SBS Assyrian

U-S President Donald Trump continues to talk up prospects for an end to the war in the Middle East. In media interviews, he has told the world to watch out for an amazing two days ahead of new ceasefire talks, while U-S forces continue their blockade on vessels leaving Iranian ports.

A major fire to limit fuel production at one of Australia's last two oil refineries; States and territories bid for their own fuel reserves in the face of a supply crisis; and in football, FIFA insists Iran will play in the world cup this year, despite being at war with the host country...

Protests in Tehran over the US blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz; Passengers with Uber to pay a fuel surcharge; and in football, the World governing body FIFA urges Anthony Albanese to help build a permanent national football base.

The U-N says there's no military solution to the dispute in the Middle East; new data shows housing rental costs are still going up; and in sport; Paris Saint Germain and Atletico Madrid into the Champions League semi-finals

In this program, We discuss with the artist and a Deacon from the Assyrian Church of the East George Rasho, how he envisioned and executed his project about the Resurrection of Christ. Interview with Oliver Slewa about the NSW Youth Week and the Assyrian role in building a society. A feature about the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz

George Rasho, the Creative Director behind a powerful exhibition inspired by the Resurrection of Christ, has brought to life a deeply spiritual and artistic vision under the backing of the Assyrian Church of the East. Blending faith with visual storytelling, the exhibition invites audiences into a journey of renewal, sacrifice, and divine triumph. A video reel produced by SBS Arabic Digital has resonated widely, drawing more than 1.2 million viewers and interactions and sparking profound engagement across not only the Assyrian community but also among diverse audiences. Speaking to SBS Assyrian, Mr Rasho reflected on the devotion, creativity and accurate craftsmanship that shaped this expressiv audiovisual work, describing it as both an artistic expression and an act of faith.

NSW Youth Week celebrates the energy, voice and creativity of young people across our communities. It starts from the 16th of April and ends on the 26th of April. This year's theme is: Dream. Dare. Do. Oliver Slewa discusses why this event was established and how youth, particularly Assyrians, can get involved by attending local events, sharing their stories, volunteering, and proudly promoting their language, culture, and identity throughout the week.

Marathon talks between the United States and Iran have failed to reach a deal to end the war, jeopardising a fragile two-week ceasefire. The collapse of peace negotiations, and U-S plans to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, have rattled an already-tense region and raised fears of renewed fighting.

After 16 years, Hungary has a new prime minister; Iran's navy chief dismisses Donald Trump's latest threat on the Strait of Hormuz; and in cycling, Belgian Wout van Aert [[Vout van Art]] wins the Paris-Roubaix title.

Vice-President JD Vance to lead the US in Iran ceasefire talks as troops stay on alert; Motorists warned fuel prices may stay high for months despite the pause in fighting; in sport, Rory McIlroy prepares to defend his title as US Masters Champion.

Mediation efforts ahead of Donald Trump's deadline on the Strait of Hormuz; Calls for a dedicated war crimes investigations unit, after the charging of Ben Roberts-Smith; and in golf, three-time runner-up Justin Rose is determined to finally win at the Augusta National.

In this program: Feature about the war in the Middle East; Australia Explained: Changing your career; SBS learn English; Australia biodiversity and diet in a multicultural society

Donald Trump targets Australia in fresh criticism over the Iran crisis; E-bike demand surges as commuters confront rising fuel prices; and in rugby league, Jock Madden seals a golden-point thriller to help the Tigers beat the Eels.

US President Donald Trump is ramping up his pressure on Iran in an expletive-laden post over the Strait of Hormuz closure. But Tehran is warning him over the threat, saying the strait will only open if transit revenues are partially set aside to compensate war damages. As strikes and military attacks continue to escalate in the region, it's unclear if there's an end in sight with the war in the Middle East.

Benjamin Netanyahu congratulates Donald Trump on the rescue of the missing American crew member in Iran; The Pope uses his first Easter speech to call for peace; and in the National Basketball League, The Sydney Kings clinch their sixth title, after defeating Adelaide.

Iran announces a wave of new attacks on Tel Aviv and in bases in Kuwait and Bahrain; NASA's first crewed lunar mission in fifty years is preparing to launch this morning; and in golf, the PGA tour voices support for Tiger Woods as he takes time out after arrest...

The celebration featured a vibrant parade, traditional music and dance performances, and a variety of cultural activities that reflected the rich heritage of the Assyrian people. Families and visitors enjoyed food stalls offering authentic cuisine, while community leaders highlighted the importance of preserving language, identity, and traditions for future generations. SBS Assyrian met members from the community and asked them, "What does the Assyrian New Year mean to them?"

