FEBRUARY 2022

METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY FEBRUARY 2022 VOL. 19 ISSUE I 

IRAQ 

IN THE FRAME 

A PHOTO ESSAY OF THE HOMELAND 

PLUS 

Looking for Love 

Saving Grace 

Honoring Amir Denha

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METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY | FEBRUARY 2022 | VOL. 19 ISSUE I 

ON THE COVER 

18 Iraq in the Frame 

A photo essay of the homeland 

Photography by Wilson Sarkis 

FEATURES 

25 Wedding Guide 

26 Love Story Doubled 

A tale of two couples 

by Crystal Kassab Jabiro 

29 A Christ-Centered Union 

Marriage Prep Amplified 

by Crystal Kassab Jabiro 

18 

30 Looking for Love 

Finding a match through MATCHaldean 

by Cal Abbo 

DEPARTMENTS 

6 From the Editor 

Coming of Age 

by Sarah Kittle 

34 History & Culture 

Honoring Amir Denha 

by Dr. Adhid Miri 

32 Ba’utha 

The fast of Nineveh 


40 Community Profile 

Majd Zuma 


7 Guest Column 

Mental Health of our Youth 

by Jacqueline Raxter 

8 CCF Update 

10 Noteworthy 

Tina Toma 

12 Iraq Today 

Defending against IS 

14 Chaldean Digest 

Return to Mosul 

36 Sports 

Joey George on and off the field 

by Steve Stein 

38 Dr. Is In 

Overcoming cultural concerns 

by M. Lapham 

42 Arts & Entertainment 

Saving Grace 

by Cal Abbo 

44 Events 

CACC Fun After Five 

25 

16 In Memoriam 

16 Obituary 

Albert “Baha” Ammori 


FROM THE EDITOR 

PUBLISHED BY 

Chaldean News, LLC 

Chaldean Community Foundation 

Martin Manna 

EDITORIAL 

MANAGING EDITOR 

Sarah Kittle 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

Cal Abbo 

Crystal Kassab Jabiro 

Sarah Kittle 

M. Lapham 

Dr. Adhid Miri 

Jacqueline Raxter 

Steve Stein 

ART & PRODUCTION 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR 

Alex Lumelsky with SKY Creative 

GRAPHIC DESIGNER 

Zina Lumelsky with SKY Creative 

PHOTOGRAPHER 

Wilson Sarkis 

SALES 

Interlink Media 

Sana Navarrette 

CLASSIFIEDS 

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Subscriptions: $35 per year 

CONTACT INFORMATION 

Story ideas: edit@chaldeannews.com 

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Subscription and all other inquiries: 

info@chaldeannews.com 

Chaldean News 

30095 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 101 

Farmington Hills, MI 48334 

www.chaldeannews.com 

Phone: (248) 851-8600 

Publication: The Chaldean News (P-6); 

Published monthly; Issue Date: February 2022 

Subscriptions: 12 months, $35. 

Publication Address: 

30095 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 101, 

Farmington Hills, MI 48334; 

Permit to mail at periodicals postage rates 

is on file at Farmington Hills Post Office 

Postmaster: Send address changes to 

“The Chaldean News 30095 Northwestern 

Hwy., Suite 101, Farmington Hills, MI 48334” 

Coming of Age 

The Chaldean News is celebrating its 19th anniversary! 

Normally, the February issue is 

our “wedding” issue, since everyone plans 

summer and fall weddings early in the year; however, 

this year we have something special for our 

readers. Wilson Sarkis, photographer extraordinaire, 

the most popular wedding photographer in 

the area, went to Iraq and took pictures. 

These photos evoke so many feelings, even in 

me, a non-Chaldean. I can only imagine how someone 

who grew up in this beautiful and desolate country 

would feel viewing these pictures. Some of them 

made me smile, but far too many made me cry. This 

is what fuels Wilson and others like him to reach out 

to those still living in Iraq, either by choice or by circumstance, 

and tell their story to the rest of the world. We at The Chaldean 

News are honored to feature his photos in this issue and in each 

issue for the rest of the year. Wilson 

will return to Iraq in the Spring and 

continue his project, which will 

ultimately become a documentary. 

We will cover it all. 

As a nod to our wedding issue, 

we feature some beautiful wedding 

photos (courtesy of Wilson 

Sarkis) and stories about love. 

Real life love stories, such as the 

story of Ron and Vicki and Ron and Vicki, two couples with 

the same names that share very similar circumstances and 

end up as best friends. We cover the materials taught in marriage 

classes offered by the Church to set the engaged on a 

course for marital success. We also bring you an article on 

MATCHaldean, a dating service for the Chaldean community. 

For your reading pleasure, we bring you a profile of Majd 

Zuma, a community member who was born in Iraq, grew up in 

Michigan, and now lives in California working for U.S. Customs 

and Border Protection. His journey is unique, but it is similar to 

many Iraq immigrants who came to the U.S. and made a name 

for themselves. We will continue to celebrate them. 

SARAH KITTLE 

MANAGING 

EDITOR 

Guest columnist Jacqueline Raxter, a mental 

health expert who works for the Chaldean Community 

Foundation, shares tips on talking with 

your teenager about their mental health. As the 

mother of four boys, I read once that one of the 

best places to have a conversation with your 

children is in the car. Something about not looking 

directly at each other while speaking makes 

it easier to open up. I tried this and it worked! 

Hopefully, this article will help you communicate 

with your kids, too. Mental health is such a complicated 

and important area to cover. 

We also cover the tradition of Ba’utha, overcoming 

cultural concerns when seeing the doctor, 

Joey George and his play for Michigan football, and Brian 

Patto’s short film, Grace, along with regular features such 

as the CCF update, Chaldean Digest, and Iraq Today. 

I can only imagine how someone who grew up 

in this beautiful and desolate country would 

feel viewing these pictures. Some of them made 

me smile, but far too many made me cry. 

You may have noticed a different look to our magazine 

and our social media accounts. We are working on revamping 

the website as well and adding new features. We 

are looking for input from our readers and welcome any 

and all suggestions, comments, or insight. We are here for 

you, after all. 

Looking forward to 2022 and beyond, 

Sarah Kittle 

Managing Editor 

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GUEST COLUMN 

Who Will Save Our Sons and Daughters? 

The Mental Health of Today’s Youth 

One in five young 

people suffer from 

a mental health 

condition, but the good 

news is early intervention 

has a fundamental impact 

on prevention and treatment. 

Trusted adults can 

inspire hope by providing 

support and encouragement 

to address observed 

mental health challenges. 

Adult support is especially 

important to our youth’s 

mental health during this pandemic 

period, when prolonged periods of 

isolation may add to distress. As they 

say, “It takes a village,” and we need 

to check in with our youth and be attentive 

and available. 

Optimal mental health is a state of 

wellbeing that allows the child to realize 

their abilities, cope with stress, 

work productively, and contribute to 

their community. When a mental health 

challenge is present, an individual may 

experience a major change in thinking, 

feeling, and/or behavior which interferes 

with their ability to live a full life. 

If this interference persists longer than 

a typical emotional reaction would be 

expected to, early non-professional 

support can be crucial. 

Mental health support from a nonprofessional 

(such as a parent or a 

teacher) is not meant to diagnosis or 

treat; however, it is vital to early intervention. 

When a trusted individual observes 

changes, offers support, and listens 

without judgment, being respectful 

of privacy, it fosters feelings of safety. 

Effective youth mental health support 

requires active listening, being 

fully present and truly listening. Consider 

the timing of your approach and 

create an opportunity for unhurried 

time to interact in private. We have all 

experienced negative responses when 

we try to force a discussion with someone 

who is angry or preoccupied with 

other matters. Typically, these efforts 

fail to produce any meaningful interaction. 

Pressuring a teen to interact 

when they are undergoing challenges 

JAQUELINE 

RAXTER, MA, 

LMSW, LPC 

SPECIAL TO THE 

CHALDEAN NEWS 

may contribute to a crisis if 

they are not ready to talk. 

Better to let them know that 

you have observed change(s) 

and that you truly care. Even 

if rejected initially, let them 

know you are available to 

listen when they are ready to 

talk. 

Adult support for challenged 

youth is effective 

when communicating noted 

changes with care, without 

nagging or dictating a solution. 

Young people, particularly adolescents, 

are experiencing a period of 

major change and transition in growth 

and development. They are undergoing 

physical changes in areas of muscle 

mass, secondary sex characteristics, 

weight, and height. They are also experiencing 

social changes typical of adolescence, 

such as increased risk taking 

and increased peer influence, all while 

learning to manage relationships. 

