European Syriac Union hosts dialogue session on the 1915 Sayfo Genocide in Sontra, Germany

SONTRA, Germany — On the 109th anniversary of the Sayfo Genocide, the European Syriac Union (ESU) held a dialogue session in Sontra, Germany, under the patronage of Father Gabriel Safar, priest of Our Lady Church in Bebra.

The event began with a minute of silence followed by a prayer for the souls of the martyrs.

The session was led by Masoud Be Malki, a member of ESU Foreign Relations. He discussed the policies preceding the 1915 Sayfo Genocide and how it was executed, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the Sayfo for acknowledging the existence of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people.

Following the presentation, attendees were given the opportunity to ask questions, which led to a workshop moderated by Abgar Ay. Participants shared their opinions on various issues concerning the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community.

The session concluded with a call for the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people to continue commemorating the Sayfo annually to keep the memory alive.

In related news, Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) communities in Vienna, Austria, also commemorated the Sayfo Genocide. Events were held at the Virgin Mary Church, under the patronage of Father Tuma Qas Ibrahim; the Peter and Paul Church, under Father Samuel Ocal; and St. Ephrem Church, under Father Ephrem Gawrieh. Prayers were offered to honor the souls of the Sayfo martyrs.