Bethnahrin National Council emphasizes peace amidst turmoil in Easter statement

BETH NAHRIN — In a statement titled “With the Hope of Peace, We Welcome the Day of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ,” the Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo d’Bethnahrin, MUB) commemorated Easter according to the Western calendar, urging unity and resilience in the face of regional challenges.

The Council acknowledged the somber backdrop of war in the Middle East and Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia) as the Syriac Catholic, Roman Catholic, Chaldean, and Maronite Churches mark the Easter holiday. It condemned colonial powers for exploiting national holidays and perpetuating violence, particularly through proxy jihadist groups backed by Turkey and Iran.

Despite the prevailing conflicts, the MUB underscored the enduring message of Christ for peace and nonviolence. It emphasized the resilience of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people in defending their heritage and resisting oppression throughout history, rooted in their cultural values of resistance.

In light of ongoing threats, the MUB called upon the community to uphold principles of solidarity, national unity, and preservation of cultural identity. It urged concerted efforts to organize and confront challenges, emphasizing the importance of collective action during these precarious times.