Universal Syriac Union Party holds memorial Mass in Beirut for soul of MUB Martyr İzla

BEIRUT — Funeral Masses and prayers for the soul of Hawro (Comrade) İzla Neriman Özgun, a martyr of the Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo D’Bethnahrin, MUB), have been conducted across Beth Nahrin (Mesopotamia) and the diaspora.

On Sunday, the Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP) organized a solemn funeral Mass at the Syriac Orthodox Mor Yakub al-Saruji Church in Beirut. The service was led by Syriac Orthodox Archbishop of Mount Lebanon and Tripoli Mor Mikhael Shamoun, supported by Chorepiskopos Mikhael Amine, Father Andrawes Khazal, Father Fadi Iskandar, and a number of deacons.

The ceremony was attended by USUP President Ibrahim Mrad, the party’s leadership and members, along with a large gathering of supporters and friends. During the service, Father Khazal delivered a heartfelt tribute to İzla, reflecting on her extraordinary dedication to her people and her unwavering commitment to their cause.

“İzla devoted her life to her people’s struggle, carrying their hopes and challenges in her heart and mind,” Father Khazal remarked. “She faced countless dangers with resilience, never wavering in her resolve, and always with a smile.”

Prayers and funeral Masses for İzla’s soul have been held in Syriac churches and archdioceses across Europe and Beth Nahrin.

Her final resting place is in her hometown of Medyad (Midyat), located in the historic Tur Abdin region of southeastern Turkey, where she was laid to rest with deep reverence and respect for her legacy.