Vol IV, Issue 6
Neesan 13, 6748 April 13, 1998
T H I S W E E K I N Z E N D A
THE LIGHTHOUSE
ZENDA Says...
Although we desperately tried to resist the "Titanic"-mania which
has afflicted nearly everyone in its path of DeCaprio-frenzy dainty
destruction we finally succumbed to the charms of this week's
exclusive feature article and decided to bite our nails and just
let it go. ZENDA has already received information on the names
of the Assyrians who perished with the Titanic in 1912 and their
amazing stories which we will gladly share in the future pages
of this magazine.
GRIFFITH'S "INTOLERANCE"
According to the National Box Office reports, in the past two months
most of us movie-goers spent around $7.50 and about 3-hours 15
minutes each watching the movie “Titanic”. Now that we know
our film viewing threshold I would like to propose another film,
“Intolerance”.
Directed by David Lewelyn Wark Griffith (D. W. Griffith), "Intolerance"
has repeatedly been claimed by film critics as “the greatest movie
ever made” and at the time of production, 1916, like “Titanic”
it was the most costly ($493,800). What drove this film's pricetag
through the roof was one of the four interweaving stories entitled
“The Fall Of Babylon”.
The Babylonian segment of the "Intolerance" is a story set in
ancient Babylon, governed by the peaceful King Nabonidus (Carl
Stockdale) and his son Belshazzer (Alfred Paget), a young mountain
girl (Constance Talmadge) who falls in love with Belshazzer.
The evil and intolerant High Priest of Bel (Tully Marshall) conspires
with the Persian ruler Cyrus (George Siegmann) to conquer Babylon.
The Persians attack and the young mountain girl is tragically
caught defending Babylon, its ruler and her idol Belshazzar.
D. W. Griffith demanded accuracy and quality from his cast and
crew. When the time came to shoot the Babylon scenes he employed
hundreds of set builders, painters, set designers and 2,500 extras
to achieve the perfect backdrop. The Babylon set, designed by
Walter W. Hall after matte shots taken off the Tower of Jewels
at the San Francisco Exposition in 1914, is an exact replica of
the original Babylonian towers, in size and detail. It is one
of the largest, most elaborate exterior sets ever built for a
single film. With Griffith’s sweeping battle scenes and mass
deployment of bodies in motion this silent-film brings ancient
Mesopotamia to life and is sure to bring a tear in any Assyrian's
eye.
The entire film, about 3-hours long, spans 2,500 years of hatred
and injustice in history. “The Fall of Babylon” comes in the
last quarter and is the most spectacular of the whole film. There
is a rare release of only that part of the movie as a separate
feature, redone comprised of out-takes, newly shot sequences
and a happier ending, but extremely difficult to find a copy of.
“Intolerance” does include medium violence, brief nudity and is
questionable for children. I hope you will enjoy this amazing
film.
Helbard Alkhas
Santa Cruz, California
Mr. Alkhas, a ZENDA reader, is the Program/News Director at KSBW-TV
8, an NBC-affiliate in Salinas, California. He began his TV Production
career in a small San Francisco Bay Area studio working on the
local Assyrian TV productions. He has also been the recipient
of the WAVE, two years in a row, for the making of the best TV
commercials on the community channels.
"Intolerance" also features Lillian Gish in one of her early full-feature
film appearances. To view an excerpt from "Intolerance" Click Here (requires Apple's QuickTime).
GOOD MORNING BET-NAHRAIN
A NEW ASSYRIAN ATHLETIC CENTER OPENS IN NORTH IRAQ
(ZNDA: Chicago) Monday 23 February 1998 marked the opening ceremonies
of Sanharib Athletic Center for Basketball and Volleyball in Nohadra
(Dohuk), North Iraq. The Dohuk parliamentary representatives
as well as the regional members of the Assyrian Democratic Movement
(Zowaa) among hundreds of others were present to witness the opening
of this athletic arena. To stamp the Center's opening, a friendly
match between Sanharib Basketball Club and the Zakho Club took
place. The Sanharib Athletic Club is unique in organizing several
women's teams and competitions.
