churches in Nineveh.
U.S. strikes reportedly killed five Iraqi militants, church leaders in Iraq declared they would limit Christmas celebrations and the Shlama Football League announces its third season.
Syriac-language students at an Erbil university get free housing, U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo announces her retirement and Israel strikes the Damascus airport again.
Bakhdida fire victims continue receiving treatment, the U.S. sanctions Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Pope Francis receives the Iraqi president.
An Assyrian elder is reportedly shot and killed in Turkey, attacks on U.S. Bases in Iraq continue and an Assyrian nonprofit hopes to bring joy to the children of Bakhdida this Christmas.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken makes a surprise visit to Iraq, community members mark 40 days since the Iraq wedding fire and a nonprofit continues rehabilitating a soccer field in an Assyrian village.
An Assyrian language course enters a third Illinois high school, archaeologists re-excavate an ancient Lamassu and the U.S. carries out strikes on Iran-affiliated targets in Syria.
A group stages a protest in Iraq in relation to the Bakhdida wedding fire, the U.S. advises citizens not to travel to Iraq and Syria says Israel struck its two main airports.
Thousands in Baghdad protest in support of Palestine, U.N. agencies say Syrian strikes on rebel-held territories have displaced 70,000 and some Bakhdida fire victims are on the way to recovery.
The Iraq wedding fire death toll reaches 124, Turkey strikes PKK targets in northern Iraq and Baghdad claims Ankara has not communicated status of oil pipeline.
This week, we're going over our coverage of the Iraq wedding fire that has reportedly killed more than 100. You can find our full coverage at www.thewordmideast.com
Three are killed in an airstrike on a military airport in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Armenians begin a mass exodus out of Artsakh, Nagorno-Karabakh and a nonprofit completes the renovation of an Assyrian school in northern Iraq.
A Turkish minister says the Iraq-Turkey oil pipeline is set to resume operation; Gulyama Younan, mother of the Ancient Church of the East Patriarch, dies in Chicago; and a Spanish university holds its second Assyrian-centered academic conference.
The Syrian Democratic Forces say tribal battles in Syria have come to an end, looted artifacts are returned to Lebanon and a nonprofit nears completion of an irrigation canal in an Assyrian-populated village.
Clashes erupt in Iraq’s Kirkuk, U.S.-backed forces fight in Syria’s east and construction begins on the anticipated Iran-Iraq rail.
Turkish drone attacks kill seven PKK members in Iraq, a high-level US delegation visits rebel-held northwest Syria and youth of an Assyrian village in Iraq raise funds for a new a soccer field.
The U.S. sanctions Syrian militias, Iraq receives a loan from Japan for the refurbishment of a major oil refinery and a nonprofit gives Assyrians in a remote village in Turkey a new heating system.
Turkish soldiers are killed in an anti-PKK operation in Iraq, community members mark Assyrian Martyrs Day and the Chicago-area Assyrian community prepares for the fourth annual Assyrian Food Festival.
The Assyrian community commemorates 9 years since the fall of the Nineveh Plains to ISIS, the Assyrian Church of the East opens its new patriarchal cathedral in Erbil and Iraq blocks the messaging app Telegram amid “national security concerns”.ya
Kurdish groups allege Turkish strikes kill fighters in Iraq and Syria, an electric fire at an Iraq substation causes a temporary national outage and churches declare support for Sako.
Nahla Valley villagers protest reportedly long-standing curfews, Chaldean Catholic Church leader Louis Raphael Sako arrives in Erbil and the Swedish embassy in Iraq relocates to Stockholm.
The Chaldean Catholic Patriarch says he will leave Baghdad for Erbil following escalations with Iraq's president, Mar Awa III Royel leads service in his hometown of Chicago over the weekend and Assyrians around the world celebrate Nusardel.
Turkish airstrikes reportedly set fire to an Assyrian village in northern Iraq, a U.S. military operation kills an ISIS leader in Eastern Syria and Iraq opens an investigation into the kidnapping of an Israel-based researcher visiting the country.
A burning of the Quran in Stockholm sparks outcry in Iraq — and from some Assyrian leaders, Syria says it repelled airstrikes from Israel and a nonprofit reports it will rebuild a small business in Baghdeda.
Five Christian-identifying political parties in Iraq call for an end to land sales they say will lead to demographic change, an airstrike kills at least nine in Syria and an Assyrian art and music showcase is coming to Chicago next week.
