European Syriac Union elects new leadership, commits to advocating for rights of Syriac people worldwide

BRUSSELS — The European Syriac Union (ESU) convened its eighth conference in Brussels, during which the co-chairship was elected.

The conference served as a platform for extensive discussions about the critical juncture the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people currently face. Attendees scrutinized a comprehensive report detailing the accomplishments of the ESU and deliberated on the strategies and actions to be undertaken in the future.

Opening the conference, Aziz Gergin, the General Coordinator of the Bethnahrain National Council (MUB) Aziz Gergin reflected on the ESU’s unwavering commitment to amplifying the voice of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people.

To facilitate the proceedings, an administrative committee was appointed comprised of David Vergili, Ibrahim Ay, and Turkan Uçar.

The conference commenced with a minute of silence in memory of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) martyrs, including those who were martyred in the tragic wedding hall fire in the Nineveh Plains town of Baghdede (Qaraqosh / Hamdaniya), Iraq.

Fehmi Vergili, Co-Chair of the ESU, elaborated on the Union’s tireless efforts over the past three years. Vergili acknowledged the difficulties stemming from the global political climate, however, he highlighted the ESU’s success in conveying the aspirations and demands of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people to international forums.

The conference featured the presentation of a detailed report chronicling the ESU’s activities during the preceding three years. Attendees actively engaged with the report, offering their insights and opinions.

Following the report, an election was held to designate the co-chairship of the Union and members of its Administrative Body. Ultimately, Fehmi Vergili and Manuela Demir were chosen as the co-chairs of the European Syriac Union, entrusted with leading the Union’s efforts for the next three years.

The newly elected co-chairs, in their addresses, affirmed their unswerving commitment to amplifying the voice of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people and advancing their rights. They expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them to steer the ESU’s activities and struggle.

Both co-chairs pledged to invigorate the roles of youth, foster internal relations, and enhance the engagement of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) institutions across Europe.

The conference culminated with the announcement of the newly appointed administrative members, who collectively pledged their dedication to tirelessly serve the cause of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people with unwavering resolve.