Ezidi New Year

Ezidi New Year 

Statement by the Honourable Jim Karygiannis, 

Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Agincourt 

and Liberal Critic for Multiculturalism

I would like to take this opportunity to extend best wishes to members of the Ezidi or Yezidi community on the occasion of Serê Sal, the Ezidi New Year.

Serê Sal, meaning ‘Head of the Year’ is the holiest day of the year for Ezidis and is a day of reflection and celebration.  Ezidism or Yezidism is an ancient religion that believes God’s will is performed on Earth by seven archangels; pre-eminent among them is Melek Tawus, who is depicted as a peacock.

Serê Sal marks the day on which Melek Tawus was first sent to Earth to spread colour and life over it.  On this day, Ezidis pay homage to their ancestors; contemplate ways to serve God in the coming year; and, celebrate rebirth and renewal with feasts, traditional songs and dances.

In 2012, for the first time, the Kurdistan Regional Government declared April 18^th, Ezidi New Year, to be a statutory holiday in the Region.

More than half a million Yezidis live in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and there are Yezidi communities in Canada, the United States of America, Europe and Australia.

As a Member of Parliament, I have worked with members of the Kurdish community on many issues of concern.  In 2013, I attended the International Conference on Recognition of Kurdish Genocide which marked the 25^th anniversary of the gassing of the Town of Halabja, Kurdistan, by Saddam Hussein.  In 2009, I travelled with members of Kurdish Canadian Diaspora to Kurdistan, Iraq, to explore business and trade opportunities with Canadian companies.

Canada is a proud multicultural nation that embraces a wide variety of cultures and heritages.  Canadians of Kurdish heritage help to foster this identity and strengthen the fabric of our society.  Members of the Kurdish Diaspora in Canada have made, and continue to make, significant contributions in a number of areas including sports, business, the arts, medicine and public service.

Canada has attracted, and continues to attract, people from all over the world.  We will continue to work together to build our nation and enhance our international reputation.  As the Liberal Critic for Multiculturalism, I look forward to our ongoing work in building a stronger Canada.

On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada, please accept our wishes on the occasion of Ezidi New Year.

Regards,  

Hon. Jim Karygiannis P.C., M.P.
Scarborough-Agincourt
Liberal Critic for Multiculturalism
Constituency Office
3850 Finch Ave East Suite 206
Scarborough Ontario
M1T 3T6
Tel: (416) 321 5454
fax: (416) 321 5456
jim@karygiannismp.com
www.karygiannismp.com

   @jimkarygiannis

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