Meet Diklat Georgees, an Assyrian Canadian who has dedicated her life to preserving the cultural heritage of her people and advocating for their rights. Born in Mosul, Iraq, Diklat immigrated to Canada in 1989 and now serves as the president of the Assyrian Aid Society of Canada, a volunteer-based organization focused on cultural preservation and humanitarian efforts.

In this video, Diklat discusses the historical and ongoing challenges faced by the Assyrian people, who have endured centuries of persecution in their indigenous homeland, which spans parts of modern-day Iraq, Turkey, Iran, and Syria. She details the impact of the Saiful genocide during World War I and the more recent devastation wrought by war and the rise of ISIS, which have left the Assyrian population in the Middle East drastically reduced.

Diklat shares the personal story of her family’s escape from Iraq under the oppressive Baath regime, highlighting the dangers they faced as they sought safety and a new life in Canada. Her narrative underscores the broader plight of the Assyrian people, whose efforts to maintain their cultural identity have been met with resistance and persecution.

As the leader of the Assyrian Aid Society of Canada, Diklat is committed to raising awareness about the Assyrian cause, fostering community connections among the diaspora, and advocating for international intervention to protect Assyrians in their ancestral lands. She emphasizes the resilience of the Assyrian people and their determination to survive and preserve their cultural heritage despite overwhelming challenges.

This video showcases Diklat Georgees’ tireless efforts to ensure that the Assyrian community’s legacy endures and that their rights are recognized and respected. Her story is a compelling call to action, urging the global community to stand with the Assyrian people in their fight for survival and justice.