A nonprofit works on rehabilitating schools in northern Iraq, Qatari companies partner with Iraq on $9.5 billion worth of infrastructure projects and international donors pledge upwards of $10 billion to Syrians at home and as refugees.
Mar Gewargis III Younan is consecrated as the Ancient Church patriarch, IS militants reportedly kill two soldiers in Kirkuk and Iraq approve a record budget.
The Assyrian Democratic Movement elects new leadership, ISIS members are repatriated to Iraq and a project uniting Native American and Assyrian potters kicks off in Iraq.
Editor's note: This episode is from Monday, May 29. Erdogan wins his third term as Turkey's president, Mar Gewargis Younan III meets with Rayyan al-Kildani and Iraq launches a multi-billion dollar rail and road project.
Assyrian Church Patriarch Mar Awa Royel III meets with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Iraq bans dealings in US dollars and a Chicago-based Assyrian artists drops a new spin on and old classic.
Turkish elections could move to a runoff, the Metropolitan Museum of art announces a plan to scour its collection for looted items and the Chicago-based Assyrian Athletic Club announces its 10th annual golf tournament.
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom's annual report briefs on some Assyrian issues, Syria is reinstated in the Arab League and a Baghdad court makes a conviction in the killing of a renowned scholar in 2020.
The father of a young man in Iraq who died of leukemia doctors attribute to gas flaring challenged BP in a meeting this week, an Assyrian man is killed in a shooting at a restaurant in Niles and Iraqn's president will visit Syria next week.
Yazidis ring in year 6773, Armenians observe the anniversary of the Armenian genocide and reports say Israel has doubled attacks on Syria targeting Iranian strongholds in early 2023.
ISIS militants kill 26 truffle hunters in Syria, severe flooding hits Iraq and Orthodox churches celebrate Easter.
A new monument in an Assyrian village honors life-altering losses, Assyrian-identifying candidates field wins and losses in Chicago-area elections and community members celebrate Easter.
Assyrians around the world ring in the Assyrian New Year, Iraq and the KRG reach an oil deal and Israel strikes Syria's Homs province.
Twenty years pass since the US invasion of Iraq, Baghdad wins an oil export case against Ankara and community members begin Akitu celebrations.
NPU negotiations reportedly take motion, Diaspora in Bloom opens in California and a resolution recognizing this Assyrian New Year moves to a vote in the Arizona state legislature.
Supporters and officers of the NPU call for its revival in Iraq, Assyrians run for local office in the Chicago area and a new play by an Iraqi Assyrian playwright comes to a landmark Chicago stage.
Assyrian rock reliefs are reportedly vandalized in Iraq, a US military officer says US troops are still needed to combat ISIS and the Shlama Football League kicks off its second season.
An earthquake hits northern Iraq, a Seyfo memorial in Syria is reportedly vandalized and the Syriac Orthodox Patriarch meets with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey.
The Syriac Orthodox Patriarch visits Turkey, the U.S. Secretary of State met with Iraq's Prime Minister and an Israeli missile struck Damascus.
This week, we're taking a look at developments in Turkey, Syria and their Assyrian communities following the high-magnitude earthquake that ravaged the countries last Monday.
An earthquake hits Turkey and shakes the surrounding region, community members honor three martyrs and winter rains rehydrate Iraq's marshes.
A UN official visits Iraq, drones strike a convoy in Syria and an exhibition coming to London highlights Iraqi civilian life.
Iraq wins the Arabian Gulf Cup, Canada is set to repatriate citizens with alleged ISIS ties and Germany recognizes ISIS persecution of Yazidis as genocide.
The Shlama Football League confirms its second season, Diaspora in Bloom announces its return to in-person exhibition and the Iraqi prime minister backs the presence of U.S. troops in the country.
Iraq opens the Arabian Gulf Cup in Basra, a draft amnesty bill in the KRI Parliament excludes journalists and political prisoners and Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas.
Nearly 700 ISIS operatives in Iraq and Syria were reportedly killed in US operations in 2022, Syria and Turkey hold surprise talks in Russia and Assyrian and Chaldean church leaders offer their condolences following the death of Pope Benedict.
In our final episode of 2022, we're taking a look at three of several nonprofit initiatives bringing Christmas joy to Assyrians at home.
