ZOWAA & a new name: "Chaldo-Assyrian or Assyro-Chaldean"!
By: Tamara Odisho
Photography: Emil Darmo

The Assyrian Democratic Movement (ADM) also known as Zowaa has become a popular yet controversial topic at the dinner tables of many Assyrian-Americans. The controversy surrounds the addition of “Chaldo-Assyrian” or “Assyro-Chaldean” as a prefix to Zowaa.

Thus, some Assyrians have felt the term “Chaldo-Assyrian” or “Assyro-Chaldean” to be an untrue or illegitimate name to represent the Assyrians, because it is believed that historically Chaldeans, and Syriacs are Assyrians, and the terms “Chaldeans”, and “Syriacs” should only be used to define their geographical/political preferences.

With this tension in the air, Zowaa felt a need to address any questions, comments and/or concerns Assyrians may have with the name change. So they set up a series of local meetings throughout the United States in Assyrian dominated cities so as to better inform concerned and confused Assyrians.

On August 17, 2003, at 3:30pm, Assyrian American Association of Southern California granted Zowaa members’ request to hold a similar meeting in the Bet d’ Umta, which is the home to all Assyrians despite their differenced in views or beliefs.

On the day of the meeting, Zowaa delegation explained to its audience that the name change should not be resisted by Assyrians, but rather embraced, for they have done this in order to accomplish more power in a geographical region where Christians are a minority. Rommel Eliah, a Zowaa Representative for the United States and Canada told the small group that, Politics is about who has the most power...and historical facts have to take a back seat. Eliah also said that, “Zowaa’s vision is realistic”, and that they want to get all the Christian groups together under one name and begin building a place they can all belong too and live safely and freely.

Adam Benjamin, Zowaa’s Executive Board Member for the United States and Canada and the Sec. of Treasury, gave a brief summary of the dismal conditions our people were suffering in Iraq. He said that Zowaa is a constant presence in Assyrian cities, where they are trying to rebuild and care for the local need. He also reported that although there is a large presence in Baghdad, the situation is one of the worst. Clean water and electricity are scarce. He said since nothing is operating in Iraq, and conditions are worsening. There aren’t enough hospitals, or medical facilities available, nor is there much security enforcement present. He also added that schools aren’t operational and All this is a formula for disaster, he said.

After both speakers discussed their agendas, they took questions from the audience. The Q&A session was brief but informative.

Some of the audience seemed to have left the meeting much more content and at ease about the name change. However, like many others, they anxiously await to hear more about the ADM’s detailed plans to rebuilding a new Iraq for all those living there and hope for a safer home for all the Assyrians who dream to someday return to their beloved homeland.