Swiss TV outlet Fenster Zum Sonntag highlights violations and resilience of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people in Beth Nahrin

BERN — Swiss television outlet Fenster Zum Sonntag recently aired a program spotlighting the challenges and violations faced by the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people in their historic homeland of Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia). The discussion featured Lukas Sagur, a representative of the European Syriac Union (ESU), and John Hobil from Stichting Schlomo, who provided insights into the plight of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community from the 1915 Sayfo Genocide to the present.

The program emphasized ongoing efforts to support the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people, including relief programs and initiatives encouraging them to preserve their heritage and remain steadfast in their ancestral lands. Both representatives urged the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community to remain resilient and rooted in the land of their forebears despite persistent challenges.

The program, produced in cooperation with the Protestant Church, also highlighted the work of the Stichting Schlomo and the Syriac Cross in delivering aid to Christians in the Middle East.

Specific stories were shared to illustrate the struggles of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people. The plight of Semir Özmen, a Syriac citizen forced to leave his hometown of Azakh in southeastern Turkey due to security concerns and societal pressures, was highlighted. Similarly, the story of Father George, a priest who emigrated from Syria to Switzerland, was featured. Father George remains committed to preserving the Syriac language, the sacred tongue of Jesus Christ.

The Swiss program also showcased the Syriac Cultural Club hall in Baden, Switzerland, where members of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community continue to practice their Christian faith and celebrate their cultural heritage.

This comprehensive feature sheds light on the historical and ongoing challenges faced by the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people while celebrating their resilience and determination to maintain their identity and culture.