SBS Assyrian

The C-I-A says Iran's nuclear facilities were severely damaged in US strikes; the Opposition continues to push for Australia's defence spending to be lifted; and, in sport, the First Nations and Pasifika 15 rugby team announces its first five players

Australians arrive back home after being evacuated from Israel; the US to hold talks with Iran next week as Tehran votes to stop cooperating with the UN, and, in sport, another star out as the Montemurro era begins at the Matildas.

In this program: After the news bulletin, an interview with Marilyn Oshana about the Ashurbanipal Library opening. Dennis Suro from the Assyrian Youth is talking about Assyria Day. ALC feature about the suicide bombing at a Christian church in Damascus.

Donald Trump yet to decide on whether there will be a US strike against Iran; evacuation of Australians from Israel and Iran underway; and, in AFL, Fremantle claim victory, five matches in a row, with a resounding win against Essendon.

The Israel-Iran ceasefire holds; Scores of civilians killed in shooting at aid distribution centre in Gaza; in men's lawn hockey, the Kookaburras had nothing to laugh about in Berlin on Tuesday night as Germany stormed back to a 3-2 win.

Marilyn Oshana, team leader of the Ashurbanipal Library Project under the Assyrian Australian Association, told SBS that after years of dedicated effort, the new online Ashurbanipal Library will officially launch on 3 July 2025. According to Ms Oshana, the library now holds over 5,000 items, including books, journals, documents, and audiovisual materials. A significant portion of the printed collection has already been digitised. She also announced that two new books will be officially launched on the same day.

The Assyrian National Council is celebrating Assyria Day 2025 with a renewed spirit. The Young Assyrians, a dynamic youth-led initiative, are organising this year's celebration. Mr. Dennis Suro, the group's Vice President, spoke with SBS Assyrian to share insights into the goals and vision behind the event. He also outlined the program for this year's theme: “Return to Ashor”, highlighting its political and cultural significance and the broader message of unity and heritage.

Frensh President Macron says bombs will not create regime chamnge in Iran; New statistics reveal one in eight Australian adults, and one in six children, are now living below the poverty line; and, in sport, Mixed news for Aussie women in the lead-up to Wimbledon

A suicide bombing at a Greek Orthodox church in Damascus has killed at least 20 people and wounded more than 50, shattering Sunday Mass and reigniting fears over Syria's fragile post-Assad security. The attack, reportedly carried out by an I-S militant, struck a congregation of 350 worshippers, leaving scenes of devastation and raising questions about the new government's ability to protect religious minorities. And a warning – some listeners may find this content distressing. Click on play to listen to the interview. Click on play to listen to the report.

The full extent of damage from US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites still being assessed; safe and open airspace still a challenge in evacuating Australians from the Middle East; and, in sports, Mary Fowler nominated for two categories in the Professional Footballers' Association Awards.

Danny Sada was born and raised in the United States, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering in California. Driven by a deep connection to his heritage, he made the life-changing decision to return permanently to his ancestral homeland of Bet-Nahrain. Now residing in Duhok, Danny works with a non-governmental organization called Return Org, which focuses on supporting Assyrian communities and facilitating their sustainable return and development in their native regions. Danny has been invited as the keynote speaker for the upcoming Assyria Day event, organized by the Assyrian National Council of Australia. At the event, he will share his personal journey back to Bet-Nahrain and highlight the mission and impact of Return Org.

Foreign ministers from across Europe set for talks with their Iranian counterpart; a meeting of minds to kickstart Labor's second attempt at environmental law reform, and, in Formula One, McLaren principal flags some tough talk after the teammates' collision in Canada.

In this program: News bulletin, Interview with Oliver Slewa about Privacy awareness week, SBS Examines : Labor's new super laws, Australia Explained; Australian building and insurance.

The United States military is reportedly sending additional fighter jets to the Middle East ; Anthony Albanese meets United States officials at the G-7 after President Trump cancelled ; and in Rugby League, Laurie Daley eyes redemption as New South Wales chase back-to-back Origin titles.

Anthony Albanese's meeting with Donald Trump has been cancelled; foreign nationals have been evacuated from Tehran as aerial attacks continue for a fourth day.; and, in Tennis, early exit for Australians Alex Bolt and Chris O'Connell at the Queen's tournament in London.

16-22 June 2025 is the Privacy Awareness Week. Oliver Slewa, a lawyer and a contributor for SBS Assyrian, discusses in this podcast the significance of Privacy Awareness Week and emphasises the importance of remaining cautious and safeguarding our privacy at all times.

