THE POSSIBLE DOWNFALL OF HUMANITY

The recognition by the Christian West of the Armenian and Assyrian genocides of 1915 is necessary not only as a moral gesture (given its religious roots) but is as an essential step towards saving humanity from the threat of its destruction.

The history of mankind demonstrates that in difficult situations, when categories associated with certain symbols becomes urgent (paramount) then the defying of these symbols unavoidably leads to the reverse reaction. Examples in this century include the 1938 Munich Agreement and the bombing of Serbia by the West in 1998.

In 1938 England and France with the mute support of the US sacrificed Czechoslovakia: the symbol of democracy. This led to the fascist yoke dominating over almost all over Europe. Three years later Pearl Harbor was attacked.
In 1998 Serbia the symbol of European Christian steadfastness was bombed, three years later the attack of Islamic terrorism against America took place.

Why do so many disasters occur, placing into question the existence of mankind?

Because the symbol of eternity of humanity has been defied. As a consequence of the 1915 genocide against the Armenians and Assyrians, the link with eternity was lost when the symbol of that eternity, the Mesopotamian civilization, was killed. The most ancient human civilizations come from the region of Mesopotamia. In addition, these civilizations have had a strong influence on the Indo-European and Egyptian civilizations. Through history, the Mesopotamian civilizations disappeared passing their culture to successor civilizations. This continued for 6000 years without interruption. However, this chain was broken in 1915, when by the massacre of 250,000 Assyrians the Ottoman Empire destroyed the last Mesopotamian civilization.

Any genocide from a moral viewpoint is a reprehensible act, however in the case of the 1915 genocides the situation is much more grave, and ignoring it can lead to the destruction of the entire human civilization.

Let me try to substantiate this statement. The main idea was already stated, if you defy the symbol (ie, of eternity) you get the contrary, the downfall of humanity.

Let's delve deeper into this issue to clear up the situation, as well as setting straight the time frame.

In 1915 the Armenian civilization was substantially destroyed (half of the nation was exterminated, those Armenians who survived lost almost all their historical territories) and the Assyrian civilization was once and for all lost.

Who are the Armenians and the Assyrians from the viewpoint of the Christian West?

The Armenians were the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion and were the main keepers of the faith in Asia (as an example, note the existence of an Armenian community in Jerusalem since the fourth century) and the Assyrians had attempted to baptize all of Asia up to Mongolia and Beijing.

Historians also note that one of the official goals of Vasco de Gamma's expedition was to find the mythical Assyrian kingdoms. One can say with certainty that the Armenians and the Assyrians are a symbol of Christianity.

The Indo-European people who appeared on the historical stage 4500 years ago played the most influential role in the world after the weakening of the Mesopotamian civilization. Their cradle was historical Armenia with its adjacent regions. Thus Armenians can also be considered to be the symbol of Indo-European civilization.

The genocide of 1915 was aimed at Christianity and Indo-European symbols. Moreover it is clear that the genocide was also aimed at the old Assyrian gods. According to the Christian canon these gods still exist as Satans imprisoned in hell (Velzevul is the old Mesopotamian Beel-Zaab).

A singular event is the result: the genocide of 1915 was aimed at both heaven and hell. From both opposite poles (including the right of humanity to eternity, the Indo-European heritage, democracy, and taking into consideration the genocide of Greeks in Asia) the truth that is revealed has such a horrifying power that neglecting it can lead to the downfall of the entire human civilization.

Why does the recognition of 1915 genocide become timely now?

The experience of modern physics allows us to distinguish resonant and non-resonant interactions (the first is observed even in the most unfavourable conditions). Resonance has been discovered within game theory as well. The latter adequately describes the situation in both the theory of evolution and economics. There is no reason as to why the same analogy should not work in issues connected with history.

Physical analogy (parametric resonance) shows the importance of two aspects. For a strong effect the resonance first of all has to be precise (presence of a real symbol). Of similar importance is the firm connection between a symbol and the reality. In historical issues the latter corresponds to the urgency of the symbol.

The defying of symbols corresponds to the resonant interaction (by reverse phase) - which is whey it is so dangerous to defy the symbol by the one who recognizes the symbol.

