Sydney suburb of Ryde recognizes 1915 Sayfo Genocide, plans memorial to honor victims

SYDNEY — The City Council of Ryde, a suburb of Sydney, Australia, officially acknowledged the 1915 Sayfo Genocide, during which Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean), Armenian, and Greek communities were targeted by the Ottoman Empire between 1915 and 1923.

The resolution, passed during the council’s 30 April session, urges the Australian Federal Government to also formally recognize the atrocities as genocide. Alongside this decision, the council announced plans to construct a permanent memorial in Meadowbank Park to honor the victims.

The unveiling ceremony is scheduled for Friday, 10 May, at 2:30 PM, and will be attended by local leaders and community representatives.

Ryde is home to thriving Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek communities, many of whom are descendants of genocide survivors. These communities have actively preserved the memory of their ancestors while contributing significantly to civic life and advocating for justice.

Mayor Trenton Brown, who introduced the motion, described the resolution as a moral imperative. “The horrors of 1915 to 1923 must be remembered,” he said. “Recognition is not just symbolic, it’s a step toward healing, accountability, and truth.”

Community leaders welcomed the council’s decision. In a joint statement, Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek organizations expressed gratitude to Ryde Council and urged other municipalities across Australia to adopt similar resolutions.

While nations such as the United States and France have officially recognized the genocide, Australia’s federal government has not yet done so, citing political sensitivities tied to its relationship with Turkey, a key regional ally. Ryde’s action bolsters growing domestic calls for national recognition.

The planned memorial, once completed, will serve as both a tribute to the victims and a lasting reminder of the consequences of silence and denial in the face of atrocity.