March 2013, No. 27 Newsletter The Voice of the Syriacs

CHAIRMANS MESSAGE

Dear readers,

The Syrian case, it is resuming to be crucial issue of the world’s agenda. The Middle East, in every century has got through period of transition and heavy wars. Aftermath of the Lausanne agreement in 1923, the Syriac people had been left outside of the change region and develop­ ments which happened in the Middle East. They couldn’t benefit from these developments neither as nation and nor as Christians. Now a days, the Arab Spring which begun in Tunisia, Libya and Egypt, continues in Syria more than two years. The Syrian uprising turned into a bloody war and caused hundreds and thousands victim across Syria.

As ESU, we are aware of difficulties and the obscure future for Syriac people. Neither Western powers and nor the local powers do not pro­ tect them. They let them out of the process. The representation of Syriac people in every level is weak or neglected. Once again the agenda is about the Sunni, the Shia and the Kurds. We have already seen this film in Iraq. As ESU we demand from the Western powers to consider and to understand the problems and the circumstances of the Syriac Christians in Syria.

As ESU we started a campaign to help our people in Syria. This campaign consists of collecting food, clothes, blanket etc. to serve the people to continue their life in Syria. Our campaign has begun 15th of March and will continue until 15th of April. We expect each kind of help and donations so that hand in hand we can protect and help the kids, the women, the elderly, the sick and people in need.

In this occasion, we would like to congratulate the head of the Catholic Church his Beatitude Pope Francis I. who has been elected as the new leader of Vatican and the whole Catholic in the world. Our expectation from the new Pope Francis I. is to awake the Christian world on the sit­ uation of the Christians of the Middle East. We call him to support spiritually and materially and to pay attention to those Christians as his Beatitude pay attention to the other Catholics faithful.

In the past several days, the Turkish government launches a process with the Kurds and especially with the Kurdish Worker Party (PKK) to solve the problems and the Kurdish issue. In our opinion, this is a significant step towards the security of the people who are living in Turkey. But on the other hand, the Turkish government does not give the impression of being honest and sincere towards the Syriacs. Because it takes the Syriac issue as a religious community and it is trying to solve the problems with the religious leaders. That shows the approaches of the Turkish government are avoiding the identity of the Syriacs and it wants to accept them as Turkish Christians. But as ESU we do not accept this approach toward our people and the denial of our identity that has a history of more than 6000 years old. We appeal the European Union to be aware of this richness of Syriac history and tradition does not be vanished from Turkey.

As ESU in last 3 months, we organized activities such as conference in the France Senate about Syria. Also we made several activities to cele­ brate the World Women day and to promote the Syriac women in the community. Furthermore we held some presentations, conferences and parties in different European countries and we prepared the activities to commemorate the Sayfo 1915 martyrs in April.

Lahdo Hobil President of European Syriac Union The Voice of the Syriacs March 2013 - No. 27 page 2

