Honoring the Assyrian Past, Building the Assyrian Future in California
Honoring the Assyrian Past, Building the Assyrian Future in California.
Welcome to the Assyrian United Organizations of California. Celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, AUOC brings Assyrians across California together through its seven affiliate organizations. As the voice of Assyrians in California, AUOC works to strengthen our shared presence, preserve and advance our culture and identity, and encourage unity across the state. Whether you are learning about AUOC for the first time or have long been part of the community, we welcome your input, participation, and support from wherever you live in the great State of California.
Serving Assyrian Communities in CA
Connects member organizations and leaders throughout California.
Advocates for Assyrian interests through organized civic and community engagement.
Coordinates programs, gatherings, conventions, athletics, and collaborative initiatives.
Statewide
A platform for cooperation across local Assyrian organizations.
Community First
Focused on culture, continuity, leadership, and practical coordination.
Mission & Welcome
A united voice for Assyrian organizations in California
To unite, coordinate, and promote the efforts of affiliated Assyrian organizations across California in order to strengthen the Assyrian voice and preserve and advance Assyrian culture and identity throughout the state.
Coordination
Bring organizations together around shared priorities, events, and public messaging.
Representation
Present a stronger, more credible voice in civic, cultural, and public settings.
Continuity
Support youth, culture, athletics, and leadership development for future generations.
Our Purpose
The Assyrian United Organizations of California exists to unite, coordinate, and promote the efforts of affiliated Assyrian organizations across California in order to strengthen the Assyrian voice and preserve and advance Assyrian culture and identity throughout the state.
Established in 1991, AUOC has organized California’s annual Assyrian State Convention each Memorial Day weekend, bringing the community together to celebrate Assyrian heritage through cultural, social, and artistic programming, along with athletic tournaments.
Leadership
Hawel Hawel, President
Lodmen Baza, Vice President
Margaret Synstad, Recording Secretary
Yousip Youkhana, Treasurer
Affiliates
Seven affiliated organizations across California
AUOC serves as a collaborative table for organizations and leaders committed to the welfare of the Assyrian community throughout California.
Central Valley
Assyrian American Association of Modesto
Hawel Hawel, President
Central Valley
Assyrian American Civic Club of Turlock
Simon Mirza, President
Central Valley
Assyrian American Athletic Club of Modesto
Simon Khoshaba, President
Central Valley
Assyrian Club of Urhai
Karim Alton, President
Southern California
Chaldo-Assyrian American Association of San Diego
Farouk Gewarges, President
Working together matters.
A fragmented community gets ignored. A coordinated community gets results. AUOC exists to help Assyrian organizations act with greater clarity, discipline, and shared purpose.
58th State Convention
2026 AUOC State Convention
May 22–25, 2026. California’s annual Assyrian State Convention brings the community together for music, culture, social gatherings, and the Memorial Day weekend celebration of Assyrian heritage.
Message from the Convention Chairman
Once again, we come together from all corners of our great state of California to celebrate our Assyrian traditions and identity against the beautiful backdrop of the Central Valley’s vineyards, orchards, and thriving Assyrian businesses and churches. The Assyrian State Convention in California has grown into the largest Assyrian social gathering of its kind, drawing more than 3,500 of our people to its star-studded entertainment, athletic tournaments, and one-of-a-kind Monday Picnic. This year, for the first time, we are pleased to offer visitors quick and convenient online access to event tickets, making it easier to purchase admission and reserve seats for the Sunday night celebration. I hope you leave this year’s convention with renewed pride in your Assyrian identity and with excitement to return once again next Memorial Day weekend to Turlock and Modesto.
Robert Khanishan
Convention Chairman
Convention Overview
The 58th State Convention will be held from May 22 through May 25, 2026, featuring live entertainment, social events, and a community picnic. This page gives visitors a clear place to see the weekend schedule and purchase tickets.
Dates
May 22–25, 2026
Info & Reservation
209-497-3700
Robert
Featured Performers
- Martin Yaqo
- Ramsen Sheeno
- Jowan David (Bulbul)
- DJ Simon
- Ramina Rated
Friday, May 22
Friday Night Entertainment
Entertainment: Ramina Rated & DJ Simon
Venue: Civic Club of Turlock
Time: 7:00 PM
Price: $45
Saturday, May 23
Saturday Night Entertainment
Entertainment: Ramsen Sheeno & Jowan David (Bulbul)
Venue: Civic Club of Turlock
Time: 7:00 PM
Price: $35
Sunday, May 24
Sunday Night Entertainment
Entertainment: Martin Yaqo & Jowan David (Bulbul)
Venue: Princeton Event Center
Address: 1640 Princeton Avenue, Modesto, CA
Time: 7:00 PM
Price: $45
Monday, May 25
Picnic
Details: Community gathering
Venue: Stanislaus County Fairground, Turlock
Time: Daytime
Price: $10
Buy tickets for the evening events
Use the links below to purchase tickets for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night entertainment.
