Beth Zalin bids farewell to Syriac poet Michel Philo at 64

BETH ZALIN, North and East Syria — The cultural and local communities of Beth Zalin (Qamishli) came together on Saturday to mourn the passing of Syriac (Chaldean-Assyrian-Aramean) poet Michel Philo, who died at the age of 64 after a lifelong dedication to literature and the preservation of national identity.

Born in 1961 in the village of Khwaitla in the Beth Zalin countryside, Philo initially worked for the electricity authority before dedicating most of his life to poetry in both Syriac and Arabic. His work spanned themes of national identity, literature, and romance, and he penned the lyrics for many Syriac and folk songs performed by local artists.

Philo also left a significant mark on the cultural, social, and political life of Beth Zalin over the decades. He remained actively involved in national celebrations, collaborated with various parties and organizations, and wrote the anthem of the Syriac Union Party (SUP) along with numerous poems honoring martyrs and the nation. As an active member of the Syriac Cultural Association, he was remembered as leaving “a lasting poetic legacy that captured the pain of the Syriac (Chaldean-Assyrian-Aramaic) people, reflected their national identity, and expressed the deep-rooted longing of generations for their ancestral land.”

His funeral service was held Saturday morning at St. Ephrem Syriac Orthodox Church, attended by a large gathering. The ceremony included musical performances by the Syriac Cultural Association’s Scouts ensemble before Philo was laid to rest in his hometown.

Philo, who is survived by his wife, Samira Barsoum, and four children—Philip, Hidro, Gabriel, and Ayla—is remembered as one of the poetic voices that embodied the spirit of the Syriac (Chaldean-Assyrian-Aramaic) community during a period of major change. A memorial service and mass will be held Sunday at St. Gabriel Hall in Beth Zalin, where the family will receive condolences.