Where Assyrians Get Their News.

101 San Fernando Street, Suite 505
San Jose, CA  95112  U.S.
Voice (408) 918-9200
Fax (408) 918-9201

Kanoon II 14, 6751

Volume VII

Issue 41

January 14, 2002

return to zindamagazine.com

If you are printing the magazine from your web browser, click here.

This Week In Zinda

cover photo

Zinda Says

No Longer Among Us
A Review of Rev. Dr. Talia's Book

The Lighthouse

The First School Outside of the Homeland

Good Morning Bet-Nahrain

Patriarch Barthomew I Visits Christians in Iran
Vatican Interview with Chaldean Archbishop from Iraq

News Digest

Reverend Doctor Peter Talia Passes Away in Chicago
Pope John Paul's Christmas Message Carries Aramaic Words
Obituary: Shirley Oshana Hall
Obituary: Kati Bet Mikhael

Surfs Up!

It Wasn't Me!
I Was Shocked!
Why Hide?
Beamer Fever
Shame on Zinda Magazine!
Pope's Christmas Message in Aramaic
More on Al-Jazeera

Surfers Corner

AANF National Executive Committee Meeting
Assyrian International Conference in Moscow

Literatus

Virgins? What Virgins?

Bravo

AUA 2001 Assyrian Award Recipients: Part IV

Assyrian Surfing Posts

British Museum's Compass Database
50 Million Victims of the Orthodox Christian Holocaust

Pump Up the Volume

Virgin & Holy

Back to the Future

The First Business-Woman & the Tablet in Space

Calendar of Events

Canadian Society For Syriac Studies Lecture

Zinda Says

NO LONGER AMONG US

"Friends, maybe I took more time than I should. Forgive my prolixity. Let it be known that when a nation's only goal is eating, drinking, and dancing, when a people's only care is to jump at the din of every drum, remember it is that nation's last hour; that people is breathing its last breath. My fellow Assyrians, I want to ask you a fair question: What other minority group in this land, or in any land, does this sort of foolish thing? The Jewish people? Spanish? The Italian community? The Irish? The German? The Swedish? Not a single one. That is why they have hospitals, nursing homes, camps, cultural centers, schools, colleges, and churches. There is no moral justification, my friends, for these useless and senseless acts of ours."

From the "Assyrians in the West" by Rev. Dr. Peter Talia

This has been a very sad month for us at Zinda Magazine. Reverend Dr. Talia, a respected vocal critic of our at-times purposeless existence in the West, a friend of books and a lover of the Assyrian language is no longer among us. No words can describe our sorrow, particularly when only a few days preceding his departure, we were informed of our dearest Rabbie Giwargis Arsanis' parting in Russia. The Assyrian nation has lost two of her most learned scholars in less than a few days apart. Both men represented the best of the U.S. and former Soviet Union's elite education, firmly founded in strong schooling in the Middle East. Both were greatly admired, teachers with enormous energy and warmth, whose flame burnt brightly until just days before the end of their lives. Both men will forever be missed.

Zinda Magazine
------------------------------

A Review of Rev. Dr. Talia's Book: "Our Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow"

Past Assyrian history and literature tends to deal with glories and great achievements, while Assyrian literature of this century appears to deal mostly with terrible loss, massacres, cultural and literary disappearance. For Assyrians arriving recently from the troubled Middle East, with many of their own problems- financial, educational, social etc.- the response to such literature may well be "I have enough troubles of my own". Assyrians living in the West for most of their lives and certainly for second generation Assyrians who are far removed from the tumultuous Middle East, reading such important works which deal with our difficult problems seems almost a luxury which mustn't be missed. Such an important work is by Dr. Peter Talia, "Our Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow- History, Dilemma and Destiny of the Assyrian People". Dr. Talia's credentials are certainly quite impressive- a Master of Divinity degree in Languages and Theology, Doctor of Theology degree; he is "the ultimate polyglot" knowing, besides Assyrian, Arabic, English, Hebrew, Greek, Ugaritic, Akkadian, Syriac, Latin and German!

The book is divided into three parts: the first, "An Excursion into the Past" gives a brief but important overview of our ancient history, a knowledge without which we "cannot completely realise the magnitude of [our] present degradation" nor be able to appreciate the value of the book. Part two deals with the dilemmas of our people, the one given most priority is "The Dilemma of Language". Dr. Talia states that while "ethnic minorities" in America from various European countries, for example, "can afford to lose their mother tongue, knowing full well that they have a country, a culture they could call their own and a language preserved somewhere", "Assyrians, few as we are, cannot afford that sort of adventure". "We ought to fight assimilation for the sake of preservation"- because if we lose our language, we lose our culture, and we have no country of our own where this ancient heritage could be preserved. "The Dilemma of Tribal Trivialities" is one which all Assyrians must be familiar with to some extent, whether here recently cannot unite and put an end to this "calamitous order" (Yes, it seems a hackneyed phrase- but only because it has to be repeated so often!).

"The Dilemma of Paralyzing Disunity", a disunity on a political, social, religious, philosophical basis, "must absolutely be dissolved once and for all", for as Benjamin Franklin said "We must all hang together or we shall all hang separately". The psychological constraint of being such a small group, an "orphaned nation" so to speak, who is "abandoned, ignored and forgotten" and therefore uninfluential, leads to "the Minority Phobia". Having no modern force, not possessing one spot of land we can call our own upon which we may begin a new enterprise, means we are unable to do anything to let the world know about us "wandering Assyrians".

Dr. Talia suggests we should never feel inferior because of our "numerical identity". The Jews, always being in a numerical minority, rejected any feelings of inferiority, being active and influential in many fields.
Part 3, "The Destiny of a People" offers solutions to the problems we face. The foremost is education, good leadership, a proper understanding of patriotism, and a deeper dimension of religious understanding. Each is covered at length.
Finally, in 'A Futuristic Hope "Realizable" ', Dr. Talia states that we Assyrians have been, for centuries, hoping against hope that one day we may be able to realise our national dreams and ideals. However, the words "hope" and "future" aren't passive words- if we passively and indifferently hope that the future will be better for us by some magic formula, we aren't thinking and hoping for a "realizable" future.

We are lacking in the field of international politics, in which, before world forums, "a people must be recognized, accepted as an existing entity…a people must demonstrate its identity, must show it is there to stay regardless of disadvantageous circumstances". Few people have heard of us, few people realize this once great nation has a small remnant still struggling to maintain its identity. The reason is simple, Dr. Talia believes: "We do not publicize ourselves- we have no writers, no publications, no educated people to write and produce…we are forgotten, neglected by our own fate and mentally handicapped."

The next step is unity. "We must forget our past adversities, our proud tribal "superiority", and start acting like men scattered and in desperate need of regathering and reinforcement. Clear cut guides are given as to how, practically speaking, we may be able to unite.

Sennacherib Daniel
Nakosha Magazine

The Lighthouse

THE FIRST SCHOOL OUTSIDE OF THE HOMELAND

Later this month, the first Assyrian school outside of Bet-Nahrain will open its doors to its first students in Sydney, Australia. St. Hurmizd Assyrian Primary School will include two kindergarten classes, one first-grade and a second-grade class. The faculty is comprised of Principal and five teachers. The student body includes some one hundred students who will be matriculated in the regular Australian curriculum, in addition to Assyrian language, history and religious studies. The actual commencement of school on par with all other New South Wales State schools is Tuesday, 29 January 2002.

The foundation stone of St. Hurmizd School was laid on Sunday, 20 August 2000. In December 1996, a committee set up by Mar Mellis Zaia, Bishop of the Church of the East for Australia, instructed Mr. Donald Maseh to design a building with fourteen classrooms, an area for the faculty, a library with a reading room, cafeteria, gymnasium, playground and parking lot.