They may experiment with social 

and cultural identity. In emotional 

development, they develop beliefs 

about themselves and a sense of self, 

and their moods can shift quickly as a 

result. They are developing their executive 

functioning skills to resolve conflicts, 

develop empathy, and learn to 

recognize and manage their emotions. 

These developments continue through 

the early adulthood years. 

Non-professionals can be aware 

of important signs that may point to a 

risk of self-harm or harm to others. The 

CDC reports that in the U.S., suicide is 

the second leading cause of death for 

individuals aged 10 to 34. With an 

assessment mindset, we observe and 

interact by listening actively, without 

judgment, emphasizing that we care 

and are there to support and serve as 

a link to a professional when needed. 

Trusted individuals can help by providing 

reassurance, sharing information, 

encouraging appropriate professional 

help or by looking into self-help 

or other support strategies. These actions 

can be used in any order to fit 

the interaction and to provide hope 

and support. A trusted adult can show 

concern by prompting discussion and 

checking in without judgement on observed 

changes in behavior, thinking 

or actions. 

Allow for uninterrupted expression 

of thoughts and feelings and when 

appropriate, ask questions without 

pushing. Use “I” statements to convey 

what you have observed and remember 

it is about the young person, not 

you. If an immediate crisis indicates a 

medical emergency, severe substance 

use, severe psychosis, or self-injury, 

connect with a professional for immediate 

help. Professionals may include 

a primary care physician, nurse practitioner, 

social worker, professional 

counselor, or psychologist. 

Recognize that stigma may make it 

difficult for young people to talk about 

challenges. Other factors such as cultural 

beliefs can influence how we 

make health decisions. Early intervention 

involves recognizing the warring 

signs of mental health challenges and 

acting before it becomes worse. 

We know that early intervention 

helps to prevent symptoms from becoming 

more serious and lessens the 

overall impact on a young person. Individuals 

who are a natural support 

system, who listen and provide reassurance, 

give tangible evidence that 

there should never be shame in seeking 

support to manage mental health 

challenges, just as we would not avoid 

seeking support for a medical condition 

impacting us negatively. 

We refer to signs or symptoms as 

something observable; indicators 

that an individual recognizes. When 

related to a mental health challenge, 

the frequency, duration, and impact 

of symptoms will direct care decisions. 

We are aware of how trauma and adjustments 

to significant change and 

loss add to an individual’s challenges. 

Protective factors, on the other hand, 

such as having a trusted individual as 

a natural support in our lives, can help 

a youth who is struggling. 

Most professionals are accessible 

Effective youth mental health support requires active listening, being 

fully present and truly listening. Consider the timing of your approach 

and create an opportunity for unhurried time to interact in private. 

for consultation if you are uncertain 

about how to best support a particular 

youth who is experiencing a challenge. 

Reach out directly to a professional 

and they can advise you confidentially 

and provide details specific to securing 

a professional assessment. 

Our young people are experiencing 

significant challenges while undergoing 

development changes which influence 

their ability to navigate effectively. 

We must be there for our youth; 

they are our future! 

Jacqueline Raxter, MA, LMSW, LPC is 

a Behavioral Health Manager at the 


(CCF). CCF’s Project Light licensed 

professional tri-lingual (Arabic, 

Chaldean, English) therapists provide 

consultation and therapy services to 

uninsured, under insured and insured 

residents of Michigan, age 13 years and 

up. Contact them @ (586) 722-7253. 


FOUNDATION UPDATE 

CCF Holds Community Forum on COVID-19 Impact 

Elham Nooradeen pictured holding 

her class certificate with CCF Citizenship 

teacher, Salam Sesi. 

The Path to 

Citizenship 

Elham Nooradeen is a very bright and 

friendly individual. Upon meeting her, 

Salam Sesi noticed that Elham was the 

type of student who gave it her all in 

any given situation. So naturally, she 

excelled in the CCF’s Citizenship Preparation 

course. 

“She was so determined and such 

a pleasure to work with as a student,” 

Sesi remarked. In fact, Elham was so 

honored by the support and the opportunity 

provided by the CCF, she wrote 

a speech to read for the class to hear. 

Elham is now preparing to take her 

USCIS Citizenship Exam in the coming 

months, and through her preparation 

at the CCF, she feels ready to take on 

whatever challenges come her way. 

The Chaldean Community Foundation, 

in partnership with Michigan 

Center for Contextual Factors in Alzheimer’s 

Disease (MCCFAD) held a 

small group discussion January 19 on 

the impact of COVID-19, in regard to 

medical care, social engagement, and 

family life. 

Dr. Linda Sayed, Research Scientist 

for MCCFAD, discussed the personal 

impacts that COVID-19 had on participants 

and their immediate families to 

gain a greater understanding of how 

the pandemic has had a distinct impact 

on the Chaldean community. 

The CCF and the CACC distributed pizzas to Henry Ford 

West Bloomfield on January 5. 

Participants gathered for a group photo for the MCCFAD panel on January 19. 

Protecting our 

First Responders 

The CCF has distributed personal protective equipment 

to multiple organizations in the metro Detroit 

area. Many of these organizations were first responders 

in the community, like law enforcement and medical 

staff, who are on the front lines battling the COVID 

pandemic. The supplies were greatly appreciated by 

these community members as they continue to combat 

the virus and maintain a safe environment for the 

community and their employees. 

Organizations including Henry Ford Macomb, 

Beaumont, the Sterling Heights Police Department, 

APIA Vote, and many local schools and churches received 

donations of hand sanitizers, facemasks, disinfectant 

wipes, and more. The donations will also 

be reaching a far-reaching number of communities 

including the Khmer, Filipino, Chaldean, and other 

distinct communities within southeast Michigan. 

Supporting Our Healthcare Workers 

During the month of January, the 


and the Chaldean American Chamber 

of Commerce provided meals for 

our medical community as a token of 

appreciation for their work in combatting 

the COVID surge within their 

hospitals. 

Nearly 400 pizzas were provided 

to Henry Ford Macomb and Henry 

Ford West Bloomfield Hospital staff 

to feed various shifts of healthcare 

workers within their hospitals. The 

workers were certainly appreciative 

of the gesture. 

“Not even surgical masks can hide 

the delight on their faces prompted 

by the generosity! It is an honor to 

have your organization as our partner 

in caring for the community,” said 

Gregory Jakub, Manager of Community 

Relations, PR and Marketing for 

Henry Ford Macomb Hospital. 

Beaumont PPE 1-CN and MISD CN: Community organizations like Beaumont and 

Macomb Intermediate School District received PPE to use for the upcoming year. 


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NOTEWORTHY 

Law student 

brings business 

background to 

her studies 

BY SHEILA PURSGLOVE 

Law student Tina Toma 

earned a BBA and 

MBA from Wayne State 

University, interning at 

Mahle, where she was hired 

after graduation. She completed 

her MBA during five 

years at Mahle—an international 

development partner 

and supplier to the automotive 

industry—where she 

Tina Toma 

worked as a procurement 

professional negotiating with global vendors. 

“I am so fortunate for my work experience, and 

Mahle’s management team that always pushed me to 

the next level,” she says. “Every industry in the world 

understands the language of business. I chose to pursue 

a graduate degree in business because business 

is a fundamental concept, and opens a world of opportunities 

for you.” 

Her reasons for attending law school are similar. 

“Law is also a universal language understood 

worldwide. There are endless avenues and opportunities, 

and I will have the flexibility to use both my JD, 

MBA in many industries and projects,” she says. “I have 

a passion for communication, relationship building, 

and negotiating; a law degree will complement these 

passions and bring me to the next step.” 

Toma is in her 1L year at Detroit Mercy Law, and 

a Dean’s Fellow. 

She has a new appreciation for in-person education, 

after previous students had to study via remote classes 

during the pandemic. 

“I’m fortunate to have all my classes in person,” 

she says. “Zoom has become a more accepted form 

of communication—it makes life easier, but I prefer 

to have my classes in person. Also, Detroit Mercy is 

in the heart of Detroit, very close to the courthouses. 

I’ve not yet had the opportunity to visit the courthouses, 

but I sure hope that’s in my near future!” 

Toma says she has a responsibility to make many 

people proud who have supported her thus far—her 

family (specifically her parents), friends, and the Detroit 

Mercy Law community. 

The first-generation in the U.S. of her Chaldean 

parents, Toma is the first in her family to graduate 

with a college degree. 

“I’m so proud of my nationality. Chaldeans have 

been in the States for a few decades now, and it’s incredible 

to watch our Chaldean first generation pursue 

higher education. My parents did not have higher education 

opportunities, they spent their 20s living through 

a war,” she says. 

