The Assyrian New Year 6757 Celebration in Sydney-Australia

by Hermiz Shahen

Celebrators across Sydney came to take part in the Assyrian New Year celebration on Sunday, 1st April 2007, at the Fairfield Showground, which was hosted by the Assyrian Australian National Federation (AANF) in collaboration with the Assyrian Universal Alliance-Australia Chapter.

The Festival lasted from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm and between approximately ten thousand people attended this special celebration.

Among the official guests that attended the opening ceremony at 1:00 p.m. were his Beatitude Archbishop Gabriel Kassab, Bishop of the Chaldean Catholic Church Diocese for Australia & New Zealand, and Rev. Gewargis Atto, representing His Grace Bishop Mar Meelis Zaia, The Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church Of the East.

From the Federal, State and Local government, attending the celebration, were the Hon. Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, representing the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon John Howard, MP ; the Hon. Senator Helen Coonan, Minister for Communications; the Hon. Teresa Gambaro, MP Parliamentary Secretary, to the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs; the Hon. Senator Marise Payne; Mr Chris Bowen MP. Federal member for prospect; Mrs. Louise Markus MP; the Hon Bruce Baird MP; from the state parliament of New South Wales; Mr. Joe Tripodi MP, representing the Premier of New South Wales; the Hon. David Clark, MLC; the Hon. Charlie Lynn MLC; The Hon. Rev. Fred Nile MLC and Mr. Ninous Khoshaba MP; Councillor Albert Mooshi, representing the Mayor of Fairfield City.  And many other representatives, including the vast majority of the Assyrian organisations and prominent people.

At the commencement of the program, all invitees and gatherings were welcomed in a tremendous style by over fifteen Assyrian men and women, dressed in the Assyrian traditional attire.   Raising the Assyrian and Australian National flags, the welcoming group, surrounding their official guests in an atmosphere of love and respect, escorted them to their respective tables.

The Master of ceremonies was Mr David David, Chairman of the Assyrian Universal Alliance in Sydney and the executive board member of the AANF together with Ms Anabell St Vincent, National Secretary of the AANF. Both made an excellent presentation whose introduction captured the audience. The official opening commenced at 1:00p.m, playing the Australian and the Assyrian National Anthems by the Choir of the Assyrian Church of the East, led by their composer and conductor, Maestro Alexander (Shura) Michailian.

Mr Frederick P. Isaac

A variety of speeches, poetry, traditional dancing and political addresses and songs were delivered, including a welcoming speech by Mr Frederick Isaac, President of the Assyrian Australian National Federation, who welcomed the guests and the attending public. He briefed the audience about the importance of this historic day for the Assyrians. In his welcoming speech, Mr. Isaac added that; “the (AANF), since its early establishment, together with all its affiliated organizations, has always celebrated the Assyrian New Year on the 1^st day of April…We have been successful this third year also, in seeing the majority of the Assyrian community joining in, celebrating this festival together. This happy event of bringing the Assyrians together, serves towards fulfilment of one of this organization’s main objectives, namely, unity, sharing in the blessings of this nation for the good and wellbeing of all.” Mr. Isaac continued "in addition to our unity, we shall continue to work in cohesion. And may I add that our motto is “United we are and together we build”.  We shall continue to build a law-abiding and prosperous Assyrian Australian community, contributing to this country’s success. Moreover, as Australian subjects, we shall remain loyal to our blessed and newly adopted home, Australia."

Then there was the official welcome from Councillor Albert Mooshi, on behalf of the Mayor Fairfield City.

Mr Hermiz Shahen

A political statement was given by Mr Hermiz Shahen, Secretary of the Assyrian Universal Alliance, who after welcoming the official guests, said:

"Today, the future of our nation in Iraq is at risk. Human rights’ situation is worsening and repression of the civil and political rights continue deteriorating by the day in the country.   Indiscriminate bombing of civilian settlements and arbitrary killings is causing grievous concern to the Assyrians and other Christians. Almost every day Assyrian blood is being shed on the great land of Assyria, particularly in the last four years, since the war started, hundreds of Assyrians have been killed in Iraq, and over half a million fled to neighbouring Syria, Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon.

The Assyrian nation can no longer continue on the present course of silence.   The threat posed by terrorism is real and cannot be ignored.  Our people have become the primary target by the insurgency. They are left without protection, surrounded by well-equipped insurgents and militia of Shi’ah, Sunni Arabs, and Kurds.

Assyrians in Diaspora must be prepared to face the problematic and challenging situation that is yet to come. The ethno-religious persecution of Christians in Iraq has reached extreme forms of human misery.  It is time for the advocates who call for democracy, justice and Human Rights to stand up for the rights of the Indigenous Assyrians of Iraq.

Mr. Shahen also made an appeal to the Australian Government "to help our people at this critical time, in aiding our refugees, the resettlement projects of our people, and support the Assyrian demands for a protected self-administered region in their homeland."

Then it was the turn of eight guests from Federal and State government to deliver their speeches, thanking the organisers for such a wonderful festival, praising the Assyrian history and culture and totally supporting the Assyrian Rights in Iraq and the AUA plea to the Federal Parliament; The Hon. Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells read the special message from the Prime Minister of Australia ; The Hon John Howard, MP.

Miss Diana Shalalo, who read very eloquently a poem titled “A Race That Once Ruled The World”, moved our audience to cheers and applause.

During the opening precession, the general public was entertained by different activities such as Assyrian folklore dancing groups, organised by Diqlat school of the Assyrian Australian Association and Assyrian Church of the East Youth Group. Many Assyrian National Songs were performed by the Choir of the Assyrian Church of the East, composed and conducted by Maestro Alexander (Shura) Michailian,

About 10 Assyrian Singers entertained the audience all day with Assyrian songs, supported by non-stop traditional dancing of the audience themselves, who formed many circles due to the large expanse of the Show Ground area.  As usual, at 8:00 pm., there was a spectacular firework show, ending with the Assyrian Flag displayed, up high in the sky above the spectators, with all its tremendous colours, specially designed by the firework technicians, for this special occasion. It was breathtaking. The whole show ended with Assyrian national songs, with audience from children to the elderly, carrying the Assyrian National Flag in a highly emotional state and pride. It was truly very enjoyable, exciting and a tremendously successful celebration day.

The Festival offered an excellent opportunity for Assyrian entertainers, artists, and crafters by presenting their art to the large audience. Banners in Assyrian & English languages, decorations, Middle Eastern and Assyrian traditional food added a wonderful flavour to the event.

There were thousands of people with plenty of security, enjoying the various performances.

The festival gave the Assyrian charitable organizations and vendors an opportunity to showcase their talents and services. There was something for everyone and every age. Great Assyrian music all day, great food, great displays, great games and fun for the kids, a great location and great weather – a beautiful sunny day and pleasant.  The Assyrian New Year  Festival had it all.

Message from the Prime Minister Hon John Howard:

Posted: 19/04/2007