The first fully operational academic school year, Kindergarten through 6th grade, is expected to ring in the school year in 2007. Beginning with only two school-year programs this year, two additional classes will be introduced each year after. The administrators expect a total of 364 students enrolled in all classes by 2007.

Nakosha Magazine, published in Australia asks: "So what would this school mean for future Assyrians?" In an editorial commentary it writes: "One of the main problems that we face in our community today is the clash of cultures that our youth experience. They spend the first half of their day at school, in a totally different environment to that they have to deal with during the second half of the day. It is a big issue that we have been over-sighting for many years. Another issue that our youth face, is the confusion over their true identity. With identity being a very difficult concept to define, and comprehend, many young Assyrians are left bewildered when the subject arises."

The Assyrian-Australian community has to date expressed enormous interest in the growth plan of St. Hurmizd Assyrian School. While many issues need to be discussed in a timely manner, the fact that a Church-sponsored Assyrian school has finally broken ground in the West has many parents in Sydney feeling hopeful about the future of their children's education. The St. Hurmizd project will likely spur similar development plans in North America and Europe. When that happens, a more dependable plan to formulate a cohesive private educational infrastructure will become of concern to the bishoprics of the Church of the East in Diaspora.

St. Hurmizd Assyrian Primary School Council will operate the school and consist of the Bishop of the Church of the East, the Principal, a member of the Parents and Friends Committee, an individual qualified in Assyrian languges, and an academic expert in primary school education. Indeed the Primary School project is the culmination of Mar Meelis Zaia's 18-year relentless pursuit of educational and cultural progress in Australia. Both critics and followers of His Grace would attest that no other Bishop of the Assyrian Church of the East in the last two decades has achieved as much for his congregation as Mar Meelis has in Australia. The Church of the East in Sydney and Melbourne oversees several building and welfare projects for the Assyrian community totaling nearly 13 million dollars. An unprecedented accomplishment, this incredible success of the Assyrian-Australian community under the able leadership of Mar Meelis has been realized despite of much impediments from envious individuals and groups as observed by the unfounded claims noted in the pages of this magazine. A recent example of His Grace and his community's accomplishment is the purchase of three reception halls in Melbourne which will serve as this city's future church building, a cultural and a entertainment hall. These achievements are nothing short of a miracle.

The following are a few articles of interest related to the operation of St. Hurmizd Assyrian School:

St. Hurmizd School's Vision

To meet the requirements of the State of New South Wales education laws and to incoproate in the curriculum, appropriate to the ages of children attending a primary school, the teaching of Assyrian language, culrture, and Christian traditions in order to foster an understanding of and pride in Assyrian heritage, culture, traditions and history in all students and members of the school community.

St. Hurmizd School Mission Statement

St. Hurmizd Assyrian School will involve the whole school community in the running of a center of excellence for the implementation of the New South Wales Board of Studies registration requirements, including the teaching of Assyrian languges, culture and Christian traditions, in a safe, happy and supportive environment.

Curriculum

English
Mathematics
Science and Technology
Human Society and its Environment
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
Creative Arts
Assyrian languge, cultural and heritage, and Christian faith and values.

The curriculum of the school is fully accredited by the New South Wales Board of School Studies.

School Fees

School fees are based on the number of children attending from each family: first child, Australian $650.00 per year; second child, $600.00; third child, $550.00; 4th child, $500.00. A charge of $100.00 is made in Term I to cover the cost of text books, exercise books, paper, art and craft material.

2002 Academic Year: Schedule of Terms

Term I

Monday, January 28 Teachers Start
Tuesday, January 29 First Day of Instruction
Friday, April 12 Last Day of Term I

Term II

Monday, April 29 First Day of Instruction
Friday, July 5 Last Day of Term II

Term III

Monday, July 22 First Day of Instruction
Friday, September 27 Last Day of Term III

Term IV

Monday, October 14 First Day of Instruction
Friday, December 20 Last Day of Term IV

School Hours

Supervision of Children 8:30 AM (children should not arrive before this time)
School begins 9:00 AM
Recess 11:00 to 11:20
Lunch 1:00 to 02:00 PM
School Finishes 3:20 PM

School Uniform

All children are expected to wear the correct school uniform.

Free Bus Travel

All students living over a 1.6 kilometer radial distance from the St. Hurmizd School and those who will have to walk over 2.3 kilometers by the nearest direct route from their homes are provided free bus travel.

Zinda Magazine congratulates His Grace Mar Meelis Zaia, the staff at the Church of the East in Australia, the Mar Hurmizd Assyrian School faculty, the School Council and the entire Assyrian community in Sydney for taking the boldest step toward preservation of the Assyrian culture and Christian faith.

GOOD MORNING BET-NAHRAIN

PATRIARCH BARTHOMEW I VISITS CHRISTIANS IN IRAN

Courtesy of Associated Press Writer (January 13); article by Ali Akbar Dareini

(ZNDA: Tehran) Christian, Muslim and Jewish leaders will meet next month to talk about the role of faith in fighting terrorism, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the spiritual head of the world's Orthodox Christians, said Sunday during a visit to Iran. Representatives of the faiths will meet in Istanbul, Turkey, "to discuss the role religion can play in countering terrorism.'' He said the clerics would meet again in May in Athens, Greece.

Bartholomew, who is based in Istanbul, spoke after celebrating a Mass at the Greek Orthodox church in central Tehran before members of Iran's Assyrian, Armenian, and other Christian minorities on the third day of his first visit to Iran.

Wearing a white robe and speaking in Greek, Bartholomew blessed the worshippers in the candlelit church with holy water and vegetables that represented gifts of God. Congregants then lined up and kissed the patriarch's hand, and each was given a loaf of bread and a cross.

Bartholomew later met President Mohammad Khatami. Neither man commented on their talks.

During his visit to Iran, Bartholomew has said Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders must promote dialogue and peaceful coexistence, especially since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States.

An official at the Greek Orthodox church in Tehran, Olca Xantopoulou, said Sunday was a ``historic day'' for Iran's Orthodox Christian community.

``It's the first time ever that the patriarch is leading a Mass in our church. History may not repeat it again,'' he said.

Iran's population of 70 million includes about 150,000 Christians. Bartholomew is the spiritual leader of 14 autonomous Orthodox Christian churches, including those of Greece, Russia, Serbia, Albania, Bulgaria, and Romania.

His trip ends today (Monday) after a trip to the ancient city of Isfahan.

IRAQ - Under embargo and bombing Church flourishes

VATICAN INTERVIEW WITH CHALDEAN ARCHBISHOP FROM IRAQ

(ZNDA: Rome) The following is the complete text of the interview conducted by Vatican's news bureau, Fides, with Chaldean Archbishop Jacques Isaaq, Secretary General of the Synod of Chaldean rite Bishops in Baghdad, in late December. Archbishop Isaaq works closely with His Holiness Mar Raphael Bidawid, Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church. Archbishop Isaaq was interviewed on his five-yearly visit to Vatican where he presented a report to the Pope. When asked if the Christians in Iraq fear the possible attacks on Iraq in the near future Archbishop Issaq replied: "The fact the United States could attack Iraq does not frighten us. They have been bombing us for eleven years. We are used to it."

Fides: The Chaldean Bishops have just met with the Holy Father: what indications emerged? Did you speak of the embargo?

We came to Rome for our Ad Limina visit. With the Patriarch we were 15 Bishops from Iraq, Iran Turkey and the United States. We were deeply moved by the Holy Father's questions which revealed that he follows closely every Particular Church and carries in his heart concern for all Christians everywhere. He is informed not only of religious events but also civil concerns regarding each of our countries. This visit has given us new strength with which to carry out our mission. The Patriarch thanked the Pope for the courageous position he has always taken against the UN embargo. He thinks of everyone not only Christians, and he would like to see the sanctions lifted immediately. In Iraq in front of the government and the Muslim citizens we Christians are proud of the Holy Father's position. There is even a book in Arabic explaining the Pope's firm position for peace and his commit to put an end to the suffering of the Iraqi people. This means that we are strong because we feel we belong to the Church of Jesus Christ.