“My parents have provided all their love and support 

during my college education. However, it wasn’t 

easy at times not to have college-educated parents to 

help the process. I had to learn things alone, which 

was sometimes challenging. 

“I share this information with other students as 

much as possible – it’s challenging to be a first-generation 

student. This is a cause I care about, and I 

believe there needs to be a unique program for this.” 

One of three sisters, Toma also has a brother, who 

is interested in attending Detroit Mercy Law. 

“I hope he will join me in the next year or two,” 

she says. “He’s stressing for the LSAT. I sure don’t 

miss those days.” 

CELL: (248) 497-8333 

E-MAIL: myaldoo@kw.com 

WEBSITE: myaldoo.kw.com 

INSTAGRAM: Michael_Yaldoo_Real_Estate 

#MYcares 

All my clients are my family, there is 

nothing I won’t do to help you reach 

all your real estate needs and goals! 

– Michael Yaldoo 



IRAQ TODAY 

KURDISH-LED SYRIAN DEMOCRATIC FORCES / AP 

This photo provided by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces shows fighters from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces gathered around a body of an 

Islamic State group gunman who was killed after they attacked Gweiran Prison, in Hassakeh, northeast Syria, Friday, Jan. 21, 2022. 

Kurdish fighters defend against 

Islamic State attack 

BAGHDAD (AP) — The Islamic State 

group unleashed its biggest attack in 

Syria since the fall of its “caliphate” 

three years ago. More than 100 militants 

assaulted the main prison holding 

suspected extremists, sparking a 

battle with U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters 

that continued 24 hours later and 

left dozens dead on Friday. 

Across the border in Iraq, gunmen 

stormed an army barracks north 

of Baghdad before dawn Friday while 

soldiers inside slept, killing 11 before 

escaping — the deadliest attack in 

months on Iraq’s military. 

The bold assaults suggest militants 

have been revitalized after maintaining 

a low- level insurgency in Iraq 

and Syria over the past few years. The 

group’s territorial control in Iraq and 

Syria was crushed by a years-long 

U.S.-backed campaign, but its fighters 

continued with sleeper cells that have 

increasingly killed scores of Iraqis and 

Syrians in past months. 

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility 

for the attack on its Aamaq 

news service Friday, saying it aimed to 

free prisoners and describing it as ongoing. 

Attempted prison breaks have been 

a main tactic of the group. During their 

2014 surge in which they overwhelmed 

territory in Iraq and Syria, they carried 

out multiple prison breaks. 

Friday’s attack in Iraq was a brazen 

strike on a barracks in the mountainous 

al-Azim district outside the town 

of Baqouba. 

Two security officials told The Associated 

Press that IS militants broke 

into the barracks at 3 a.m. after killing 

a guard, shot dead the soldiers and 

successfully fled. The officials spoke 

on condition of anonymity as they 

weren’t authorized to issue official 

statements. 

The Iraqi military said in a statement 

that a lieutenant and 10 soldiers 

were killed. The officials said 

reinforcements and security forces deployed 

in the area. 

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al- 

Kadhimi vowed the attack on the barracks 

“will not go without decisive 

punishment,” saying the Iraqi military 

had to duty “to prevent the repeat of 

these violations and to hunt down the 

terrorists.” 

IS was largely defeated in Iraq in 

2017, but its militants have continued 

to wage attacks, frequently hitting 

security forces and military with 

roadside bombs and firing on military 

convoys or checkpoints. 

They have at times also attacked 

civilians. In October, IS militants 

armed with machine guns raided a 

predominantly Shiite village in Iraq’s 

Diyala province, killing 11 civilians 

and wounding several others. Officials 

at the time said the attack occurred 

after the militants had kidnapped villagers 

and their demands for ransom 

were not met. 

The Islamic State group’s selfstyled 

caliphate at its height covered a 

third of both of Iraq and Syria. The ensuing 

war against them lasted several 

years, killed thousands, and left large 

parts of the two neighboring countries 

in ruins. It also left U.S.-allied Kurdish 

authorities in control of eastern and 

northeastern Syria, with a small presence 

of several hundred American 

forces still deployed there. 

El Deeb reported from Beirut. 

Associated Press writer 

Lolita C. Baldor in Washington 

contributed to this report. 



CHALDEAN DIGEST 

Kirkuknow 

Chaldean Bishop: Return to 

Mosul, the city is safe! 

Six months after his return to Mosul, 

Najib Mikhail, bishop of the 

Chaldeans of Mosul, Nineveh Plains 

and Aqrah (Akre), calls on the Christians 

to return to the city of Mosul, 

describing it as a “safe” city. 

Bishop Najib Mikhail has returned 

to the city of Mosul, the 

center of Ninewa province, six 

months ago and decided to stay 

there, eight years after he left the 

city due to the threats of the militants 

of the Islamic State in Iraq 

and Levant ISIL. 

“The father must reunite with 

his children, so I returned to Mosul 

to see closely the work of restoring 

churches. Mosul is my 

city. I am the first bishop to return 

to Mosul after its liberation and 

live here,” says Bishop Mikhail, 

who was born in Mosul. 

“During my return, the people 

of Mosul in general rejoiced and 

received me warmly. The people 

of Mosul wish the Christians to 

return to the city, so that they can 

live together in harmony as they 

lived in before the advent of ISIL.” 

According to the statistics of 

both the Iraqi federal government 

and the Kurdistan Regional 

Government, there are tens of 

thousands of Christian families 

who have not yet returned to their 

homes and are living in a state 

of displacement, in addition to 

that thousands of other families - 

24,000 families from Ninewa only 

- have emigrated abroad. 

Catholic Sentinel 

Chaldean bishop visits, 

discusses divine love 

St. Mary Cathedral of the Immaculate 

Conception in Portland 

echoed with energetic chants in 

Syriac, a language closely related 

to the tongue spoken by Jesus. 

Bishop Emanuel Shaleta of 

the California-based St. Peter’s 

Chaldean Catholic Diocese visited 

Oregon to preside at a Chaldean 

Catholic Divine Liturgy. On 

the snowy afternoon, about 80 

worshippers attended, many with 

roots in Iraq. The Chaldean rite 

emerged there about two millennia 

ago among the descendants of 

ED LANGLOIS/CATHOLIC SENTINEL 

the ancient Babylonians. 

“We feel the love of God for us 

and we are happy,” Bishop Shaleta 

said, having walked up to the 

pews to deliver his homily. 

Chaldean Catholics have 

faced centuries of persecution. 

Persians, Mongols, Ottomans, 

and Arab Muslims all have targeted 

the group. Recently, the 

Chaldeans withstood the ire of 

the Islamic State. 

Over the years, these trials 

caused many Chaldeans to immigrate. 

There are an estimated 

Right: A $120 million, 

203-home lakefront 

community is coming 

to Commerce Township 

from Franklin 

Property Corp. 

and Whitehall Real 

Estate Interests. 

Left: Dr. Grace Jazrawi 

holds son Ephrem 

as Bishop Emanuel 

Shaleta blesses him 

during a Chaldean 

Catholic baptismal rite 

December 26 at St. 

Mary Cathedral of the 

Immaculate Conception 

in Portland. 

“Some of the families who returned 

to Mosul returned after my 

arrival... The reason behind the 

reluctance of the displaced Christians 

to return to Mosul is due to the 

failure to rebuild their destroyed 

homes and religious places.” 

Five churches are currently 

being restored in Mosul. “In total, 

20 churches in Ninewa province 

are awaiting rehabilitation.” 

About his decision to return to 

Mosul, Archbishop Najib Mikhail 

said, “My goal is first to encourage 

Christians to return to their 

homes, secondly to monitor the 

process of rebuilding churches, 

and thirdly I want to send a message 

to the whole world and to 

Christians that Mosul is safe and 

it only needs reconstruction and 

services so that all the displaced 

can return to their homes.” 

– Ammar Aziz 

250,000 to 400,000 Chaldean 

Catholics in the United States. 

Bishop Shaleta’s diocese, 

headquartered in San Diego, is 

made up of the western half of 

the country, with small communities 

of Chaldeans spread widely. 

Larger groups live in Texas and 

California. Bishop Shaleta leads 

20 priests. The eastern diocese includes 

larger populations, mostly 

in Michigan. 

After Mass, Bishop Shaleta 

baptized Ephrem Jazrawi, the 

infant son of Drs. Saad and 

Grace Jazrawi. Saad, a leader of 

a local group of Catholic doctors, 

is from Iraq. 

– Ed Langlois 

FRANKLIN PROPERTY CORP. 

