Martyrs’ commemorations by local branches of Beth Nahrin National Council in Tur Abdin and Ticino

MIDYAT, TUR ABDIN, Turkey – Local branches held commemorations of the martyrs of the Beth Nahrin National Council and Syriac people in Midyat, Turkey, and Ticino, Switzerland.

The Federation of Syriac Associations in Turkey (SÜDEF) held a commemoration in Midyat which began with a minute of silence for the souls of the martyrs. A documentary was shown praising the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the Syriac people. SÜDEF President Augin Maqdesi Elyas delivered a speech explaining the national struggle of activist and revolutionary dawronoye and martyrs, and the need to make the voice of the Syriac people heard everywhere, especially in international forums.

Independent Syriac Member of Turkish Parliament Tuma Çelik too held a speech on the importance of sacrifice for the sake of one’s nation. Representative of the Syriac Women’s Association Theodora Hobil gave a speech on the struggle of women and martyrdom.

Süryani Dernekler Federasyonu (SÜDEF)’in düzenlediği, Süryani Mücadele Şehitleri anma etkinliğine katıldık.#asuhdelıgmeythi pic.twitter.com/F6MG28AGl6

— Tuma Çelik (@tuma_celik) October 18, 2021

Syriacs from the villages of Tur Abdin attended the commemoration, as well as the co-chair of the People’s Democratic Party in Midyat Barbara Akkaya.

TICINO, Switzerland – In the city of Ticino, the European Syriac Union (ESU) held a commemoration. Syriac Orthodox priest Abrohom Bander held a prayer for the eternal souls of the martyrs and delivered a speech on the meaning of religious and patriotic martyrdom.

Representative of the European Syriac Union in Ticino Bassem Hormuz read out the statement commemorating the martyrs issued by the Beth Nahrin National Council on October 10, which stresses that martyrdom is the only way to achieve the right and freedom of the Syriac people and calls for all Syriacs to remember and honor the martyrs’ sacrifices. Artist Hannibal George and his son ended the commemoration with a musical performance.