From Turkey's viewpoint the extermination of Armenians and Assyrians was an ordinary act (the whole history of Ottoman Turkey is written in blood). However, the genocides of 1915 are not an ordinary act from the viewpoint of the Western civilization. At that time there was no united Europe to save the Armenians and Assyrians. Europe is uniting just now and assuming its final form. Soon the disintegration of Europe into eastern and western parts which has lasted for more then sixteen centuries will finally be over.

Only now there is a chance to solve at least the problem of mitigating to a certain extent the consequences of 1915. If this chance is missed (say Turkey enters the European Union without recognizing the genocide) then the situation will become more resonant, and a more dangerous violation of the symbol will occur.

The last chance to solve the problem of 1915 will be by 2015: the centenary anniversary of genocide. If this chance is missed too, then the whole of humanity will face the danger of downfall. It is important to note that each time the possibility of solving the 1915 problem was missed a serious cataclysm took place.

Germany was the only European country which could have prevented the genocide. This wasn't done. Wasn't the fascist nightmare a punishment for that?

The Russian tsar stirred the Assyrians to action against the Turks, but did nothing to save the Armenians and the Assyrians. Three years later the Romanov dynasty was eliminated and the Bolshevik nightmare started.

In 1945 it was possible to a certain extent to solve the problem of addressing the consequences of 1915. Taking into consideration the heroic participation of Armenians in World War II Western Armenia could be reclaimed from Turkey, the de facto ally of Germany, and returned to Armenians. Also the resettling of the Assyrians there could have been organized. This wasn't done and in 1945 Hiroshima and Nagasaki occurred. The terrorist attack of 2001 was preceded by a year of irrelevant debates in the United States Congress regarding the recognition of the 1915 genocide.

The people of the world have to demand from their governments the recognition of the 1915 genocide. By refusing to accept 1915 and to soften its consequences, the West is destroying its greatest symbols Indo-European heritage, Christianity, of democracy and eternity. This kind of behaviour is against the interests of both heaven and hell.

Thus, if there is a final failure of solving the 1915 problem (by 2015) then the downfall of the entire humanity is quite realistic.

It is difficult to be certain as to how the end of mankind will come (nuclear war as a result of an electronic error, disappearance of the ozone layer, collision of the earth with an asteroid), but it will happen in a year (Hiroshima, Nagasaki, September 2001) or three years (extermination of the Romanovs). Just like a hopelessly sick person is trying to atone for all his sins so must the humanity for the sake of its survival. The UN has to try to restore at least artificially the Assyrian civilization by gathering one by one all the remaining Assyrians and giving them all possible support.
The Armenians have to receive compensation for the genocide perpetrated against them and at the same time the territory of Western Armenia must be returned to them. Let the people of the world decide for themselves which is primary: the right of 6 billion people to survive or the right of Turkey to enjoy with impunity a war trophy, Western Armenia, received from the crime committed in 1915.

Compensation also has to be given to the heirs of the Asian Greeks who have suffered from genocide, which factually took place in 1915 (after contributing to prosperity of Asia for three thousand years). Let's remember the Miletian philosophers (Asia) from whom contemporary European philosophy originated. Certainly Cyprus has to be liberated. If the average European has a vague idea about the Armenians and the Assyrians, he must at least remember that the word democracy and its essence which comes from ancient Greece.

There's a wise tradition, to bury the victims of massacre together, or in a common grave. It is not necessary to distinguish the 1915 crime against the Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks.

Examples of reverse phase resonant situations are the will to die, the presence of suicidal inclinations that sometimes are observed not only with individuals but also with civilizations. The anti-Armenian position of Germany, Israel and Russia possess such shades.

Germany, certainly, is partially responsible for organizing the genocide of 1915. This is in the past already. Present-day Germany with rare exceptions (provoking the bombing of Serbia in 1998) acts as one of the most progressive countries of our time. Moreover its survival may be under a question after a few generations, in any case, if the Turks should form the majority in Germany. Even if the organization of a new German genocide by the Turks is hardly probable (however I should recommend to the German Chancellor and the Bundestag members to follow media publications about Bartholomew's visit to Trabzon), it is quite realistic that the Germans may be turned out from their homeland, as it happened with the Serbs in Serbian Kosovo. In this situation the rejection of the Bundestag to recognize the 1915 genocide in favor of Turkey or the Turkish origin population of its country is a display of the will of the civilization to die. The German nation has to realize this and for the sake of the survival of its future generations should force its leaders to recognize 1915.

