The Assyrian Democratic Organization
Over 18 years old run the half marathon (21 km), less than 18 years old run 10 km. There was a lot of media present and we talked with the national radio and the national newspapers. People were interested in the flags and the t-shirts and they asked ?who the Assyrians are?. Best of all was the Assyrian flag hanging above all these people. And if the run wasn?t hard enough they kept the flag with them and held it high to the sky!
At the end even the mayor of Enschede, Mr. Mans, has his picture taken with the Assyrian youth to show his support and solidarity for the efforts made by all to highlight the Assyrian genocide. A great ending to a beautiful day.
Two things made us proud today. First of all the attention we received for such a small event and that they all finished. The second thing was our youngsters, who are raised outside Assyria and even though the Assyrian genocide happened over 80 years ago, they still realise how important it is for our disbanded nation that the Turkish government recognise and acknowledge this atrocity where around 750.000 Assyrians were murdered.
We demand that the European Nation does not accept Turkey into its ranks before it apologises to the children of Assyria.
\\Assyrian Youth Federation
