2025 Illinois Assyrian Student Scholarship

Date: March 17, 2025

The Assyrian Cultural Foundation is proud to announce our 2025 Student Scholarship program. We are dedicated to supporting your educational journey with scholarships for various degree levels:

Associates Degree: $1000
Bachelor’s Degree: $1500
Master’s Degree: $2000
Professional Postgraduate: $2500

Applications are NOW OPEN! Shape your future today. Apply by May 24, 2025 11:59 PM CST.

For more info, please visit the application below:

bit.ly/ilacf25

For Questions, please email: Scholarships@acf-us.org

#Assyrian #AssyrianCulturalFoundation #ACFchicago #AssyrianStudentScholarship

2025 Assyrian Renaissance Cultural Celebration

Date: February 28, 2025

The Assyrian Renaissance – Cultural Celebration is Almost Here!

2025 Assyrian Renaissance Cultural Celebration

Date:

Remembering Obelit Yadgar

Date: September 8, 2023

The Assyrian Cultural Foundation deeply mourns the passing of Obielit Yadgar, a cherished voice in the Assyrian community and an honorary guest at our recent Assyrian Renaissance Concert. His dedication to the arts and his unparalleled passion for storytelling have left an indelible mark. As we reflect on his invaluable contributions, let his legacy inspire and guide future generations.

Obielit (Obie) Yadgar’s journey began in Baghdad, Iraq, where he was born. A year later, his family moved to Tehran, Iran, where he spent the majority of his younger years. Later on, Yadgar and his brother immigrated to the United States. Though he initially settled in New York, it was in Chicago where he completed his high school education and made the decision to become a writer, inspired by his great-uncle’s legacy.

The young Obie Yadgar often observed his great-uncle, renowned Assyrian writer and historian Rabi Benyamin Arsanis, hunched over his desk writing. That same passion drove Yadgar to pursue his own writing career, in which he published two novels and a book of humor: Will’s Music, Whistling to Cairo, and Obie’s Opus, all available on Amazon. In addition, he made significant contributions to the Zinda magazine in the form of essays and short stories. In Yadgar’s own words, “These essays and short stories are slice-of-life pieces on the Assyrian world.”

Following a tour of duty as a U.S. Army combat correspondent in Vietnam, Yadgar began a distinguished career as a classical music broadcaster. He worked for many years in Chicago, though it is Milwaukee where he established his home and a name for himself. His program “Obie’s Opus” played on Sundays from 8 to 9 A.M. on WMSE Milwaukee, 91.7 FM.

He also hosted Musing with My Samovar, presented by the Assyrian Podcast.

Though he is no longer with us, both broadcasts can be streamed via one’s smart device.

Written by: Sarah Gawo & Cassandra Ledger

Published by: Brian Banyamin 

Joseph J. Durna

Date: August 16, 2022

Joseph J. Durna was born in Diarbekir, Turkey in 1889 and was brought to the United States at the age of 8. He attended local schools in Newark, New Jersey and later would study at the Newark College of Engineering and the New Jersey Law School. After he graduated from Law school in 1918, he worked as an attorney for the Prudential Insurance Company. He married the former Fareeda Dartley, who bore him two children, John W., and Mary, who married Haig Bediguian and lived with her father in Newark.

After the First World War, he became active in Assyrian affairs. As a strong advocate of Assyrian nationalism, he was a delegate to the League of Nations, and as recently as 1945, he was in San Francisco for the organization of the United Nations. Joseph was a very dedicated man and worked tirelessly towards efforts to help Assyrians everywhere. No problem concerning Assyrians ever was too big or too small for him to tackle. He had multiple correspondences with heads of government and lower case officials and he never failed to take advantage of opportunities to talk with visiting dignitaries from the Middle East. During the 40 years in which he worked towards Assyrian causes, he held audiences with most of the various leaders of Middle Eastern countries, managing to gain more insights to the problems of his people from the rulers of the countries throughout the Middle East.

Joseph has spent his time, money, and effort for the betterment and future wellbeing of his people. It is clear that the cause of Assyrians has always been close to his heart. We appreciate Joseph Durna’s valiant efforts and service towards Assyrians causes and urge others to follow in his footsteps.