Aren't you afraid that Iraq could be the next target in the war against terrorism?

We have been a target for the past eleven years and we have survived worse situations. In 1991, 33 countries attacked Iraq with 100 days of bombing on Baghdad and other cities. A new attack could not be worse than this. What is more, since 1991 the US and UK have bombed us continually. We are used to living with danger.

Are there terrorists or fundamentalists in Iraq?

The government is against Islamic fundamentalists. When the United States first attacked Afghanistan, the government gave precise orders to punish any violence against Iraqi Christians. We have good dialogue with Muslims. There are none of the problems found in other countries such as Egypt for example.

I think that the reasons adopted by the Western powers regarding Iraq's connections with terrorism are only a pretext. The Europeans give no importance to the presence of Christians in these countries. There are thousands and thousands of Christians in Iraq. Their presence dates to the first century. The task of the Church is to announce the gospel of Jesus everywhere. In Baghdad there are 100 churches and a theology faculty for all Christians (Catholics, Orthodox, Nestorians), and were have many books, 400 Christian publications. But all this does not seem to interest Catholic western nations.

On the one side there is war, on the other attempts to reach peace. Like the day of fasting on December 14…

This initiative was in the same direction as our customary behaviour here Iraq. On many occasions, for example the commemoration of Iraq's martyrs, we pray in mosques and churches. Fasting is not a way to save money it is an occasion to share the suffering of others and to help them. In Iraq, because of the embargo, we have been fasting for a long time. For example a family with four children once told me: "we have not eaten meat for at least three or four years!" The fast called by the Holy Father was for us an occasion to forget our own misery and remember that there are others who suffer more than us.

Perhaps Christians around the world should fast for the Iraqi people…

Yes certainly. We are victims of a war which has lasted eleven years. Thousands of Iraqi children have died for lack of food and medicine. This cannot be allowed to continue. Our suffering is endless. They have destroyed hydroelectric power centres and water supply. The great powers want things to remain as they are.

What hope is there?

I am not a pessimist. Despite the war and sanctions, Christianity in Iraq is not dead. On the contrary, even under these circumstances there are positive signals. In the years of suffering we have opened a faculty of theology and we have many new vocations for whom we need to build at least 40 new rooms to accommodate them all. We also have religious vocations, Dominicans and other congregations. The piety of Iraqi Christians impresses even the faithful in the west. Loyalty to the faith has cost Iraqi Christians a dear price: persecution, martyrdom. Since it costs a lot to remain faithful to Christ, we know the value of Jesus Christ. Despite persecution Iraqi Christians have remained faithful to Christ with their own culture, their own liturgy. They do not want to lose them in the West. The Patriarch tries to ensure them assistance sending priests. Various initiatives have been undertaken in Iraq in these years of war: the Patriarchate has started its own magazine Etoile de l'Orient (Star of the East), every parish in Baghdad produces its own monthly news-letter. Our churches are overflowing for Sunday liturgies. There are many children for catechism and not enough priests but our laity are doing a wonderful job. We also have girls who want to devote their lives to helping the handicapped: they have a centre for the handicapped called Bethany House open to Christians and Muslims. Jesus is the source of these vocations, not us. These are signs of His presence in our country. The Iraqi Church continues to exist thanks to Him. It is He who calls and guides all these vocations, not our intelligence or our activity.

News Digest

REVEREND DOCTOR PETER TALIA PASSES AWAY IN CHICAGO

(ZNDA: Chicago) On January 5, Rev. Dr. Peter Talia passed on in Chicago, where he had served the Assyian community since 1979. Rev. Dr. Talia was a scholar of Assyrian language, Eastern Theology, and a social reformist. His books, namely "Assyrians in the West", "Between Hope and Hopelessness" (1985) and Our Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow" (1980), are considered two most important literary criticisms of the present stipulations of the Assyrians in the West.

http://www.zindamagazine.com/html/archives/2000/zn050200.htm#TheLighthouse

http://www.zindamagazine.com/html/archives/1999/may10_1999.htm#Anchor-LITERATUS

Rev. Dr. Talia's background comes from the Gawar district of northern Bet-Nahrain (Turkish-side). He was born on November 12, 1931 in the village of Ribbeibi near Dohuk. He was the son of Hedena, the son of Malik Talia of Gawar in Turkey. His mother was Asnoosha, the daughter of Khnanishou from the household of Maliks of Gawar. As a result of the 1930's persecutions in Iraq, when Peter was only a few months old, his family moved to Syria. They settled in the village of Tel Magas. There he attended the elementary school. Later he went to the cities of Hasseka and Homs to continue his studies. He finished high school in Lebanon in 1956 in the school of the Evangelical Church.

Rev. Dr. Talia enjoyed reading books from his days of youth and a keen interest in Theology and History. Later he received undergraduate training in philosophy and theology at Haigazian College, American University of Beirut, and the Near East School of Theology.

He came to the United States in 1966 to complete his education; earning a Master's degree in theology. He entered South Carolina University and received a M.A. degree in 1968. Rev. Talia received a Master of Divinity in Languages and Theology at Covenant Theology Seminary and a Master of Sacred Theology degree at Concordia Theology Seminary. In 1978 he completed the Doctor of Theology degree at Concordia.

Rev. Talia has three times received the World Mission Grant of the Lutheran Church. In 1971 he won the Homiletics prize at Covenant Seminary. Dr. Talia was a true polyglot, fluent in Arabic, Aramaic, Hebrew, Ugaritic, Akkadian, English, German, Greek, and Latin.

He taught high school in Lebanon, at the Zahleh Junior College, and at Washington University in St. Louis. In 1979 he came to Chicago and began teaching at North Park University. In the same year he established the Assyrian Evangelical Covenant Church of Chicago along with a few founding members. He continued in this capacity as Senior Pastor of the church until his passing last week.

The most notable of his achievements is the new Assyrian translation of the New Testament. He began this work with Honor. Homer Ashurian and Aramaic Bible Translators program of the Wycliffe Bible Translators in the mid 1980s.
After years of hard and tireless work the translation was completed in 2001 and is currently under print in South Korea with an expected completion date in June of 2002.

A Passage from New Testament in Rev. Talia's own words: http://www.wycliffe.org/seedco/projects/aramaic.wav

Another notable achievement was dubbing the Jesus film into Assyrian language, which he completed in Lebanon. Rev. Dr. Talia was himself the narrator of the film, which now can be found in almost every Assyrian home. For many years he taught Bible Study at the Assyrian Evangelical Covenant Church in Chicago. He pastored for 23 years in the Assyrian Evangelical Covenant Church of Chicago.

POPE JOHN PAUL'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE CARRIES ARAMAIC WORDS

(ZNDA: Vatican) Pope John Paul in his Christmas message to the world last month greeted Syriac-speaking Christians of the World with a few words in Aramaic and hence recognized this ancient language as a spoken tongue of the Christian world. In his "Urbi et Orbi'' message the Pope urged all people to "open your hearts to the message of peace.''

Speaking to the world on a throne from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, he made a ringing appeal for social and economic justice and wove his message around the image of the baby Jesus.

``In him we can recognize the face of every child who is born, of whatever race or nation: the little Palestinian and the little Israeli; the little American and the little Afghan; the child of the Hutu and the child of the Tutsi...,'' he said.

``Today my thoughts go to all the children of the world: so many, too many are the children condemned from birth to suffer through no fault of their own the effects of cruel conflicts,'' he said in a trembling voice and sounding weaker than he did at midnight mass.

