In the summer of 2006, a group of Assyrians went to Turabdin in Southeastern Turkey on a trip in which they intended to reconnect with their roots and origins. However, the journey showed them a more upsetting reality than they had expected.
To witness the tragedy and misery that was, and still is, the everyday life of the Assyrians in their countries of origin – with economic, social and physical oppression in the form of threats and violence – left a lasting impression, and gave rise to what was to become Assyrians Without Borders.
We have a 90-Account
Assyrians Without Borders has been granted a 90-Account by SIK, the Swedish Fundraising Control agency. A 90-Account is a guarantee for you as a donor that funds are always spent in a regulated manner for the purpose they are intended for.
Our values
Our core values are based on the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The foundation of our values is based on the conviction that all people have equal rights, as well as highlighting children and their special rights, and that everyone has a responsibility to ensure these are met.
Our goals
Assyrians (also called Syriacs and Chaldeans) are currently a vulnerable ethnic group in the Middle East that is subjected to daily abuse, violence, armed conflict and discrimination. Our work is to help Assyrians in their countries of origin (Syria, Iraq, Turkey, Lebanon and Iran) live a safer and more favorable existence.
Responsibility and transparency
Transparency about our organization’s finances and operations is crucial to us. All aid efforts are subject to stringent quality control and if applicable, are documented directly on site, as it is of utter importance to us to maintain a strong internal control.
Read our Bylaws.
Bylaws (pdf)Formation of the board
The board is responsible for any decision making in regards to matters relating to Assyrians Without Borders’ activities, including project management and coordination, cooperation with other organizations and companies, scholarship distribution, fundraising and other matters.
The board is formed by the Nomination Committee, which is responsible for selecting potential candidates when it is time to elect a new board. Decisions are made at the annual meeting and the term of office is 2 years. Selection criteria when choosing a board are experience, competence, a desire to improve the organization and, above all, a desire to improve the lives of Assyrians in their countries of origin. The board convenes at least four times per year.
Assyrians Without Borders’ current board was elected at the annual meeting in May 2025. The next term of office starts in 2027.
Nipour Abdulahad
President
nipour.abdulahad@awbswe.com
Nipour Abdulahad’s involvement in Assyrians Without Borders started many years and in 2023 he was elected President of the Board.
ninos bethzazi
Vice President
ninos.bethzazi@awbswe.com
Ninos BethZazi began his involvement in the Assyrians Without Borders’ Scholarship Committee in 2016. In 2021, he was elected as Vice President.
He holds a M.Sc. in Industrial Engineering and Management from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. He is currently working within business development.
Jakob Rhawi
Treasurer
jakob.rhawi@awbswe.com
Jakob Rhawi started volunteering for Assyrians Without Borders in 2019 and was elected to the Board as an alternate in 2021.
He has graduated from the Law Programme at Uppsala University,
Ilona chabo
SECRETARY
Ilona.chabo@awbswe.com
Ilona was elected to the Board as a secretary in 2025.
She is pursuing a law degree at Stockholm University.
Ramin Kabrial started as a volunteer with Assyrians Without Borders in 2024 and was elected to the board as a member in 2025. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from KTH and works with CAD design at Episurf.
Ishtar Chabo
Board Member
ishtar.chabo@awbswe.com
Ishtar was elected to the board in 2025.
She holds a dentistry degree from Umeå University.
Ramcina Kabrial
Board Alternate
ramcina.kabrial@awbswe.com
Ramcina Kabrial started as a volunteer with Assyrians Without Borders in 2024 and was elected to the board as a deputy member in 2025. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and is a trained subject teacher.
Issa Abdulahad
Board Alternate
issa.abdulahad@awbswe.com
Issa Abdulahad was elected to the board as a deputy member in 2025. He is a Maintenance Engineer graduate from KTH, has studied programming through Academic Work, and currently works as a programmer.
maikel makdisi-somi
Board Alternate
maikel.makdisi-somi@awbswe.com
Maikel was elected to the Board as an alternate in 2021.
He holds a M.Sc. in Industrial Engineering and Management from the Royal Institute of Technology and a B.Sc. in Business and Economics from Stockholm School of Economics. He is currently working as a business analyst.
Other coworkers
Collection:
Ferit Rhawi, ferit.rhawi@awbswe.com
IT Support:
Charbel Karabachi, charbel.karabachi@awbswe.com
Projects:
Ramin Kabrial, ramin.kabrial@awbswe.com (Iraq)
Ninos Bethzazi, ninos.bethzazi@awbswe.com (Lebanon)
Nibour Abdelahad, nipour.abdulahad@awbswe.com (Turkey & Syria)
Marketing and Communication:
Ferit Rhawi, ferit.rhawi@awbswe.com
Scholarships:
Ninos Bethzazi, scholarship@awbswe.com
Advisory Commitee
Gabriel Baryawno, gabriel.baryawno@awbswe.com
Ferit Rhawi, ferit.rhawi@awbswe.com
Nomination Committee
Ninos Oussi
Ninos Badur
Sisilya Rhawi