Published by: Brian Banyamin

Written by: Nino Aishou

Bibliography

Dartley, R. (1953, March). Duna Honored by Prudential . Assyrian Star.

Sargis, J. (n.d.). Joseph J. Durna (1889-1958). Joseph Durna. Retrieved August 5, 2022, from https://www.betnahrain.net/Biographies/Durna.htm

Sgt. Saul J. Joseph

Date: May 23, 2022

Sargent Saul J. Joseph was born on June 23, 1920, in Iran. Well respected, not only does Sgt. Joseph carries a Silver and Bronze Star; however, also carries a Purple Heart for the wounds he suffered in action. Widely decorated, Sgt. Joseph also received medals from France and Britain as well.

Sgt. had brothers, Samson and David who also served in the military in World War II. Sgt. Joseph served in the same company as his brother, Saul, through the war and was married to a woman named Olga.

Sgt. Joseph earned the Silver Star for his bravery while fighting in France on September 16, 1944. According to The Military Times, “In order to increase the effectiveness of his weapons platoon’s support of the assaulting units, Sergeant Joseph, acting platoon leader, ordered his gun crew to serve as ammunition handlers while he assumed operation of the crew’s light machine gun. In vain, the enemy attempted to silence his weapon, for although wounded by mortar fire, Sergeant Joseph tenaciously held his position until his fire was masked by the advance of his own troops. Only then did he allow himself to be evacuated. Sergeant Joseph’s gallantry in action is in accord with the military traditions of the United States”

The Silver Star is the third-highest military combat decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Armed Forces. It is awarded for gallantry in action:

1. While engaged in action against an enemy of the United States;
2. While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
3. While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

Actions that merit the Silver Star must be of such a high degree that they are above those required for all other U.S. combat decorations but do not merit award of the meet Medal of Honor or a Service Cross (Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, or the Air Force Cross).

The Bronze Star also known as the Bronze Star Medal or BSM for short, is a military medal awarded for heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone. Wear of a “V” device on the medal is authorized for acts of valor in combat.

The Purple Heart

To receive the Purple Heart, the Army’s current regulations require that a soldier be injured by enemy action and receive documented treatment from a medical officer. The Army’s official list of wounds that “clearly justify” the award includes, “Concussion injuries caused as a result of enemy generated explosions.”

In his later years, he later then ended up working for the Lincoln Park Zoo as a Senior Zookeeper.

On his Birthday in the year 2013, Sgt. Joseph was presented with an honorary street name in Chicago, Illinois. This was sponsored by Alderman Ameya Pawar. The honorary street can be found on the 4800 block of North Lawrence Ave at the northwest corner of Ashland and Lawrence

Sgt. Saul J. Joseph then passed away on December 25, 2012, in Chicago, Illinois.

Published & Written by: Brian Banyamin

Samuel Edward Sulliman

Date: May 17, 2022

Learn about the Assyrian man who served in the US secret service under many presidents, including John F. Kennedy.

President John F. Kennedy walks across a lawn next to Sulliman in Hyannis Port on August 26, 1963.

Samuel Edward Sulliman was born in New Britain, Connecticut on August 13th, 1930. He was the 6th child in his family, his parents were named Moses and Alma Sulliman.

Ancestry.com. U.S., Find a Grave Index, 1600s-Current [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012.

Above is pictured Sulliman serving in South Korea. In his early years, Sulliman served in the United States Military in 1948 and left in 1952.

Image Source

Special thank you to Elizabeth Sulliman, daughter of Samuel Sulliman

He then attended college at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA the same year.

Throughout his time at the university, Sulliman enjoyed his time playing on the baseball and football team.

Above is Sulliman pictured in Bucknell University’s yearbook, 1956.

Courtesy of Special Collections/University Archives, Ellen Clarke Bertrand Library, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA.

This image [Cropped & edited Image of page 87 of the L’Agenda, 1956] may be protected under US. Copyright law and may not be reproduced.

Courtesy of Special Collections/University Archives, Ellen Clarke Bertrand Library, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA.