At the end of his Christmas message the Pope read the words "Breekha Eadokhon, Shoowkha l'Maran" in Aramaic.

OBITUARY: SHIRLEY OSHANA HALL

(ZNDA: Michigan) Shirley Oshana Hall, 77, of Kalamazoo, Michigan., and winter resident of Bradenton, died Jan. 8, 2002, in Blake Medical Center in Bradenton.

Born in Yonkers, N.Y., Mrs. Hall came to Manatee County as a winter resident since 1995. She was a retired elementary school teacher for the public school system in Kalamazoo. She attended Christ Episcopal Church and was a member of Saint Luke's Episcopal Church in Kalamazoo. She was a member of the American Legion Post No. 158 Auxiliary in Clio, Mich., the Michigan Education Association, and the Maryville College Alumni Association in Maryville, Tennessee.

Memorial service were held in Kalamazoo. Brown and Sons Funeral Homes, 43rd Street Chapel, Bradenton, was in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 4030 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, Fla. 34205.

Survivors include her husband, Richard A.; two daughters, Nancy Lynn Elmer of Kalamazoo, and Susan Mencarelli of Manistee, Michigan.; a sister, Julie Oshana of Philadelphia; and five grandchildren.

OBITUARY: KATI BET MIKHAEL

Kati Bet Mikhael was born on June 15, 1916 and died on Jan. 11, 2002 at Turlock's Elness Convalescent Hospital.

Surfs Up!

Traditionally Zinda Magazine has published letters from its readers pertaining to a specific topic for a period of three consecutive weeks. It's time to let go of the Karl Suleman fiasco for a while and focus on other subjects of interest. In the meantime Zinda Magazine will continue reporting on all developments related to the fate of the KSE and its investors. Herein we publish our last installments of the letters received from Australia.

IT WASN'T ME!

"I, John Esho of 17 Yeronga Close of St Johns Park NSW, Australia, would like to clarify that I have nothing to do with the article under the above heading, which appeared on your January 7, 2002 issue. I am known to most people in Sydney as the Treasurer of the Nineveh Club as well as being a part owner of a business under the name of RetraVision.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest disappointment to see our beloved Holy Church involved in such controversies as failed investment schemes, equity ownership of a failed company as well as continuous involvement in personal slinging matches, accusations and counter-accusations.

The hierarchy of the church in Sydney should be proactive and not reactive in situations like these in order to maintain the dignity and the holiness of this great church. Let us stick to preaching Christianity and spreading the words of love and sacrifice instead of trying to prove who is right and who is wrong about certain financial or legal matters as these, are things that belong to (Caesar) and not God."

John Esho
Australia

Zinda Magazine has confirmed that our other reader who bears the same first and last name resides in the United Kingdom. Our magazine extends its apologies to Mr. Esho of Sydney, his family, and the Nineveh Club if this information was not properly addressed in our previous issues.

I WAS SHOCKED!

"I write this letter in response to a few of the articles published about Karl Suleman and The Karl Suleman Enterprise scheme that has since caused a great deal of stress to the Assyrian community particularly those living in Sydney, Australia.

In reading the article titled "Assyrian Universal Alliance on Karl Suleman" I was shocked to say the least, when the writer wrote about Karl Suleman's donations and support to the Assyrian community. Clearly what is not understood by many people, is the fact that, Karl Suleman never actually contributed his own money. In fact he used money collected from hard working Assyrians to support such organizations and now certain individuals claim that he is some kind of saint. If I was to create a business and claim returns of almost 600% on money invested into this business and then take this money distribute a small percentage among charities while living the "high life" with the rest of it will I also be praised? I think not.

I also read other articles relating to the Assyrian Church of East and their involvement with Karl Suleman and it struck me as odd when the writers claim that accusations made about his Grace Bishop Mar Meelis were fabricated and
ludicrous. In response to this it is clear that the writer is the one making fabricated and ludicrous remarks about something, quiet obviously, he knows nothing about.

I have studied at catholic schools in Australia for most of my schooling years and through those years I have meet many priests and bishops. I have yet to meet a bishop or priest whom feels that while "his" people are suffering (as the Assyrian people are suffering now both as a result of Karl Suleman Enterprises and persecution in Iran, Iraq, etc) needs to drive a new Mercedes Benz or BMWs.

What I would like to see happen in the near future is a few things:

The administrators return as much money as they can to the creditors.
Suzy Davids license to practise law should be burned and she should be cast out of the Assyrian community.
Karl Suleman should be sent to jail. Having that nice blonde hair of his inside a Sydney jail should be interesting to say the least.
Bishop Mar Meelis should do the honorable thing and resign his Bishophood. His actions are disgusting and unchristian like.

Although I doubt very much that any of these things will happen I fear that Assyrians will one day forgot the actions of these individuals. I will never forgot my relatives telling me how Mar Meelis would stand in the house of God praising Karl Suleman (what's interesting is that Mar Meelis actually denied knowing Karl Suleman in a recent interview) and telling the community his investments would make them rich. I remember reading in the Bible that Jesus once visited a Church/Sinagogue were trading was taking place, did he not trash the place saying that the house of his father was NOT to be used for such acts. Did Mar Meelis forget to read that part of the Bible? Perhaps he just skipped it cause he thought he knew it already. I fear in the near future the Australian government might force the Church of the East here in Sydney to change its name to "St Hurmiz Church of the East PTY LTD" to reflect the fact that it is turning into a business rather than being the house of God.

I urge the Assyrian people to take a stand and try to clean our churches of such acts. These clearly do not belong in a church.

We, including myself, should learn to forgive these people who have caused such chaos amongst Assyrians, and remember that on Judgement day they will stand in front of God and he himself will judge them."

John Hormiz
Sydney, Australia

WHY HIDE?

"Just wondering why the editor of our (Ungraceful Bishop) is afraid to put his complete name and especially his last name so people can have a better picture on who he is and what is his relation with bishop of California and who is his advisor......and if he for some time ran the financial accounts of the church in Australia...for many of us here and in Australia we know clearly who he is and what he stands for......his cheap shots at OUR GREAT BISHOPS WILL GIVE HIM MORE STRENGTH and he will continue no matter how many like him are around that jealousy is eating them inside.

It is nice to see Mr. Antar advising us to be honest in telling the truth and to speak up like the way that he did by personally attacking the bishop that many many Assyrian consider him (rock of the Assyrian church) but unfortunately he forgot to speak up about California since he been according to him serving for 30 years.

Would he be kind enough to clear the picture for me by answering the following (3)questions?

a. would he tell us why he never talked about the disaster that churches of California been facing for the last 17 years from the mismanagements of accounts and divided churches and members .
b. why is he trying his best to get the bishop and Australian church involve in this which he knows clearly they have nothing to do with karl Solomon issue.
c. California is the richest state as you know ....so kindly would he name (one) thing he or his adviser accomplished for the people of California since the bingo profits were hitting the roof for many many years and the church was paid in full by his Grace Mar Aprim Khamis.

The great Bishop of Australia is opening the eyes of many Assyrians around the world to ask the questions?... What is happening to our donations for many many years to our churches and why the Bishop and his people in Australia can accomplish... Don't you think it is their honesty since your heart is burning for them?"

Kevin Toma Zaia
California

BEAMER FEVER

"I read your magazine every week and I would like to thank you for bringing up the Assyrian issues without any kind of censorship. Unfortunately, some of us do not want to see and feel the truth, especially when it comes to our churches. I don't think Mar Meelis is the only one who has the BMW fever! The parish in San Jose is also enjoying their luxury lifestyle. The bishop lives in luxury apartment complex and drives a Lexus, I've also heard that he flies first class, and the priest also enjoys driving his BMW (7 series). This is not only a social crisis but also an enormous moral crisis. I wonder where all that money is coming from. Bingo and entertainment halls? Our churches need a major cleanup before it's too late."

