The thermostat
could not drop any lower, but Assyrian patriotism was at its highest on
February 15, 2004. On this freezing cold Sunday afternoon (15º F = -10º C)
true hearted Assyrians voyaged out to New Jersey in celebration of the
life and death of a true Assyrian Nationalist, Malfono Naoum Fayiq. This
even has now become the third annual commemoration, and Assyrians from New
England and New York flock over in the worst weather conditions, to make
sure a brave man’s work does not go unnoticed. Nothing stopped this group
of youths from delivering flowers, Assyrian flags, and songs to their
former leader. Ashur Hanna of Worcester MA said “We cannot let a little
bit of cold and snow make us forget the selfless dedication of this great
man, Naoum Fayiq.” Ashur was one of the many that dressed up warmly and
put a smile on his face on the frigid Sunday afternoon. Broula Adde of Long
Island, NY said “Traditions must be kept, and it is the younger
generation’s responsibility to keep traditions alive. We have started a
new tradition in the past three years that we want to keep alive for the
upcoming generations.” Ninos Donabed of Boston MA mentions “every year we
come out, every year it becomes nicer. The songs, the flowers, and high
spirits of everyone.” This was Hedro Lahdo’s first time visiting the grave
sight and he said “Naoum is a legend in Qamishly Syria, my hometown, so it
was an honor to go out and honor him.”
Honoring him is exactly what the youths did that afternoon. Animating his
tombstone with colorful flowers, Assyrian flags, and his portrait, the
group gave life to the man who has been deceased for seventy-four years
now. The group started off by saying the Lord’s Prayer, and then jumping
right into patriotic songs like: Ho Dokrinan, Bet Nahren Atriwat, Beth
Nahrin Romath Men Kul, and Atouraye Dmikhe b-Shinta [two songs in the
Western Assyrian dialect and two in the Eastern Assyrian dialect].
Helma Adde dedicated her beautiful voice in singing “It'ir Bar Othur It'ir”
a poem written by Naoum Fayiq himself, while flowers were being placed on
the grave by each group member. This poem is believed to have been
sung by Malfono Naoum Fayiq on his deathbed to his friend Malfono Senharib
Balley. The
group also made sure to say a prayer on the grave of the Assyrian
Nationalist Malfono Senharib Balley, whose grave is closely behind Malfono
Fayiq’s.
Malfono Naoum Fayiq who lived from February 1863 through February 5, 1930,
was an extraordinary gentleman whose work deserves to be recognized by our
Assyrian communities around the globe. It is also important to
continue the man’s legacy of work. Malfono Fayiq was no different than me or you,
but his heart was ten times bigger than most of ours. God has given us the
ability to overcome many obstacles in our nation’s path, so it is crucial
that we learn from our past nationalists, and continue to fight for our
rights. Next year the group plans on making this a four-year tradition,
and wishes that everyone that can will join us.