Iraqi community holds pro- U.S. demonstration

ABC7Chicago.com ^ | March 30, 2003

[new cruelty]

March 30, 2003 — A large group from Chicago's Iraqi community rallied for U.S. troops. The crowd recited the Pledge of Allegiance and waved American flags.

The Assyrian National Federation organized the demonstration at Warren Park. Demonstrators say it's time to end Saddam Hussein's brutal regime and held signs supporting the liberation of Iraq and supporting President Bush.

[new cruelty]

A similar article:

Iraqi-Americans Show Support For War

By The Associated Press

Chicago, IL

Sunday, March 30, 2003 4:00 PM

Many Iraqi-born Americans came to Chicago's Northwest Side for a rally supporting U-S troops.

The members of the Assyrian American National Federation scheduled the 2 p-m rally for today at Warren Park, 6601 North Western Avenue.

They also canceled next week's annual Assyrian New Year's parade because of the war.

Thousands of Assyrians have been persecuted and killed by Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's Baath Party.

Some of the Assyrian-Americans say they don't support war per se but do support a free Iraq.

[mylife]

Here is the stuff we've been waiting for!!
How can we support this stuff!!

[cookcounty]

Channel 5 put the crowd at "1,000." Another Chicago channel called it "more than a thousand."

[mylife]

1000 seems like an ocean to me when it comes to muslim americans.
lets reward this!!

[cookcounty]

They were singing "God Bless America." It made me all warm inside. "W-W-W-h-ha-a-at a coun-treey!

[new cruelty]

Assyrian American National Federation

"Assyrians around the world are supporting the US Troops, willing Nations and specially president George W. Bush for his vision of Liberating the Iraq and Iraqi people, especially ASSYRIANS...... from Saddam Hussein's brutal regime

God Bless America"

[mylife]

A Sweet Glimmer on the Horizon.

[blam]

Excellent.

[cookcounty]

The downside, is that for the most part, it wasn't muslims. It was sponsored by the Assyrian-American Association which is made up of members of the Assyrian Christian Church, somewhat similar to Eastern Catholic.

[mylife]

Thanks for the info. It is bookmarked and I will spread the word.

[mylife]

What I dont know about the world could fill a book.
Still I find this refreshing.

[hoosiermama]

Many people do not not the Irving Berlin the composer of "God Bless American", came to this country as a child. One story says that when he started school, they thought he was mentally challenged. (Actually he couldn't speak English.)

Next time you sing this song, think of the words from the viewpoint of a new citizen. For me, it gave it a new meaning.

[cookcounty]

For future rallys, this (Assyrian American National Federation) would be a good org to notify and invite. Hard-working people who have suffered for their love of liberty.

[hoosiermama]

Getting tired. Can't even find mistakes when read. 2nd Not should be know. GOod night folks.

[Hibernius Druid]

Typically dishonest (or at least, incomplete) reporting, as noted above. This story played yesterday in the Chicago media and, unless I missed it, no reporter made the important point that these are Christian Iraqis, NOT Muslims.

Chicago Muslims congregate in communities such as Albany Park and East Rogers Park in their sullen, non-patriotic way, never venturing the slightest show of solidarity with their fellow Americans.

[RobbyS]

Assyrians are Christians. The Muslims have driven out so many Christian Arabs. The Muslims do nottolerate , have never tolerated Christians/Jews except on their terms, not even in medieval Spain.

[sheik yerbouty]

The Assyrians are the pre Arab population of the area, and have been Christians for 2000 years.

[SuziQ]

The Assyrian National Federation organized the demonstration at Warren Park. Demonstrators say it's time to end Saddam Hussein's brutal regime and held signs supporting the liberation of Iraq and supporting President Bush.

A Pastor from this group went to Iraq a few weeks ago, against the war and determined to be a human shield. He got an earful and 14 hrs. of videotaped testimony from his family and their friends about Sadaam's brutality. He was able to get back out of Iraq, a very chastened man, able to share the stories.

He was horrified by what he heard, and said he intends to spread the word as much as he can among those of Iraqi heritage in the US.

Here is his story. I Was Wrong!**A Must Read

[RobbyS]

I assume that, using Bosnia as a guide, that the majority of the "Arabs" in Irak are the descendents of Assyrians.

[mvpel]

If you want to buy an Assyrian flag to show your support for a liberated Iraq, go to http://www.assyrianmarket.com/