Schakowsky Statement Remembering the Simele Massacre of 1933
Evanston, IL -- Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement in remembrance of the Simele Massacre of 1933:
“August 7 marks an important day among the Assyrian community: it is the National Day of Mourning, when the community commemorates the Simele Massacre of 1933.
August 7, 1933 saw the beginning of several days of terror, as forces from the then-Kingdom of Iraq systematically attacked dozens of Assyrian villages, killing many and displacing tens of thousands more.
As a proud member of the Congressional Assyrian Caucus and the Religious Minorities in the Middle East Caucus, I stand with the Assyrian American community and remain committed to protecting Assyrians and other religious minorities in the region from ongoing religious prosecution and worse, as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) continues to pose a deadly threat to those with different beliefs.
I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Assyrian Community in the 9th Congressional District to ensure that they have a voice in Washington D.C.”