I have a great sympathy towards present-day democratic Germany, but for the sake of objectivity I have to touch upon the following. Germany has a not too smart position regarding the question of the genocide, the Serbian incident and the role of the factual Trojan horse that it plays (bringing millions of Turks into the heart of Europe, expressing and protecting their interests). All this makes Germany a possible target in case of collision with an asteroid, if we accept that the asteroid will be sent on humanity by the heavens and hell as a revenge of 1915. The compatriots of the great Kant have to realize this.

Let's turn to Israel. Present-day Israel was created and exists only by the will of the Christian powers. Of course the Jewish Diaspora played its role but the real determinant was the charity of Christian world powers in helping the Jews who had survived through a genocide, the one that Hitler organized following the example of the genocide of Armenians.

The Israelis have to realize that Christianity is the key to their safety and not their military might or the mythical wealth of the Jewish Diaspora.

What do the Israeli rulers do?

In order to win over Turkey (instead of Christianity) they do not recognize the 1915 genocide. The previous regime betrayed the Lebanese Christians who had guarded the northern borders of Israel for decades, the present one is through military actions profaning the Christian sacred places in the Holy Land (the incident with the temple of Bethlehem, and now occupying Armenian Church territories). Here again the danger of attacking symbols is clear. The terror carried out by the Islamic suicide-bombers is irrational: gold or the army is powerless to fight it. There's only one way of defending against this: resorting to absolute moral values.

The Jewish nation who has given humanity so many wise prophets has to realize that the anti-Christian and anti-Armenian position of the Israeli leaders endangers the existence of both Israel and humanity in its entirety. Moreover, for the sake of the survival of Israel the American Jewish community has to ensure by all means the recognition by the Congress of the genocide of the Armenian and Assyrian peoples.

Russia: Let's remember the events that took place a few years ago: the de facto separation of Chechnya from Russia. Georgia and Azerbaijan gave active support to Chechnya. To a certain extent, they were restrained due to the presence of Armenia at their flanks. During that time the situation was very unstable. If it was not for Armenia's position supporting Russia (as it had the only efficient army in the region), the downfall of Russia through a domino effect was a very real possibility. The first to revolt would have been the north-Caucasian Islamic republics, then Tatarstan and Bashkiria, then the spirit of separatism would have been seized by the more remote Russian regions (Far East, Kaliningrad). Armenia played a considerable role in ensuring that this disintegration did not occur in the totally demoralized Russia.

What was the first thing Russia did after standing on its own feet? It organized massacres of Armenians. This again is a display of the determination of civilization to die. The strengthening of such a tendency would above all lead to the destruction of Russia. Wouldn't the repeat of the experience fratricidal wars of the 14th to 16th centuries (Tver, Smolensk, and Novgorod) bring Russia back to the former borders of Moskovia? And when Russia forces Armenians to leave Karabagh, discouraged Armenians would leave Armenia as well.

The West has to realize that if the Armenians lose Karabagh, then the 1915 genocide program of extermination of both the Armenian and the Assyrian civilizations will come to its logical conclusion.

How much longer could humanity last after that, one or three years?

Anti-Armenian or Anti-Christian actions in Israel and massacres of Armenians in Russia took place at the same time.
The officials of Moscow region gave "serious" arguments basing the massacres of Armenians on stereotypes such as "Armenians speak loudly and gesticulate". Nonsense? No this is already a correlation of the display of the will of the humanity to die on international level.

I do not know how the anti-Armenian actions were organized in Israel and Russia: whether it was organized by the country's leaders or at the lower levels of administration. So, I urge the religious leaders of Israel and Russia to vigilantly watch the leadership of their countries, just in case there are leaders who are connected with Satanist sects. It may be possible that the question of mankind's existence is on this scale, and that Armageddon has already started with this scenario?

