Martyrs Day 10th Anniversary

12 August 2025 | 1 min read

It was an honour to join His Grace Mar Benyamin Elya, Kathleen Matthews-Ward MP, and members of our resilient Assyrian community at St Abdisho’s Cathedral in Coolaroo for Martyrs Day and the 10th anniversary commemoration of the 2015 Khabur attack. 

We reflected on the horrific assault on the historic Assyrian settlements in Syria’s Khabur region, where more than 200 people were abducted and over 35 villages destroyed by ISIS – not just homes, but centuries-old symbols of a people, a language, a faith and a culture. 

Survivors spoke with great courage about their experiences of danger, resilience and faith. They also shared their deep concerns about the ongoing situation in Syria, where threats to Christians and other minorities remain, while expressing heartfelt gratitude for the safety, freedom and opportunities they have found here in Australia.