Promoting unity and dialogue: Nadine Maenza brings together political parties to promote Syriac-Syriac dialogue, protect property rights, discuss Khabur file and reconstruction

ZALIN (QAMISHLI), North and East Syria — On Saturday, a series of meetings unfolded in Zalin as Nadine Maenza, former head of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, engaged with various Syriac institutions and dignitaries in the city. These sessions were part of a broader effort to foster cooperation and mutual understanding among the diverse of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people—and to support their rights. 

Nadine Maenza is widely recognized for her steadfast advocacy for human rights and religious freedom. Currently leading the International Religious Freedom Secretariat, she brings extensive international experience in monitoring and supporting communities facing religious persecution. Her work spans organizing and participation in global conferences and forums, advising different US secretaries and Congressional committees, where she consistently champions dialogue, legal reform, and strategic engagement aimed at protecting vulnerable (religious) groups. 

Meeting with the Coordination and Consultation Committee of National Syriac Parties  

The series of engagements with a meeting at the headquarters of the Syriac Union Party (SUP) where the Coordination and Consultation Committee for Syriac-Assyrian national parties with their basis in Syria convened. The delegation included Ephrem Isaac, Public Relations Officer of the SUP; Korya Shabo, representative of the Assyrian Democratic Organization’s (ADO); Bashir Saadi, ADO Deputy Head; Barsoum Yousef from the ADO General Secretariat; Wael Mirza, representative of the Assyrian Democratic Party’s Syrian branch; and Johnny Hermiz, a member of the Executive Committee of the Assyrian Democratic Party. 

Delegates discussed critical issues, foremost among them the situation of Christians, in particular Syriacs-Assyrians, in Syria and Iraq amid rapidly evolving political conditions, and the implications these developments hold for their future. The meeting also addressed the recently signed agreement between Mazloum Abdi, commander-in-chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and Ahmed Al-Sharaa, head of Syria’s transitional period. While participants welcomed the agreement as a stabilizing force aimed at preventing further conflict, they also expressed high concerns and disappointed over the omission of explicit references to the Syriac (Assyrian, Aramaic, Chaldean) people in the memorandum. 

Meeting with Presidential Committee of the Beth Nahrin National Council  

Maenza held a separate session with members of the Presidential Committee of the Beth Nahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo D’Bethnahrin, MUB). The discussions focused on the current political landscape in Syria and Iraq, as well as on the challenges associated with preserving the national identity of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people. Participants explored strategies for bolstering the efforts of national, religious, and social institutions to achieve freedom, dignity, and equitable political representation for the Syriacs (Arameans-Chaldeans-Assyrians) and Christians in general. 

Meeting with the High Property Committee and Municipal Council Members 

In another forum, Maenza joined representatives from the High Property Committee and municipal council members to discuss issues affecting properties belonging to Syriac (Assyrian-Aramean-Chaldean) and Armenian people. This committee, established to protect the rights of absent property owners, has noted that approximately 60% of registered properties belong to members of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) and Armenian people. Delegates emphasized the urgent need for legal and administrative mechanisms to safeguard these assets and ensure the preservation of their cultural and national heritage. 

The Khabur File and Reconstruction Efforts 

The final session was held with the First Khabur Genocide Victims Forum. During this meeting, a comprehensive file documenting the violations that have troubled the Khabur River Valley since the ISIS terrorist attacks was presented. This committee, formed in response to prolonged hardships in Khabur, is actively gathering testimonies and documentation to advocate for the area’s reconstruction and to facilitate the safe return of displaced residents. Participants called for coordinated local and international initiatives to address these reconstruction challenges. 

Enhancing Cooperation and National Unity  

Throughout the series of meetings, all participants stressed the importance of collective action among Syriac institutions and political parties to bolster the rights of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people and to ensure fair representation in a new and just Syria. They contended that unity and collaborative efforts are essential for overcoming current challenges and achieving the community’s aspirations for a nation founded on the principles of justice and pluralism. 

Maenza concluded the day by reiterating her commitment to supporting the just demands of the Syriac community, urging continued dialogue and sustained cooperation to realize common goals that benefit all segments of Syrian society.