SBS Assyrian

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.

Archbishop of the Chaldean Catholic Church, Diocese of Australia and NZ, Mar Emil Shimoun Nona, spoke to SBS Assyrian about the election of Pope Leo XIV, the Augustinian Order and his messages of peace, tolerance and love. He was also asked about the participation of the Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, Cardinal Louis Raphaël I Sako, in the Conclave.

Playwright and director Zaya Roel spoke with SBS about the return of his impactful theatrical play, Echoes of Yesterday. After overwhelming demand from the Assyrian community, the production is being replayed due to its powerful and timely focus on the challenges of dementia. The performance will take place at Bankstown Theatre, with free admission available through online registration. Alzimas Australia, the Assyrian Medical Association, and STARRTS proudly sponsor this important cultural event.

Catholics welcome the election of a new Pope in Rome; tensions between Pakistan and India continue to escalate; in sport, The NRL confident a new team franchise in Perth will be a success.

Cardinals have been meeting in the Vatican ahead of the conclave on May 7, where they will start to vote for a successor to Pope Francis. Preparations for the centuries-old tradition are underway, following Pope Francis' death on April 21 at age 88.

Anthony Albanese begins second term with strong mandate after Labor landslide victory; Israel approves plan to fully capture Gaza and maintain an indefinite military presence there; and, in sport, Brisbane Roar part ways with Ruben Zadkovich as search begins for fourth manager in three years.

Two young children die in hospital following a house fire in Queensland: veterans and political leaders mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two; and, in football, Paris St Germain takes down Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final.

Contents:Oliver Slewa talking about Sydney University's subsidy to Assyrian language teachers to obtain Master's degrees; ALC feature about the elections: SB Examines new episodes and a repeat of highlights of the Assyrian business awards.

Liberal candidate for the seat of McMahon, Carmen Lazar, reflected on her experience during the 2025 Federal Election, saying it gave her the opportunity to meet and connect with people from all walks of life within the electorate's diverse community. She came second after Labor's Chris Bowen.

Oliver Slewa from Shayna Humanitarian spoke with SBS Assyrian about a valuable opportunity for Assyrian language teachers to enrol in a two-year, full-time master's program, jointly offered by the universities of Sydney and Western Sydney. The universities support and subsidise the program, making it more accessible for prospective students.

The Coalition is on track for its worst-ever result at a federal election after last night's crushing loss to Labor. Peter Dutton lost his seat leaving the Liberal party having to select a successor. Meanwhile, the Greens are in a precarious position.

The next leader of the Coalition to be chosen in a Liberal party room meeting; a class action begins over strip-searches conducted by New South Wales Police at music festivals; and, in sport, Australian Oscar Piastri wins the Miami Grand Prix.

Anthony Albanese secured a larger majority in parliament while Opposition Leader Peter Dutton lost his Queensland seat.

The Labor Party has won the federal election and will be able to form a majority government.

Trump blames Biden for the U-S economy shrinking over the quarter since he took power; Senate race heats up as balance of power looms large in shaping next government; in AFL, North Melbourne defends players, slams Cornes' comments as vindictive, bullying behaviour.

In this program: Meet the candidate forum; Australia Explained: taking your child to the emergency department at your local hospital; SBS Examines: the role of religion in elections; and the fourth and final leaders' debate.

Hecklers interrupt a solemn Anzac Day service in Melbourne as diggers remembered around the country; Australian nurses in the Vietnam War honoured with a permanent memorial; and, in sport, the NRL flags a potential team in Western Australia.

The Trump administration warns Russia and Ukraine it will walk away from efforts to mediate peace if they don't provide concrete proposals; the death cap mushroom triple-murder trial begins in Victoria; and, in tennis, dual grand slam doubles champion Max Purcell accepts an 18-month ban.

On 23 April, 2023, Shayna Humanitarian hosted a Meet the Candidates forum, bringing together seven candidates from Family First, Labor, The Greens, One Nation, independent and libertarian parties. The event offered an opportunity for these candidates to engage directly with constituents from the electorates they seek to represent, discussing their party platforms and vision for the community. Throughout the forum, candidates responded to a wide range of questions on pressing issues including housing, healthcare, migration, and refugee policy. At the conclusion of the event, Oliver Slewa, founder of Shayna Humanitarian, spoke with SBS Assyrian to share the organisation's motivation for coordinating the forum and its commitment to community engagement. This podcast has an Assyrian introduction with the remainder in English.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announces a three-day ceasefire in the war with Ukraine ;Anti-gambling advocates criticise major parties' progress on gambling reform; in cricket, an Indian prodigy smashes a record-breaking I-P-L century.

A panel of undecided voters handed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese a convincing win at the end of the fourth and final leaders' debate. With one week of campaigning remaining, the verdict of voters across Australia will be sealed on 3 May.

The Prime Minister says he is concerned about a rise in online misogyny; the cost of a ketamine nasal spray to treat depression to become cheaper for Australians; and, in football, a goal from Australian Caitlin Foord helps Arsenal reach the Champions League final.

U-S President Donald Trump has again taken aim at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, blaming his refusal to accept Russian occupation of Crimea for failure to end the Russia-Ukraine war. But Mr Zelenskyy says ceding the territory would be a violation of Ukraine's constitution.

The Coalition promises an additional $90 million to address family and domestic violence across Australia; cost-of-living pressures spark a surge in people seeking help from food charities ;and, in golf, superstar Hannah Green reveals a new weapon ahead of the first women's major of the year in Texas.

Pope Francis, the reforming head of the Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88. After 12 years of spiritual leadership over the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis has died at the age of 88.His death has set in motion the centuries-old process of electing a new Pope.

Flags fly at half-mast in Australia to honour Pope Francis; funeral arrangements are organised for the pontiff; and, in swimming, Mollie O'Callaghan wins the 100-metre freestyle national title at the Australian Open Swimming Championships.

A date set for Pope Francis' funeral; the Coalition vows to increase defence spending if it wins the federal election; and, in sport, Meg Harris wins the 50-metre freestyle.

In this program, you will hear Ashour Nona VP of the Assyrian Australian Association talking about Assyrian participation in Anzac Day; descendants of Assyrian Levies talking about the bravery of their fathers and grandfathers during WWII; and a special feature about the death of Pope Francis.

The Assyrian Australian Association will proudly participate in an Anzac Day commemorative service at Canley Heights RSL on Friday, 25 April 2025. Speaking with SBS Assyrian, the association's vice-president, Ashour Nona, emphasised the profound importance of Anzac Day, describing it as a sacred occasion for all communities to unite in remembrance of the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War One. Nona also paid tribute to the Assyrian soldiers who served alongside British and French forces, as well as the Assyrian Levies — a British-backed military unit established in the aftermath of the war — to safeguard stability and maintain internal security in British-occupied Mesopotamia.

The origin of Easter. History of the Australian Labor Party. How to recover from storms and floods.