On Sunday, 29 March 2026, the Assyrian community in Sydney celebrated the 6776 Assyrian New Year, which falls on 1 April each year. More than ten thousand people attended the festival. The event was also attended by many dignitaries representing federal, state, and local governments. Here are highlights of their speeches.

Global reactions grow against Israel's mandatory death penalty for Palestinians; Reserve Bank to ban surcharge fees for EFTPOS, Mastercard and Visa transactions ; and in sport, FIFA rejects Iran's request to have World Cup group matches shifted from USA to Mexico

After weeks of pressure over surging petrol prices, the federal government has cut the tax on fuel in half. It's a three-month measure costing the budget billions, as the Prime Minister steps out a four-part plan to respond to the conflict.

US President Trump says Iran's new leadership have been very reasonable as more US troops arrive in the region; Iranian parliament considers leaving Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; and in sport, Melbourne Storm player Tui Kamikamica is in hospital following a suspected stroke.

In this program: Highlights from the Assyrian New Year; ALC feature about the fuel crisis; Australia Explaine, What does Easter mean for Australian; How Christians celebrate Easter, and where does the name Easter come from.

Israel declares it is expanding its occupation in southern Lebanon; calls for free public transport to be extended across Australia; and in basketball, the Sydney Kings one win away from a sixth NBL championship.

Australia shuts the door on Iranian visa holders; the US sends more mixed messages on war and peace in Iran; And in sport, More AFL clubs to be sued as ex-players join a landmark concussion case.

Australian hospitality venues consider a five per cent surcharge as fuel prices raise food costs; Iran claims it has evidence an enemy is planning to invade one of its islands; and in football, Senegal fights a decision to strip its team of its African Cup of Nations title...

A Sydney teenager charged with a terrorism offence; Donald Trump says Iran has given him a present; and in cricket, Georgia Voll hits the third fastest international T20 century by an Australian woman.

In this program: Highlights of the launch of a new book by Zaher Dauda; interview with Assyrian Students Association-Australia and their trip to meet Assyrian youth in Germany, and an interview about Assyrians of Melbourne celebrating the Assyrian New Year, with Shmoel Eramya

Eleven Assyrian organisations have united to host a major festival celebrating the Assyrian New Year 6776. One of the organisers, Mr Shmoel Eramya, told SBS Assyrian that more than 5,000 community members are expected to attend. The event will feature hours of festivities, including cultural performances and a wide variety of traditional food, and will run from 10 am to 7 pm at Anzac Park on Sunday, 29 March 2026.

Many Assyrian writers, artists, and media personalities gathered at the Fairfield Library Hub for the book signing of Zaher Dauda's The Language of Gods, a collection of short stories. The book contains 51 short stories, both in Assyrian and Arabic. The author spent nine years bringing the book to life. Having lived with his family as a refugee in Turkey, he arrived in Australia just 14 months ago. Mr Dauda expressed great joy at seeing his work finally published and thanked the Athree Assyrian Centre for taking the initiative to support and publish his book.

SBS Assyrian spoke with the President of the Assyrian Student Association Australia, Odessa Shmoel, and Vice President Dennis Suro following their return from an exchange visit to Germany. During the trip, they connected with Assyrian youth in Germany, engaging in meaningful discussions centred on preserving the Assyrian language, strengthening cultural identity, and safeguarding their shared heritage. Both highlighted the profound impact of the experience, emphasising how the exchange deepened their understanding of their roots and fostered a lasting bond between the two communities.

Israel says attacks on Iran and Lebanon will continue even after Donald Trump declares a week of diplomacy; a long-awaited trade deal between Australia and the EU could be closer to being signed; and in sport, Cricket Australia says expansion of the Big Bash League still a goal, after New Zealand rejects the offer to join.

Lebanon's president says he believes a ground invasion from Israel is imminent; Data centres in Australia subject to guidelines on energy and water use; And in cricket; The schedule for Australia's summer of cricket has been announced.

Plans to build a production hub for the Special Broadcasting Service in Western Sydney will no longer go ahead. The government has indicated its decision has been made in the context of the current fiscal environment.