Even if we suppose that the danger of Armageddon is exaggerated, in any case the following should be clear. For the Russians, putting down the fire of the Chechen war and rousing fascism and anti-Caucasian (anti-Armenian) actions at the same time is as hopeless a task as is the Israeli government's (which does not respect Christian saints) efforts at ensuring the safety of the country and making peace with Palestine.

Let's reflect upon America. It's time that the American people force their government to recognize the Armenian and Assyrian genocides of 1915. Without this recognition, it is impossible to ensure the safety of America. For what reason should the Christian god have protected America which had bombed Serbia in 1998 and didn't recognize the genocide of Armenians during the Congressional debates held between 2000 and 2001. It is the same America that has declared itself the greatest democracy and yet does not even discuss the question of recognizing the genocide of a considerable part of the Greeks -- the nation which has given democracy to humanity.

The attack of Islamic terrorism on America will only intensify (tied with the Israel-Palestine conflict). As I have previously noted, there is only one certain path of defense against these threats: to pin our hopes on absolute moral values - there is no sense in bargaining with God (for example, a choice between profitable trade with Turkey or justice).

Concluding the section concerning America I would like to mention the following. If my hypotheses that some powers are trying to initiate Armageddon proves to be right (drive towards death will at a global level), then it would have been logical to look for Satan worshipers amongst the organizers of September 11th.

Is there an exaggeration of the part of the Armenians and the Assyrians in today's disasters, when there are more wealthy and numerous nations? It is appropriate to note the pointed remark of Toynbee that the appearance of a new God in a remote and poor province (Palestine) of Rome would have been considered a bad joke by the old Romans.

To conclude, I appeal to the world's nations to force their governments to recognize the 1915 genocide of the Armenian and Assyrian peoples, and to solve the problems associated with these tragedies. This will give humanity a chance to survive in this situation when one can hear the sinister ticking of the clock, which measures the timeline of humanity's existence.

Dr. David Sahakian
Armenia

[Dr. Sahakian is a Professor of Physics and Mathematics and the Head of the Complex Systems Research Group at the Yerevan Physics Institute in the Republic of Armenia. This article was presented at a conference in Taiwan in May 2002. The section on Germany as a target for revenge was added to the article a few weeks before the recent floods in Europe.]

STATEMENT OF IRAQI ASSYRIAN LEADER YONADAM KANNA

Courtesy of PR Newswire & Association des Assyro-Chaldéens de France (18 Sept)

(ZNDA: New York) As he emerged from a joint meeting of the Iraqi opposition groups this week, Assyrian Democratic Movement General Secretary Yonadam Y. Kanna renewed his call for an end to all religious persecution in Iraq, particularly of Christians.

Secretary Kanna issued the following statement following the meeting at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel:

"To be truly free and democratic, the new Iraq must also be secular and truly tolerant of all religious traditions and unafraid to Constitutionally recognize ethnic minorities. Only then will we see an end to the persecution of minorities, which President George W. Bush condemned in his speech to the United Nations last week. Only then will all Iraqi people be able to live in peace and under justice.

"Somehow, there is a misconception abroad that the Iraqi regime is secular in nature; nothing could be further from the truth. Since it came to power, we Assyrians have suffered both ethnic and religious persecution.

"Assyrian schools have been officially banned, and Assyrian cultural organizations have been forbidden. We have seen 200 churches and monasteries destroyed in 200 destroyed villages. Over 20 members of the Assyrian Democratic Movement have been ruthlessly murdered, and just last month a 70-year old Catholic nun of the Chaldean Order was beaten, raped, stabbed to death and then beheaded in her convent by three men in uniform."

In an interview with La Libre Belgique, Mr. Kanna explained last week that: "All segments of the Iraqi population are represented within the opposition. No political or ethnic group is absent." On America's preparation for war with Iraq, Mr. Kanna noted: "The Americans will not openly engage in armed conflict with Iraq unless there be a military coup d'état in Baghdad before the attack. We are sure that the Americans have already made the decision to attack."

