The Assyrian Star is the longest running Assyrian publication in the United States. The first issue appeared in January 1952 under the editorship of Joseph P. Durna. Although today it is the official publication of the Assyrian American National Federation, it was originally published by the Assyrian Star Association which was incorporated in December 1956. At that time, Durna became president of the Assyrian Star, Inc. and was succeeded as editor by Joseph P. Sargis. The magazine was published from Yonkers, N.Y. until 1962 when Malcolm L. Karam became editor. The Assyrian Star was conceived as 'An independent publication of, by and for Assyrians' pledged to avoid 'prejudice, bias, clannishness, sectarianism and unwholesome and destructive criticism'. It focused on news of Assyrians both in the U.S. and other parts of the world and was a model of cooperation between Assyrians from all religious and geographic backgrounds. "One of the Federation’s most effective instruments for promoting Assyrian identity, culture, and national achievements has been its bilingual publication, Assyrian Star. The magazine was first published by the Assyrian Star Association, headquartered at 41 South Station Plaza in Yonkers, New York, which was incorporated in December 1956. The magazine contained literary, historical, and political material, as well as news about Assyrians both in the United States and elsewhere. This publication is widely regarded as a paradigm of cooperation among the Assyrian community.

Published in both English and Assyrian, Assyrian Star became the longest-running Assyrian periodical in the United States. Throughout its history, the magazine has documented the cultural, social, educational, and organizational achievements of the Assyrian people, preserving an invaluable record of community life for future generations.

The founding editorial staff included Joseph J. Durna, Editor; Harold Quoyoon, Assistant Editor; Charles S. Dartley, Managing Editor; Barsam Kashish, Corresponding Secretary; and Nimrod A. Hoyen, Art Director. In 1958, Joseph P. Sargis succeeded Durna as Editor-in-Chief and continued the publication’s mission of informing and uniting the Assyrian community.

Through the dedication of these editors and countless contributors, Assyrian Star has remained a cornerstone of Assyrian journalism and an enduring voice for the Assyrian American community.

Vasili Shoumanov, 6/7/2026.