SYRIAC CONFERENCE IN FRENCH SENATE

On 13, February, Syriac people raised their sition groups in not accepted. Syriac people Syriac Union Party in Syria is political party voices in the French Senate concerning the and Christians are not enough and truly rep­ which seeks to advance the situation of Syriac latest situation in Syria and their expectations resented.” people in Syria and bring their problems and and demands from new Syria and from Bassam Ishak also insisted about the Islamist demands in front of the regional and interna­ French public opinion. groups in Syria and their sectarian attitudes tional community. toward Christians. The party has worked deeply in Syria during The Institute Assyro­Chaldeen­Syriaque locat­ the uprising and it had been active with the ed in Paris organized a conference at the Vice­President of Syriac Union Party in Syria humanitarian aid for Syriac people in difficul­ French Senate with the collaboration of Said Malki had insisted about the vulnerabili­ ty. European Syriac Union, ESU about the ongo­ ty of Syriac people in Syria and the lack of ing conflict in Syria and its consequences on support for them. Among the other speakers, Randa Kassis, vulnerable Syriac Christians. Said Malki highlighted that, “all groups in opposition figure stated the necessity for Since the uprising in Syria one of the most Syria receive important and vital support political solution in Syria in order to stopping vulnerable groups, Syriac people, have been from different countries. Kurds receive their the killing of civilians and the ongoing blood­ affected and seek the refuge at the neighbor support from Iraqi Kurdistan, Sunnites are shed. countries. supported by Golf monarchies and Alawites On the other hand, the President of l’Oeuvre find their help from Iran. Contrary to this bla­ d’Orient, Pascal Gollnisch highlighted the Under the patronage of Senator Christiane tant reality, Christians are not protected and importance of the presence of Christians in Kammermann, the conference gathered dif­ nobody support them.” Syria and he declared that Christians have ferent personalities, experts, and individuals Said Malki also declared that the objective of been active at the cultural, social and eco­ to discuss the situation from different angles Christians is not to attack but simply to nomic aspect of Syrian society and their dis­ and providing effective solution to the cur­ defend themselves against all harassments appearance from the Middle East will have rent situation. and attacks. enormous consequences. The conference was the first example in the Syria uprising started on March 2011 against French Senate and also first meeting for dictatorial regime of Bashar Al Assad. During the final statement the President of Syriac people to deliver their messages in People in Syria raised their voices for justice, Institute of Assyro­Chaldeen­Syriaque Agnes French Senate. freedom, dignity and democratic principles to Ide stated the inquietude of Syriac and be accorded for the whole society. Since the Christians about the Iraqi syndrome which Bassam Ishak leading opposition figure and beginning of uprising, thousands of civilians left great consequences on the Chaldean­ the President of Syrian Syriac National had been killed and thousands had fled the Syriac­Assyrian people in Iraq. She stated that Council mentioned the difficulty on the country to neighbor countries. While the con­ the presence of Christians and Syriac in Syria ground and especially for Syriac and flict affects all segment of the Syrian society is fundamental. Regional and international Christians who had been caught between two one of the vulnerable groups in Syria are actors have to take this point into considera­ dilemmas. Bassam Ishak stated that, “the Syriac people. Syriac people who fled the tion. regime have killed and continue to killing the country have found their refuge in Lebanon, civilians and people in Syria while destroying Iraq and Turkey. There are also some Syriac culture, social fabric and institutions in Syria. people who try all means and way to reach to At the same time, the attitude of some oppo­ European countries. The Voice of the Syriacs March 2013 - No. 27 page 3