Heads of five Syriac churches convene in a historic meeting, a nonprofit begins work on an irrigation canal in an Assyrian village in northern Iraq and ISIS claims responsibility for an attack in Kirkuk.
An ADM delegation visits the Iraqi president, a youth union celebrates its 31st anniversary and US forces kill two ISIS ‘officials’ in Syria.
Thanks for tuning in to our 100th episode. This week, a UN report finds Christians were targets of ISIS war crimes, the US confirms the October death of an ISIS leader and an Assyrian choral ensemble takes the holiday stage.
Iraq says it's recovered billions of embezzled funds, Turkey threatens continued cross-border operations into Iraq and Syria and Mar Afrim Athnaeil of the Assyrian Church of the East in Syria assumes a new position as archbishop.
In the realm of classical music and shifting attitudes toward long-standing tradition, Assyrian Armenian pianist Lolita Emmanuel is rethinking Assyrian music. In this feature, she shares her thoughts on her new film, Performing Assyrian-ness, and what she describes as the small but growing genre of Assyrian art music.
Pope Francis meets with ACOE head Mar Awa III, a new lecture-recital film on Assyrian art music premieres and Turkey strikes northern Syria and Iraq.
The Ancient Church of the East elected its new patriarch, new discoveries dating to the ancient Assyrians were unearthed in Iraq and the AANES orders implementation of a region-specific curriculum.
A historic Assyrian language course is approved in an Illinois public school district, an Assyrian mayor is elected to his second term in an Australian city and cholera outbreaks take hold of Iraq, Lebanon and Syria.
A man is charged in the killing of an Assyrian refugee in Chicago, an explosion rocks Baghdad and families of ISIS fighters are repatriated in Australia.
An Assyrian man is remembered after being killed during an attempted armed robbery in Chicago, an adult Assyrian language course at a local public library in Illinois approaches its kickoff and new Assyrian reliefs are discovered in Iraq.
An Illinois district school board hears a proposal for an Assyrian language course, an archaeological park in Iraq features ancient Assyrian carvings and a local community mourns the death of a 17-year-old in the Chicago area.
Samira Habsono is released from SDF custody, Iran continues cross-border strikes on northern Iraq and a Chicagoland school district will hear a proposal for an accredited Assyrian language course this week.
Iran launches strikes targeting northern Iraq, security forces reportedly raid Assyrian Democratic Movement headquarters in Baghdad, and nonprofits collaborate to fund a scouting camp for Assyrian youth.
A public school district committee recommends an Assyrian language course for state board approval, Atour Sargon announces her campaign for reelection to the Lincolnwood Board of Trustees and Samira Habsono remains in detention in Syria.
The ACOE opens its Iraq headquarters, Samira Habsono awaits trial and Turkish soldiers are killed in cross-border operations in Iraq.
Samira Habsono is called to a military court hearing, archaelogists transfer more than 200 artifacts to the Iraq Museum and a nonprofit completes a second phase of a program teaching traditional Assyrian clothing.
Samira Habsono reportedly remains in the Al-Baytarah women's prison, the Assyrian Church of the East announces the inauguration of its new headquarters in Erbil and protesters take to the streets of Baghdad following recent violent clashes in the heavily-fortified Green Zone.
Sources say Samira Habsono could be transferred to an intelligence facility within days, Assyrian parties in Iraq issue a statement regarding upcoming KRG elections and members of congress sign onto a letter to the Department of State on "illegal land seizures" in Iraq.
Samira Habsono’s family is denied another visitation request at the Al-Baytarah prison, SDF soldiers are killed in a ‘Turkish raid’ and the Assyrian Food Festival returns near Chicago.
An Assyrian woman is detained by SDF authorities in Syria, the Patriarch-elect of the Ancient Church of the East announces his relinquishment of the position and the Village of Skokie in Ill. introduces Assyrian programming to its public library.
Community members observe—and elected officials recognize—Assyrian Martyrs Day, two nonprofits collaborate to provide Assyrian women in Iraq with swimming lessons and record temperatures hit Iraq as it struggles with the effects of climate change.
Assyrian students in Iraq train in crafting traditional clothing, Iraq calls for U.N. action on Turkey and protesters continue a sit-in at Baghdad’s high-security Green Zone.
An attack blamed on Turkey kills 9 in Iraq, a coalition of international Assyrian nonprofits reconvenes after more than a year and Assyrians around the world celebrate Nusardel.
