Congressman Josh Harder Reintroduces Assyrian Genocide Resolution

MODESTO, Calif. - July 23, 2021 - PRLog -- Yesterday, an Assyrian Genocide resolution H.Res 550 submitted by Congressman Josh Harder (D-CA) was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. The Assyrian American National Federation along with partnered Assyrian American local organizations are thankful for Congressman Harder and his staff, especially Ms. Ishtar Saiady and Ms. Kara Verma for their efforts in reintroducing this resolution. "We also want to thank Representatives Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) for co-sponsoring the resolution," stated Assyrian American Civic Club of Turlock's Public Relations Director Ms. Carmen Morad who has helped coordinate community outreach for the resolution.

The resolution language was written in close collaboration with these partnered Assyrian American organizations to ensure its accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Assyrian Genocides. The resolution calls upon the US House of Representatives to unequivocally recognize and affirm the Assyrian Genocide. Incorporating the Genocide of 1915, the Simele massacres of 1933, and more recently the atrocities committed by the Islamic State, this resolution constitutes an inclusive and robust political effort in confirming the recurrent horrors the Assyrian nation has endured.

For decades, Assyrian Americans have eagerly sought Assyrian Genocide recognition to ascertain the historical truth and to realize justice for the victims and the generational trauma that has afflicted their descendents. "We applaud the collaboration amongst Assyrian American organizations and our close relationship with Congressman Josh Harder that got us closer to Assyrian Genocide recognition," stated Assyrian American National Federation President Mr. Martin Youmaran. "Not only is this recognition critical for the memory of our martyrs and confirming the horrific events of the Genocide, but it clearly acknowledges that the lack of recognition only paves the way for future harm and genocides, " Youmaran added.

Various Assyrian American organizations led by the Assyrian American National Federation are circulating the resolution and in communication with other congressional representatives, especially those on the Committee on Foreign Affairs, to co-sponsor the resolution and ensure its passage. The resolution will need to pass the Committee by majority vote prior to its introduction to the floor of the US House of Representatives for debate and a final vote.

The resolution does extend far beyond simple recognition as it constitutes the policy of the United States to "reject efforts to enlist, engage, or otherwise associate the United States Government with denial of Assyrian Genocide...encourage education and public understanding of the facts of the Assyrian Genocide." These actions in the resolution bear actual consequences for Assyrian Genocide recognition rather than the lip homage the Assyrian American community has been in receipt of in the past.

Established in 1933, the Assyrian American National Federation is the largest and oldest federation of Assyrian associations in the USA. The Federation is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.