Mr. Kanna concluded his interview by pointing at the possibility of the existence of al-Qaida in Baghdad and even the presence of the Afghan leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar in Iraq. He commented that Baghdad maintains links with the al-Qaida members.

SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH JOIN U.S. CHURCHES IN CONDEMNING WAR WITH IRAQ

Courtesy of U.S. Newswire (12 Sept)

(ZNDA: Washington) Last week the Syrian Orthodox Church joined many U.S. Protestant and Orthodox churches and organizations and leaders of Roman Catholic religious orders in announcing opposition to U.S. military action against Iraq. In a letter to President Bush, the church leaders acknowledged that "Mr. Hussein poses a threat to his neighbors and to his own people, (but) we nevertheless believe it is wrong, as well as detrimental to U.S. interests" to launch an attack on Iraq.

The letter, convened by a national coalition named Churches for Middle East Peace, stated, "We oppose on moral grounds the United States taking further military action against Iraq now." Citing the probable humanitarian consequences, civilian casualties, and the chaotic political aftermath of such a war, the church leaders noted that U.S. military force could easily destabilize the region with possible catastrophic results and further increase anti-American sentiment in the Middle East and Gulf.

The Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, a joint ministry of 36 Protestant and Orthodox churches, stated, "We do not need to march down the path to Armageddon. Pre-emptive military action now being contemplated by the Administration cannot be morally justified." Edgar, a former six-term Member of the U.S. Congress, said, "Among other consequences, consider that a pre-emptive strike by the U.S. presents to the world a model of aggression that may encourage other nations to attack neighboring countries that threaten them."

Releasing their letter after President Bush's statement to the United Nations General Assembly, the church leaders insisted that the President work through the U.N. toward peace, not toward war. Father Stan DeBoe, chair of Churches for Middle East Peace, commented, "Consulting with the U.N. while insisting that the U.N. precisely implement our own policy is not what international cooperation is about. It is not a matter of 'you go along with us or else we'll do what we want,' but rather how does the U.S. work with and through the U.N. to implement the consensus of the international community."

DeBoe continued, "We are urging the President to uphold the values of our great country by working closely with the community of nations, not by rattling sabers nor by threatening to overthrow governments with force."

69TH AANF CONVENTION A SUCCESS

POLITICS

Map Courtesy of AINA

(ZNDA: Chicago) Last week the Assyrian International News Agency issued a statement praising the political discussions and meetings at the recent Assyrian National Convention held in Detroit, Michigan a success. "Of greatest concern for all Assyrians remains fair political representation for Assyrians in any future Iraqi governmental reform as well as concern for the safety of Assyrians residing both within the government controlled areas of Iraq as well as the northern UN administered region," writes AINA.

On 31 August 31, according to the AINA report, the Assyrian Coalition of political organizations addressed the Assyrian Convention through brief presentations and a panel discussion. Speakers included Mr. Abgar Maloul of the Assyrian Democratic Organization (ADO), former Illinois State Senator John Nimrod of the Assyrian Universal Alliance (AUA), Mr. Shimon Khamo of the Bet Nahrain Democratic Party (BNDP), and Mr. Eshia Esho of the Assyrian National Organization (ANO). Also addressing the gathering of 300 attendees was Mr. Yonadam Kanna, Secretary General of the Assyrian Democratic Movement (ADM), who had traveled from Iraq. All speakers universally addressed Assyrian concerns regarding inadequate Assyrian political representation in Iraqi opposition meetings. Mr. Kanna added an in depth analysis of the political situation in Iraq and the looming conflict with the international community. Mr. Kanna emphasized the need to overthrow the regime of Saddam Hussein and placed the blame for Iraq's international isolation squarely on the Iraqi regime.