A senior ISIS leader is killed in a U.S. strike, the U.S. House passed an amendment to defense legislation limiting weapons sales to Turkey and a nonprofit restores a power source in northern Iraq.
Rasha Shamoun, an Assyrian woman reportedly detained without charges in Syria, is released, U.S. oil companies pledge to leave the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and an Assyrian nonprofit hosts its annual summer camp for local youth in Beirut.
An exhibit showcasing artifacts from the Assyrian Genocide opens at a California university, residents in Ankawa allege further land grabs and a nonprofit builds a dormitory for students pursuing degrees in Syriac.
Iraq’s north faces continued bombardment, Assyrian script comes to official signs in a northern Iraqi village after dismay from activists and Assyrian artifacts are uncovered with the discovery of an ancient city.
Turkish strikes target parts of northern Iraq, new reports emerge on alleged confiscation of Assyrian-owned lands in Iraq by a private land developer and a nonprofit installs street lights in Assyrian villages.
Members of the U.S. House announce the formation of a Congressional Assyrian Caucus, party delegates from the KRI parliament reportedly make demands for amendments to the quota system and an Iraq-based Assyrian visual artist recreates a mural destroyed by ISIS.
The Ancient Church of the East elects its new patriarch, an Assyrian football league wraps up its inaugural season in Iraq and a first-of-its-kind MENA comedy festival kicks off in London.
Turkish attacks reportedly continue in Iraq and Syria, negotiations for church reunification fail and a nonprofit leads a program training Assyrian youth in computer literacy.
Assyrians allege land grabs in the Iraqi village of Komane, Turkish strikes reportedly hit Iraq and Syria and a meeting on church reunification enters its second week.
New reports of alleged land-grabbing emerge from northern Iraq, delegates from the Churches of the East meet to discuss potential reunification and an Assyrian candidate is part of Lebanon’s first national elections since the start of its economic crisis.
A nonprofit revives an Assyrian tradition in northern Iraq, fears of a drying Tigris River resurface and excavations of an archaeological site in Nineveh reportedly continue.
A church-affiliated non-profit begins work on two projects in northern Iraq, an ACOE parish consecrates a new location in Illinois and a once-popular lake in Iraq disappears as the country struggles with climate change.
Turkish launches ground and air attacks on northern Iraq, two local bodies in Illinois recognize 1915 Ottoman killings of Assyrians, Armenians and Greeks as genocide and the ACOE patriarch announces plans for church reunification.
New reports emerge of Turkish strikes on Assyrian villages in Syria, the Assyrian Democratic holds internal elections and a nonprofit launches a ping pong tournament in northern Iraq.
New reports from Assyrian villagers allege “trespassing” on Assyrian-owned lands in the KRI, seven years pass since an Easter Sunday attack by ISIS on a church in Syria and large crowds participate in Palm Sunday festivities in northern Iraq.
A proclamation designates April 2022 as Chaldean American month in Michigan, an Assyrian football league kicks off its first season in Iraq and community members around the world celebrate the Assyrian New Year.
An Arizona state legislator issues a proclamation recognizing the Assyrian New Year, a nonprofit partners with a local church to plant trees in northern Iraq and a nearly 200-year-old Assyrian church in Armenia gets gas, electricity and further renovations.
An Assyrian candidate runs for a minority seat in Lebanon’s parliament, two years pass since the discovery of the remains of Simuni Diril after her disappearance in Turkey and an Assyrian performer joins the lineup at a first-ever MENA-centered comedy festival.
Illinois becomes the first U.S. state to establish a caucus on Assyrian issues, the Iraq Museum, with its collection of Assyrian artifacts, reopens after a 3-year hiatus and the Assyrian New Year parade returns to Duhok for the first time in two years
An Assyrian member of the KRI parliament makes demands for more quota seats, Iraqi refugees who had fled to Syria during ISIS occupation return home and a Ukrainian Assyrian artist is one of more than a million forced to flee the country amid Russian invasion.
Assyrians commemorate the 7th anniversary of ISIS attacks on their villages in Syria, officials break ground on a new ACOE patriarchal seat in Erbil and documentation of Assyrians in Ukraine resurfaces amid ongoing Russian invasion.
A nonprofit renovates a fifth Assyrian home in Armenia, an Assyrian business in northern Iraq gets new life and an Assyrian riff on the popular game “Wordle” becomes available.