Dbusiness 

A $120M waterfront 

community coming 

to Commerce 

Township 

Representing one of the largest luxury residential 

developments announced in recent years, 

Franklin Property Corp. in Farmington Hills, in 

partnership with Whitehall Real Estate Interests 

in Novi, will break ground in February on a 

$120-million, 203-home lakefront community in 

Commerce Township. 

The Reserve at Crystal Lake, which replaces 

a former sand and gravel operation that began 

operations in the 1950s, will see homes priced 

from $475,000 to $1.2 million along and near the 

42-acre lake. Each home along the water will include 

a white-sandy beach and a dock, while the 

community will have access to a private beach 

with a cabana-style clubhouse. 

The development, which was owned by the 

Chaldean Church, has been approved by the 

township. The land was brokered by Randy 

Thomas, president and CEO of Insite Commercial 

in Commerce Township. The sewer and 

water lines will be brought in from 1.5 miles 

away, and the community is in the Huron Valley 

School District. 

The lake has a sandy bottom, and Milia says 

there is no pollution on the site. “The lake is literally 

crystal clear, having been created from the 

former sand and gravel operation,” says Milia. 

“Over the years, birds have brought in fish. The 

lake itself will be passive, meaning you can have 

electric boats, kayaks, and other non-motorized 

boats.” 

He adds the housing mixture will provide 

for multiple generations. People who may buy 

a large home could scale down to something 

smaller in their later years. In addition to the 

private beach, residents will enjoy a handful of 

pocket parks in the neighborhood. 

The homes will range in size from 2,000 

square feet to 5,000 square feet. Milia says the 

land will be reshaped so it has a slight slope toward 

the lake. The average price of the homes 

will be around $600,000. 

“There’s a shortage of lots in the region, and 

we see this project taking five years to build out,” 

says Milia. “It’s a unique piece of property.” 

– R.J. King 


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IN MEMORIAM 

OBITUARY 

Akram Daniel 

Mar 15, 1953 - 

Dec 14, 2021 

Shamamta 

Barash (Saroki) 

Nov 20, 1929 - 

Dec 15, 2021 

Wadia Toma 

Meyo 

May 7, 1947 - 

Dec 17, 2021 

Nazhat Tobia 

Jul 1, 1936 - 

Dec 17, 2021 

Mahroos Joosi 

Butrus Kareem 

Jul 1, 1943 - 

Dec 17, 2021 

Albert “Baha” 

Ammori 

Aziz Issa Gorges 

Jul 1, 1937 - 

Dec 20, 2021 

Matthew Robert 

Yasso 

Nov 24, 1993 - 

Dec 25, 2021 

Thair “Tom” 

Hanna Hannosh 

Nov 19, 1959 - 

Dec 15, 2021 

Amanuel Andreos 

Yousif 

Mar 20, 1961 - 

Dec 27, 2021 

Najah Hanna 

Kashat 

May 11, 1953 - 

Dec 24, 2021 

Asaad Thomas 

Dawood 

Oct 10, 1929 - 

Dec 28, 2021 

Intisar Francis 

Konja 

Jun 19, 1948 - 

Dec 24, 2021 

Wasim Shakouri 

Kistou 

Dec 27, 1968 - 

Dec 28, 2021 

Takreez Youkhana 

Hormiz 

Jul 1, 1935 - 

Dec 25, 2021 

Khairiya 

Yaldo 

Jul 1, 1944 - 

Dec 30, 2021 

Albert “Baha” Ammori, 73, died at 

home surrounded by his loving family 

on January 2, 2022. Born in Telkaif, Iraq 

on November 10, 1948, Baha was the 

eldest of the nine children of Shlemon 

Ammori and Mara (Sheena) Ammori. 

He is survived by his wife, Kamila, who 

was by his side both for poorer and for 

richer, in sickness and in health, with 

unflagging energy and devotion; by his 

children, John (Katy) Ammori, Marvin 

Ammori, Lavon (Carl) Pogoncheff, Crystal 

(Shatomi) Kerbawy, and Candice 

Ammori; five grandchildren; Elizabeth, 

Emily, Joseph, Camila and Ari; eight 

siblings, Farook, Ghalia, Azhar, Omar, 

Enoud, Niala, Saber, Nawal, and their 

spouses; and many siblings-in law, 

nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, 

grand-nieces, and friends who were 

like extended family. He will be missed 

by all who knew him. 

Jamil Khamo 

Savaya 

Jul 1, 1930 - 

Jan 3, 2022 

Saleemah 

Shamoun Saka 

Somo 

Jul 1, 1957 - 


Najib Shakir 

Rabban 

Apr 15, 1956 - 


Hamid Tomika 

Dec 16, 1932 - 


Lahib Emanuel 

Wardia 

Apr 6, 1964 - 


Ghanim Elias 

Arabo 

Feb 6, 1958 - 




COVER STORY 

Iraq 

in the 

Frame 

A photo essay of 

the homeland 

This beautiful statue of Jesus welcomes one to Shaqlawa, a historic city and a hill station in the Erbil 

Governorate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. A city of approximately 25,500 people, Shaqlawa 

lies 51 kilometers to the northeast of Erbil, at the bottom of Safeen mountain. Situated between the 

Safeen and Sork mountains 1,066 meters above sea level, Shaqlawa is known for its waterfalls, trees, 

and greenery. Most the population are Kurds and Assyrians who belong to the Chaldean Church. 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILSON SARKIS 

In 2018, the ancient village of Alqosh (Alkosh) was rebuilt according to its historical shape, initiated by Danny Asmaro, an artist, musician, and architect, 

with the mission to document the 1,600-year-old lifestyle of his Christian ancestors in Mount Alqosh. There were 24 new old-style houses built as well as 

an old-style church. This tourist attraction, Anthography of Life (with a view of daily living styles) includes old agricultural machinery and tools, places of 

worship, and social gatherings areas, and teaches about traditional clothing and customs. 


When Wilson 

and I first spoke, 

we both had a 

passion to get 

such a project 

started so we can 

share the rich 

Chaldean history 

with others.” 

– Klint Kesto 

Erbil is the capital and most populated city in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Its population is estimated to be around 1,200,000. Human settlement at Erbil may be 

dated back to the 5th millennium BC. At the heart of the city is the ancient Citadel of Erbil. The 7,000-year-old Assyrian citadel played a major role in history, and 

it was the target of every empire that subsequently ruled Mesopotamia. It is under a 5-year renovation project to rebuild unsecure walls and to create housing to 

simulate life before. The unfortunate thing is that the reconstructions have wiped out any mention or trace of its older history, and ties most of what it is seen to the 

Kurdish people. In July 2014, the Citadel of Erbil was inscribed as a World Heritage Site. 

Many of the Chaldean Catholics in the Detroit metropolitan area trace their origins to Tel Keppe. According to the estimates of a priest of Tel Keppe’s Sacred 

Heart Chaldean Rite Catholic Church, there were 10,000 worshippers in the late 1950s and this decreased to 2,000 around 2004. He said that “Many people 

don’t want to go from here; they cry that they have to go… But you almost have to leave these days because your family is probably already in Detroit.”

COVER STORY 

There are homes inside Rawanduz Canyon, overseeing the river. Located northeast of Erbil, between the town of Khalifan and the city of Soran, the canyon is 

a tourist attraction known for its beautiful scenery, gorges, valleys, falls, and creeks. Its name comes from Rawn, a famous poet from the area, and Duz, which 

means ‘citadel’ or ‘tower.’ It’s a dry and dusty canyon in summer but lush and green from spring to autumn. 

Sureth schools teach all curriculums in the Assyrian/Chaldean/Syriac 

language. There are 49 schools with more than 5,000 students in first 

through twelfth grade getting an education in northern Iraq. These 

Christian schools are funded partly by the KRG government, but the 

majority is funded by donors and the Assyrian Aid Society of America. 

The intent is to keep the Sureth language from becoming extinct. 

Nahla Valley has eight Iraqi Assyrian Christian villages located behind Akra 

mountain in a remote and isolated area two hours of mountainous driving from 

suburbs of Duhok. This sesame butter mill is in Hazane Village. One must walk 

down the hill for 20 minutes to reach the mill, which is located there because it uses 

waterfalls to hydropower the operation. The mini plant operates eights months a 

year when water is available; the other four months, farmers grow the sesame seed. 


Located in the Telkepe District, a five-minute drive from Tilkepe village, the village of Batnaya 

was ravaged by ISIS, and is now being reconstructed by USAID. 1,200 families had left 

Batnaya during the occupation of ISIS, and the village was seized by Peshmerga during the 

Battle of Mosul. Only 300 families had returned as of February 2020. This photo shows a 

priest inside a church that has been stripped of all valuables, including building materials. 

