04/26/2026
In honor of Assyrian Heritage Month, Urhai Community Center, in partnership with Vote Assyrian, proudly hosted an Assyrian Heritage Event at the Urhai Community Center. We were honored to welcome state and local officials alongside dedicated Assyrian community leaders as we came together to celebrate our rich culture and the many contributions our community continues to make.
During the event, the Assyrian American community recognized and awarded 8th District State Senator Ram Villivalam and State Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz for their partnership with ISBE and their support in helping pass the Assyrian Curriculum in District 219.
We also proudly honored the educators behind the Assyrian Curriculum Program in District 219 โ Christine Kochou, Ramina Samuel, and William Sargool โ for their incredible dedication. Their work earned them the 2026 Languages for All Award from the Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.
Additionally, we recognized two Assyrian American trailblazers in Illinois politics, Dan Shomon and Bob Yadgir, whose efforts helped pave the way for Vote Assyrian. Thank you for your lasting impact on our community.
We were also proud to present the Vote Assyrian Ally Award to Mr. Veton Hasku, a true friend and supporter of our community.
A special thank you to all who attended, including Evanston Mayor and congressional candidate Daniel Biss, State Senator Ram Villivalam, State Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, State Representative Kevin Olickal, Skokie Mayor Anne Tennes, Niles Mayor George Alpogianis, and Morton Grove Mayor Janine Witko.
We extend our gratitude to Assyrian community leaders for their continued dedication, and to Urhai Community Service Center President George Gindo and Jina Kena for graciously hosting us.
Thank you to Robert DeKelaita, Executive Director of the Assyrian American Chamber, for his insightful and informative lecture on Assyrian history and identity.
We look forward to many more milestones and continued progress for the Assyrian community in Chicago.