U.S. forces patrol areas in northeast Syria, an Assyrian member of the KRI parliament presents draft legislation for a “Syriac Language Academy” and an Australia-based Assyrian organization issues a letter to the UAE’s foreign ministry.
Turkish air raids target PKK positions in northern Iraq and Syria, an ISIS leader is killed during a U.S. raid and Assyrians mark the 37th anniversary of the execution of three ADM leaders.
U.S.-backed forces clash with ISIS militants in northeastern Syria, an Assyrian nonprofit helps families in northern Iraq fight frigid temperatures and Assyrians in Lebanon continue to struggle amid the country's economic crisis.
A nonprofit distributes food aid to displaced families in northern Iraq, the community mourns the loss of a village chief in Nahla and an Iraq-based Assyrian artist wins a competition in Chicago.
Nahla Valley villages ravaged by flames last year get new firefighting equipment, Assyrian schools in northern Iraq resume their term with mid-year exams and the Etuti Institute highlights results from a soccer tournament in northern Iraq.
An independent Assyrian news organization announces a return to satellite broadcast in Iraq, questions remain unanswered on the second anniversary of the disappearance of an Assyrian couple in Turkey and a new book compiles research on Iraq's Assyrians.
Reports emerge of Turkish strikes hitting Assyrian villages in northeastern Syria, Assyrian-language short film “Grace” secures another festival win and a village in northern Iraq rings in the new year.
A non-profit works to bring street lighting to Assyrian villages in Iraq, a nearly 200-year-old ACOE church in Arzni holds its first service since its renovation and multiple campaigns bring Christmas gifts to Assyrian children in Iraq.
Ongoing drought has detrimental effects on farming communities in northern Iraq, MP Yonadam Kanna urges action from the Iraqi Prime Minister regarding Assyrian issues and an Ill. state representative meets with community members on a state-approved Assyrian language course.
An Assyrian relic is among $70 million worth of looted artifacts surrendered by Michael Steinhardt, a nonprofit reaches a fundraiser bringing warmer winters to homes in Armenia and singer-songwriter Yasmeen announces a new single.
The Kurdistan Regional Government’s interior minister leads a committee meeting on land grabs in Ankawa, a 13th U.S. Rep. cosponsors legislation recognizing the Assyrian Genocide of 1915 and an Iraq-based Chaldo-Assyrian youth organization celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Iraq’s election commission finalizes October election results, a non-profit raises money for an irrigation channel in an Assyrian village and a Nineveh Plains local represents Iraq at Miss World 2021.
Assyrians in Lebanon face unique challenges in the country’s economic crisis, a local community works on pitching a language course to the Ill. school board and rubble is cleared from an ancient Assyrian site in Iraq
U.S. Representatives send a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling for modification of Iraqi electoral law, local riot police reportedly assault protesters in Duhok Governorate and Assyrian families celebrate their ownership of their village in northern Iraq.
Reps. from Fla. and Ill. sign onto H.Res. 550, the Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East visits California and a family returning to an Assyrian village in Iraq post-ISIS prepares to manage a new clothing store.
Two more U.S. representatives co-sponsor legislation recognizing the Assyrian Genocide of 1915, Assyrians around the world remember the attack on a Syriac Orthodox Church in Baghdad on its 11th anniversary and the Etuti Insitute provides livestock for a family in Armenia.
Assyrian Democratic Movement Secretary-General Yonadam Kanna expresses his objection to Iraq’s electoral law, archaeologists discover a large-scale wine factory dating back to Assyrian rule and comedian Jenan Younis prepares for this year’s final showcase of her Middle Eastern comedy night.
Iraq’s election commission releases official preliminary results, legislation recognizing the Assyrian Genocide of 1915 is introduced to the French National Assembly and a school district in Illinois considers the integration of an Assyrian language course into its curriculum.
Iraqi elections come to a close, IHEC reports Badr candidates and others filling 'Christian' quota seats and the Shlama Foundation installs a water source installation in an Assyrian village in collaboration with the Assyrian Aid Society.
Assyrian candidates for quota seats in Iraq’s parliament prepare for this week’s elections amid general skepticism, the international community remembers the Artsakh War one year later and a U.S.-based Assyrian non-profit attends the fourth annual Nineveh Peace Festival in Mosul.