This is a picture of a woman who lives in the village 

of Sarsing, a sub-district in the Dohuk Governorate 

in Kurdistan Region, located in the Sapna Valley in 

the Amadiya District. By the early 1960s, Sarsing had 

become a key tourist attraction and a hotel, cinema, 

and restaurants were established. The village is known 

for summertime tourism; those looking to escape the 

Baghdad heat. This woman has traveled the world but 

insists on staying in her hometown. 

Akre is a city in the northern part of Iraq. The Akre Kala (the Castle) is on top of Akre mount. We 

believe that Wilson and his crew are the first to photograph this site professionally. There are 

ruins that are very visible but unknown. They appear to be a rectangular shape water reservoir, 

and many wells that have small openings at the surface, but get wider below the surface, 

going down 10 to 12 feet. There are clear cuts in the mountain resembling a walkway, building 

structures and short square stumps. The style of these cuts resembles the Sennacherib Period 

of 700 BC. The name Akre (Aqrah or Akra) is an old Aramaic word meaning the base or the root, 

or it could also be from Sumerian Akera meaning A: Water Ki: place Ra: water rolling or water 

branching; so, a place where water rolls from. 

This photo is of a stair walkway to the mountain that takes you past some houses, then leads 

you the top. The mountain oversees the city of Akre. There are some Christians remains in the 

city; two old churches on the side of the mountain. 


COVER STORY 

Rabban Hormizd Monastery was carved out of the mountains about two miles from Alqosh, 28 miles north of Mosul. This 1,600-year-old monastery survived the 

atrocities of ISIS, mainly due to its geographic location. It was the official residence of the patriarchs of the Eliya line of the Assyrian Church of the East from 1551 

to the 18th century, and after the union with Rome in the early 19th century, it became a prominent monastery of the Chaldean Catholic Church. 

The Monastery 

of Mar Mattai 

(St. Matthew) is 

recognized as 

one of the oldest 

Syriac Christian 

monasteries 

in existence. 

Located atop 

of Mount Alfaf, 

20 miles from 

Mosul, it contains 

an extensive 

collection of early 

Syriac Christian 

manuscripts. The 

monastery was 

founded in 363 

by the hermit Mar 

Mattai who had 

fled persecution 

in Amid under 

the Roman 

Emperor Julian 

the Apostate. 

According to 

Syriac tradition, 

he was involved 

in healing the 

sister of Mor 

Behnam and 

converting the 

brother and 

sister and forty of 

their soldiers to 

Christianity. 


About the Photographer 

Wilson Sarkis Photography and Cinematography is a pursuit born of passion. For 30 years, Wilson 

has worked to make a name for himself in the photographic world. His impeccable use of lighting 

has gained national attention, and he is booked out for years in the metro Detroit area to cover weddings. 

His knowledge of the subject, posing, lighting, and focus all combine together to create the 

most beautiful photographs. To Wilson, photography is so much more than the click of a shutter. 

He has perfected his cinematography creating trailers for engaged couples that follow naturally 

through to the wedding. 

Wilson does commercial work as well. Corporate and nonprofit stories are brought to life with 

a specific sense of style that stems from his creativity and imagery, capturing the essence of the 

brand. His work with the Chaldean Community Foundation, among others, has brought him into the 

national limelight. Wilson has been slated to photograph Iraq for a future documentary. He is committed 

to making an impact in the future of photography, and to helping the people in his homeland 

not only survive but thrive. “I have passion for what I do. That passion has been my fuel through 

all these years,” says Wilson. His passion has a renewed purpose with these series of photographs. 

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PROJECT LIGHT THERAPY SERVICES 

For Your Best Health. 

Therapy can be a big step toward being the healthiest version of yourself and living the best life possible—our 

professional therapists are here for you to access. Through therapy, you can change self-destructive behaviors and 

habits, resolve painful feelings, improve your relationships, and share your feelings and experiences. Individuals often 

seek therapy for help with issues that may be hard to face alone. 

In therapy your trilingual therapist will help you to establish person centered goals and determine the steps you will take 

to reach those goals. Your relationship with your therapist is confidential and our common therapeutic goal for those we 

engage is to inspire healthy change to improve quality of life — no matter the challenge. 

We invite you seek out the Light of Project Light! Serving individuals ages 13 years and up. Please call to request a 

Project Light Intake at (586) 722-7253. 

CHALDEAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 3601 15 MILE ROAD STERLING HEIGHTS, MI 48310 

WWW.CHALDEANFOUNDATION.ORG (586) 722-7253 

CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY: The CCF and Project Light is committed to your privacy and confidentiality and are sensitive to the stigma and stress that come with seeking mental health support. Therefore, all counseling records 

are kept strictly confidential. Information is not shared without client’s written consent. Exceptions to confidentiality are rare and include persons who threaten safety of themselves others or in circumstances of a court order. 


WEDDING GUIDE 

Love is in the air and these 

beautiful photos show all 

the emotions and happiness 

experienced at a Chaldean 

wedding. From the first 

couple’s toast through all 

the dancing 

to the bride’s 

radiant face, 

these photos 

speak volumes and 

wonderfully illustrate 

how the community 

supports the couple. 

July 17th 2021, 

Ricco & Victoria 

August 29th 2021, Yousif & Chloe 

July 18th 2021, Rami & Mandy 

September 25th 2021, Anthony & Monica 


WEDDING GUIDE 

Ron and Vicki & Ron and Vicki: 

The Love Story of Two Couples 

BY CRYSTAL KASSAB JABIRO 

In 1969, fifteen-year-old Vicki Huckno 

met a nearly twenty-year-old Riadh 

Jabiro while he was working at his 

brother Harry’s party store near where 

she lived in Roseville. Riadh had been 

in America for about one year, having 

immigrated from Baghdad, Iraq. He 

spoke British English, as he was taught, 

so his accent was a little difficult to understand 

at first; however, Vicki was 

used to hearing other languages. Her 

family was Polish, and all four of her 

grandparents were also immigrants. 

Vicki had never heard of Chaldeans 

before, nor had she ever known anybody 

from Baghdad. She had heard of 

Iraq’s capital in history class and connected 

it to “flying carpets’’ from stories 

and movies but knew nothing else 

about it. She thought “Ron” was cute so 

when he asked her out on a date, she 

happily accepted. They went horseback 

riding, though neither of them had ever 

done that before, and that was the beginning 

of something much more substantial. 

Four years later, in 1973, the 

couple were wed at Vicki’s church, Sacred 

Heart in Roseville, one of the first 

Catholic churches on the east side. 

“I was just crazy about him, and he 

felt that same way,” recalled Vicki. 

The Chaldean community in metro 

Detroit was much smaller at that time 

and it was common for men to go 

“back home” to marry, returning to the 

U.S. with their Chaldean brides. That 

was not the case here. Ron introduced 

his family to Vicki, and they were very 

pleasant, she remembers. They were 

very nice and welcoming. They already 

had one “American” daughter-in-law 

and a few cousins who were also married 

to non-Chaldeans in the family. 

Ron’s dad spoke some English because 

he had worked in a hotel in Baghdad; 

his mother’s English was more limited. 

Vicki learned about the culture 

and could pick up a little conversational 

Sureth/Arabic, but she was not 

around them so much since the couple 

lived “far away” from Detroit in Sterling 

Heights - when there were virtually 

no Chaldeans there. Now, Sterling 

Heights has the highest population of 

Chaldeans in metro-Detroit. 

Vicki learned to make traditional 

rizza w’ maraka (rice and stew) and 

in recent years, burek (egg rolls) and 

takratha (meat pies). She remembers 

her mother-in-law and sisters-in-law 

would give them frozen goods, like 

potato chop and kibbee, and the 

leftovers of a family feast. “He was 

the baby of the family, so we got babied!” 

she laughed. “Someone was 

always giving us food!” 

Fast forward to 1985. Raad “Ron” 

Ankawi, Ron’s first cousin by the 

same Americanized name, meets 

a 24-year-old American woman in 

Greektown, Detroit. They go to dinner 

at Bazouki’s when it was a Middle 

Eastern restaurant with Arabic music 

and belly-dancing shows. Afterwards, 

they danced to Motown music at Scruples 

Nightclub nearby. 

Like Ron Jabiro, Ron Ankawi also 

had a slight accent and came from 

Top row: 

Ron and Vicki Ankawi 

Bottom row: 

Ron and Vicki Jabiro 

Baghdad. And like Vicki, the young 

woman had never heard of Chaldeans 

before, nor dated an immigrant. She 

had grown up in East Detroit and Clinton 

Township where there were no 

Chaldeans. In fact, she assumed Ron 

might be Greek since she met him in 

Greektown! He told her about his culture, 

and she was even more intrigued. 