AINA report continues: "Concluding the political forum were Dr. Ronald Michael and former Congressman Michael Flanagan of the Assyrian American League (AAL). Dr. Michael summarized the current lobbying efforts by the AAL aimed at raising the Assyrian political profile within Washington D.C. and increasing Assyrian political participation in opposition venues. Congressman Flanagan outlined the AAL's networking activities within Congress and the State Department and expressed optimism that Assyrian participation in upcoming opposition meetings would be realized in the near future. The forum was also addressed by Mr. Ator Golani, the President of the AANF who expressed the solid support of the AANF. Mr. Saad Marouf, President of the Chaldean Federation of America likewise expressed support of the Chaldean community for what he described as the "impressive" outlook and achievements of the Assyrian Coalition and the AAL. Mr. Habib Afram of the Syriac Universal Alliance echoed his support and, like Mr. Golani and Mr. Marouf, reaffirmed that the communities of Assyrians, Chaldeans, and Syriacs comprise one nation."

Mr. Nate Jenson of the U.S. State Department, referred to as the "Assyrian Desk Officer" at the State Department, attended the Convention on September 1st at the invitation of the AAL.

For AINA's full report visit: http://aina.org/releases/2002/convention6752.htm

EDUCATION

The Diaspora Symposium included four speakers from the United States, Canada, Sweden, and Australia. The Assyrian Identity Conference included speakers from very diverse academic fields including sociology, Syriac studies, Assyriology, and anthropology. The papers presented were The Assyrian cultural heritage, from Survival to Revival, by Professor Abdilmasih Saadi; Maintenance and Transformation of Ethnic Identity: the Assyrian/Syria case, by Dr. Fuat Deniz; Chaldeans and the National Designation, by Mr. Habib Hanoona. Dr. Saadi put out a call for an initiative to build a network of Assyrian scholars and Assyrian intelligentsia.

ENTERTAINMENT

Opening Night Ceremony

This was a spectacular event despite the fact that the English Speaking Master of Ceremony had canceled at the last minute, and despite the fact that the mic-system blew out twice.

The highlight was clearly a dance piece titled "The presentation of Assyrian History" produced and choreographed by Alwan Shamoun of Canada and his team of young Assyrian performers from Detroit. The Assyrian Youth Dance Group of Detroit included the twin sisters, Edna and Ature Markous, dressed as the Assyrian Queen and her guardian. Nina Toma was also dressed as an Assyrian Guard. The performance was moving, energetic and well-organized. Mr. Shamoun comes from an ROTC background, giving the performance a patriotic edge.

A Candle Light Vigil remembering 9/11 was followed by singer Steve Acho's song "America-United We Stand."

Sa'ad Ma'rouf, chairman of Chaldean Federation of America (CFA), gave a moving speech about the unity of Chaldeens and Assyrians under one name and one cause.

Entertainers throughout the Convention included Mr. Janan Sawa, Ms. Juliana Jendo, Mr. Odi Youel Johnson (saxophone) and the Banipal and Eve Band.

AN AFTERNOON WITH ASSYRIAN POETS

The revered contemporary Assyrian poets -- Ninos Aho, Yosep Bet Yosep, Mikhael Mammo and Samie Benno - entertained a large audience of Assyrian literary enthusiasts with some of their favorite pieces.

YOUTH EXCELLENCE PAGEANT

Although very qualified candidates were presented at this year's Youth Excellence Pageant, the event was not well-attended. The participants were:

1. Nahira Adams (Modesto, California) - First Prize Winner
Nahira, presenting himself entirely in the Assyrian language, is the son of the current president of the Assyrian American Civic Club of Turlock, Dr. Fred Adams.
2. Rachel Thomas (Michigan)
Rachel studies music and presented a short, but moving vocal performance.
3. Nenos Damerchi (Canada)
Nenos, born in Kuwait and a Z-Crew member, has served in the Canadian Air Force and is a winner of two mathematics competitions in Canada.
4. Rewat Najar (Michigan)
Rewat is a Pre-Medical student at Wayne State University and a member of the Chaldean Federation of America. She is fluent in Syriac, Arabic and French.
5. Nancy Odisho (Connecticut)
Nancy, a law student in Chicago, is a member and past President of the St. Thomas Youth Group in New Britain, Connecticut.

ASSYRIAN NATIONAL YOUTH INITIATIVE

This workshop was organized by Bernadette Najor of the Chaldean Federation of America and Ms. Zeena Tawfik. Ms. Najor is a teacher and a Doctoral Candidate at Wayne State University. Ms. Brenda Rosenberg discussed the stereotypes that the Assyrian youth may in confronting racism. Ms. Rosenberg owns a fashion retailing and manufacturing consulting firm. She has worked with many Jewish groups, self-help as well as more broader community services. Trained by Mr. Deepak Chopra, she focuses on working with interfaith groups and uses a methodology called "Integrative Coaching".

