Assyrian Martyrs Day Memorial Event at San Jose State University

On Friday, August 7th, 2009, the Assyrian American Association of San Jose will host a
memorial event in remembrance of Assyrians who have given their lives for the preservation of
their cultural and ethnic identity. The event, which includes informative speeches and lectures by
renowned Assyrian activists, theatrical & musical performances, a candle light vigil, poetry and
more is scheduled to begin at 7:30 pm at San Jose State University’s Music Hall.

August 7th, known in Assyrian as “Shava b’Dabakh,” marks a significant national holiday among
the Assyrian community worldwide. Originally commemorating the 1933 massacre of Assyrians
in the Iraqi city of Simele, the day has evolved to honor all Assyrian martyrs thereafter.
The recent bombings of 7 Assyrian churches in Iraq highlights the ongoing persecution of the
indigenous Assyrian community, adds to the gravity of this year’s memorial, and underscores the
event’s theme, “Simele, Never Again: A past and present revelation on the Assyrian Nation’s
fight against oppression and genocide.”

The following organizations are participating this year’s memorial:
– Assyrian Academic Society
– Assyrian Aid Society Santa Clara Chapter
– Assyrian Democratic Movement Santa Clara Chapter
– Assyrian Evangelical Church of San Jose
– Assyrian Foundation of America
– Assyrian Presbyterian Church of San Jose
– Assyrian Student Association at SJSU
– Assyrian Universal Alliance
– Assyrian Universal Alliance Americas Youth Chapter
– Bet Eil Assyrian Church
– Church of Pentecost
– Mar Yosip Assyrian Church of the East
– St. Mary’s Assyrian Chaldean Catholic Church

For any inquiries, please call Assyrian American Association of San Jose’s point of contact
Rochelle Yousefian at 408-204-4242 or via email at events@aaasj.org