Jennifer Haddad
California

SHAME ON ZINDA MAGAZINE!

"Zinda Magazine - Shame on You! Dear Z Crew, When is enough enough???

Freedom of speech does not mean that you should publish every piece of rubbish that is sent to you.

If you are truly serious about being a professional outfit, you need to conduct better research and censorship before you print the views of some of your readers.

For instance, some of the comments made by both John Esho and Samy Odisho Bara with regards to His Grace Bishop Mar Meelis Zaya are completely inappropriate and have no basis other than being mere rumours (or being personal vilification against his Grace). Other comments made by these individuals are old news which have no relation to the Karl Suleman investment scheme - yet our people manage to create a connection.

These comments breed hatred and create division within our community.

Such views also provide testament to the fact that our people throughout recent history have been self serving, weak and have managed to character assassinate worthy individuals out of spite and jealousy.

Our community has lacked strong leaders for such a long time because our people are accustomed to bickering and discouraging any person who aspires to make a difference.

For your information, if we put aside the rumours and false allegations aside, there is no doubt that both Bishop Mar Meelis Zaya and Suzy David have been committed individuals who have served our community within Australia and abroad whole heartedly, proudly and honestly as far as the facts and achievements demonstrate.

I believe that they have made a considerable personal sacrifice for our community without ever asking for much in return.

These two proud Assyrians have worked beyond the call of duty for over 15 years and yet our people are willing to smear their reputation over an investment scheme which they had no direct involvement in and without any proof of any wrong doings.

Unfortunately, your website seems to be guilty of the same charge and DOES provide the means for some of these rumours to further perpetuate and spread amongst our people.

Whilst I was once a proud Assyrian, I am saddened to admit that I no longer am. Shame on Zinda Magazine and our people for killing the hope of our youth who aspire to work in positions of leadership within our community.

Why bother with a community that does not deserve the sacrifices made by its individuals!!!"

Steve Shmouel
Australia

POPE'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE IN ARAMAIC

"Sincere congratulations for another excellent weekly production (Jan 7, 2002). However, I believe that your intelligence sources neglected or missed a very important item to report to you, viz: On the Tuesday (Christmas) morning, Dec. 25, 2001, His Holiness, the Pope extended greetings to all nations of the world in 60 languages, among which was the beautiful Aramaic (Assyrian) language, to wish them a Happy Christmas, and (thru his translator, who announces the various languages, one at a time, said Aramaic), the Pope said (inter alia) "BRIKHA EDOKHOON,.....SHOOKHA L'MARAN"

To me, this was an excellent expression of His Holiness, the Pope's cordial admission of the existence of the Assyrian Nation & Language, and, I kneel and pray for the Pope's well being and long life, and especially, for his obvious recognition of the Assyrian nation and its language.

I was hoping to see this little, but crucial news item, to be included in your Jan 7, 2002, newsletter for all Assyrians around the world to read, but unfortunately, it didn't happen. Well, Well....may be next time, when your sources are more attentive!!!!

On Dec. 26th (Wed), when getting together, as usual, and wishing His Holiness, Mar Dinkha IV, a Merry Christmas at the Mar Gewargis Church Hall in Chicago, I personally informed him of this -- the Pope's message in Assyrian - and he was extremely pleased to hear this. He told me that he (MarDinkha) had given the Pope a year ago a script in Assyrian (and translated into English) this Christmas message in Assyrian to be included in the Pope's annual Christmas greetings. Mar Dinkha also told me he would be meeting with the Pope on Jan. 25th at the Vatican to discuss various matters of interest....he didn't elaborate....(Sincerely hope something good comes out of this meeting)
.
As a humble suggestion, I believe that it would be informational to all Assyrians around the world, if this tiny bit of important news is published in the next issue of Zindamagazine.

As a final note..... we lost a Great man.....Gewargis Arsanis....God Bless his soul...... And the Question is: Who's to replace him?..... Our Intellengecia sources are depleting......WHERE ART WE HEADING?????????

Sincere regards and well wishes to all the Z-Crew for the exemplary work you are doing to keep us all well informed of Assyrians around the world."

Shlimoon Youkhana
Illinois

MORE ON AL-JAZEERA

"Thank you for bringing to our attention the article written about The Assyrians in Al Jazira. In return I sent my personal email to them with few simple words. Zinda Please encourage our youth to speak up and to send their email to a higher level places and do not be afraid of anything, We are protected in this great nation (U.S.A).

Dear AL Jaziera,

We are the Assyrian & Chaldean nation scattered all over the globe, in which we are the original people of Iraq (Mesopotamia). We have left our homeland because of religious persecution and freedom of speech and discrimination among the ruler of the Arab nations. We have left our unique Civilization (Babylon & Nineveh) as Amana in the hand of the Iraqi rulers that are abusing our heritage & name by calling us Kurds or Arabs. We are neither Kurds Nor Arabs. But our children are now well educated and well trained in U.S.A & England & Australia & Germany & France and with their brain can bring our heritage back to where it use to be (in shaa Allah)."

Michael Benjamin
California

Surfers Corner

AANF NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

Eastern Region Host: Beth Nahrin Assyrian Organization of Massachusetts
Date: January 19, 2002
Place: Pilsudski Polish American Citizen Club
18 Ballard Court
Southbridge, Massachusetts

The Assyrian American National Federation convenes four meetings annually to discuss and decide the cultural, educational and informational activities with the Affiliates of the Assyrian American National Federation and the Assyrians in the United States of America. Two out of four dates and locations are pre-set: at the California State Convention held over Memorial Day Weekend, hosted by the Assyrian United Organizations of California, and the annual AANF convention held over Labor Day Weekend, hosted by one of the three geographic regions. The other two meetings of the National Executive Committee float. Their time and place are decided at the discretion of the President of the AANF with a view to offering opportunities for each region, and as many affiliates are wish it, to host the events.

The Eastern Region is hosting the winter meeting under the sponsorship of the Beth Nahrin Assyrian Organization of Massachusetts. Planned originally for the fall, it was delayed by the crisis generated as a result of the 11 Sept. events. The event is planned as an all day activity which is divided into business and cultural components. The new date is set for Saturday, January 19, 2002. The program is as follows:

? 10 AM - 2 PM Business meeting chaired by the President of the AANF -
Mr. Atour Golani

The meeting NEC is open to all members of AANF affiliates. Each affiliate should send at least one delegate to the meeting in order to deal with agenda items related to the San Jose convention, expenditures and plans for the Detroit convention, among other items.
In the past Mr. Golani has encouraged open discussion of a range of issues that have helped to inform the community of progress on a number of fronts and also the concerns of regions, affiliates and individual Assyrians. Thus, we encourage as many as possible to attend.

Refreshments will be available as well as a buffet luncheon served compliments of the host affiliate.

? 7PM - 1AM Dinner and Dance with Entertainment Program

Tickets may be reserved ahead of time at $15 per person (Children & Students $5 each) by e-mail ([email-masked]), or at the door at $20 per person (Children and Students - $5).
If you wish to rest in between as the home of a local Assyrian family, let us know.
If you need a ride, let us know.
Hotels and motels available - Many delegates will be at The Crowne Plaza Hotel, 10 Lincoln Square, Worcester, MA 01608, Phone (508) 791-1600. Also available in Sturbridge (3 miles) are Best Western, Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn, etc., and the world famous Publik House.

COME AND EXPERIENCE ASSYRIAN HOSPITALITY IN NEW ENGLAND

Driving Directions:

From Boston & Worcester:
Take Mass Pike MA-90 West, then take exit 9, then take exit 3B to 20 West and then take Rt. 131 East and drive for approximately 2.5 miles and the place is on the right hand side.