Also, like Vicki– they shared the 

same first name! 

Ron introduced Vicki to his cousin 

and best friend, or more like brother, 

Ron Jabiro, and his wife Vicki, whom 

he considered a sister. The two couples 

bonded immediately. Just as the 

Rons were like brothers, the Vickis 


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became like sisters. 

Vicki met most of Ron’s siblings at 

a family wedding, but it was hard to 

talk because of the loud music blaring 

in the background. Nonetheless, they 

welcomed her in. “I felt very blessed to 

be a part of this warm and loving family,” 

Vicki said. 

The Ankawis got married in 1988 

at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer 

in Birmingham and had a simple wedding 

of 100 people. She had two tables 

for her family and co-workers; the 

rest of the party was Ron’s large family. 

They had a DJ who played Arabic 

music, which Vicki grew to love. They 

were both divorced and had not received 

their annulments yet. 

Settling into married life, Vicki 

learned some basic conversational 

words from her mother-in-law but never 

really caught on to the language. What 

she did catch onto was her in-laws’ cooking. 

The rice and stews, kubba hamouth, 

dolma, and her sister-in-law’s baklava. 

They also taught her how to pick tarpih, 

or grape leaves, and freeze them. 

Her favorite food to make is tekratha 

(meat pies) because her husband says 

she makes it just like his mom. She 

taught Vicki J. how to make them, and 

in turn, Vicki J. taught her burek. 

As the Ankawi kids started going 

to catechism, Vicki decided to convert 

to Catholicism. “I wanted my whole 

family to be as one in the church,” she 

remarked. “I wanted to feel part of it.” 

The couple renewed their vows in 

1992 at St. Jane Frances de Chantal in 

Sterling Heights. And the Jabiros were 

there for it. They were there for everything 

– raising the kids, vacations, 

holidays, retirement, and everything 

in between. 

The Jabiros were also there for the 

Ankawis when their 18-year-old son 

Craig died in a car accident over a decade 

ago. His sudden death affected 

both families very deeply. A few years 

ago, Vicki’s mother unexpectedly 

passed away before the two couples left 

for Europe. The Jabiros gave them comfort 

and peace as they grieved during 

what became their most memorable trip 

together. They all truly love one another. 

Nowadays, all in the foursome are 

retired. Ron Jabiro worked as Director of 

Manufacturing at an aerospace company 

for 30 years, and Vicki retired from property 

management. Their kids Brandon 

and Tammy have children of their own. 

Ron Ankawi retired from his business 

selling sports memorabilia and Vicki, a 

housewife, who along with her husband, 

raised five kids who are all grown now – 

Bryan, Krystal, Brett, Craig*, and Robyn. 

They are grandparents too. All of their 

children are still close. 

Ron and Vicki and Ron and Vicki 

are still inseparable. They cook dinner 

for each other and then play Scrabble 

where the competition gets fierce, they 

joked. They are gearing up for a trip to 

Arizona soon. 

Though both ladies married Chaldean 

men at a time when it was rare, 

they learned from each other and 

incorporated traditions as best they 

could to honor their families. After all, 

what does being Chaldean mean without 

family? 

* As mentioned in the article, 

Craig Ankawi passed away in 2010. 

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WEDDING GUIDE 

A Christ- 

Centered Union: 

Marriage Prep 

Amplified 

BY CRYSTAL KASSAB JABIRO 


Pope Francis recently penned 

a Letter to Married Couples in 

which he professed, “It is important 

that, together, you keep your eyes 

fixed on Jesus. Only in this way, will 

you find peace, overcome conflicts, 

and discover solutions to many of your 

problems.” 

Decades ago, His Excellency Bishop 

Ibrahim Ibrahim, Father Stephen 

Kallabat, and licensed clinical social 

worker Janan Senawi began a program 

to prepare couples for the sacrament 

of marriage. Churches across 

the diocese set different expectations 

of what those classes looked like, so 

not every couple in the community got 

the same experience. While it effectively 

fulfilled a spiritual requirement, 

the priests and the laity recognized a 

need to amplify the Church’s marriage 

classes, especially in a country with a 

high divorce rate and within a small 

community that is seeing more divorces 

than ever. 

So, ten couples got together at the 

Eastern Catholic Re-Evangelization 

Center (ECRC) to create a vision of what 

they wished they had learned prior to 

getting married. Building upon the 

foundation created by their respected 

predecessors, they intensified the marriage 

prep program to include not only 

the religious aspect of marriage, but 

also the social aspect. 

The nitty-gritty. The real stuff. And 

how Christ at the center of marriage 

and family will lead you to communicate 

productively and resolve conflicts 

in a peaceful way. 

Father Pierre Konja, pastor at St. 

Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church in 

West Bloomfield, was heavily involved 

in a consultative way at those initial 

meetings at ECRC. Father Pierre notes 

that since Saint Pope John Paul II, the 

Catholic Church has encouraged lay 

ministry. These volunteers have a special 

role in the church. In this case, not 

only did they brainstorm more ways 

to teach bringing Christ into the marriage, 

but also how to evangelize the 

faith. The new marriage classes, which 

began in May 2018, include mostly 

married couples as facilitators. 

These classes are hosted at Mother 

of God and St. Joseph and are broken 

into four consecutive weeks: Week 1 

focuses on Communication; Week 2 

on Expectations; Week 3 on Sexuality; 

and Week 4 on Faith. Father Pierre and 

other priests and deacons who have 

been trained rotate that last week. 

“If you have a solid prayer life 

and authentic relationship with God, 

hopefully that will lead you to have a 

more virtuous life together,” said Father 

Pierre. “Self-sacrifice is the foundation 

of a healthy marriage.” 

The ECRC marriage facilitators 

know one thing for sure– that every 

couple coming in wants their marriage 

to last forever. They do not shy away 

from sharing their own struggles. 

Some of those evangelizers are more 

religious-based and some of them 

Marriage classes hosted by ECRC. 

more practical, but they are all very 

relatable. 

Patrice Abona, the Executive Director 

of the ECRC, and her husband Emil, 

worked alongside her brother Father 

Pierre in augmenting these classes. 

They wish for couples to use what they 

have learned to keep Jesus at the center 

of their everyday lives. While everyone 

has a love story, everyone should 

also recognize that marriage is hard 

work. 

“We want these couples to know 

they are going to have difficult times 

in their marriages. It’s how you get 

through them,” Abona said. 

She also hopes this is a time for 

couples to reflect on who they are really 

marrying. Couples should ask 

themselves if they are really okay 

with a partner who is not spiritually 

grounded, she said. 

Not everybody starts off that way. 

Pelar Esshaki and his wife Laura 

checked off all the boxes when they got 

married in 2006; their class was a twohour 

meeting with a priest, and they 

went to church every Sunday. But they 

were not intimate with Jesus Christ. 

After about five years of marriage, they 

were pining for a more spiritual existence. 

They got more involved at their 

church and started going to Adoration. 

Both of them had a reversion to the 

Catholic faith – and now, Jesus is front 

and center. 

The Esshakis found the Church’s 

teaching on sexuality to be very powerful 

in their marriage, like God’s plan for 

fertility. “When you try to play God, it 

doesn’t work well,” Pelar avowed. “Each 

individual child is a gift from God.” 

They certainly practice what they 

preach. They have 10 children ranging 

from thirteen years old to a one-yearold. 

And another on the way! 

It was five years ago that the couple 

got into marriage ministry and are selftaught 

through the Catechism of the 

Catholic Church, learning from a multitude 

of speakers at retreats and online. 

They have mentored couples just 

by being themselves, “a happy Catholic 

couple” as Pelar describes, building 

relationships with other couples 

with a similar mindset. Their enthusiasm 

even led them to write a marriage 

retreat program. 

And when his cousin Patrice mentioned 

the ECRC should host a marriage 

retreat, he smiled widely and 

told her he was ready. He was also prepared 

to give the Week 3 talks at the 

marriage classes. 

While the positive feedback exceeded 

the ECRC’s expectations, 

some people think this portion of the 

four-week course is too personal and 

even inappropriate. Others said it has 

changed their lives. “It’s really how 

open people want to be at having a 

holy marriage,” Esshaki said. 

Father Pierre agrees. “Everyone is 

responsible for their own soul,” he said. 

“We can give you the tools and the talks, 

but you have to be open to learning and 

growing into a healthy marriage.” 

