Syriac–Assyrian Community in Sweden Honors Martyrs of Simele Massacre with Memorial Event

The Syriac–Assyrian community in Sweden gathered in Vita to commemorate the victims of the Simele Massacre, a historical event marking one of the most tragic chapters in the community’s history. The Coordination Committee of Political Parties of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) Community, in partnership with the Assyrian Church of the East, organized a solemn memorial at Urhoy Hall. The event aimed to honor those who lost their lives during the massacre, which occurred in 1933 and targeted Assyrian Christians in Iraq.

The ceremony commenced with a minute of silence, allowing attendees to reflect on the suffering endured by the Assyrian (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean–Syriac) people throughout history. School students and their families then joined a candlelight procession, accompanied by somber music, symbolizing their collective remembrance and solidarity with the martyrs.

Sargon Nikola, representing the Assyrian Democratic Movement in Scandinavia, addressed the gathering on behalf of the Coordination Committee. He recounted the community’s experiences of persecution, from the 1915 Sayfo Genocide to the recent violence by ISIS in the Nineveh Plains. Nikola called for unity among Assyrian (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean–Syriac) parties and institutions, urging them to collaborate in addressing the ongoing challenges faced by their people.

Poet Yalda Mar Okil contributed a moving recitation, reflecting on the historical injustices and atrocities suffered by the Assyrian (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean–Syriac) community. His words underscored the enduring pain and resilience of the people, as well as the importance of remembering their shared history.

Assyrian Church of the East Bishop for Sweden and Germany, Mar Odisho Oraham, delivered a speech emphasizing the long-standing persecution faced by Assyrian Christians, particularly after their conversion to Christianity. He highlighted the significance of unity among Assyrian (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean–Syriac) groups, noting that the specific name used to identify the community is less important than the collaborative spirit that binds them. Bishop Oraham expressed appreciation for the Coordination Committee, which includes several political and national organizations, and affirmed the church’s commitment to supporting its efforts.

The event concluded with a collective commitment to preserving the community’s heritage and working together to overcome the challenges that continue to affect their people. The gathering served as a reminder of the importance of solidarity, remembrance, and the pursuit of justice.

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