Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) communities in Netherlands and Germany honor hero Şemun Hanne Haydo on 150th anniversary of his birth

ENSCHEDE, Netherlands / GRONAU, Germany — The family of renowned Syriac hero Şemun Hanne Haydo hosted celebratory events in the Netherlands and Germany to commemorate the 150th anniversary of his birth and the 60th anniversary of his passing. Haydo is celebrated for his valiant efforts in protecting the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people during the 1915 Sayfo Genocide.

In the Netherlands, the event began with the unveiling of a handcrafted portrait of Şemun Hanne Haydo at the Kinepolis Cinema in Enschede. A documentary chronicling his life and heroic deeds, particularly in Tur Abdin, Turkey, and the villages of Bsorino and Sara, was screened for attendees. The ceremony was graced by the presence of seven archbishops of the Syriac Orthodox Church, alongside priests and members of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community.

In Germany, an evening prayer was held at Mor Isaiah’s Church in Gronau to honor Haydo’s memory, with the participation of five archbishops, priests, and other attendees. The evening included a celebratory gathering featuring speeches by archbishops, clergy, institutional representatives, and prominent social figures. The celebration was enlivened by performances from four Syriac singers.

During Sunday Mass in Gronau, Şemun Hanne Haydo and his brother Malke were commemorated, with bread offered for their souls at Mor Isaiah’s Church. A communal meal followed, accompanied by speeches recounting the brothers’ bravery and dedication to their people.

The events concluded with a final documentary screening at Kinepolis Cinema in Enschede, highlighting Şemun Hanne Haydo’s enduring legacy of heroism and service to the Syriac people.