Father Pierre frankly asserts that 

a successful marriage preparation 

course is when about one-third of the 

participants do not complete the sacrament. 

“If you’re not ready to get married, 

don’t. If you realize you need to 

do better, walk away and you’ll thank 

yourself later,” he said. “The goal is 

a happy, healthy, and holy marriage. 

Don’t settle.” 


WEDDING GUIDE 

Matthew and Olivia 

Anton met through 

the Chaldean matchmaker 

Olivia Asfar. 

Looking for Love 

Inside the Chaldean matchmaker 

service MATCHaldean 

BY CAL ABBO 

When Matthew and Olivia 

Anton first met, it was no 

chance encounter. Matthew 

had been in Detroit for less than a 

year; Olivia had moved from Florida 

three years before to the day. Their first 

date was a setup by Matthew’s cousin, 

Olivia Asfar, who is now the owner and 

operator of MATCHaldean. 

When Olivia Asfar took over the 

confidential dating service, she had 

already been a matchmaker for several 

years. Asfar is a trained psychologist 

with classroom experience in family, 

marriage, and relationship counseling. 

“I didn’t even know there was a 

service for it,” she said. “I didn’t know 

it could be a business.” 

Asfar got her start as an amateur 

matchmaker, using her vast network 

of Chaldeans to find perfect matches 

for her family and friends. “I always 

matched people on my own,” she said. 

“I had a list in my phone, and people 

would call me asking to find a match.” 

Asfar only acquired the business 

a few years ago. Before her, Theresa 

Dabish Sitto, the company’s founder, 

managed the service. In 2009, according 

to Asfar, Sitto was watching 

a matchmaker show with her son 

when she came up with the idea. 

Sitto knew the Chaldean community 

all too well and decided her service 

would focus on confidentiality. 

Since then, MATCHaldean has taken 

off, gaining hundreds of clients and 

matching over 100 marriages. As Sitto 

got older, she wanted to sell the business, 

and began looking especially for 

someone younger. That’s when she met 

Asfar, who quickly fit in with the style 

and workflow of the company. Asfar 

was already an expert matchmaker. 

She shadowed Sitto for a few months, 

learning how she conducted interviews 

and new matching techniques. Finally, 

in April 2019, Asfar took over. 

While Asfar learned a lot from 

Sitto, she also made some important 

changes to the business structure. She 

transferred all of the MATCHaldean 

client files, which Sitto kept in large 

binders, to a secure database. She also 

brought on some extra help. Now a 

small team of matchmakers helps each 

client find who they’re looking for. 

After marrying her Asfar-approved 

match, Olivia Anton joined the company 

to help with design, marketing, and 

matchmaking. “It’s hard to date in the 

community freely without bumping 

into someone you know,” Anton said. 

“Having the matchmakers and knowing 

that your identity is kept in confidence 

helps when putting yourself out 

there to find love.” 

MATCHaldean has a free application 

on its website. Asfar said she gets 

around one application per day; at the 

moment, the service has a database 

numbering around 700 people. After an 

application comes in, Asfar conducts a 

phone interview to get to know the client 

and find out what they’re looking 

for. She already has potential matches 

in her head before she hangs up. 

Olivia Asfar and Theresa Sitto on the 

set of Keeping Up with the Chaldeans. 

Asfar gets every request under 

the sun, she said. Some of her clients 

came from Iraq earlier this year; others 

were born and raised in Detroit. 

She has clients ranging from 18 to 70 

years old. She has divorced clients, 

even ones with children, from cities 

like Chicago, San Diego, and Detroit. 

She matches them all. 

When Asfar wants to move forward 

with a match, she calls the lucky couple 

separately to tell them about their 

opposite without breaking confidentiality. 

Once she has their approval, 

she works with both of their schedules 

and makes a reservation. Her clients 

will enjoy a blind date, then tell Olivia 

later how it went. “I do all the work,” 

she said. “The guys love it because we 

do everything. I tell them all about the 

girl. I make the reservation. I do all the 

work and they just show up.” 

A lot of Asfar’s recent engagements 

were first matches, but sometimes it 

does take another try. Patience is key, 

according to Asfar, and you have to be 

willing to give someone a chance. 

“I always tell people to use the 

three-date rule. You never know,” she 

said. “You have to be open-minded. 

You aren’t perfect and neither are they.” 

A lot of women go on dates expecting 

a fairytale love story, Asfar said, 

but that’s not really how it works. 

As someone who works behind the 

scenes, Asfar knows how far a good 

match can go. “I feel like love grows 

over time. It’s not going to be on the 

first date,” she said. “If I based my 

husband off our first date, I wouldn’t 

be married right now.” 

Both Anton and Asfar agree that 

the service is much better than trendy 

dating apps like Tinder and Bumble. 

On dating apps, nobody ponders 

your profile to try and match you with 

someone. There is very little security 

when you join and go on dates and 

people can post fake information. 

MATCHaldean’s service focuses 

on long-term happiness. Asfar does 

not tolerate impolite behavior and 

will kick people off the service if they 

treat another client poorly. Her unique 

position as matchmaker allows her to 

screen everyone so that nobody gets 

played and everyone treats each other 

with respect, she said. “That’s not 

something you get with dating apps.” 

That said, the service is not for 

everyone. Her focus is preserving the 

Chaldean community and its culture 

by making it easier for Chaldeans to 

meet and marry. Casual daters apply 

from time to time, she said, and she 

often tells them that MATCHaldean 

might not be right for them. 

Asfar’s pitch to those who hesitate 

is this: it’s free to apply, and it’s harder 

than ever to meet new people. “Nobody 

will know you’re on there, and 

you aren’t forced to go out with anyone 

after I describe them to you,” she said. 

“You’re in complete control.” 


CHALDEAN COMMUNITY 

FOUNDATION 

Help 

Wanted? 

Please consider 

investing in one 

of our many new 

Americans. 

HOW WE HELP: 

The Career Services Team 

at the Chaldean Community 

Foundation offers one-on-one 

assistance to help individuals 

identify their goals and 

develop their careers. 

SERVICES INCLUDE: 

• Resume Building and Cover Letter Writing 

• Job Application Completion 

• FAFSA Completion 

• Mock Interviews 

• Employer Referrals 

• Training Opportunities 

• Career Fairs 

• Access to Transportation via the 

Michael J George Chaldean Loan Fund 

To inquire about hiring one of our clients and having your business added to our job bank, 

please call or email Elias at 586-722-7253 or elias.kattoula@chaldeanfoundation.org 

CHALDEAN 

AMERICAN 

CHAMBER OF 

COMMERCE 

CHALDEAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 3601 15 MILE ROAD, STERLING HEIGHTS, MI 48310 586-722-7253 CHALDEANFOUNDATION.ORG

FEATURE 

Pleading for Forgiveness 

Ba’utha and The Supplication of the Ninevites 

BY SARAH KITTLE 

were unable to control its spread. We 

do not know with certainty which 

bishop declared the fast, but we know 

that its duration of three days was chosen 

because that was how long Jonah 

was believed to be inside the whale. 

So, for three days, the metropolitans of 

the East Syriac ecclesiastical provinces 

called for services of prayer, fasting, 

and penitence to be held in all churches 

under their jurisdiction. 

God’s mercy reigns 

Following this period of penitence, the 

plague died out and the tradition of 

Ba’utha became part of the lore of the 

Church. This tradition has been strictly 

adhered to every year by the members 

of the Church of the East. Patriarchs of 

this church and the Chaldean Catholic 

Church have added extra fasts in times 

of extreme need, such as when ISIS was 

persecuting Christians in northern Iraq. 

The Biblical plague was well documented 

and suggests that the prophet 

Jonah’s words were given credibility 

and adhered to, with every man, woman, 

child, and even animals abstaining 

from food and drink during the fast. It 

makes perfect sense, then, for “modern” 

Christians of the 6th century to 

follow his words as well. 

Fasting is nothing new for Catholics; 

a period of refraining from 

food or drink so as to draw closer 

to God. Most Catholics observe fasting 

during Lent, the 40 days leading up 

to Easter, the most sacred of holidays. 

But if you’re not a member of the Eastern 

Catholic Rite, you may not have 

heard of Ba’utha. 

A whale’s tale 

Ba’utha, or the fast of Nineveh, was 

inspired by the story of Jonah and the 

whale. Readers of The Bible may recall 

that Jonah was tasked with turning 

the hearts of the people of Nineveh, 

away from sin and toward God and His 

teachings. Nineveh was so wicked that 

Jonah balked. He ran in the opposite 

direction, certain that the warning he 

had to give would not only fall on deaf 

ears, but that he might even be in danger 

for delivering it. 

