Focus On Parliament

May 2013 ASSYRIANS NEW YEAR FESTIVAL, 6763 IN

Once again the Assyrian Australian Mr. Ninos Aaron Chairman of the Young National Federation (AANF) together with the Assyrian a subsidiary of the Assyrian Universal Assyrian Universal Alliance (AUA) hosted Alliance – Australian Chapter spoke about their one of the most successful Assyrian New group activities since their establishment in July Year Festivals in the last eight years where last year and encouraged our Assyrian youth to an estimated nine thousands people gathered participate in their efforts and activities. at Fairfield showground to celebrate this Other guest speakers were the Hon. Chris historical event. The Festival which started at Bowen MP, Federal member for McMahon; Mr. 10:00 am till 10:00 pm included Assyrian Folk MP; Federal member for Hughes, VIP guests at Exhibition Dancing on Monday 1st April, 2013. representing The Hon Tony Abbott MP, Leader Assyrian Historical Tableau Emperor and The formal proceedings began with the official of the Opposition; Mr. MP, Queen of Assyria opening of the Assyrian Art Exhibition at 2:15pm Federal member for Fowler; Mr Guy Zangari, by the Hon. MP. The customary MP, State Member for Fairfield, Shadow New Year Program commenced at 2:30 pm, with Minister for Citizenship & Communities; the Australian and Assyrian national anthems The Hon. David Clarke MLC; and Rev. The performed by Miss Jessica Ablahad, followed Hon Fred Nile MLC, Leader of the Christian by prayer by Rev. Father Ninos Eliya from the Democratic party. In attendance were also Mr. Assyrian Church of the East. Andrew Rohan MP , Member for Smithfield After welcoming the attendees, the Master representing the Premier of NSW , the Hon. Assyrian Exhibition of ceremonies Mr. Ninos Aaron, Chairman of Barry O’Farrell, MP; Mr. Nick Lalich, MP, Young Assyrians invited Mr. David M. David, State member for Cabramatta and Councillor VIP Guests at Assyrian New Year Festival President of the Assyrian National Ninos Khoshaba representing Mayor of Federation to welcome the attendees followed Fairfield City . Among other dignitaries were by Mr. Hermiz Shahen, Deputy Secretary Inspector Tony Mitchell, Duty Officer from General of the Assyrian Universal Alliance. Fairfield Local Area Command representing Both leaders thanked representatives of the Superintendent Peter Lennon; Superintendent Local, State and Federal Government for their Ray King, Liverpool Local Area Commander attendance and support over years. Mr. Shahen and Superintendent James Johnson, Green spoke about the bitter genocide committed Valley Local Area Commander. against the Assyrians by the Ottomans during All members praised in their speeches the Assyrian Guard at Historical Tablo WWI that has left deep marks in the hearts and role of the Assyrian Universal Alliance in its mind of every Assyrian. The cold-hearted murder continued deliberations and meetings with Historical procession of 750,000 defenseless Assyrian souls reduced the Australian government. They talked about the Assyrian mass, impacting the whole nation the inevitability of the Assyrian people to dramatically. Besides losing about three quarters obtain their full rights and freedom in Iraq . of their population, the genocide has resulted in They blessed this great occasion, showed their the loss of Assyrian historical lands in today’s admiration of the Assyrian Art Exhibition south-east Turkey, caused the scattering of the that was organized by the Young Assyrians Assyrian people and has negatively impacted branch of the Assyrian Universal Alliance – the economic well-being of all Assyrians. Mr. Australian Chapter and expressed pride in the Guests at Assyrian New Years Festival – Shahen also talked about the atrocities facing Assyrian civilization. L to R Rev Fred Nile, Miss Silvana Nero, the Assyrian people of Iraq and the future of The official opening was attended by Mariam Tadros and Craig Kelly MP Rev Fred Nile and Miss Silvan Nero examine Syria’s estimated 2.5 million Christians who representative of many Assyrian organisations member for Hughes, and Peter Tadros ancient Statue have traditionally prospered in that country and , prominent people and representative of the the uncertainty they now face. Armenian, Greeks, Coptics and Mandian Mr. Shahen appealed to the Australian communities . government to lay out a comprehensive This year the Australian Assyrian of the strategy for assisting the Assyrians and other Year Award was presented to Dr. John Atto, ethno-religious minorities of Iraq who are in recognition of his valuable contribution facing a systematic campaign of massacre and and for outstanding commitment shown to the destruction. He stated that the international Assyrian community. community has an opportunity to affect a At 6:00 pm, a dramatic arts piece was positive change in our favour. Our people in performed by a collaboration of Assyrian The Royal Assyrian Guard and attendants in Assyrian Folk Dancers Iraq are demanding a province in the Nineveh youth groups. The theatrical piece simulated procession Plains, the heartland of the Assyrian empire, the arrival of King and Queen of Assyria from under similar political and human rights the remote past to bless the festivity. measures enjoyed by the country’s Arabs The Festival ended with a beautiful display and Kurds. This province will be under the of Fireworks at 9:00 pm accompanied with jurisdiction of Iraq’s central government, live music. both contributing to and benefiting from the A special thanks to the organisers, the economic prosperity of the country. This Fairfield police and all attendees who made will encourage our people to remain on and this festival such a success. persuade the displaced and refugees to return Assyrian Universal Alliance Rev Fred Nile addressing Assyrian New Year to their ancestral lands. [email protected] Joyful climax of Assyrian New Year Festival Festival

Dramatic Arts piece simulated the arrival of Rev Fred Nile and Miss Silvana Nero Assyrian New Year Festival at Fairfield Packed Assyrian New Year Festival the King and Queen of Assyria congratulate Assyrian guards showground

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