Ms. Marie Thérèse Kiriaky:
A Syrian-Austrian activist, resident in Austria, she is a member of the General Secretariat of the Syrian Democratic Alliance. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in French Language from the Faculty of Arts at the University of Damascus and worked as a UN employee (UNRWA and UNODC) until 2022.
Positions Held by Kiriaky:
Throughout her distinguished career, Ms. Marie Thérèse Kiriaky has held several positions that reflect her impact on the Syrian cause, including:
- Founding member of various institutions, organizations, and movements in Austria.
- President of the Arab Women’s Association in Austria and founder/coordinator of the “Balsam” project to support Syrian children and women in refugee areas and inside Syria (2011 to present – May 2024).
- An active figure in civil, humanitarian, and cultural fields, she has organized numerous film weeks and Syrian and Arab cultural days and is considered the founder of the first Eastern Orchestra in Europe with a Syrian artist.
- Member of the General Secretariat of the Syrian Democratic Alliance.
Awards and Achievements:
Like many influential Syrian women, Ms. Kiriaky has numerous cultural achievements and has received various awards, including:
Published two short story collections in Arabic, German, and English, and is currently working on a third collection.
She has received several awards and certificates of appreciation, including the UN Secretary-General’s Volunteer Award from Ban Ki-moon for the “Balsam” project in 2015.
Ms. Marie Thérèse in the Syrian Democratic Alliance:
Amid the prolonged stagnation in the Syrian situation, the near-total absence of effective roles for the existing opposition bodies, fears of Syria’s division under current occupations, and the shift of decision-making in Syria from its people to international and regional hands, along with many frustrations, the Syrian Democratic Alliance emerged.
According to Ms. Kiriaky, the Alliance revitalized the movement of Syrians and transformed them from reacting to taking action by:
- Attempting to bridge the gap between Syrians inside and outside Syria.
- Presenting documents and literature that surpass the political visions offered by other opposition bodies.
- Achieving the representation of women and youth for the first time in opposition bodies with a minimum of 30% (aiming for parity) and working to ensure voting rights for the marginalized.
Ms. Marie Thérèse adds:
“Some of our societies revolve in circles of oppression and despotism, which generate frustration and push many to join existing groups and follow them like sheep. In her opinion, non-democratic societies have produced the concept or culture of the herd. These societies use the stick of religion, nationalism, or ethnicity to discipline the herd, unlike democratic societies where individuality, a product of and foundation for human rights, stands out.”
Kiriaky further observes: “Anyone who dares to be independent in their opinions or even proposes an opposing view must bear the consequences.
Such individuals are often labeled as heretics or traitors, forcing them to defend themselves.
This energy is wasted on futile debates that hinder their progress, pushing them to either retreat into isolation or return repentantly to the herd.”
Based on these beliefs, Ms. Marie Thérèse Kiriaky chose to join the Syrian Democratic Alliance.
Commenting on her decision, she says:
“I am aware of the pressures I will face, but they will not deter me from defending what I believe in. The path is long, but it ultimately leads to salvation.”