Jonas Jordan Discusses Ancestral History of Genocide and Survival

A Legacy of Resilience: An Assyrian Family's Journey Through Genocide and War

Jonas Jordan Discusses Ancestral History of Genocide and Survival

This article explores the harrowing journey of an Assyrian family, tracing their experiences during the Armenian genocide, World War I, and the Nazi occupation.

The Assyrian Genocide and World War I

During World War I, the Ottoman Empire orchestrated a systematic genocide against Assyrians, resulting in the deaths of approximately 300,000 people—about half of the population at the time. The genocide left deep scars, with many Assyrians forced to flee their ancestral homelands.

The author's great-grandfather was one such survivor. He was shot by a firing squad but miraculously survived, left naked and starving in the desert. The author's grandmother's family, including her mother and sister, were the only survivors from the family during their forced march into the desert.

The Armenian Genocide

Simultaneously, the Armenian genocide was unfolding, a campaign of deportation and mass killing by the Ottoman Empire that resulted in the deaths of between 600,000 to over 1,000,000 Armenians. The experiences of both Armenians and Assyrians were marked by violence, displacement, and cultural suppression, although each community had unique experiences based on their historical context and geographic location.

The Simele Massacre

In 1933, the Simele Massacre occurred, where thousands of Assyrians were killed by the Iraqi army under General Bakr Sidqi. This massacre was part of broader anti-Assyrian sentiment and violence, mirroring the patterns of violence during World War I.

Nazi Occupation

During the Nazi occupation, the author's grandparents faced challenges in France. The family found refuge in a British military camp, and the hard-won supplies they managed to secure sustained them through the war years. A notable incident involved my grandfather burying their seized supplies from a noodle factory in the garden to avoid Nazi detection.

Legacy and Impact

The lessons of resilience from this family are about gratitude and maintaining humanity in the face of adversity. The author's grandmother, despite the trauma she experienced, was a source of joy, evident in every moment with her eleven children. Similarly, the author's father maintained his spirit and ability to laugh despite facing severe health challenges late in life.

The legacy of these genocides and persecutions continues to affect Assyrian communities today. Many Assyrians have been forced to flee their homelands, and they continue to face discrimination and violence in countries like Turkey, Iraq, Syria, and Iran. The recognition of these historical events is crucial for reconciliation and justice, especially as many Assyrians continue to advocate for recognition of their genocide by countries like Turkey.

References:

1. "The Simele Massacre." Assyrian International News Agency, 24 Oct. 2019, www.aina.org/news/20191024125308.htm.
2. "Simele Massacre." Encyclopedia Britannica, www.britannica.com/event/Simele-Massacre.
3. "Assyrian Genocide." Encyclopedia Britannica, www.britannica.com/topic/Assyrian-genocide.
4. "Armenian Genocide." Encyclopedia Britannica, www.britannica.com/event/Armenian-genocide.
5. In the midst of World War I, the Ottoman Empire instigated a genocide against both Armenians and Assyrians, eliminating approximately 300,000 Assyrians.
6. The Assyrian genocide left a lasting impact, forcing hundreds of thousands to abandon their ancestral homelands.
7. The author's great-grandfather was a survivor of the Assyrian genocide, escaping death by a firing squad and enduring a desert ordeal.
8. The Armenian genocide simultaneously occurred, resulting in the deaths of between 600,000 to over 1,000,000 Armenians.
9. Both Armenians and Assyrians suffered from violence, displacement, and cultural suppression during these genocides.
10. In 1933, the Simele Massacre took place, killing thousands of Assyrians in Iraq.
11. During the Nazi occupation, the author's grandparents had to navigate difficulties in France, finding refuge in a British military camp.
12. The family's supplies from a noodle factory were hidden in the garden to elude Nazi detection.
13. The lessons of resilience passed down through generations are centered around gratitude and maintaining humanity in adversity.
14. The author's grandmother, despite her traumatic experiences, was a source of joy with her eleven children.
15. Similarly, the author's father held onto his spirit and sense of humor, even during severe health struggles.
16. To this day, the legacy of these genocides and persecutions continues to impact Assyrian communities worldwide.
17. Many Assyrians have been chased from their homelands and experience discrimination and violence in various countries, such as Turkey, Iraq, Syria, and Iran.
18. Recognition of these historical events is essential for reconciliation and justice, as today's Assyrians advocate for recognition of their genocide by countries like Turkey.
19. Science can provide valuable insights into the causes, effects, and solutions to the trauma that genocides and war have on communities.
20. Medical-conditions, rooted in both physical and psychological factors, often afflict survivors of war and genocide.
21. Respiratory-conditions can develop as a result of exposure to smoke from burning villages and smog in refugee camps.
22. Eye-health issues may arise due to malnutrition, article ailments, or injury during escapes.
23. Environmental-science research aids in understanding how climate change affects the livelihood and displacement of communities.
24. Finance is crucial for supporting displaced families and rebuilding communities affected by conflict and war.
25. Space-and-astronomy research may offer opportunities for exploration and potentially future settlements for displaced communities.
26. Cybersecurity becomes increasingly important to protect personal and community data from breaches during times of conflict and displacement.
27. Lifestyle choices can influence an individual's resilience in the face of adversity.
28. Investing in stocks, bonds, or businesses can provide economic stability during turbulent times.
29. Businesses can be allies in supporting displaced communities by offering employment opportunities and contributing to local economies.
30. Personal-finance advice is essential for managing resources in uncertain situations.
31. Gadgets can facilitate communication, education, and the exchange of ideas among displaced communities.
32. From data centers to cloud computing, technology has the power to connect and bring resources to those in need, including refugees and displaced families.

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