From Connecticut, New Jersey and New York:
Take 84 East and then take 20 West and then take Rt. 131 East and drive for approximately 2.5 miles and the place is on the right hand side.

Beth Nahrin Assyrian Organization
P. O. Box 2880
Worcester, MA 01613

ASSYRIAN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN MOSCOW

The Editorial Board of "Melta" Bulletin and a stirring group of the Assyrians of Russia are holding an International Scientific Conference titled "The Assyrians Today: Issues and Perspectives". The Conference will take place in Moscow on May 10 - 11, 2002.
The Conference program will highlight the following aspects:

- The issues of the Assyrians in the Middle East.
- Assyrian Communities in Diaspora.
- Perspectives of development.
- The way to the rapprochement of the different tribal and confessional groups.

Those who wish to take part in this Conference (except special guests) must send Registration Form to the Organizing Committee.

REGISTRATION FORM

Family name: _____________________ First name(s): _____________________

Title/ Profession: ____________________________________________________

Company/ Institution: ________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________

Postal code: ___________ City: _______________ Country: _______________

Fax: _________________________ E-mail: _____________________________

Hotel accommodation:

Single room (per night) - 50 US$
Double room (per night) - 70 US$ (Prices include breakfast)
Reception at Conference Hall (2 days) - 20 US$.
Attendance of the Bolshoi Theatre - 50 US$.
Banquet - 50 US$.
Total amount: _______________________________________________________
Special wishes*: _____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

Date: __________________________ Signature: _________________________

*Exclusive trips to Saint Petersburg, Vladimir and Republic of Georgia may be organized.

Language

The official Conference languages are English, Russian and, first of all, Assyrian. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided.

Important date

February 28, 2002 - deadline for submission of Abstracts and Registration Forms.

The Organizing Committee

Members:
- Badalov Edward
- Bar Sliva Igor
- Bidjamov Roland
- Khoshabaev-Tziklauri Nugzar
- Osipov Sargis
- Savva Arsen
- Veniaminov Walter

Address: P.O. Box 18, Moscow, 129642, Russia
Telephone: (7-095)-935-0155, -233-5387 (S.Osipov); (7-095)-131-2575 (R.Bidjamov);
(7-095)-163-9418 (E.Badalov).

Telefax: (7-095)-935-0155.
E-mail: [email-masked]

Literatus

VIRGINS? WHAT VIRGINS?

Based on an article which appeared in The Guardian on 12 January 2002; article written by Ibn Warraq.

It is widely believed that Muslim 'martyrs' enjoy rich sensual rewards on reaching paradise. A new study suggests they may be disappointed.

In August, 2001, the American television channel CBS aired an interview with a Hamas activist Muhammad Abu Wardeh, who recruited terrorists for suicide bombings in Israel. Abu Wardeh was quoted as saying: "I described to him how God would compensate the martyr for sacrificing his life for his land. If you become a martyr, God will give you 70 virgins, 70 wives and everlasting happiness." Wardeh was in fact shortchanging his recruits since the rewards in Paradise for martyrs was 72 virgins. But I am running ahead of things.

Since September 11, news stories have repeated the story of suicide bombers and their heavenly rewards, and equally Muslim scholars and Western apologists of Islam have repeated that suicide is forbidden in Islam. Suicide (qatlu nafsi - hi ) is not referred to in the Koran but is indeed forbidden in the Traditions (Hadith in Arabic), which are the collected sayings and doings attributed to the Prophet and traced back to him through a series of putatively trustworthy witnesses. They include what was done in his presence that he did not forbid, and even the authoritative sayings and doings of his companions.

But the Hamas spokesman correctly uses the word martyr (shahid ) and not suicide bomber, since those who blow themselves up almost daily in Israel and those who died on September 11 were dying in the noblest of all causes, Jihad, which is an incumbent religious duty, established in the Koran and in the Traditions as a divine institution, and enjoined for the purpose of advancing Islam. While suicide is forbidden, martyrdom is everywhere praised, welcomed, and urged: "By the Being in Whose Hand is my life, I love that I should be killed in the way of Allah; then I should be brought back to life and be killed again in His way"; "The Prophet said, 'Nobody who enters Paradise will ever like to return to this world even if he were offered everything, except the martyr who will desire to return to this world and be killed 10 times for the sake of the great honour that has been bestowed upon him'." [Sahih Muslim, chapters 781, 782, The Merit of Jihad and the Merit of Martyrdom.]

What of the rewards in paradise? The Islamic paradise is described in great sensual detail in the Koran and the Traditions; for instance, Koran sura 56 verses 12 -40; sura 55 verses 54-56; sura 76 verses 12-22. Penguin translation by NJ Dawood of sura 56 verses 12-39: "They shall recline on jewelled couches face to face, and there shall wait on them immortal youths with bowls and ewers and a cup of purest wine (that will neither pain their heads nor take away their reason); with fruits of their own choice and flesh of fowls that they relish. And theirs shall be the dark-eyed houris, chaste as hidden pearls: a guerdon for their deeds ... We created the houris and made them virgins, loving companions for those on the right hand ..."

One should note that most translations, even those by Muslims themselves such as A Yusuf Ali, and the British Muslim Marmaduke Pickthall, translate the Arabic (plural) word Abkarun as virgins, as do well-known lexicons such the one by John Penrice. I emphasise this fact since many pudic and embarrassed Muslims claim there has been a mistranslation, that "virgins" should be replaced by "angels". In sura 55 verses 72-74, Dawood translates the Arabic word " hur " as "virgins", and the context makes clear that virgin is the appropriate translation: "Dark-eyed virgins sheltered in their tents (which of your Lord's blessings would you deny?) whom neither man nor jinnee will have touched before." The word hur occurs four times in the Koran and is usually translated as a "maiden with dark eyes".

Two points need to be noted. First, there is no mention anywhere in the Koran of the actual number of virgins available in paradise, and second, the dark-eyed damsels are available for all Muslims, not just martyrs. It is in the Islamic Traditions that we find the 72 virgins in heaven specified: in a Hadith (Islamic Tradition) collected by Al-Tirmidhi (died 892 CE [common era*]) in the Book of Sunan (volume IV, chapters on The Features of Paradise as described by the Messenger of Allah [Prophet Muhammad], chapter 21, About the Smallest Reward for the People of Paradise, (Hadith 2687). The same hadith is also quoted by Ibn Kathir (died 1373 CE ) in his Koranic commentary (Tafsir) of Surah Al-Rahman (55), verse 72: "The Prophet Muhammad was heard saying: The smallest reward for the people of paradise is an abode where there are 80,000 servants and 72 wives, over which stands a dome decorated with pearls, aquamarine, and ruby, as wide as the distance from Al-Jabiyyah [a Damascus suburb] to Sanaa [Yemen]'."

Modern apologists of Islam try to downplay the evident materialism and sexual implications of such descriptions, but, as the Encyclopaedia of Islam says, even orthodox Muslim theologians such as al Ghazali (died 1111 CE) and Al-Ash'ari (died 935 CE) have "admitted sensual pleasures into paradise". The sensual pleasures are graphically elaborated by Al-Suyuti (died 1505 ), Koranic commentator and polymath. He wrote: "Each time we sleep with a houri we find her virgin. Besides, the penis of the Elected never softens. The erection is eternal; the sensation that you feel each time you make love is utterly delicious and out of this world and were you to experience it in this world you would faint. Each chosen one [ie Muslim] will marry seventy [sic] houris, besides the women he married on earth, and all will have appetising vaginas."

One of the reasons Nietzsche hated Christianity was that it "made something unclean out of sexuality", whereas Islam, many would argue, was sex-positive. One cannot imagine any of the Church fathers writing ecstatically of heavenly sex as al-Suyuti did, with the possible exception of St Augustine before his conversion. But surely to call Islam sex-positive is to insult all Muslim women, for sex is seen entirely from the male point of view; women's sexuality is admitted but seen as something to be feared, repressed, and a work of the devil.