Extra fuel to flow in Australia as premiers and the PM meet over supply concerns... Two killed in Israel by an Iranian missile attack...And in sport, Japan defeats South Korea to qualify for the Asian Cup final against the Matildas.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has hiked interest rates for the second consecutive month as war in the Middle East compounds inflation concerns. The split five-four decision on Tuesday was the tightest since the central bank started publishing vote tallies, with the RBA's monetary policy board lifting the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.1 per cent.

In this program, an interview with Alfred Mansour from Assyrian Australian Association about the Assyrian schools parade; an interview with Hermiz Shahin about the latest preparation for the Assyrian New Year festival in Sydney and an interview with Deena Khamis Yako about Harmony Week in NSW

US President Donald Trump delaying a diplomatic trip to China; New figures show domestic violence offences at a record high in New South Wales courts; And in sport, The Matildas defeat defending champions China to go through to the Asian Cup final.

The Assyrian Australian Association is organising the Assyrian New Year celebration with a parade by the children of the Assyrian Schools through the streets of St John's Park on Saturday, 28 March, followed by a special presentation at Edessa Hall. The Association's Treasurer, Mr Alfred Mansour, spoke to SBS Assyrian about the event, saying the aim is to encourage students to participate and raise awareness about the significance of this important day.

Deena Khamis from the Refugee Council of Australia and Sanctuary Runners Australia speaks about Harmony Day and a Sanctuary Run organised to encourage community participation during Harmony Week. Mrs Khamis invites the community to take part in the week's activities, especially the Sanctuary Run at Auburn Botanical Gardens on Saturday, 21 March. People can register at refugeecouncil.org.au or sign up at the gardens on the day of the event.

Iran's supreme leader says his father's government appointees will remain in their roles... More nations refuse to take up Donald Trump's demand on the Strait of Hormuz... And in football, Hayley Raso and Steph Catley cleared to play for the Matildas, ahead of the Asian Cup semifinal against China.

Preparations are underway for the 6776 Assyrian New Year festival at the Fairfield Showground in Fairfield. Hermiz Shahen, the President of the Assyrian National Council, who hosts the festival, spoke to SBS Assyrian and updated on the latest from the preparations for the event.

The United States says its conflict with Iran will end in the next few weeks. But, as [[x]] reports, not all indicators are pointing to that outcome, as economic concerns continue to dominate around the world, alongside the military strikes. They're the three words that dominate thoughts about the current conflict in the Middle East right around the world. How much longer?

A fifth member of the Iranian women's football team withdraws application for asylum in Australia; Israel says will continue operations in Iran and Lebanon until goals achieved... and in sport, The Matildas prepare to face defending champions China, in the Asia Cup.

World leaders agree on a record release from the global emergency oil reserves; Optus' parent company to face an inquiry over fatal triple zero outages to its network; And in football, Iran says it can't compete at this year's World Cup in the United States

The Australian government has granted humanitarian visas to seven members of the Iranian National women's football team to stay in Australia. Amidst relief from the supporters within the community and fears for the remaining players, critics say the government's proposed visa legislation will leave other visa holders in the region stranded.

In this program: Highlights from the Rabi Nimrod Simono Scholarship awards night; Oliver Slewa talking about the NSW Seniors Week and in Australia Explained, Australian Biosecurity and border protection

Reports more Iranian footballers have sought asylum in Australia; A growing body of evidence contradicts Donald Trump's claim on the school bombing in Iran; and in sport, Australian Para alpine skier Michael Milton delivers an improved performance at the Milan-Cortina Games.

Thousands evacuated in parts of Lebanon and Beirut, as Israel targets Hezbollah cells; A new federal report is showing that men remain almost twice as likely as women to earn high salaries in Australia; and in Formula One, Oscar Piastri insists he's ready to play as a team member for McLaren

Highlights from the Rabi Nimrod Simono Scholarship Awards include interviews with top achievers who share their inspirations, dreams, and visions for the future. They discuss their goals, achievements, and how they hope to use their education and talents to contribute to the Assyrian community and to Australia's broader society. We also feature an interview with the ceremony's keynote speaker, Dr Daniella Marta Beniamen.

The 2026 NSW Seniors Festival, formally known as Seniors Week, is celebrated each year from 2 to 15 March. This annual event recognises the valuable contributions of older adults and offers thousands of free or discounted activities across the state. Oliver Slewa explains the significance of the celebration and highlights the importance of raising awareness about caring for the elderly.

Iranian women's soccer players are granted humanitarian visas to stay in Australia; Turkey warns Iran as NATO intercepts a second ballistic missile in its airspace; and in sport, Matildas to play North Korea in the Asian Cup quarter finals...