INTERVIEW WITH BASSAM ISHAK, PRESIDENT OF SYRIAC NATIONAL COUNCIL OF SYRIA

Syria uprising nearly two years occupies the be in power after Assad. They also feel inse­ crises is to minimize outside political interfer­ public attention in Middle East countries and cure given the recent experience of Iraqi ence, and competition for influence, and to as well at the international level. The ongoing Christians post Saddam Hussein’s regime who empower Syrians to form together their new uprising has turned into bloody conflict, which became target of religious violence and many social and political contract. I am not saying made thousands of casualties and one of the of them were forced to leave. We also need to that the international community has no role biggest humanitarian crises. Despite numer­ point out that more and more Syrians includ­ to play or that its not needed. The opposite, ous attempts the international community ing Christians are shifting to the side of the the international community has a responsibil­ failed to reach a consensus, which will end the revolution given the regime brutality and its ity to help the Syrian find a solution but their current conflict. While the conflict ravage all lack of ability to provide a political solution. own solution that answer the needs of Syrians segment of society, Syriac people also have Many Christians who were part of the regime first. been affected. We are providing an exclusive for a long time have fled the country. The interview with Mr. Bassam Ishak, opposition regime, after realizing that it has lost its grip on figure and human rights activist. At the same the Christians, has turned against them, for time, Mr. Ishak is the President of Syrian Syriac example, in the province of Hassakeh, the National Council. regime has given its Shabbiha the green light to intimidate Syriac Christians to force them to Syria uprising is entering to second year with flee the country. Many Syriac Christian mem­ thousands of casualties and human tragedies. bers of the military have fled to neighboring How do you see and analyse current situation countries because they are not willing to die inside Syria? for Assad and some have defected to the free Syrian Army. I believe that Assad will fall like The revolution which started through civil every other brutal dictator did, but the Syrian demonstrations by Syrians seeking individual Syriac Christians and their unique identity will freedom has turned into an armed confronta­ continue to strive in the land of their forefa­ tion because of the regime’s brutality against thers peaceful Syrians. The Free Syrian Army and As President for S.S.N.C what are the armed revolutionists have made an impressive You are personally leading opposition figure demands of Syriac people in the future Syria? progress on the ground as they have been able and at the same time President of Syrian to free more than half the country and they Syriac National Council. When and why you The Syriacs, like every other identity communi­ are knocking on the doors of Bashar Assad in have established the council? What are the ty in Syria desire to live in a country that recog­ Damascus. It’s true that the Assad army is bet­ objectives of Syriac Council? nizes and respects their identity. A country ter equipped and by far has enjoys superior that is based on citizenship where all citizens weaponry but the armed revolutionists enjoy The Council was established on September 8, are equal, regardless of sex, religion, sect, high moral and are making progress, slow at 2012, in Istanbul. We chose Istanbul for many nationality, or origin. A pluralistic country, that times, but sustainable progress. I believe it’s reasons, Turkey and Syria share a significant is inclusive of all of its members. All enjoy the just a matter of time before the regime fall in Syriac population that lives on its historical same rights and share the same responsibili­ Damascus and the Syrian people will not be land, we also wanted to send a message that ties. A Syriac or a Kurd, a man or a woman, denied. Yes as you mentioned the fall, of the we desired to open a new page of relations should be able to compete and reach the high­ regime, will come at a great price for Syrians between the Syriacs and democratic Turkey est political office if they possess the needed but freedom never comes cheaply. I also and we wanted to express to Turkey, as Syrian qualities and are chosen by the Syrian people. believe that the struggle for freedom will con­ Syriacs, our appreciation of its strong support This may sound idealistic but this is the real tinue for Syrians even after Assad is gone in for the Syrian people’s revolution in his strug­ aspiration of the revolution as it started, I was order to overcome a culture of political gle for freedom and democracy. During times there the demonstrators went out and died monopoly. For now, the obstacle is the mili­ of uncertainty its natural for special identity seeking individual freedom and dignity for all tary forces of Bashar, in the future the obsta­ people to feel insecure and to seek to empha­ Syrians with no exception. That is what I want cles will come in political forms, but the Syrian size their identity, this was a significant moti­ to and what I struggle for, for all Syrians, people are determined to win their full free­ vation to establish the Syriac council. We including Syriacs. dom and to live in their country in dignity and wanted to confirm our identity and encourage eventually they will reach their goals regard­ our people not to give up their presence in less of the obstacles. As I said earlier, people their historical land. We also wanted to What the future holds for Syrian people alto­ who are willing to sacrifice in this heroic fash­ express support for the revolution and make gether? ion will not be denied. the point that Syriacs are part of it. We want­ ed to send a message that our forefathers I am an opposition figure, I am biased, I believe While the current situation affect all seg­ identity is dear to us and significant to our lives the revolution and the Syrian people are on ments of Syrian society, Christians of Syria as Syrians and that we are entrenched in the right side of history, and they can’t be had been at the top of international agenda. Syrian history and present and that we intend denied the country they have dreaming and What is the point of view of Christians regard­ be part of the democratic Syria of the future sacrificing for that is democratic and pluralist ing Syrian Uprising? which Muslim and Christians, Alawites and and modern. I heard many experts argue when Sunnis, Arabs, Syriacs and Kurds aspire for. the Arab Spring began that it will not reach Just like every segment of the Syrian society Syria, the same experts later argued that the the Christians of Syria are divided between As international community failed to reach to revolution was near finished, and they argue those who support the regime and those who a consensus regarding the conflict in your now that the revolution is at in impasse. They support the revolution. According to objective opinion what is the best solution for Syrian don’t know the Syrian people how deter­ data a slight majority of the Christians support crisis? mined, resilient, and focused on reaching their the revolution. Those Christians who still sup­ goal, we maybe diverse like the colors of a port Assad do it out of fear for their future, I have a brief answer for this question. I rainbow but we are one. they are afraid of what might be or who might believe, that the best solution for the Syrian The Voice of the Syriacs March 2013 - No. 27 page 4