The U.S. House passes an amendment requiring a strategy for the return of minorities to the Nineveh Plain region of Iraq, members of the Syriac Orthodox Church committee are detained and released by the SUP in Syria and MP Yonadam Kanna attends an Ancient Church of the East ordination in Baghdad.
Assyrian candidates for Iraqi Parliament campaign ahead of next month’s general elections, the community commemorates the anniversary of the Soriya Massacre and an Assyrian short film snags three awards at the Prague International Indie Film Festival.
The Assyrian Church of the East selects Mar Awa Royel as its next patriarch, an Assyrian village in northern Iraq evacuates after airstrike threats and the Assyrian Aid Society renovates nurseries in Baghdeda and Bartella.
Turkish airstrikes reportedly hit an Assyrian village in Syria, U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko co-sponsors legislation recognizing the Assyrian Genocide and the Shlama Foundation announces plans for a soccer league in northern Iraq.
Assyrians in Garmawa secure ownership of their village in northern Iraq, severe drought threatens agricultural workers in Iraq and Syria and London-based Assyrian comedian Jenan Younis brings a stand-up show back to the stage.
Lebanon’s Assyrians are among those facing the country’s economic crisis, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi calls on displaced Christians to return to the country and two Assyrian organizations partner to renovate homes in Armenia.
An Assyrian Democratic Movement official called on the Iraqi government to recognize the Simele Massacre of 1933, Ill. State Senator Ram Villivalam presents a proclamation recognizing Assyrian Martyrs Day in the state and a water shortage in northern Iraq leaves Assyrian villages in need of improved infrastructure.
Assyrian Maria Farhad is crowned Miss Iraq, Assyrian Ukrainian Olympic judoka Iakiv Khammo reaches a bronze medal match in Tokyo and the Assyrian Policy Institute kicks off its second-ever Digital Week of Action.
A resolution recognizing the Assyrian Genocide of 1915 is reintroduced to the U.S. House of Representatives, the Village of Lincolnwood, Ill. makes a proclamation marking Assyrian Remembrance Day and an Assyrian organization in Australia discusses COVID in the media with Shadow Minister of Health Chris Bowen.
Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) co-sponsor a resolution recognizing the Semele Massacre of 1933, the Shlama Foundation completes installation of solar-powered LED streetlights in the Nineveh Governorate of Iraq and two Assyrians are selected to compete in the 2021 Miss Iraq beauty pageant.
Turkish airstrikes set Assyrian farmlands ablaze in northern Iraq, five members of the Assyrian Democratic Movement run in Iraq’s upcoming parliamentary elections and a London-based Assyrian comedian preps for a post-pandemic restart of her live comedy night, Weapons of Mass Hilarity.
A statement from the Patriarch of the Chaldean Church draws backlash from the community, the Syriac Military Council calls for the release of three of its fighters imprisoned by Turkish-backed forces and two Assyrian organizations express their solidarity with Canadian’s Indigenous population following the discovery of unmarked gravesites across the country.
Three detentions are made in the case of Hürmüz and Simuni Diril, the Shlama Foundation assists shepherds bound to northern Iraq amid Turkish-PKK crossfire and the Assyrian Food Festival returns to Chicago.
Assyrian organizations submit recommendations at a UN forum on minority issues, a Chicago-based Assyrian artist features their work at a Pride Month showcase and singer-songwriter Yasmeen performs the national anthem at an NBA game in Phoenix.
A resolution recognizing the Assyrian Genocide of 1915 and the Simele Massacre of 1933 is tabled until the Illinois General Assembly’s fall session, the Shlama Foundation equips a new youth volleyball team in Batnaya, Iraq and Apple announces an Assyrian keyboard coming with iOS 15.
An Assyrian activist is released after his abduction in Syria, a partnered project between GISHRU and the Assyrian Aid Society Iraq helps Assyrian-owned businesses reopen in northern Iraq and an event in Illinois celebrates local Assyrian elected officials.
An Assyrian church in northern Iraq is damaged by Turkish airstrikes targeting the PKK, the Assyrian Aid Society announces this year’s Mesopotamian Night and the Assyrian Church of the East will hold its first in-person graduation ceremony in Illinois since the pandemic.
A UN Regional Forum scheduled for June will spotlight minority issues in the Middle East, Chicago-based nonprofit Ishtar’s Circle collects donations at a local food pantry and an online memorial tribute honors the life of the late Ashur Sargon Eskrya.