It was noted that as many as 3,000 Assyrian youth may currently be behind the bars in Detroit and Chicago.

Ms. Zeena Towfik suggested an Assyrian Summer Camp for the youth between the ages of 8 and 15 with a proposed budget of $125-150,000.

NEXT CONVENTION

The 70th Annual National Convention will be held between August 28 and September 1, 2003 at Rosemont, Illinois.

Zinda Magazine will present more information on the proceedings of the Women's Conference and the educational conferences in the upcoming issues.

TURKISH SCHOOLS TO TEACH LESSONS ON THE "SO-CALLED" SEYFO GENOCIDE

Courtesy of the Turkish Daily News (20 Aug)

(ZNDA: Ankara) Turkey's National Education Ministry is putting forth a new educational initiative to teach issues related to what it defines as the "so-called Armenian genocide claims as well as Greek-Pontus and Assyrians" to the intermediate and high school students in that country. This initiative will commence with the coming academic year.

One hundred and ten teachers will be participating in a training program in Ankara, where they will utilize a text book written by Professor Yavuz Ercan from the Faculty of Language, History, & Geography Department of the Ankara University titled "Some Current Issues and Reflections on the Ottoman Empire".

The purpose of the curriculum is to make students more aware of the issues and lobby activities related to "Armenian Genocide Claims". The issues related to Greek-Pontus and Assyrians are also included in the project which will be applied to grades 5 and 7 and all high school students.

The 5th graders will be given information on the "Armenian Genocide Claims" and will be taught the stutus of the Armenians in Turkey based on the Lausanne Treaty of 1923.

The 7th graders will be taught the "Oriental Issue" and review the politics of England, Russia and France in connection with the Ottoman Empire and the minorities in the Empire (Armenians).

"Why did the Armenians bring up the genocide claims to the attention of the world again?" and "What are the aims of the Armenian terrorist organization (ASALA)'s crimes?" will be the topics covered.

The topics related to the Assyrians and Pontic Greeks will be covered in more detail during the high school years.

ASSYRIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY LEADS LOCAL VIGIL TO REMEMBER THE VICTIMS OF TERRORISM

(ZNDA: Turlock) The Assyrian American Community of Stanislaus County hosted a candlelight vigil and prayer to help remember the fallen victims of the tragic attack on America September 11, 2001. The community gathered for a candlelight vigil and prayer at 7:00 p.m. at the Assyrian American Civic Club (AACC) of Turlock located at 2618 North Golden State Boulevard in Turlock.

In addition to the vigil, the AACC of Turlock unveiled a commemorative monument as a memorial to the fallen hero's on that tragic day. Leaders of the community were in attendance include the Mayor of Turlock, Dr. Curt Andre, Turlock City Fire Chief, Mark Langley, and spiritual and civic leaders of the Assyrian community.

"September 11 had a devastating impact on all Americans including the Assyrian American Community," Commented Sargon Vartan, Spokesperson of the AACC. "Our mission is to utilize the combined resources of our community to provide a viable local avenue for people to remember and heal."

"The attacks on America last year have served to stimulate people to search their souls and yet have also shown that people can mobilize amid crisis and set aside differences of culture, politics and religion to come to each other's aide," Said Curt Andre, Honorable Mayor of Turlock. "I am happy to be able to take part in this remembrance, and I hope that it serves as an aide to facilitate the healing process."

Additionally, Lazar Piro, President of the Assyrian National Council of Stanislaus remarked, "We are truly delighted to be able to be a part of such an historic event. When people of different cultures and religious beliefs can come together, only truly great things can happen. "

The Assyrian American Civic Club of Turlock (AACC) was established on October 29, 1946, the AACC received an official charter on January 31, 1947. The AACC hosts a ladies auxiliary, youth group, cultural committee, athletic committee, education committee, welfare committee, television and radio facilities, restaurant and catering facilities.

