Bethnahrin Women’s Union concludes empowerment camp in Switzerland, focusing on heritage and youth leadership

SWITZERLAND — The Bethnahrin Women’s Union (Huyodo d’Neshe d’Bethnahrin, HNB) concluded its organizational camp in Switzerland, which began on 20 October 20 with the participation of 40 women from the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) communities, alongside clergy from community churches.

The final day’s activities emphasized the empowerment of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) youth, tackling the challenges they currently face, and exploring solutions. A dialogue session was also held on preserving the cultural heritage of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people, focusing on passing these traditions to future generations.

Participant Saadia recited poems celebrating women’s resilience, honoring Iraqi martyrs, and commemorating the Simele Massacre in both Syriac and Arabic. The day included screenings of documentaries on the villages of the Khabur River Valley and the 1915 Sayfo Genocide. To close the event, traditional games, a folkloric music performance, and Dabkeh dancing were organized, adding a festive note to the camp.

As a parting gesture, the organizers presented participants and clergy with books on the community’s history and souvenir cups featuring an image of Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo D’Bethnahrin, MUB) leader Michael Hadodo. Participants expressed gratitude for the camp’s educational, organizational, and recreational value and voiced their hope for similar events in the future to strengthen the role of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women in family and community life.