August 7th is observed annually by Assyrians as Assyrian Remembrance Day to honor the memory of all those Assyrians who have fallen victim to genocide, other mass atrocities, and persecution as a result of their distinct ethnic and religious identity. Notably, the day commemorates the victims of the Assyrian Genocide (1914-1923) and the Simele Massacre (1933). It is also known as Assyrian Martyrs Day. The United States is home to more than 600,000 Assyrian-Americans. This thriving community is a proud reminder of survival and perseverance in the face of mass atrocities and extreme injustice.
The Assyrian Policy Institute welcomes statements of solidarity issued nationwide in observance of Assyrian Remembrance Day.
Note: This statement will be updated through August 7, 2022 as additional statements are released.
United States Congress
Representative Anna Eshoo (CA-18)
Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, the only Member of Congress of Assyrian descent, released a statement to commemorate Assyrian Remembrance Day. "Today on Assyrian Remembrance Day we commemorate the Assyrian Genocide by praying for the victims and recommitting ourselves to ensuring that such an atrocity never happens again. As the only Member of Congress of Assyrian descent, I know what the Assyrian people have endured because it is the story of my family." Click here to read her full statement.
Representative Josh Harder (CA-10)
Congressman Josh Harder, Chair of the Congressional Assyrian Caucus, issued a statement in observance of Assyrian Remembrance Day: "Today, on shawa b'tabakh, I join millions of Assyrians here at home and across the world in remembering the 300,000 Assyrians lost to genocide, atrocities, and persecution. As we honor the resilience of the Assyrian people and culture, I once again call on Congress to join me and officially recognize the Assyrian Genocide by passing my resolution, H.Res. 550."
Representative Debbie Lesko (AZ-08)
Congresswoman Debbie Lesko—lead sponsor of H.Res. 143 which recognizes the Simele Massacre—tweeted a statement in observance of Assyrian Remembrance Day: "Today is Assyrian Martyrs Day to honor the Assyrians who have been victims of genocide, persecution, and other atrocities throughout the world." Click here for the full two tweets.
Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08)
The API welcomes a statement entered into the Congressional Record by Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi recognizing Assyrian Memorial Day. As part of his remarks, he said, "Today, over 600,000 Assyrian Americans live in the United States, and I am proud to say that the 8th Congressional District of Illinois is home to a large and thriving Assyrian-American community. This community has enriched our neighborhood with its strength and determination." Click here to view his full statement.
Representative Zoe Lofgren (CA-19)
Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren tweeted a message in recognition of Assyrian Remembrance Day, writing: "I’m proud of the vibrant Assyrian-American community in the South Bay. On Assyrian Remembrance Day, I recognize the violence & persecution that Assyrian communities have & continue to face. I’m also a cosponsor of legislation to officially recognize the Assyrian Genocide." Click here to see the tweet.
Representative Lisa McClain (MI-10)
The API welcomes a tweet by Representative Lisa McClain issued in observance of Assyrian Remembrance Day, where she wrote "On Assyrian Remembrance Day, we honor those who have fallen victim to the Assyrian genocide, mass atrocities, and religious persecution." Click here for the tweet.
Representative Jim McGovern (MA-02)
Congressman Jim McGovern tweeted a message commemorating Assyrian Memorial Day, writing: "Today we observe Assyrian Memorial Day and honor the memory of Assyrians who have fallen victim to genocide, other mass atrocities and persecution. I'm proud the 2nd District is home to a vibrant Assyrian-American community and that through tragedy, Assyrian culture endures & thrives." Click here to see his tweet.
Representative Katie Porter (CA-45)
Congresswoman Katie Porter issued a Certificate of Congressional Recognition marking August 7 as Assyrian Memorial Day. Thank you, Rep. Porter, for joining the Assyrian-American community nationwide in solidarity on this day. View the e-version of certificate here.
Representative Brad Sherman (CA-30)
Congressman Brad Sherman issued a heartfelt video statement commemorating Assyrian Remembrance Day. "Today we honor the memory of those who were lost, and we continue to fight for justice. I will always stand with the Assyrian community in this fight." Click here to watch the video.
Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09)
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a longtime legislative champion for the Assyrian-American community in Congress, released a statement commemorating Assyrian Remembrance Day: "August 7th will forever be remembered by the Assyrian community, and I join them today in honoring the memory of all Assyrians who have fallen victim to persecution, violence, displacement, and genocide." Click here for her full statement.
Representative Adam Schiff (CA-28)
Congressman Adam Schiff released a statement on his Facebook account commemorating Assyrian Remembrance Day: "Today, we commemorate Assyrian Martyrs Day, and honor the victims of the genocide and other mass atrocities perpetrated against the Assyrian people." Click here to read his full statement.
Representative Representative Brad Schneider (IL-10)
Congressman Brad Schneider tweeted a message commemorating Assyrian Remembrance Day, writing: "On Assyrian Remembrance Day, we recognize and honor the hundreds of thousands of Assyrians who have fallen victim to genocide and religious persecution. Today we recommit ourselves to not only remembering, but also to ensuring these heinous acts are never committed again." Click here to see his tweet.
State of Illinois
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker
The API welcomes the proclamation issued by Governor JB Pritzker declaring August 7, 2022 as Assyrian Remembrance Day in Illinois and encourages all residents to "recognize the lasting impact of these losses on the Assyrian-American community."
Illinois Assyrian Caucus
The API welcomes the joint statement issued by the Illinois Assyrian Caucus in observance of Assyrian Remembrance Day. The bipartisan caucus includes 20 Members of the Illinois General Assembly working together to advance the Assyrian-American community’s priorities. It is the first statewide caucus on Assyrian issues. Learn more about the caucus at illinoisassyriancaucus.org.
State of California
Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian
The API welcomes a statement from Armenian-American Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian posted to his Instagram page: "As I work in the legislature to ensure we remember the devastation, loss and ongoing impacts to all communities impacted by genocide, my heart is with the members of the Assyrian community. Together, we will continue to honor those who have been lost by working to educate and eliminate genocide for future generations." View his post here.
Please check back for more updates as additional statements will become available in the coming days.