Assyrian Democratic Party and Syriac Union Party hold memorial for Simele Massacre on Assyrian Martyrs’ Day in Tel Tamr, North and East Syria

TEL TAMR, North and East Syria — The Assyrian Democratic Party, in collaboration with the Syriac Union Party (SUP), organized a memorial ceremony to commemorate the Simele Massacre on Assyrian Martyrs’ Day. The event took place in the hall of Saint’s Church in Tel Tamr, North and East Syria, in the Khabur River Valley. The memorial was attended by the local Syriac–Assyrian community, the Tel Tamr Military Council, and representatives from various political parties.

The ceremony began with a minute of silence in honor of the martyrs of Simele and all martyrs of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people. Shimon Kako, a member of the executive body of the Assyrian Democratic Party, delivered a speech highlighting the significance of 7 August as a pivotal day in the history of the Assyrian (Aramean–Chaldean–Syriac) nation, symbolizing sacrifice and resilience.

Kako emphasized the Assyrian Democratic Party’s commitment to unity and cooperation with political, social, religious, and cultural institutions to form a united front advocating for the rights of the region’s people and the Assyrian (Aramean–Chaldean–Syriac).

Nineveh Moshe, a member of the Council of Families of Assyrian Martyrs, also spoke, describing the Simele Massacre as an act of genocide against the Assyrian (Aramean–Chaldean–Syriac) — one of the most heinous atrocities in history, with lasting sorrowful effects on the community. She also paid tribute to the martyrs of 23 February 2015, who bravely resisted the attacks of the Islamic State (ISIS) on the Khabur and Tel Tamr.

The ceremony concluded with the singing of nationalist songs in the Syriac language about the Simele Massacre. Candles were lit in remembrance of the martyrs.