The Third Assyrian School of Kirkuk reunion took place in Ontario, Canada on July 4th to July 8th, 2001.

Third Reunion Photo Album

Mr. Shmaiel Younan's Message

About 100 guests from Illinois traveled to Canada for this historical occasion that was hosted by the Canadian Chapter. Some guests traveled by Air, some by private cars and others - the lucky Group of 55, grabbed the chance to travel by a Private Charter Bus with signs in Assyrian & English that read; "ASSYRIAN SCHOOL KIRKUK 3RD REUNION CANADA' the Bus was under the disposal of the Group for 5 days, i.e. for the whole period of the Reunion. On July 4 at 7:00 AM, The Bus left Assyrian Social Club Chicago on its way to Canada through Michigan, soon the Bus was on Highway 94 the Group Leader/Ameri-Cana Organizer (Awisha) welcomed the Group, introduced the Driver of "Got to Get It Tours" Bus No. 747, and asked all to pray "Baban Be Shmaia". The Group was nicely treated by volunteer hostesses, as if they were on a flight, magazines, peanuts, chips, cold water and pops were made available free of charge. A Video under the title of "Youkhina" by Samy Yako was shown as well as Assyrian cassettes were played. The Group, ladies in particular enjoyed themselves, as they were more lucky to have Mr. Edward Esha a professional singer from Australia among them, as well as a professional Harmonica player Mr. Waltin William from Mount Prospect, Illinois

Around 12:30 The Bus arrived Sahara Restaurant in Oak Park, Michigan for a great lunch of Tikka/Kabob/Shawirma/Rice, etc. Before crossing the Ambassador Bridge to Canada, the Group visited the Duty Free Market/Currency Exchange.

Thanks to the Canadian Immigration who welcomed the Group to Canada without asking a question. Soon the Group was in Windsor, everybody started asking the Group Leader what or where is the SURPRISE, the answer was "be patient," no body was expecting that the Surprise in the city of Leamington would be the beautiful huge Statue, "The Lady of Lebanon" i.e. Harissa, everyone blessed the Group Leader for this unexpected great SURPRISE. Soon the Group were praying in the Church lighting candles, pictures and video were taken.

The Bus arrived a little late around 9:00 PM at The Assyrian Society of Canada in Mississauga. The Group was greeted by dozens who were so kindly waiting for their arrival, there was an emotional meeting, i.e. hugging, kissing and shedding tears of happiness, among them were few cousins/relatives who have never met in their life. The Host Mr. Shmaiel Younan and his committee Shlemon Rev. Khoshaba Khamis, Adam Khoshaba, Awni Awdisho and Isaac (Coach) escorted the Group into the Society for a lovely arranged Snacks and Sweet Table with Tea/Coffee/Cold Drinks. The Hall was filled with true Assyrian love and emotions, so no body wished to leave soon, especially the Bus Group and all those who traveled from far away. Special appreciation and love goes to dear Ladies who did prepare the lovely snacks. Around 1:00 am the get-to-gether came to an end. Most of guests, the Bus group in particular were accommodated at the beautiful Delta Meadowvale Hotel in Mississauga.

On Thursday morning 7/5/01 the Group toured one of the wonders of the world i.e. the beautiful Niagara Falls that was so kindly escorted by Mr. John Aghajan of Canada. Evening was free for visiting or receiving friends/relatives at the Hotel.

On Friday morning 7/6/01 the Group toured Down Town Toronto but returned early in order to prepare for the Big Party. At 6:30 PM the Group together with guests from England, Spain, Australia, Holland were ready to go into the beautiful Sameramis Banquet Hall that was decorated with balloons specially made for the occasion. Prior to enter the Hall people, specially the old students were competing to look at the old School posters that were prepared and brought in by Awisha (the Ameri-Cana Organizer,) the oldest picture was dated May 1931. There were almost 450 guests in the Hall, all were eagerly expecting this Reunion for the last 6 months, finally there they were kissing, hugging, crying, laughing and dancing on the tunes of the Kirkuk Band and the professional Saxophonist Mr. Johnson Aghajan, the Guest Singer from Australia Mr. Edward Esha and Mr. Waltin William the Harmonica Player. The well-known Chef Mrs. Maria (Martha) Khoury prepared a nice dinner. Medals and Awards were presented. As it was an exceptional Party, no body believed that the time went by so soon, so the Big and Historical Reunion Party came to an end around 3:00 AM.

On Saturday 7/7/01 a picnic was arranged by the Canadian Committee, with Dahoola and Zorna and of course the Kirkuk Band did a great job as well Mr. Edward Esha (Australian guest), again, Mr. Waltin William of USA did his great part too. The Ladies are applauded for the lovely Kabob sandwiches, and of course appreciation go to all those who helped in making this Reunion so successful and an unforgettable one with sweet memories. Mr. Isaac (Coach) did a great job as well by arranging many games, i.e. Football, Basketball, Volleyball, etc. Medals were presented to all that participated in those games. Mr. Lazar Nekola a new arrival with his family from Malta (now in Calgary, Alberta) won the Tawlee (backgammon) championship of the Reunion

After picnic, the visitors had a free evening at the Hotel; some were having fun in the Hotel lobby till the early morning hours.

Sunday 7/8/01 9:00 AM The Bus Group sadly left Mississauga/Toronto with sweet and unforgettable memories. Lunch at Sahara Restaurant again with ladies shopping at Qashat Market. On our way back home again all had a lot of fun, singing, dancing, jokes, etc.

See you next time in Sydney, Australia...
Third Reunion Photo Album