BRUSSELS — The European Syriac Union’s exhibition, Sayfo 1915: The Syriac People and the History of a Forgotten Genocide, opened on Monday, 20 April 2026, in the Brussels municipality of Woluwe.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Olivier Maingain, members of the municipal council and board of aldermen, Belgian members of parliament, representatives from various Brussels municipalities, journalists, and numerous civil society representatives.
The opening speech was delivered by ESU representative Myriam Vergili. The event began with a minute of silence, followed by a brief presentation of the exhibition by Vergili.
Mayor Olivier Maingain also addressed attendees, emphasizing the need for official recognition of the Sayfo Genocide and affirming that the municipality remains open and supportive of the Syriac community and the ESU. ESU Co-President Tony Vergili later presented the mayor with a plaque of appreciation.
In her closing remarks, Myriam Vergili invited attendees to explore the exhibition.
The opening drew significant interest, with more than 100 visitors in attendance. Guests engaged closely with the displays, reading the materials, viewing the exhibits, and taking photographs, as the evening unfolded in a positive and reflective atmosphere. The exhibition will remain open to the public at the town hall until Monday, 4 May.