This image [Cropped image of page 87 of the L’Agenda, 1956] may be protected under US. Copyright law and may not be reproduced.

Seen to the right is Sulliman with the Interfraternity Council

Courtesy of Special Collections/University Archives, Ellen Clarke Bertrand Library, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA.

This image [Cropped & edited Image of page 124 of the L’Agenda, 1956] may be protected under US. Copyright law and may not be reproduced.

Courtesy of Special Collections/University Archives, Ellen Clarke Bertrand Library, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA.

This image [Cropped Image of page 124 of the L’Agenda, 1956] may be protected under US. Copyright law and may not be reproduced.

Sulliman is seen with Bucknell University’s Baseball team, 1956

Courtesy of Special Collections/University Archives, Ellen Clarke Bertrand Library, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA.

This image [Cropped & edited Image of page 159 of the L’Agenda, 1956] may be protected under US. Copyright law and may not be reproduced.

Courtesy of Special Collections/University Archives, Ellen Clarke Bertrand Library, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA.

This image [Cropped Image of page 159 of the L’Agenda, 1956] may be protected under US. Copyright law and may not be reproduced.

He later achieved his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and graduated in 1956. In an attempt to further his education, he went to law school for 1 year at the University of Connecticut. During this time, is when Sulliman had been recruited by the US secret service.

Sulliman’s journey with the secret was not a short one, he managed to serve for 20 years, where he worked alongside: Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Ford, Carter as well as Vice Presidents Agnew, and Rockefeller. Sulliman’s service with President Kennedy holds many documented photos in the JFK Library. Sulliman’s service is seen not only in the United States but also in Germany. Below are a series of photos of Sulliman with president John F. Kennedy.

Jerry Blaine and Sam Sulliman on the rear of a presidential car in Ireland. 1963.

Above is pictured a trip to Maine & Massachusetts: Boston, fundraising dinner at commonwealth armory, 1963 October 19, 8:13 pm

Description: President John F. Kennedy sits in the Presidential limousine (Lincoln-Mercury Continental convertible) outside the Commonwealth Armory in Boston, Massachusetts; President Kennedy attended the “All New England Salute Dinner” in his honor. Also pictured: Press Secretary, Pierre Salinger; Military Aide to the President, General Chester V. Clifton; White House Secret Service agents, Stu Stout, Bill Greer, and Sam Sulliman.

Meeting with US Ambassador to West Germany George McGhee, 1963 May 14 10:05AM

Description: President John F. Kennedy (left, in rocking chair) meets with newly-appointed United States Ambassador to West Germany, George McGhee. Standing in background (left to right): unidentified; White House correspondent for United Press International (UPI), Helen Thomas; White House Secret Service agent, Sam Sulliman; two unidentified persons. Oval Office, White House, Washington, D.C.

Above is a closer image of Sulliman

Trip to Europe: Germany, Cologne: Kölner Rathaus (City Hall), 23 June 1963 10:55 AM

Description: Director of the United States Secret Service, James J. Rowley, and members of President John F. Kennedy’s White House Secret Service detail stand outside Kölner Rathaus (City Hall) in Cologne, West Germany (Federal Republic). Left to right: agents, Jerry Blaine, Sam Sulliman, and Paul A. Burns; Director Rowley; agent, Roy Kellerman.

After his retirement, Sulliman worked for J. Robert Fluour as Head of Security for The Fluor Corporation in Southern California. After some time, Sulliman ended up heading over to Pennsylvania, carrying his Head of Security title for a healthcare company by the name of Aetna.

Sulliman passed away in 2019 and was buried in the Arlington National Cemetery.

To view all images of Sulliman with John F. Kennedy, visit the link below:

JFK Library

Written & Published by Brian Banyamin

David Barsum Perley

Date: May 9, 2022

David Barsum Perley was born in 1901 in Kharput (Modern day Turkey). He grew to be the student of famous Assyrian journalist, Ashour Yousef of Kharput. During World War I, Perley was forced to flee to the mountains of Russia shortly after his father had been killed by Turkish authorities. At this time, the mass persecution of Christians in Turkey was active. After two years, he managed to leave Russia, with his relatives and arrived in the United States in 1922.