ESU LETTER TO HRW CONCERNING KILLINGS OF SYRIAC PEOPLE IN TURABDIN

mayor, businessmen had been killed by of 1987 to 1998, nearly 50 Syriac people unknown assailants and Syriac villages had had been killed by unknown assailant(s). been damaged or fully evacuated. Taking account of the current discussion Following the intensification of the conflict over the extra­juridical killings in Turkey in the region, Syriac people were easy tar­ and as your above mentioned report point get for the shadowy groups. Due to lack of out, the time for accountability is crucial juridical and security mechanisms, deep and vital for the justice to take place. groups with strong ties had been developed Syriac people who had been victim of these and established the reign of terror against attacks were well­known personalities the people of the region. During the 1990s, among their local population regardless while the conflict and reign of fear were at their different identity and belief. All vic­ utmost point, Syriac people without any tims were well placed among the Syriac reason had been victim of killings. Taking people and among them there was doctor, account of their little quantity, killings of former mayor, businessmen and some­ European Syriac Union, ESU informed Syriac personalities left irrevocable conse­ times Syriac tourists who only desired to Human Rights Watch, HRW about extra­ quences on the presence of Syriac people in visit the region. juridical killings of Syriac people in the the region. Following these murders, Syriac south­east region of Turkey during the people started to flee abroad massively to The ongoing Cemal Temizöz trial can lead to 1990s. During this dark period nearly 50 European countries while leaving behind all important revelations concerning killings of Syriac people had been victim of unknown properties, assets and other valuable rich­ Syriac people at İdil district near to Cizre. assailants killings and resulting with great ness.” The killings that happen during the 1990s exodus of Syriac people from the region create an atmosphere of fear, insecurity namely Turabdin. Syriac people had been important and cru­ and these caused to great exodus of Syriac cial element of the social fabric in the people from the region.” During the 1990s while the conflict made region while preserving their culture, lan­ rage at the region between state forces and guage, heritage and traditions despite all Finally, ESU had kindly requested from HRW PKK, despite their neutral stance Syriac obstacles and difficulties. They had been to monitor, investigate about the extra­ people had been target of shadowy groups active at the construction of the multi­cul­ juridical killings of Syriac people and push stated at the letter of ESU and highlighting tural sphere and they had been involved authorities to find perpetrators of these that, actively at the social and daily life of the inhuman crimes. ESU also highlighted the “at the same time and region, Syriac people region. importance of the full collaboration and were also present and they had been victim support regarding this important issue. of the conflict of two sides despite their Meanwhile, ESU letter draw attention to neutral stance. Well­known Syriac person­ the killings and stated, “Between the years alities among them doctors, former district

8 MARCH INTERNATIONAL WOMEN DAY

around Europe. church, the Bethnahrin Women Union discus­ The goal of this activities is, to operate on sed with about more than 65 participants the international level about the importance of intercultural exchange, the linguistic and soci­ this day for the women and especially for the al integration of the women in Europe. Syriac Women. In all seminars the speakers on behalf of the At the seminar in Södertälje / Sweden, where Bethnahrin Women Union pointed out, that about 70 women participated, the main topic the woman is an integral part of Christianity, was the role of Syriac women within the so that she has to take care of the fututre of Syriac society. Christianity in Middle East.

Regarding to latest developments in our nati­ In Switzerland the Bethnahrin Women Union ve homeland Syria, the Bethnahrin Women organized a festivity in Wil. More than 350 Union pointed out the importance of people participated this event. On the occasion of the 8th of March, the womens participation to social, humanitarain international day of the women, the and politicial activities. During this festivity the representative of the Bethnahrin Women Union has organised dif­ Another seminar with the same topic was Bethnahrin Women Union made a speech ferent events in Sweden, Switzerland and held in Västeras, which was hosted by the St. about the importance of participation of Germany. Eliyo church of the city. women to organizations and institutions. The Bethnahrin Women Union is celebrating At the seminar in Hamburg / Germany, which Within this speech the role of women within this important day since years with different was hosted by the St. Maria and St. Shmuni the Syriac people was pointed out. events in different countries and cities whole The Voice of the Syriacs March 2013 - No. 27 page 5

The Voice of the Syriacs SYRIAC PEOPLE CELEBRATED AKITU, 1st APRIL IMPRINT

Information bulletin about the social position of the Syriacs in and outside the Middle East. It appears periodically, published by the European Syriac Union (ESU) in Brussels­Belgium.