Scholars have long pointed out that these images are clearly drawn pictures and must have been inspired by the art of painting. Muhammad, or whoever is responsible for the descriptions, may well have seen Christian miniatures or mosaics representing the gardens of paradise and has interpreted the figures of angels rather literally as those of young men and young women.

A further textual influence on the imagery found in the Koran is the work of Ephrem the Syrian [306-373 CE], Hymns on Paradise, written in Syriac, an Aramaic dialect and the language of Eastern Christianity, and a Semitic language closely related to Hebrew and Arabic.

This naturally leads to the most fascinating book ever written on the language of the Koran, and if proved to be correct in its main thesis, probably the most important book ever written on the Koran. Christoph Luxenberg's book, Die Syro-Aramaische Lesart des Koran, available only in German, came out just over a year ago, but has already had an enthusiastic reception, particularly among those scholars with a knowledge of several Semitic languages at Princeton, Yale, Berlin, Potsdam, Erlangen, Aix-en-Provence, and the Oriental Institute in Beirut.

Luxenberg tries to show that many obscurities of the Koran disappear if we read certain words as being Syriac and not Arabic. We cannot go into the technical details of his methodology but it allows Luxenberg, to the probable horror of all Muslim males dreaming of sexual bliss in the Muslim hereafter, to conjure away the wide-eyed houris promised to the faithful in suras XLIV.54; LII.20, LV.72, and LVI.22. Luxenberg 's new analysis, leaning on the Hymns of Ephrem the Syrian, yields "white raisins" of "crystal clarity" rather than doe-eyed, and ever willing virgins - the houris. Luxenberg claims that the context makes it clear that it is food and drink that is being offerred, and not unsullied maidens or houris.

In Syriac, the word hur is a feminine plural adjective meaning white, with the word "raisin" understood implicitly. Similarly, the immortal, pearl-like ephebes or youths of suras such as LXXVI.19 are really a misreading of a Syriac expression meaning chilled raisins (or drinks) that the just will have the pleasure of tasting in contrast to the boiling drinks promised the unfaithful and damned.

As Luxenberg's work has only recently been published we must await its scholarly assessment before we can pass any judgements. But if his analysis is correct then suicide bombers, or rather prospective martyrs, would do well to abandon their culture of death, and instead concentrate on getting laid 72 times in this world, unless of course they would really prefer chilled or white raisins, according to their taste, in the next.

Assyrian Surfing Posts

British Museum's COMPASS Database
http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/compass/index.html

The 50 Million Victims Of The Orthodox Christian Holocaust
http://www.fr-d-serfes.org/orthodox/memoryof.htm

Pump Up the Volume

ENGLISH

ASSYRIAN

GENDER

EXAMPLE

Virgin

BTOOL-TA

Feminine

St. Mary the Virgin = Mart Maryam Btoolta

Holy | QADISH (TA) | Mas (Fem) | Holy Mother = Yemma Qadishta

Bravo

AUA ANNUAL GALA VIP DINNER
Part 4: 2001 Assyrian Award Recipients

Best Achiever in Assyrian Arts Award
Lewis Batros

Lewis Batros a well known Assyrian artist, was born on 1961 in Kirkuk- Iraq.

Between 1982 - 1986, he undertook tertiary education, completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts, specialising in Sculpture, Ceramic, Painting Interior Decoration and Design.

His tremendous talent and professional experience is evident through his work. Some of his work includes:

· Relief Sculpture of king Ashour (60cm x 90cm), Sydney-Australia November 2000
· Sculpture of Gelgamish (2.5 Height), Sydney-Australia October 2000
· Sculpture of St. Hourmiz (4.3m x 1.4m x 1.8m), Sydney-Australia January 2000
· Exhibition with local artist, Oslo-Norway September 1997
· Design and Setup of Babylon (20m x 8m x 2.5m), Moscow-Russia August 1997
· Mural of Cartoon Character (26m x 1.4m), Sydney-Australia July 1997
· Mural of Rrainbow of the Culture (7m x 2.8 m), Sydney-Australia June 1997
· Ashfield Municipal Council (33m x 3.5m), Sydney-Australia April 1997
· Mural of Landscape (14m x 3m), Sydney-Australia October 1996
· Youth Project-Mural of Multiculturalism (10m x 6m), Sydney-Australia Mar 1996
· Solo Art Exhibition, Sydney-Australia February1996
· Lewis Batros Art Gallery, Sydney-Australia Oct 1995-Feb 1996
· Sculpture of Cyrus the Great (3m x 1.5m x 0.8m), Sydney-Australia December 1994
· Art Exhibition-Supa Santa, Sydney-Australia November 1994
· Sculpture of Bird (2m x 0.95m x 0.45m), Sydney-Australia July 1993
· Solo Art Exhibition, Sydney-Australia Oct 1992-Nov1992
· Sculpture of Two Shedo Lamaso (3.2m x 3.6m x 0.78m), Sydney-Australia Oct 1991-Apr1992
· Solo Art Exhibition, Sydney-Australia Jul 1991-Aug 1991
· Portrait Sculpture of Sire Nimrod Simono, Sydney-Australia Apr 1991-Jun 1991
· Relief Sculpture of Eshtar Gate (4.5m x 6.8m), Sydney-Australia March 1991
· Four Painting and Ceramic Pieces, Sydney-Australia March 1991
· Sculpture of Winged Bull (50cm x 30cm x 10cm) presented to the former Prime Minister of Australia-Mr Paul Keating via the Assyrian Australian National Federation 1994
· Sculpture of Cyrus the Great (30cm x 22cm x 10cm) presented to the Minister for Multicultural and Ethnic Affair, the Hon. Michael Phoios (MP) via the Persian Culture Foundation 1994

Lewis received a number of awards and acknowledgements for his achievements and successful art exhibitions. These awards include but are not limited to:

· Award from Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem in 1997: in appreciation of his meritorious work for all his patients, pupils and fellow doctors.
· Award from the Russian Royalty Committee: Lewis was nominated for the right to use the title of "SIR" in his name in the Russian documentation, the "New Elite Russian Society''. The nomination was approved under the common seal in 1997.
· Diploma of Acceptance into the "New Elite Russian Society'" in 1997: Acknowledges his artistic ability. This Diploma was signed and sealed by nine committee signatories.
· Certificate of Artistic Talents in 1997: from the Ashfield Municipal Council.
· Certificate of Artistic Talents in 1996: from the Ashfield Municipal Council.
· Award from the Assyrian Australian National Federation in 1995: for the Best Assyrian Artist.
· Certificate of Awards in Assyrian Arts in 1993: from Bet Nahrain National Award (USA) in honor and recognition of Fine Performance.
· First Prize Award: from Fairfield School of Arts.

On behalf of the Assyrian Universal Alliance, we congratulate all award recipients for 2001 on their important accomplishment and encourage them to continue on this successful path that they have set for themselves.

Hermiz Shahen
Secretary
Assyrian Universal Alliance- Australia Chapter

Back to the Future

(2000 B.C.)

A woman, Ana-e (c. BC 2000-1800), was one of history's first recorded female business executives. Her job was to manage the Assyrian-based weaving business of her husband, who spent most of his time engaged in cross-border trade missions.

Biographical Dictionary of Management, Morgen Witzel

(1989 A.D.)