World leaders urge diplomatic talks to reduce tensions between Israel and Iran; a new report details the rising cost of seeing a specialist doctor ;and, in cycling, Tadej Pogacar* wins his first Critérium du Dauphiné title.

All but one passenger confirmed dead from onboard an Air India flight to London that crashed shortly after take off ; the United States reviews the AUKUS security pact with Australia and the UK; and, in football, Tottenham names to new coach to replace Australian Ange Postecoglou.

The Socceroos have qualified for the World Cup again with their victory over Saudi Arabia. Feelings are mixed between celebrating what's been achieved, and wondering how to take the next step. World Cup qualification has been achieved by the Socceroos for a sixth consecutive time .

In this program: News bulletin, interview with Counter-Tenor Robert Adam about his concert, Suzy David talking bout her journey with SBS Assyrian, SBS 50 explainer about the achievements of some in language programs

Countertenor Robert Adam has been selected as one of ten distinguished classical singers from across Australia by the Italian Opera Foundation–Australia to perform in a prestigious concert at the City Recital Hall in Sydney on 29 June 2025. Expressing his excitement and gratitude, Mr. Adam said he is honoured to be part of this special event, which he sees as a valuable opportunity for greater exposure and an important step forward in his classical music career.

Marines to join the National Guard at immigration raid protests in Los Angeles; Labor's Prue Car diagnosed with breast cancer; and, in tennis, two Australians left in the Queen's Club women's tournament after Daria Kasatkina defeated.

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison says it's an immense privilege to receive the nation's highest honour; SBS turns 50 today; and, in Tennis, Carlos Alcaraz celebrates winning the French Open men's title.

German Chancellor confident of a Ukrainian peace deal; Australia moves closer to a free trade agreement with the EU; and, in sport, Socceroos win over Japan takes them to FIFA World Cup finals

1975 was a time of change in global politics. There was the horror of the Pol Pot genocide, the end of the Vietnam War - while in Australia there was the dismissal of the Labor Whitlam government. It was also a time when Australia was rapidly changing into the multicultural society we see today, coinciding with the birth of the nation's multilingual broadcaster: SBS.

The US vetoes a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access in Gaza; Tasmania's premier continues the fight for his political life; and, in sport, rising Australian tennis star Emerson Jones has reached the final eight at the French Open.

A study finds more than one in three Australian men have committed violence against an intimate partner; Australia's lowest-paid workers have been handed a 3.5 per cent wage increase; and, in sport, The Matildas to be immortalised at the National Gallery in Canberra.

In this program: Highlights from STARTTS and Shayna Humanitarian conference with Assyrian community leaders; SBS Examines on how Dubbo is embracing multiculturalism and in Australia Explained, how the media works in Australia.

Israel says it is not targeting civilians at Gaza aid distribution sites; Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff staring down a no-confidence motion; and, in sport, World Boxing apologises to Algerian boxer Imane Khelif over a gender eligibility row.

The Israeli military [[IDF]] says it will investigate every incident linked to its food distribution efforts in Gaza, after at least 31 Palestinians were killed and more than 170 wounded while trying to access aid.The violence unfolded near a new humanitarian aid hub in Rafah, set up by the privately-run Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, but there are conflicting accounts of what actually occurred.

The federal government is under pressure to consider targeted sanctions against Israel; house prices in Australia increased by another 0.5 per cent in May; and, in football, The Matildas have a new coach.

Marel Parono, mental health project officer at STARTTS, spoke to SBS Assyrian about the conference, highlighting key topics from the Accidental Counselling training attended by Assyrian health interpreters, women's group organisers, and case managers from various mental health organisations. We also spoke to Oliver Slewa, who highlighted the importance of his organisation's participation. Several participants shared their thoughts on the conference.

Donald Trump's tariffs off, then on again, after a court ruling in the United States; allegations the new aid model in Gaza is a distraction from alleged Israeli atrocities; and, in sport, New South Wales wins State of Origin game one.

In this program: an interview with Badri Diril about his book on Assyrian folktales; in Australia Explained: how to nominate someone for the Order of Australia; and in SBS Examines: Reconciliation.

Coercive control was legally criminalised in NSW on 1 July 2024. Solicitor, Oliver Slewa, worked as a policy officer in domestic violence for the NSW Department of Communities and Justice. He says, according to the NSW government, coercive control is when someone repeatedly hurts, scares or isolates another person to control them. It's domestic abuse and it can cause serious harm, so it's important to know the signs.

