IRAQ: Beth Nahrin Patriotic Union commemorates martyrs of Bethnahrain National Council and martyrs of Baghdede wedding hall fire

BAGHDEDE, Iraq — The Baghdede (Qaraqosh / Hamdaniya) Local Committee of the Beth Nahrain Patriotic Union (Huyodo d-Bethnahrin Athroyo, HBA) organized a memorial evening to honor the memory of the martyrs of the Bethnahrain National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo D’Bethnahrin, MUB) and the over 100 martyrs of the tragic wedding hall fire in Baghdede, Iraq.

The solemn event commenced with a moment of silence as attendees paid their respects to the departed souls of the martyrs. Following the tribute, Yusuf Yacoub Matti, the head of HBA, delivered a heartfelt speech. In his address, he delved into the profound significance of martyrdom in the enduring struggle for the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people and their cultural identity.

The evening featured poetry dedicated to the martyrs, recited by two gifted Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian poets. Ablahad Saka, a devoted member of HBA, provided a historical overview of the ethnic cleansings, massacres, and tragedies that have affected the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian community.

As the memorial event drew to a close, a solemn candlelight procession was held in memory of the victims of the tragic fire incident. The procession commenced at the HBA headquarters and made its way to the location of the accident. During the journey, local priests conducted a heartfelt prayer to offer solace to the souls of the martyrs.