Northern Chronicles:
March 15
- The Assyrian Cultural Center celebrated its 6th anniversary at
Mohammed Aref al-Jezeery Hall in Nohadra (Dohok). The celebration
was attended by Zowaa dignitaries, among them Yacub Yosip, Younan
Hozaya, Yalda Marcus, Adwar Hanna, Sara Yousif and other dignitaries
from other national organizations and government representative
of Nohadra.
March 16
- George Izak, Director of the Ashur Broadcasting Station presented
a lecture about Aheeqar al-Hakeem and his contribution to Assyrian
history and his influence on world literature. The lecture was
attended by a large crowd of people from Nohadra. The lecture
was also attended by Bishop Hanna Kloo and political leaders Younan
Hozaya and Yalda Marcus.
- In Nohadra, Zowaa delegates Yacub Yosip, Younan Hozaya, and Atrah
Daoud and members of Sanharib Athletic Club visited the Deputy
Director of the Nohadra branch. Also they visited Nohadra Social
Club where they were met by the administrative committee members
from both clubs. The delegates were informed about the clubs
activities, problems facing them and possible solutions.
March 17
- Mar Rafael Bet Daweed, Patriarch of the Assyrian Chaldean Church
laid the foundation stone for Mart Maryam Church in Hazarjot village.
The ceremony was attended by Bishop Mar Ablahed, Raban of Ekrah
and Zeebar; Mar Amanouel Beny, Bishop of the Syrian Catholic Church
of Mosul; Mar Toma Eramia, Bishop of the Ancient Church of the
East; Mar Sleebah, Bishop of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Mosul;
Mar Andrious Sanah Bishop of Kirkuk; Mar Ablahed Sanah, Bishop
of Alqush; Mar Youhanna Kelo, Bishop of Zakho and Nohadra; Mar
Estefan Babekah and father Philipos Dawood of Nohadra and many
other priests from Baghdad, Mosul, Alqush and Nohadra. Also the
ceremony was attended by delegates from Zowaa, Yacub Yosip, Younan
Hozaya, Adwar Hanna, Sara Yousif. Mr. Yacub Yosip presented
his speech and thanked the villagers for their determination of
returning and rebuilding their village. The Bishop of the village
presented his speech and the village representative and U.N. representative
Mr. Geerhard presented his speech praising the village. Hazarjot
is located 30 Kilometers southwest of Ekrah and 50 Kilometers
northeast of Mosul.
- Mr. Fathel Merany opened the new hall at Mar Gewargis Church in
Arbil. The opening ceremony was attended by Bishop Jack Izak
and many priests and dignitaries, Mr. Sliwa, Toma-Ishmail Nanno,
Akram Ashour. Father Shmouel presented his speech for this ceremony.
SURF'S UP!
"On behalf of myself and TAAAS, I would like to wish you a very
happy Easter. Thank you for all your great efforts. Good bless
you all.
Sharrukina Malek Rostamy
Purely Academic, Editor
Purely Academic is the quarterly magazine of the Assyrian Australian Academic
Society (TAAAS). To subscribe or learn more about this informative
publication write to: taaas@magna.com.au. TAAAS under the leadership
of its previous president, Suzy David, and its current visionary,
Dr. Said Stephen, has become an exemplary Assyrian organization
and an influential educational institution in Australia.
"The issue of non-Orthodox Churches in Russia (ZENDA 30th March
1998) concerns all Christians worldwide. We should not applaud
if the Assyrian Church of the East is recognised by the Russian
new bill on religion but other Churches restricted. The Christian
faith is based in two doctrinal dogmas, the virgin birth of Jesus
Christ and his bodily resurrection. This means the doctrine of
God incarnate and the Trinity of God. Anyone who confesses this
belief is Christian, regardless to which denomination belongs-unity
in diversity and Christ is not divided. But confessing requires
witnessing to Christ crucified and Christ resurrected.