An Assyrian village in northern Iraq empties after intensified Turkish airstrikes, the Etuti Institute partners with Gabbara to renovate Assyrian homes in Armenia and UFC fighter Beneil Dariush secures a win and sets a record.
Seizures of Assyrian-owned properties facilitated by the Kurdistan Regional Government continue, the Shlama Foundation refurbishes a cemetery in a village in northern Iraq and the Assyrian American National Federation announces its 88th Assyrian Convention.
A U.S. House Resolution recognizing the Simele Massacre gets growing support, publishing house Nineveh Press is to publish a collection of Naum Faiq’s works and the Assyrian Community Fund announces plans for its first Teen Leadership Program.
U.S. President Joe Biden recognizes the massacres of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire as genocide, the KRG indefinitely shuts down an Assyrian television station in northern Iraq and the Etuti Institute resumes its Annual Leadership Program in the town of Bebedeh.
Airstrikes hit Assyrian-populated regions of northern Iraq, communities call for recognition of the Armenian Genocide ahead of its anniversary and the Assyrian Democratic Movement celebrates 42 years since its establishment.
Assyrians fill government seats in Cook County, Ill., an Assyrian priest in Turkey is sentenced to 25 months in prison and Ashur Sargon Eskrya, president of the Assyrian Aid Society - Iraq, dies at 46.
KRG MP Fareed Yaqoob introduces a draft law recognizing the Simele Massacre, a new documentary film titled Assyria A.D. gets an official Canadian release date and the Nineveh Plain Protection Units monitor Holy Week festivities in Northern Iraq.
Damage at an Assyrian archaeological site in Mosul prompts calls to action and further investigation, Iraq disqualifies overseas citizens from voting in an upcoming election and Assyrians around the world welcome the year 6771.
Arizona recognizes the Assyrian New Year, the Shlama Foundation equips farms in northern Iraq with solar technology and California schools get a new ethnic studies curriculum incorporating Assyrian history.
Residents of Alqosh, Iraq fear displacement at the hands of land sales, Chicago Assyrians run for local office and an Australian clothing brand drops a new Assyrian-inspired collection.
The Illinois General Assembly gets a resolution recognizing the Assyrian Genocide and Simele Massacre, the Homeland Coalition meets for the second time and the pope's visit to Iraq sparks international calls to action.
U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko reintroduces a resolution recognizing the Simele Massacre of 1933, the Assyrian Policy Institute kicks off its Digital Week of Action and the Pope prepares for a historic visit to Iraq.
An Assyrian American Association concludes its mental health awareness webinar series, sources confirm the death of an Assyrian Armenian soldier who had fought in the Nagorno-Karabakh war and a new documentary about Assyrian history has an official release date.
A town formerly occupied by ISIS rebuilds its community, social and political challenges send Iraq’s Assyrian population on a steady decline and Valentine’s Day gift boxes in Chicago bring resources to clinics and schools in Iraq.
Assyrians around the world remember three Zowaa members executed by the Saddam Hussein regime, community members and academics honor the legacy of Assyrian nationalist Naum Faiq and UFC fighter Beneil Dariush snags both an award and a win this week.
In this week’s episode, hear about the postponed trial of an Assyrian priest indicted in Turkey, an open letter from the Iraqi Christian Relief Council and other organizations to Turkish authorities regarding the case of a kidnapped Assyrian couple and the current status of the Shlama Foundation’s project bringing solar energy to the Nineveh Plain.
Correction: An earlier version of this episode said Sefer Aho Bileçen is being held on bond. Bileçen is out on bond.
This week, hear about why the University of California at Berkeley is facing backlash from the Assyrian community, how an Assyrian Student Association is getting winter clothing to Iraq and what an Assyrian Church of the East Bishop has to say about the COVID-19 vaccine.
In this week’s episode, catch up on a report from The Assyrian Policy Institute on the effects of Turkey’s ongoing conflict with the PKK, a resolution introduced to the Arizona House of Representatives calling for recognition of the Simele Massacre of 1933 and the Assyrian Aid Society of Iraq's recognition by the Iraqi Directorate of NGOs for its role in the country’s pandemic relief efforts.
Welcome to your audio source for Assyrian news. This week, hear about ACERO’s aid distribution in northern Iraq, Etuti Institute’s Christmas toy drive in Armenia and a Chicago Assyrian’s bid for local office.