European Syriac Union hosts dialogue on future of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people in Syria and Lebanon

BRUSSELS — The European Syriac Union (ESU) held a dialogue session in Brussels to address the situation of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people in Syria and Lebanon amid ongoing regional developments.

The session, moderated by ESU Co-Chair Fehmi Vergili, was attended by 25 members of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) participants engaged in national affairs. Vergili discussed the challenges facing the Syriac community in the post-Assad era, the existential threats to their national identity, and strategies for achieving national and patriotic progress. Particular attention was given to the Wadi al-Nasara (Valley of Christians) in the Hmoth (Homs) and Hemto (Hama) regions, as well as the situation in North and East Syria.

Vergili also addressed the plight of Lebanese Christians in light of the recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, emphasizing the community’s need for stability and unity.

Le coprésident de l’Union des Syriaques d’Europe (ESU), Fehmi Vergili, a donné aujourd’hui des informations sur la situation actuelle en Syrie et sur la condition des Syriaques, lors d’une réunion au centre de Bruxelles. pic.twitter.com/xAdoJrfKZm

— EuropeanSyriacUnion (@esu_int) December 15, 2024

In a related announcement, the Syriac Union Party’s (SUP) Europe Branch invited all interested in the Syriac people’s national affairs to participate in an upcoming discussion session on their role in shaping Syria’s future. This session is scheduled to take place tomorrow at the headquarters of Suroyo TV in Södertälje, Sweden.

The event will also allow for direct participation via Facebook. It will be moderated by Yakub Mirza, a member of the Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo D’Bethnahrin, MUB), and Joseph Lahdo, SUP Europe Representative.

Lahdo called on the broader Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) community, encompassing all denominations and sects — Assyrian, Chaldean, Aramean, Maronite, and Greek Melkite — to actively engage in discussions about their collective future.

“It is very important that we all care about the fate and future of our people in this difficult and pivotal period of history. We must not neglect our right to our historical homeland, Syria, on an equal footing with all ethnic components of the Syrian people. Together, we can work to build a democratic and civil Syria where every group finds its rightful place based on justice and equality,” Lahdo emphasized.

The ESU’s ongoing efforts highlight the critical importance of unity and advocacy for the Syriac people as they navigate complex regional challenges.