CRASH LEAVES VOID IN CHALDEAN FAMILY; BETTER LIFE IN U.S.

Courtesy of the San Diego Union-Tribune (15 Sept); article by Jennifer Vigil

(ZNDA: San Diego) Shamoon Ballo left a Chaldean village in Iraq 20 years ago, propelled by dreams of a safer and more promising life. The shopkeeper's risk paid off.

All but one of Ballo's seven siblings followed him to the United States, settling in and around San Diego. The extended family, now numbering in the hundreds, found shelter in his Spring Valley home and work in his North Park grocery.

A piece of the family's dream died Friday in Rancho San Diego when a van plowed into a car carrying Ballo, his wife Samria, and teen-age daughter Rita, killing them instantly.

The collision on Jamacha Road, in an area neighbors say is known for high speeds and car crashes, also left daughter-in-law Linda Ballo clinging to life.

The driver, Tommy Ballo, Shamoon Ballo's eldest son and the only person wearing a seat belt in the family's Honda, suffered an injured shoulder. The three teen-agers in the van sustained minor injuries.

No citations were issued and the cause remains under investigation, but California Highway Patrol investigators believe speed may have been a factor.

Scores of relatives packed Shamoon Ballo's home off Kenwood Drive yesterday. Others kept watch at a San Diego hospital, where Linda, the wife of one of the driver's two brothers, lay in intensive care.

"We fled Iraq because of the bombing, and we came here and they're all killed by a car," Shamoon Ballo's nephew Fouad Ballo said as he sat outside his uncle's home. "Unbelievable."

Family members remembered Shamoon, 63, as a leader glad to take on the role of peacemaker in his large family; Samria, 56, as a homemaker who happily cooked for dozens of her loved ones; and Rita, 18, as a Valhalla High School graduate devoted to her church.

As they talked on the porch, relatives inside the two-story home listened to tape of an Aramaic prayer that they said begged God for forgiveness and support.

Shamoon Ballo, born in northern Iraq, moved to Baghdad for better job prospects, then traveled west through Jordan and Italy to become one of the first Ballos in the United States.

He and some of his relatives started a store specializing in Middle Eastern goods. Then he branched off, buying S&N Market on University Avenue in North Park.

The family devoted itself to San Diego's large Chaldean community, a minority in Iraq because of its Christian beliefs. They split their time between worship at St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Cathedral and a Chaldean social club, both in El Cajon.

On Friday the family intended to turn north onto Jamacha from the eastbound lanes of Sundale Road, near Tommy Ballo's residence. They were headed to Fouad Ballo's home, about two miles away, for a housewarming party.

A pile of flowers marks the spot on the southeast corner of the intersection where their Accord came to rest, car alarm blaring from the impact, at 9 p.m. Friday.

The force of the Toyota van, traveling south and driven by an 18- year-old El Cajon man, threw two of the victims from the vehicle.

Fady Esho, a Chaldean who lives on the northeast corner, rushed outside when he heard the crash. Only later did he realize the victims were the Ballos, longtime family friends.

Residents have long pleaded for a traffic signal at the intersection, Esho said, adding that a car once crashed into his back yard. At least four pedestrians have been struck and killed in the area since early 2001.

"Three caskets. One church. It's overload," Esho said.

Much of the conversation yesterday focused on the loss of Rita Ballo, a radiant yet quiet churchgoer who taught catechism classes at St. Peter. Esho's mother placed a large crucifix among the flowers at the shrine, and someone taped Rita's senior portrait to it.

Ashley Barno, 16, wore a heart-shaped pendant yesterday; she had fetched it from her cousin's bedroom in the morning. On it was a tiny image of Tinkerbell sprinkling fairy dust on the name Rita, spelled out below.

Rita Ballo graduated from high school in June and planned to attend nearby Cuyamaca College next year. She had asked Father Michael Bazzi, head of St. Peter, to help her learn Aramaic, the language of her family's region.

Bazzi, who had to break the news of the deaths to the young woman's fellow catechism teachers, said Rita was the family's most active church volunteer.

"When they had something to give to the church, they gave Rita," he said.