Bet-Nahrain Forum

A Historical Note Regarding Bet-Nahrain Organization *PIC*

Posted By: Shamiram Daniali (adsl-69-225-22-125.dsl.skt2ca.pacbell.net)
Date: Saturday, 8 December 2007, at 7:56 a.m.

Thank you Benny for posting that reminder article (picture) about Bet-Nahrain. You were not even born when the Bet-Nahrain movement was born, yet you and others much younger than you continue to be inspired by the same aspiration. The second page of Bet-Nahrain’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws has the following message which has become a reality already:

Those Assyrian compatriots who founded Bet-Nahrain and who worked so hard and sacrificed so much to build the pillars of this organization have done it with one purpose in mind, that their children will keep its national message perpetually gleaming. In God’s hand and power we leave this trust and hope.

The current picture, an article about Bet-Nahrain in Modesto Bee, dated October 22, 1976 calls for a more detailed historical note regarding our beloved organization.

A Historical Note Regarding Bet-Nahrain
(From the Bet-Nahrain Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws)

Historically, Bet-Nahrain, as an Assyrian movement, had its birth in the fateful Assyrian year 6720 (1970). This movement was inspired by the Assyrian people’s rights, hopes and aspirations. Accepting this urgent national call, a handful of your Assyrians, residing in the Modesto-Ceres-Turlock area of California, strived perseveringly and steadfastly to provide a new vision for a new Assyrian society. These were men and women of courage; of sacrifice; of dedication. They put their heart and soul; their honor, time, and talents into their national works. They wanted to make the Assyrian dream come true.

Thus, in April 6724 (1974) the idea of Bet-Nahrain Magazine, the first branch of Bet-Nahrain, was conceived and born. Bet-Nahrain was incorporated under the laws of the State of California, as a non-profit educational and public benefit organization, in December of 1975. Being a dynamic and ever expanding organization, Bet-Nahrain’s Articles of Incorporations were amended in December 1976, May 1980, August 1983, and in August 1988. When reading the Articles of Incorporation (Constitution) and By-Laws of Bet-Nahrain, you should keep in mind that they have been formulated in such a way as to safeguard the uniqueness and the many achievements of Bet-Nahrain for the upcoming Assyrian generations.

The Assyrian Cultural Center of Bet-Nahrain, at 3119 South Central Avenue in Ceres, California was purchased in August 1976 and dedication ceremonies were held in November 1976. The building and its 5 acres were purchased for $75,000. This money was raised through donations from the members of Bet-Nahrain and the Assyrian community at-large. By means of television, radio, publications, education seminars and cultural programs, Bet-Nahrain was able to spread its national message among the Assyrian people all over the world. The Assyrian Broadcasting Radio Station of Bet-Nahrain (KBES 89.5FM), the first Assyrian radio station in the world, was inaugurated at the Assyrian Cultural Center on September 1, 1979. The Amman-El Television Center of Bet-Nahrain was inaugurated at the Assyrian Cultural Center on November 3, 1979.

Since its inception, Bet-Nahrain has been an awakener in the Assyrian national arena. It has steadfastly struggled to enliven the spirit of Assyrianism among our people and their organizations. Sponsoring and hosting the First and Second Assyrian National Congress in 1983 and 1986 [and the Eighth in 2007] are historic examples of the national efforts of Bet-Nahrain to unite the Assyrians and spearhead their national cause. “Bet-Nahrainism” will continue to be a source of inspiration to all Assyrians.

What we have accomplished and achieved so far is but a step along the road we now follow. With our present march and momentum our movement is gaining daily, the future is indeed bright. Let the faithful members of Bet-Nahrain not forget that the national duties that lie ahead are many and the dreams and ambitions of our people, which remain a target to aggression, are unbounded. Therefore, it is imperative for us, as members of a unique Assyrian organization, to maintain the spirit with which we have built this organization and with which we have accomplished a great deal in the past, so as to ensure the prerequisite of its continuity. Let us arm ourselves with the highest degree of vigilance and a sense of responsibility in defense of our Bet-Nahrain Organization and what it stands for.

Shamiram Daniali
The proud Vice-President of Bet-Nahrain