Ida Schleifer’s Souls in Transit screened in Giessen, Germany

GIESSEN, Germany — Ida Schleifer, the director of the Sayfo Genocide documentary film Souls in Transit, arrived in the German city of Giessen on Sunday to prepare for the film’s screening on Monday evening at the city’s cinema hall.

Before the event, Schleifer visited the Sayfo Genocide Memorial alongside representatives from various institutions, councils, and members of the European Syriac Union (ESU). The group gathered at the Turabdin Babylon Football Club before proceeding to the memorial site. Schleifer laid roses at the memorial to pay her respects to the martyrs of the genocide.

The film screening began at 7 PM and was presented in Syriac and Arabic with German subtitles. Tickets were priced at €25, with a discounted rate of €15 for school students holding subscriptions.

Following the screening, attendees were given the opportunity to engage directly with the director, asking questions and sharing their thoughts on the film.

The Sayfo Genocide Memorial itself was established in November 2019 in the municipality of Pulheim, following concerted efforts by local Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) communities, German politicians, and advocacy groups. The area is home to approximately 1,500 Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) families.

Souls in Transit continues to highlight the enduring memory of historical injustices and the resilience of those dedicated to preserving their history and culture.