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The AANF strives to unite the Assyrian people by protecting and promoting the progression of Assyrian humanitarian rights.


KHA B'NISSAN 6758/2008 in Chicago.  03/30/2008

Akitu Parade in Chicago

Chicago does not just party for a few hours; this city needs an entire weekend to get the job done.  The celebrations for this past Kha B’Nissan, the 6758th Assyrian-Babylonian New Year marked, were of no exception.  Thanks to the dedication, sponsorship, and efforts of the Assyrian American National Federation, the Assyrian National Council of Illinois, and the Assyrian Chaldean Syriac Student Movement, the latest Kha B’Nissan New Year events were an incredible success.

It is not just about singing, dancing, chanting, and waving flags though; it is about our core beliefs as proud people in what we do.  It is about our culture, our heritage, our history.  It is also about our present, about the homeland, and those faithful souls still braving its lands.  More than anything, this year, we put the focus on our future, emphasizing our hopes for it, and just how much support we truly need for those hopes to be realized. 

The parade on Sunday, as well as honoring the ancient commemoration of the beginning of the spring season, was geared toward demonstrating against the continued violence targeted toward our people in Iraq.  Fundraising was at the heart of our Saturday night dance party and the next day’s post-parade gathering.  Proceeds were donated to the Iraq Sustainable Democracy Project (ISDP) in an effort to help its members further their extraordinary work toward our rights and freedoms.  ISDP’s Project Director Michael Youash, was the party’s guest of honor and speaker.  He also gave one of the most memorable speeches at our parade.  Reminding us of the undeniable connection that we have with our people in Iraq, his words urged us to move beyond our struggles and press on to reach our goals.  With the New Year and spring now upon us, with flowers blooming here and in the Nineveh Plains, there is not a better time to wake up and look forward to what may, and hopefully will come.