Denominationally I am not evangelical, but testamentally I am
evangelist for I daily carry my own cross and follow Jesus-I live
by the truth of the Gospel and take its truth to others. This
is Christianity or discipleship. The surge in Christian restriction
and its analogy the Christian persecution- largely a muslim practice
amongst a few others-is a current phenomenon and has only one
purpose to counter the so powerful contemporary evangelistic zeal
in preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour to
the entire world.
A Christian can belong to any denomination but can not be Christian
without witnessing the gospel. Similarly a Church can not be a
Church without evangelisation. Paul, the great Crusader for Christ
Jesus says 'woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel'. After the
resurrection, Jesus Christ our vicarious redeemer admonished his
eleven immediate faithful disciples to make disciples but not
Christians. Read with me the closing verses of Saint Matthew's
Gospel 'all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to
me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I will be with you always to the very end of the age
(NIV)'. Shall we applaud a bill that restricts preaching the
Gospel? Etha brikha."
Dr George Habash
United Kingdom
SURFERS CORNER
A MIDDLE EASTERN EVENING IN MICHIGAN
In honor of Southfield's 40th Anniversary, the City of Southfield's
Community Relations Department and the Chaldean Federation of
America cordially invite you to An Evening in the Middle East
(Chaldean) on Tuesday, April 21, at the Southfield Civic Center
Pavilion (26000 Evergreen Road).
Enjoy the food, sights, music, and culture of the region! And
added by popular demand: the always exciting and entertaining
band THE BELLS.
INTERNATIONAL CAFE will be open from 6:45 until 9:00 PM. Reservations
are required and tickets are $20 per person and only available
in advance (See CALENDAR OF EVENTS)
Community Relations Department
City of Southfield
ZENDA Stands Corrected!
In our interview with Qasha Khamis of Moscow's Mart Maryam Church
(Church of the East) we incorrectly identified his birthplace
as Ain Nuna. It should read Ain Nuneh (plural). We also wrote
about Mar Shmoni, whereas Shmoni was a female Saint and should
had been identified as Mart Shmoni. The Assyrian Church of the
East continues to enjoy a special relationship with the Russian
Orthodox Church as well as with Kremlin. Qasha Khamis tells us
that he feels the Assyrian community does not feel "as limited"
as most other foreigners do. ZENDA has also learned that a second
Assyrian priest was recently stationed in Russia to assist the
growing Assyrian-Russian community.
NEWS DIGEST
U.S. COUNCIL OF CHURCHES DELIVERS AID TO IRAQI HOSPITALS
(ZNAF: Baghdad) A delegation from the US National Council of
Churches delivered 10 tons of medical aid to Iraqi hospitals on
Saturday, saying it was shocked by the suffering of the Iraqi
people. "We have been profoundly shocked by the level of suffering
of the Iraqi people," said the organization's
executive director Rodney Page. "Malnutrition is widespread and
there is a shortage of even the most common medicines. As a result
thousands of Iraqi children are dying needlessly because of easily
treatable diseases," he said in a statement. Page is one of the
seven-member delegation that arrived here Thursday with a shipment
of relief supplies for Iraq, which has been under a trade and
oil embargo since its 1990 invasion of Kuwait. The council, which
represents 53 million American Christians, has sent three million
dollars of aid to Iraq since 1991.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
| April 21 |
SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN
An Evening in the Middle East
Sponsored by the City of Southfield & the Chaldean Federation
of America
Entertainment: The Bells
Southfield Civic Center Pavilion & International Cafe
26000 Evergreen Road
6:45-9:00 PM
Reservations Required.
