SR1288 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1288 LRB103 42676 ECR 75910 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Evin Agassi, who passed away on September 17, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Evin Agassi was born to Elisha and Olga Agassi in Kermanshah, Iran on September 25, 1945; he married Julia Bet Malik on November 11, 1969; and

WHEREAS, Evin Agassi was an Assyrian-American singer whose career spanned over 50 years; his passion for music was ignited through his involvement with National Iranian Radio and Television, where he collaborated with celebrated poets and composers, including his brother, renowned writer and historian Givargis Agassi; he crafted a diverse repertoire that embraced the social, political, and cultural spectrum, blending traditional Assyrian melodies with modern styles; his musical journey included releasing over 50 albums, leaving an indelible mark on Assyrian music; and

WHEREAS, Evin Agassi was invited to perform in the United States in 1976, where his talent sparked a six-month concert tour across California, Connecticut, Michigan, Illinois, and New York; his successful tour was followed by performances in Australia and historical visits to Syria in 1991 and 1992, northern Iraq in 1993, 2005, and 2006, Iran in 1996 and 2006, and Russia in 1997; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of his career, Evin Agassi's socially and politically charged music faced heavy censorship in the Middle East, leading to bans, confiscations, and blacklisting under various regimes; he fearlessly continued to perform in dangerous regions, circulating his music under aliases to avoid government crackdowns; and

WHEREAS, Evin Agassi supported philanthropic organizations that championed the Assyrian cause; and

WHEREAS, Evin Agassi was a pioneer of Assyrian music and a voice for his people, and his legacy will continue to inspire and uplift those across the world; and

WHEREAS, Evin Agassi was the husband of Julia Bet Malik; the father of Bianca and Brynner; the grandfather of Ava and Baylin; and the brother of David Agassi, the late Ninos Agassi, and Givargis Agassi; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, we mourn the passing of Evin Agassi and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Evin Agassi as an expression of our deepest sympathy.