August 7, 2026 — Day of Remembrance for the Assyrian Martyrs: What Lies Behind This Date
On August 7, 2026, Assyrian communities around the world observed the Day of Remembrance for Assyrian Martyrs. On this day, the victims of persecution and mass killings are commemorated, particularly those who perished during the Simele massacre in Iraq in 1933.
A member of the Assyrian Cultural Foundation’s Nebu J. Issabey Music Program stands at the Assyrian Martyrs Monument at Montrose Cemetery, Chicago, August 7, 2026.
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"Over time, the date has come to serve as a day of remembrance not only for the victims of that tragedy but also for all Assyrians who have perished as a result of persecution, violence, and attempts to destroy their culture and identity.
The Day of Remembrance for the Assyrian Martyrs falls on August 7 each year. In 2026, this date falls on a Friday. This is not a typical celebration, but a day of mourning, remembrance, and reflection on the history of the Assyrian people. Assyrians also refer to this day as Martyrs’ Day or Remembrance Day. It is observed by members of the community not only in the Middle East but also in countries where a large Assyrian diaspora lives today. Memorial events have been held over the years in the United States, Canada, European countries, Iraq, and other nations."
In a personal reflection, Assyrian-American student Sabrina Bet-Mansour draws on her family’s history of displacement and migration to examine today’s immigration policies and the growing challenges faced by those fleeing violence and persecution.
The best cookbooks offer more than recipes—they tell the stories of the people behind them, their heritage, and their struggles. That’s exactly what makes The Oldest Kitchen in the World by Matay de Mayee such a treasure.
The Assyrian genocide, known as the Seyfo, has been included in a Dutch history textbook used in secondary education, marking a significant development in efforts to bring the history of the 1915 genocide into Dutch classrooms.
The Assyrian Democratic Party unveiled a new monument dedicated to Assyrian martyrs in the center of Tal Tamr on Saturday, September 19, as the community gathered to commemorate those who lost their lives defending this Assyrian region.
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