$20.00 per person:
Southfield City Hall Main Reception Desk Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM
Parks & Recreation Building Mon-Fri
5PM-7PM
Saturdays 9AM-2PM
For more information: (248) 354-4854 |
| April 24 |
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA
ANNUAL DANCE & COCKTAIL PARTY
St. Mary's Assyrian Chaldean Catholic Church
Entertainers: Edmond & Assyria DJ's Emil & Jimmy
Lou's Village
1465 West San Carlos
San Jose
Admission: $20 in advance/$25 at the door
To purchase tickets:
Nancy Kaldani 408-448-2806
Hannibal Menashy 408-363-6950
Khalid Elias 408-972-544
Ramil Esho 510-713-0980
No Children under 12 allowed |
| May 1 |
BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA
Lecture: "Assyrian Americans at the Threshold of the 21st Century"
Speaker: Dr. Aryan Ishaya
Alumni House Lounge, UC-Berkeley
7:30 PM
Refreshments Provided
Sponsored by the Assyrian Foundation of America & University of
California at Berkeley's Center for Middle Eastern Studies |
| May 2 |
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA
ASSYRIAN FOR RON GONZALES
Personally meet Mr. Gonzales, a candidate for Mayor in the City
of
San Jose, register to vote, and obtain useful information about
the City of
San Jose and its services.
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Beta of the Assyrian American Association of San Jose
20000 Almaden Road in San Jose
Contribution: $20 per person (includes a kabob sandwich & drink)
Co-Sponsored by ZENDA |
| May 22 |
HAMBURG, GERMANY
"An Assyrian Evening"
A Cultural Exchange Event Organized by German Cultural Organizations/Radio&TV
- Lectures & Interviews with Several University Professors , Students,
& Representatives of Assyrian Organizations from Hamburg, Wiesbaden,
Paderborn, Berlin, and & other German Cities are Expected to Attend
- Assyrian Dance Groups from Wiesbaden & Hamburg
- Appearance on Hamburger Fruehstueckfernseher Television Program
|
| May 22-25 |
TURLOCK-MODESTO, CALIFORNIA
Assyrian State Convention of California
Sponsored by the Assyrian United Organizations of California
Host: Assyrian American Civic Club of California |
| May 23 |
MODESTO, CALIFORNIA
The Fourth Assyrian Community Networking Conference
Organized by: Nineveh On Line
1:00 PM
DoubleTree Hotel (Formerly Red Lion Inn)
Center Plaza, Modesto |
| July 4 |
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA
Assyrian Olympic Games |
| Sep 2-7 |
WATERBURY, CONNECTICUT
Assyrian National Convention
Sponsored by the Assyrian American National Federation |
ASSYRIAN SURFING POSTS
PHOTOS FROM "THE KHA B'NEESAN PARADE" IN CHICAGO
ASSYRIAN KURUSH RECIPE
MARGARET GEORGE (1941-1969)
PUMP UP THE VOLUME
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ENGLISH
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MODERN ASSYRIAN
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GENDER
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EXAMPLE
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Movie Theatre
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makh/za/ya
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Fem.
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makhzaya d'United Artists
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Theatrical Show
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khez/wa/na
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Masc.
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kheswana'd Miss Saigon
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KHUDRA
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DATE
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FEASTS & MEMORIALS
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April 5
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Palm Sunday
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April 10
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Good Friday
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April 12
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Easter
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April 17
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All Martyrs Day
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April 19
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New Sunday & Festival of Mar Auraha
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April 24
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Mar Givargiz (St. George the Martyr)
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April 27
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Rabban Hormizd & Mar Pethon
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BACK TO THE FUTURE
BC (745-627)
As many as 4.5 million persons were deported in the Assyrian Empire
from one community to another. This type of exile, practiced
by the Assyrian kings of the New Kingdom was intended to destroy
the person's individuality and rebelliousness. The Assyrian kings,
in the long run, found themselves hated by groups in almost every
region of their empire.
Life in the Ancient Near East, Snell
AD (640)
By this time the Arab armies had swept through much of the Middle
East and North Africa. The Assyrian Apostolic (Church of the
East) and the Orthodox (Syrian Orthodox) Churches were forced
to proceed with the terms of existence under the new Arab government.
Mar Ishu-Yav, Patriarch of the Church of the East, was the negotiator
who secured the recognition of the two historical churches' melet
status. Each Church had the right to exist only upon payment
of tribute, whereas no new churches could be built, and yet the
worshippers remained exempt from military service. The two Assyrian
churches conceded to the new terms and continued to ignore one
another's existence.