Members of the Union

Union der Suryoye Vereine in der Schweiz Switzerland Syriac people in celebrated the their transmission to the future the next generations.” New Year, Akitu in Sweden, generations. She declared that, Evgil Türker also highlighted the Bethnahrin Informations Netz Switzerland Turabdin and in Syria. Akitu is “while our world is at turning ongoing talks between state and celebrated among Syriac people point from many angles and Kurdish side in order to solve Bethnahrin Kultur Verein st Middle East in turmoil, it is vital long date Kurdish issue and he Germany on 1 April as the arrival of the Spring. Syriac people have long to be able to celebrate such said that we ask also to be part Bethnahrin Frauen Union Deutschland­ history which goes back 6000 important days. Syriac people of this process. Evgil Türker Sweden­Switzerland years in Mesopotamia and have are present in the Middle East declared that Syriac people also countries and they are facing want to be part and present in Syrianska­Assyriska Riksförbundet i important contributions to the Sverige, Sweden social fabric of the region. great dilemmas. We have also an this process and we want to be European Syriac Union, ESU important responsibility toward present in the “wise men com­ Stichting Bethnahrin Informatie Bureau them and help them during mission” in order to bring our Netherlands organized a mass event in Sweden for the celebration of harsh days. For the moment asset on the table. Centre Culturel du Peuple de the Akitu. ESU activity in Syriac people in Syria our priori­ During last month Turkish gov­ Mesopotamie Sweden took place on 29 March ty.” ernment had started a new Belgium and the event had great success. Akitu festivities also took place process with the Kurdish side in Institut Mesopotamie de Bruxelles Syriac people in Sweden partici­ in Turabdin, Southeast Turkey, order to solve Kurdish issue. The Belgium pated to the event massively and region which is the homeland of ongoing process has vital impor­ they had great moments of hap­ Syriac people. Turabdin region is tance for the democracy and Assyrer­Suryoye Kultur Verein rich with the Syriac heritage and civil liberties in Turkey. Austria piness during the event of the Akitu. Suroyotv also had broad­ the presence of Syraic people in On the other hand, despite all Institut Assyro­Chaldéen­Syriaque casted the event on live to the Turabdin is vital for multi cultur­ difficulties and dilemmas Syriac France Syriac people around the world. al aspect of the region. The people had celebrated Akitu also Qenneshrin Newspaper Sweden has important Syriac Federation of Syriac Associations in Syria, Al­Qamishli. Syriac peo­ Sweden diaspora and Syriac people are hosted the event in the village of ple are densely present in Al­ present in every stage of Kafro. Syriac people from differ­ Qamishli and in Syria. The event ent villages gathered to the fes­ host Syriac people in the city and President: Swedish society and they con­ Mr. Lahdo Hobil tribute largely to the Swedish tivities and they enjoyed there was large program for the [email protected] society. moments with the singers event. The event of Akitu had rich pro­ arrived from Syria. Syriac people are native people Vice­President: gram of large choice of singers, The President of Federation of of Mesopotamia and today they Mrs. Neriman Özgün theatre shows, traditional cos­ Syriac Associations Evgil Türker are dispersed in different Middle [email protected] tumes defile among others. The presented a speech during the East countries. During the cen­ singers from different countries event and highlighted the impor­ turies they contributed massive­ Foreign Affairs: tance of the day. Evgil Türker ly to the present societies. They Mrs. Rima Tüzün of Europe entertain people dur­ [email protected] ing the night with their tradition­ said that Turkey is passing very made large contributions in liter­ al sings. On the other hand, the delicate process in order to solve ature, medicine, culture. On the PR: traditional hand craft apparatus Kurdish issue and we support other hand, with the political Mr. Yusuf Kangus had been exhibited to the large this process which will bring oppressions and denial policies [email protected] public. Around 700 Syriacs were more stable conditions. He they had been target of mas­ present to the event among declared that “Syriac people are sacres and discriminative poli­ them young, elders, and chil­ indigenous people of cies. Consequently, Syriac peo­ Contact: dren. Mesopotamia and Turabdin. We ple seek refuge outside of the Phone: 0032 2 523 4181 On behalf ESU, Vice­Chairman are present in these lands since region and they fled to Western Internet: www.esu.cc Neriman Özgün welcomed all centuries. During every century countries. e­mail: [email protected] attendees and presented a and history we made our contri­ ESU is working for the promo­ speech concerning the Akitu, butions in the field of culture, tion of Syriac people rights and Address: New Year. Neriman Özgün high­ economy, and daily life and so demands. ESU accord great Rue Bara, 152 lighted the importance of cultur­ on. We attached too much importance to the cultural, tradi­ 1070 Brussels importance to our cultural and tional and educational values of Belgium al and traditional values espe­ cially in diaspora, their impor­ traditional values and it is our Syriac people and it is active in tance for cultural formation and responsibility to pass them to these fields.