An ancient Mesopotamian tablet was taken by astronaut Sonny Carter, an Emory University alumnus, on the November 1989 mission of the space shuttle Discovery as part of NASA's Object in Space Program. Representing the oldest human artifact to have traveled in space, the cuneiform writing on the tablet lists rations for 6 messengers undertaking a journey:

Here is the translation:
For Bama: 5 quarts beer; 5 quarts bread; 5 ounces onions; 3 ounces oil; 2 ounces alkali
For Baza: the menial: same amount
For Lugal-sazu: same amount
For Su-Esdar: 10 quarts beer; 10 quarts bread; 5 ounces onions; 3 ounces oil; 2 ounces alkali
For Mas: 5 quarts beer; 5 quarts bread; 5 ounces (onions); 3 ounces oil; 2 ounces alkali
For Ubarum: 3 quarts beer; 2 quarts bread; 56 ounces (onions); 3 ounces oil; 2 ounces alkali
Day; 24 Year: Huhnuri was raided (=Amar-Suen 7, 2040 B.C.)

Courtesy of theplumber.com

Calendar of Events

Share your local events with Zinda readers.    Email us or send fax to:  408-918-9201

Concert

Dance Party

Drama

Lecture/Seminar

Museum/Exhibits

Wednesday
January 16

TORONTO
CANADIAN SOCIETY FOR SYRIAC STUDIES LECTURE
La Societe Canadienne des Etudes Syriaques

"Women in Syriac Christian Tradition"
Lecturer:  Prof. Susan Ashbrook-Harvey, Brown University
University of Toronto
St. George Campus
8:00 PM

[Zinda Magazine is a proud Corporate Sponsor of CSSS.]

Wednesday
January 16

LONDON
LECTURE AT THE BRITISH MUSEUM

"The Rise and Decline of the Nestorian Church in Arabia"
Professor Joe Elders
6:00 PM
Stevenson lecture theatre, British Museum.
Society for Arabian Studies
PEF and CBRL lecture.
Contact 01372 842788
e-mail [email-masked]; www.britac.ac.uk/sas

Sunday
January 20

CHICAGO
FUNDRAISING DINNER FOR PETE DAGHER

Candidate for the 5th Congressional District of Illinois
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Edens Banquet Hall (Assyrian Social Club)
6313 N. Pulaski, Chicago, IL 60646; (773) 478-8808
Donation: $100.00
For ticket information, please contact:
Nadia E. Joseph, Assyrian Academic Society: [email-masked]
Nadia Mirza, Assyrian Academic Society: [email-masked]
(773) 461-6633
Joseph Tamraz, Assyrian American National Federation: [email-masked]
(773) 383-9600
Omar Villafranca, Dagher For Congress, Press Secretary: [email-masked]
(773) 283-7383

Wednesday
March 6

TORONTO
CANADIAN SOCIETY FOR SYRIAC STUDIES LECTURE
La Societe Canadienne des Etudes Syriaques

"Resafa-Sergiupolis:  From A Roman Desert Castle to A Christian Metropolis"
Lecturer:  Dr. Stephen Westphalen, Univeristy of Gottingen
University of Toronto
St. George Campus
8:00 PM

[Zinda Magazine is a proud Corporate Sponsor of CSSS.]

March 11-13

LONDON
THE NIMRUD CONFERENCE

Clore Education Centre, British Museum.
Ticketed event.
Contact Department of the Ancient Near East,  British Museum
London WC1B 3DG
email: [email-masked]
Fax: 020 7323 8489

Through
March 17, 2002

LONDON
AGATHA CHRISTI & THE ORIENT

Revealing Agatha Christie the archaeologist and how her discoveries in the Near East influenced her detective writing.
The hitherto unknown interests and talents of the great crime writer are told through archaeological finds from the sites on which she worked with her husband Max Mallowan at Ur, Nineveh and Nimrud. Important objects from these sites in the Museum's collections are combined with archives, photographs, and films made by Agatha Christie herself.
Personal memorabilia and souvenirs of travel in a more leisurely age are only some of the exhibits which range from first editions of those novels inspired by her other life to a sleeping compartment from the Orient Express, from a lethal 1930s hypodermic syringe to a priceless first millennium ivory of a man being mauled to death
Admissions £7, Concessions £3.50
West Wing Exhibition Gallery Room 28

April 15-19

PARIS
Third International Congress on the Archaeology of the Ancient Near East

3 ICAANE
Sponsored by Université de Paris 1
Panthon Sorbonne
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (UMR 7041) and
the Ecole Pratique des Hautes Études (IVe section).
Purpose: To promote cooperation and information exchange between archaeologists working in the ancient Near East, from the eastern Medi-terranean to Iran and from Anatolia to Arabia, and from prehistoric times to Alexander the Great.
Contact: Victoria de Caste, Secretariat,
http://www.3icaane.univ-parisl.fr/
email: [email-masked]

Wednesday
May 1

TORONTO
CANADIAN SOCIETY FOR SYRIAC STUDIES LECTURE
La Societe Canadienne des Etudes Syriaques

"Bar-Hebraeus & His Time:  The Syriac Renaissance & the Challenge of a New Reality"
Lecturer:  Prof. Herman G.B. Teule, University of Nijmegen
University of Toronto
St. George Campus
8:00 PM

[Zinda Magazine is a proud Corporate Sponsor of CSSS.]

May 10-11

MOSCOW
ASSYRIAN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

The Editorial Board of "Melta" Bulletin and a stirring group of the Assyrians of Russia decided to hold an International Scientific Conference "The Assyrians Today: Issues and Perspectives". The Conference will take place in Moscow on May 10 - 11, 2002.
The Conference program will highlight the following aspects:
- The issues of the Assyrians in the Middle East.
- Assyrian Communities in Diaspora.
- Perspectives of development.
- The way to the rapprochement of the different tribal and confessional groups.
[see Zinda Magazine's 14 January 2002 issue]
February 28, 2002 - deadline for submission of Abstracts and Registration Forms.
Address:        P.O. Box 18, Moscow, 129642, Russia
Telephone:    (7-095)-935-0155, -233-5387 (S.Osipov);  (7-095)-131-2575 (R.Bidjamov);  (7-095)-163-9418 (E.Badalov).
Telefax:         (7-095)-935-0155.
E-mail:          [email-masked]

July 1-4, 2002

LEIDEN, HOLLAND
48TH RENCONTRE ASSYRIOLOGIQUE INTERNATIONALE
http://www.let.leidenuniv.nl/rencontre/

"Ethnicity in Ancient Mesopotamia"
Leiden University
Dept of Assyriology & Nederlands Instituut voor het Nabije Oosten
Registration Form:  http://www.let.leidenuniv.nl/rencontre/mailform.html
Registration Fee:  Euro 70 by April 1, 2002

Thank You!

Zindamagazine would like to thank:

Moneer Cherie

Jan Picton
(United Kingdom - British Museum)

Dr. Bailis Shamun
(North Carolina)

Sam Shalalo
(Australia)

Vasili Shoumanov
(Chicago)

SHARE YOUR INFORMATION WITH READERS IN 55 COUNTRIES BY INCLUDING ZINDA MAGAZINE IN YOUR COMMUNITY OR ORGANIZATION'S MAILING LIST. DISTRIBUTE FREELY.

ZINDA Magazine is published weekly.  Views expressed in ZINDA do not necessarily represent those of  the ZINDA editors, or any of our associated staff. This publication reserves the right, at its sole discretion, not to publish comments or articles previously printed in or submitted to other journals.  ZINDA reserves the right to publish and republish your submission in any form or medium.  All letters and messages  require the name(s) of sender and/or author.  All messages published in the SURFS UP! section must be in 500 words or less and bear the name of the author(s).    Distribution of material featured in ZINDA is not restricted, but permission from ZINDA is required. This service is meant for the exchange of information, analyses and news.  To subscribe, send e-mail to:  [email-masked].
Zinda Magazine™ Copyright © Zinda Inc., 2001-2002 - All Rights Reserved - http://www.zindamagazine.com