History of the Assyrian Church, Wigram
TALMIDU
|
Location
|
Class
|
Instructor |
Date
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Time
|
Location
|
|
Chicago
|
Introductory Classical Assyrian
alphabet and the vowel system, basic literacy skills & vocabulary
|
Saad Sadi
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APR 4 JUN 27
|
Saturdays
3-5 PM
|
North Park Univ Carlson Tower
Room C44 |
|
Chicago
|
Introductory Modern Assyrian I
alphabet and the vowel system, basic literacy skills & vocabulary
|
Zaia Kanoon |
APR 9 JUN 25
|
Thursdays
7-9 PM
|
North Park Univ
Sohlberg
Room B-3 |
|
Chicago
|
Introductory Modern Assyrian II
reading & writing, & elementary grammar.
|
Zaia Kanoon |
APR 4 JUN 27
|
Saturdays
3-5 PM
|
North Park Univ
Carlson Tower
Room C42 |
LITERATUS
ASSYRIA
I walk through a passage way seeking something,
feeling I am lost, finding nothing.
Heritage, identity- desperately searching for them in
the struggle.
Lost. I drift as others proudly murmur, vague images
appear as I stumble.
The walls draw closer, as the light gets nearer.
A faint whisper is heard through the wind.
The wind grows in strength, the walls remain silent.
The winds echo through the passage revealing a howl.
The chant grows louder, as visions of ornately dressed
bulls appear.
Confused and dizzy, I stumble but struggle on.
The walls become dark and vulgar, the light faint.
But my determination is strong.
The chant becomes clearer,
Sargon city is large, standing tall in the scorching
heat.
We guard the city's doors, all tremble at our feet.
Assyrians proud and strong - all are stunned by our
power.
Our reign grows day by day, our strength hour by
hour.
Although time have changed and our people led
astray.
You still are Assyrian, and that is a privilege in every
way.
I had reached the light and now knew I had merely
been lost in a fog.
I was an Assyrian. I am an Assyrian.
Adrina Sanvansan
Age 13
Purely Academic, September 1996
THIS WEEK IN HISTORY
80-Year Anniversary
April 15, 1918: Mar Polous Shimun succeeded Mar Shimun Benyamin as the new Patriarch
of the Church of the East. Mar Benyamin was assassinated in the
hands of Kurdish rebels while on a peace mission in the Persian
Azerbaijan. The consecration of Mar Polous Shimun took place
in the Mart Maryam Church in Urmie, Iran.
April 15, 1979 : "Marga", an Assyrian magazine, began publishing in Tehran, Iran,
under the direction of Bishop Youhanna Issayee in Farsi and Assyrian.
10-Year Anniversary
April 17, 1988: Ashurbanipal Library (7055 North Clark Street) with an impressive
collection of books and documents opens its doors to the public
in Chicago.
BRAVO
GILBERT SANGARI
Next time you reserve a room at a hotel in the heart of the Silicon
Valley or wait for your next appointment in the lobby of a Bay
Area's Hi-Tech company look for a new magazine entitled SAN JOSE.
This impressive publication has become a favorite of the City
of San Jose's hotels, recreational facilities, arts community
and the Hi-Tech businesses. However, what truly impressed the
ZENDA staff was the fact that this lavishly designed and well-written
publication is the brainchild of an Assyrian entrepreneur in San
Jose- Gilbert Sangari. Mr. Sangari, better known in the Assyrian
community of San Jose for his financial and real estate savvy,
is the Editor and Publisher of San Jose Magazine which began publishing
last year. Moreover the entire Design Production and Art Direction
of San Jose Magazine is handled by another multi-talented Assyrian,
Homer Younan of Grafeex, a graphics/web designer in San Jose.
San Jose Magazine is published monthly and the annual subscription
price is $17 in the U.S. For more information visit: www.sanjosemagazine.com
WELCOME TO ZENDA
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SALUTE!
This Week's Contributors:
| Firas Jatou |
Chicago, Illinois |
Good Morning Bet-Nahrain |
Thank You For Referring ZENDA to a Friend:
| Grace Yohannan |
Apopca, Florida |
| Hirmis Aboona |
Toronto, Canada |
| Sam Kosa |
San Diego, California |
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