Perley ended up residing in Massachusetts. He attended Springfield International College, and Boston University, where he later received his Bachelors of Arts in 1928. However, Perley furthered his education at New York University, where he obtained his Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1933. Unfortunately, this was the same year the beginning of the Simele massacre occurred, where thousands of Assyrians were targeted and killed. He then practiced in Law in Paterson, New Jersey, where he specialized in cases of Immigration in 1935.

Perley’s passion for writing and journalism was displayed once again when he contributed to The British Betrayal of the Assyrians in Chapters 7 and 10. Perley’s picture can also be found in pg. 102. “Whither Christian Missions?” was then later released In 1994. He produced many other articles and reviews in nationalist magazines such as; New Beth Nahreen and the Assyrian Star.

Perley ended up passing away on July 14th, 1979.

Written & Published by: Brian Banyamin

Bibliography

James F. Coakley , “Perley, David Barsum,” in Gorgias Encyclopedic Dictionary of the Syriac Heritage: Electronic Edition, edited by Sebastian P. Brock, Aaron M. Butts, George A. Kiraz and Lucas Van Rompay, https://gedsh.bethmardutho.org/Perley-David-Barsum.Show

Donabed, Sargon, and Ninos Donabed. Essay. In Assyrians of Eastern Massachusetts, 103–103. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2006.

Lt. Norman Yonan

Date: May 2, 2022

Norman Joseph Yonan was born on January 3rd, New Britain, Connecticut. His parents were Joseph and Anna Yonan. Growing up, Yonan graduated high school and then attended university, to which he ended up leaving, and joining the Army.

Image Source

Above is listed Yonan’s Registration card.

Yonan served in the Pacific during World War II and became a Lieutenant. Throughout his service, he acquired many medals. Lt. Yonan finished his service in the Army in 1946. After finishing service, he worked with his father as an electrician, founding Yonan Electric. The company had later come to an end.

Yonan and his wife, Grace, ended up moving to Naples, Florida where they retired. Lt. Yonan then passed away in 2013 in Florida.

Written & Published by: Brian Banyamin

Bibliography

BetGivargis-McDaniel, M., 2007. , in: Assyrians of New Britain. Arcadia Pub., Charleston, South Carolina, pp. 101–101.

10 Year Radio Anniversary

Date: September 17, 2021

This summer marks the 10-year anniversary of Ninos Nirari’s radio program.  He first began the program at the request of the late Rabi Homer Ashurian, who was then serving on the board of the Assyrian Universal Alliance Foundation (now the Assyrian Cultural Foundation).  The first episode aired in early June, 2011. 

The weekly radio program was originally called Gawneh, which means “colors” in Assyrian.  Mr. Nirari decided to give it that name because it represented the diverse number of topics that the show covered.  Topics included general education, history, news, poetry, religion, sports, etc.  Additionally, Mr. Nirari would frequently interview famous Assyrians during the program, including singers, politicians, and poets.  Initially, the show ran for one hour, on Monday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00 PM.  However, due to its immense popularity, it ran for three hours by its second year, on Tuesday nights from 7:00 to 10:00 PM.  Although the program aired on a Chicago radio station, people who did not live in the Chicago area could also access it through the internet. 

One popular segment of the program was called Morayeh, which means “competitions.”  During that portion of the show, Mr. Nirari would ask a question and then invite his listeners to call in to answer it.  The first person to answer the question correctly usually received a gift card that could be used at a local Assyrian business.  Thus, the program not only connected and educated its listeners, but also helped promote and support local Assyrian businesses. 

Today, Ninos Nirari’s radio program is called Qala Mhadyana, which translates as “The Guiding Voice.”  It airs every Saturday afternoon from 3:00 to 4:30 PM Central Standard Time on 1590 AM, a Chicago radio station.  However, the program is also available on the radio station’s website, https://www.wcgoradio.com/, as well as livestreamed on the Assyrian Cultural Foundation’s Facebook page, once a month.

Although the radio program’s name has changed, its contents have not.  It continues to cover a diverse range of topics, making it a unique listening experience.  Congratulations, Ninos Nirari, on providing 10 years of wonderful content on your radio program!