Murder charges laid after a fatal house fire in the Sydney suburb of Croydon; five teens die after an apparent house party in Siberia; and, in sport, Alexei Popyrin reaches the third round at Roland Garros for the first time.

One person dies after a house fire in Sydney; police have charged seven people in Melbourne over their alleged involvement in a machete brawl; and, in sport, New South Wales Blues back Nathan Cleary after State of Origin criticism.

Assyrian author Bedri Deril was born in the Bohtan region of southeastern Turkey. From an early age, he was deeply influenced by the oral storytelling traditions of his grandmother, who would recount ancient Assyrian folk tales to him and his siblings. These stories, rich with cultural wisdom and ancestral memory, left a lasting impression on him. As he grew older, Bedri recognised the importance of preserving this oral heritage. Motivated by a desire to keep these stories alive for future generations, he set out to collect and document the tales he had memorised in his youth. This effort culminated in the creation of his book, Assyrian Folk Tales, which is now available in both Assyrian (Suret) and various European languages. Currently, Mr. Deril is in Australia promoting the book and sharing his cultural legacy with a wider audience. His work stands as a testament to the resilience of Assyrian storytelling and the enduring power of heritage through language.

Reconciliation Week begins; the United States puts forward a new proposal for a Gaza ceasefire; and in tennis, Australian Open champion Madison Keys defeats Daria Saville at the French Open.

In this program: an interview with Oliver Slewa about the Shayna Humanitarian and STARTTS collaboration on a conference about youth suicide; highlights from an Assyrian play about dementia; and a new episode of SBS Examines.

Logistical challenges for emergency services helping flood-hit communities in New South Wales; Australians mark National Sorry Day; and, in cycling, Carlos Verona claims his first Grand Tour Stage win.

The Prime Minister urges Indonesia to strengthen bilateral defence ties; the UN insists it won't back a US-backed aid effort in Gaza, as around 100 more people die in the latest strikes; and, in cycling, Aussies at both ends of the spectrum of fortune, after a chaotic stage six of the Giro D'Italia.

The United Nations warns Israel to urgently allow more food into Gaza as it warns of an unprecedented attack; Australia's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister embark on strategic talks in the Asia-Pacific; and. in sport, N-F-L Clubs fight over the fate of a controversial play they say is dangerous.

The UK suspends trade talks with Israel on a new free trade agreement; flash flooding on the New South Wales Hunter and Mid-North Coast intensifies; and, in sport, a crocodile habitat will be assessed as a venue for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

Startts and Shayna Humanitarian are joining forces to present a conference with Assyrian community leaders and health workers to discuss ways to expand the work with the community to deal with youth suicide. The conference will be held on Sunday, 31 May at Fairfield. Mr Oliver Slewa from Shayna Humanitarian says the invitation has been sent to more than 20 Assyrian organisations.

The Atour Drama Group recently staged their play Echoes of Yesterday, which explores the challenges of dementia and its profound impact on both patients and their families. Speaking to SBS, the play's writer and director, Zaya Roel, who shared that the goal of the production is to raise awareness within the Assyrian community about how to better support loved ones affected by this condition. The performance took place at Bankstown Theatre on Sunday, 18 May 2025.

The European Union suggest strengthening security ties with Australia; the Nationals leader has backed the Coalition's nuclear plan; and, in Formula One, Oscar Piastri is defeated by Max Verstappen in Italy.

Minister Chris Bowen talks to SBS Assyrian about winning the election for the seat of McMahon, reappointment for the ministerial portfolio of Energy and Climate Change and his advocacy and respect for the Assyrian community in Australia. He says that he grew up among Assyrians in Fairfield and Smithfield and understands their plight very well and will keep supporting them. The interview is conducted in English.

In this episode: Interview with Mar Emil Nona about the Pope's election; interview with writer-director Zaya Roel about his play: Echoes of Yesterday; Yousip Bet Yousip from USA talking about his nationalistic work and active role in Iran for the Assyrian cause.

An Australian man believed to have been killed while fighting in Ukraine; the United States announces a major arms deal with Saudi Arabia as President Trump visits the Middle East; in football, Socceroos striker Kusini Yengi dropped from English side Portsmouth

Sussan Ley elected the new leader of the Liberal Party; Turkiye welcomes the dissolution of the Kurdish PKK militant group; and, in sport: the Indian Premier League tournament set to resume this week after a suspension due to regional violence.