 During the last 2,500 years Assyrians have survived primarily because they have been eager to preserve their culture, heritage and nationality. Unfortunately now that they have migrated to the west they face insurmountable difficulties that threaten their survival as distinct people. Since its inception in 1964 the Assyrian Association has been dedicated to the survival of the Assyrian heritage in the U.S. especially in the Southern California. Its various activities since then have been dedicated to fulfilling such goal. Until two decades ago the Assyrian population in Southern California lived predominantly in the Los Angeles area and most Assyrians were active in the Association but since then they have scattered in many far away cities which makes it difficult for them to get together as often as possible, therefore the role of the Association in solving this problem has become even more crucial. Such difficulties can only be resolved with the willing help of the entire community.
For twenty years the AAASC had a Scouts program where hundreds of Assyrian children in addition to participating in Scouts activities were taught the reading and writing of the Assyrian language. They were given the opportunity to associate with Assyrians of their age to form life long friendships. With great expense Association also established and funded various soccer and Basketball teams for our youth to facilitate their getting together. Without the community support and participations such activities become difficult to continue. Unfortunately, the young people who were helped by the Association during the last 20 years have not returned to make it possible for the generation after them, including their own children, to enjoy the same learning and friendship experiences. It is the moral obligation of each generation to contribute to the wellbeing of the one that succeeds it. Not doing so unravels the chain of humanity, which binds us together and reflects unfavorably on those who fail to recognize their social responsibility.
If there is any hope for the survival of our people in this region it is imperative for our young men and women who care about the future of our people return to the Association and help it so that it can do more for the community; especially the younger generation. The Assyrian American Association is always there to help them in any way possible, if that is what they need. The Assyrian center is a valuable asset for our community which can contribute greatly to the Assyrians survival therefore it should not be abandoned and wasted for any reason. As the saying goes united we stand but divided we have no hope. Although our churches are important institutions of our nation but only in the Assyrian center our people come together regardless of who goes to what church. Our clergies often encourage the churchgoers to recognize their national obligations as Christ admonished the Christians to: “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God." During the previous year we organized various programs such as seminars about subjects of interests to the Assyrians, a Choir performance, a year earlier Assyrian language, art, and dance Classes for children were organized, a book exhibit featuring valuable books published about Assyrians for the last 400 years, A weekly Cable T.V. program shown in San Fernando Valley and the Orange county, a basketball team to bring the young Assyrians together, in addition to various parties and picnics. This year we intend to add other events to our usual activities. Such programs can only be sustained for as long Assyrians are willing to take part in them. Setting aside a few hours a month for getting together at the Assyrian center with other Assyrians, members of one nation will help the cohesion and survival of our community. We hope you will join the Assyrian American Association of Southern California in its quest to help the advancement of our culture and heritage by becoming its active member. Cultural Events observed by the Association: Kha b’Nissan;
Celebration of the Assyrian New Year of Kha b’Nissan;
The Assyrian New year was celebrated at the Association on Saturday April 1st. It was a success by any measure of judgement but regretfully many Assyrians who wanted to participate in this event were unable to do so because the seating capacity of the hall is 350 people according to the city ordinance. Admitting more people would have created legal problems for the Association. In previous years In previous years Association celebrated the National Assyrian New Year at hotel halls to alleviate seating problem, but not enough Assyrians participated in those events to make them financially affordable. It has been evident for several years that the Assyrian center needs a bigger hall to accommodate all who would like to participate in such events but due to lack of support from the community buying a bigger hall has not been economically feasible. Only with the help of the community at large this wish can be fulfilled. Kalu Sulagha:
Commemorated on the day of Ascension in remembrance of the young Men and women who perished in 1401 A.D. when Timurlane attacked and destroyed the Assyrian villages near Nineveh. The event left such an impact on the Assyrians that for centuries later in the Assyrian villages, on that day, parents Dressed-up children as brides and grooms who went from home to home where they were given sweets and nuts to symbolize the asscension of the martyrs to heaven where they wedded. On May 14th we will celebrate the Kalu Sulaga by a picnic at the Conejo North Park in the city of Thousands Oaks. Be sure to be there and bring the children so that they also can learn to appreciate the culture of their parents. Noosar D’eil;
An ancient festival celebrating the descent of Tammuz to the underworld and the end of spring in Mesopotamia. It was customary to sprinkle water on friends and family members, wishing the Tammuz's safe return to his beloved Ishtar. During Christianity, Noosar D’eil celebrates the Assyrian conversion to Christianity in the first century AD. This year Association will commemorate this day on Sunday July 23rd at the Conejo Park as in previous years. Yoma D’Sahdee;
August 7; A day to commemorate the world war one and the semeil massacres of the Assyrians when 2/3 of the nation was wiped out. It is important to note that Armenians observe their world war one massacre on April 24th by a parade in the streets of Glendale in which 20,000 people participate, most of them young, ranging in age from 12 to 30 years old. The Jacobite Assyrians also observe the April 24th as the day of their remembrance.
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