But after Jonah was thrown from 

the boat he was trying to sail away in 

during a violent storm and swallowed 

by “a great fish,” he was deposited on 

the shore and told once again to go to 

Nineveh. This time, Jonah obeyed. The 

warning he delivered found receptive 

ears and the Ninevites declared a fast, 

corroborated by the King, who donned 

sackcloth and ashes and pleaded with 

God for forgiveness of his people. 

Nineveh was spared and there was 

much rejoicing. 

6th century plague 

Reportedly, in the 6th century, a plague 

once again descended on Nineveh, an 

ancient city in northern Iraq. When the 

people of the city came to their bishop 

and asked for his guidance, he turned 

to the Word of God for inspiration. 

What better story to follow than 

one of salvation? The story of Jonah 

is, after all, the story of the salvation 

of Nineveh. The city was destined for 

certain destruction when God Himself 

was moved by the prayers and pleading 

of His people. Ba’utha literally 

means “plead” in Aramaic, the language 

of Christ. 

The plague was growing throughout 

Mesopotamia and the authorities 

Fast of Nineveh 

According to Wikipedia, in Syriac 

Christianity, the Fast of Nineveh (Classical 

Syriac: 

Bā’ūtā d-Nīnwāyē, literally “Petition of 

the Ninevites”) is a three-day fast starting 

the third Monday before “Clean 

Monday,” the first day of Great Lent 

throughout Eastern Christianity. 

From Sunday at midnight until noon 

on Wednesday, participants of this practice 

usually abstain from all dairy foods 

and meat products. Some observe the 

fast more rigorously and abstain from all 

food and drink from Sunday midnight 

until Wednesday after Holy Qurbana, 

which is celebrated before noon. 

This year, the fast takes place from 

February 7 until February 9. 


MARCH 1-6 | MUSIC HALL 

BroadwayInDetroit.com 

Ticketmaster • 800-982-2787 

Groups (10+) broadwayindetroitgroups@theambassadors.com (Subject: Stomp) 


CULTURE & HISTORY 

Honoring Amir Denha: A Chaldean Pioneer in Publishing 

BY ADHID MIRI, PHD 

In this article we shed light on the 

success story of another pioneer, a 

publisher, a calligrapher, a caricaturist 

who embarked on a creative venture 

with limited resources and minimal 

support. 

Every goal must have a start, a 

middle, and an end, with many steps 

or objectives in between. The objectives 

are check points along the journey, 

checking off each one as they are 

accomplished, to continually move 

forward. Success comes to those who 

persist, to those who keep their goal in 

front of them and who move through 

each step toward their established 

goal. 

Ultimately, success comes through 

vision, determination, hard work and 

careful planning. Hard work without 

planning and a smart goal is just hard 

work. Hard work combined with vision 

and a goal eventually has you publishing 

the Chaldean Detroit Times newspaper. 

Personal Biography 

Amir Denha was born in Baghdad in 

1943, the eldest in a sibling of 4 brothers 

- George, Ayad and Ziad - and four 

sisters - Najla, Ayser, Hanaa, and 

Ayman. He grew up in Baghdad’s Al- 

Shalchiyya Railway District. Amir’s 

parents, Mikhael Hana Putrus and 

Hassina Essou Ayar, were natives to 

the village of Tel-Kelkepe in Nineveh 

Province. In 1975, Amir married Haifa 

Kassir and the couple raised a family 

of two daughters, Dalia and Olivia, 

and two sons, Vidal and Rami. 

Coming to America 

Amir Denha arrived in the United 

States on January 1, 1967, just a few 

months before the infamous Detroit 

riots. His journey to America occurred 

by chance as his cousin, Sabah Ayar, 

worked at a Baghdad Airport hotel and 

had established a friendship with the 

chief American Consul in Baghdad. 

This relationship provided the opportunity 

for Ayar and Denha to obtain 

visas to the US. 

As a youngster, Denha held great 

ambitions. When he left his Iraqi- 

Chaldean family in Baghdad to come 

Amir in one of his favorite places, the library. 

to the United States, he had the American 

Dream forefront in his thoughts. 

“My journey was not easy; America is 

the place to come to change your life. 

America is the place to start a new life. 

That is why I came to America,” recalls 

Denha. Whether it was inspiration or 

desperation, his early dreams came 

true as he started opening A & L (Amir 

and Lilly) party stores in Detroit in the 

aftermath of the riots. 

The American Dream 

Denha was not afraid to challenge the 

status quo and the traditional political 

way of thinking that he embraced earlier 

in Iraq. He started thinking of the 

American Dream as a new idea, a big 

idea, and really knew how to go after 

it. 

He believed that big thinking preceded 

great achievements and anyone 

charting a new course would face resistance. 

A pioneer must be capable of 

choosing his own path. A trailblazer 

should be capable of achieving new 

horizons and doing what is best for everyone 

to become successful. 

Denha states his vision clearly: “If 

someone truly believes that they will 

be successful, they become successful.” 

In life, all have a natural disposition, 

a unique set of traits that give 

us a competitive advantage over others. 

When you understand what your 

unique gifts are and cast a vision that 

is aligned with that ambition, then you 

will be successful. 

The world of journalism 

Denha’s interest in calligraphy and 

writing started early in his high school 

years. A group of friends that included 

Bassam Faraj, Dawood Al-Farhan, and 

Richard Jerjis issued a flyer called The 

Voice of Humanity. Denha exchanged 

the issues with his school friend, 

neighbor and brother-in-law, Iraq’s 

soccer national team captain, Abed 

Kadhum, who published the friends’ 

magazine. 

In the United States, Amir Denha’s 

passion for pen and paper surfaced 

again when he joined a revival that 

took place in the nineties. His aim was 

to carve a niche for himself in a challenging 

industry, among a host of adversaries 

within other emerging newspapers 

who used the community news 

to lodge themselves within the larger 

multicultural metropolitan family. 

There is no denying that Amir 

Denha was adventurous in his early 

days. As a newcomer to Michigan, 

Denha found himself in a difficult situation 

- pushing the boundaries of free 

access to information, free thought, 

and free expression on one of the most 

daring issues (Iraq), in one of the most 

uncompromising parts of the world at 

that time. 

A score of community newspapers 

and magazines were published and 

faded during the last few decades in 

Detroit. They had attempted to publish 

information about the city of Detroit 

and its diverse communities, as 

many Arab Americans turned to both 

Arabic- and English-language media 

for news and commentary, where they 

were exposed to very different versions 

on the story of the moment, but they 

made scant reference to the contributions 

of Chaldean Americans or their 

achievements. 

During the last century, before 

the emergence of internet-based media, 

the local immigrant community 

had few ways to stay informed about 

the happening in their home country. 

Later, advances in television brought 

Al-Jazeera from Qatar and BBC from 

London, as well as CNN and MSNBC 

content directly into metro Detroit 

living rooms. Local Arabic-language 

newspapers were intently focused on 

the Middle East conflict, the Iraq-Iran 

War, The Gulf Wars, and the fallout 

from the September 11 terrorist attacks. 

News reflected the pull-and-tug 

among Arab and Iraqi Americans, between 

patriotic support for the United 

States and their often-strong disagreement 

with U.S. policies and actions in 

the Middle East. This changed with 

time as people started focusing less on 

politics and more on economics and 

issues that impacted their lives here in 

Michigan and across the United States. 

The fact of the matter is that Chaldean 

news media used publishing in 

Arabic/English as a medium of expression, 

and Arab and Chaldean authors 

and writers have been making their 

voices heard with originality and confidence 

in TV- Orient, MEA-TV, Arab 

Voice of Detroit, and new publications 

like The Chaldean News. 

The Chaldean Detroit Times 

The Chaldean Detroit Times was issued 

as a publication geared towards 


the Chaldean and Arab-American 

communities in the Detroit metro area, 

with content focused on local news 

and how the community dealt with 

these happenings. 

The first issue of the Chaldean Detroit 

Times (CDT) was published April 

1, 1990. For over 25 years, the CDT 

was the Chaldean and Arab-American 

community’s leading publication, 

spread throughout the metro area. 

Its mission was to provide the 

Middle Eastern communities with local, 

national, and world news. Its purpose 

was to engage the new generation 

and enrich the Middle Eastern lifestyle 

for individuals and their communities 

through the presentation of events, 

articles, reviews, as well as other material 

with Chaldean and Arab-American 

related content and interests. 

Information was presented in both 

English and Arabic to appeal to all 

readers with content that covers business 

news, entertainment, education, 

politics, religion, culture, and community 

events. Other popular topics 

include information from various municipalities, 

well-known personalities, 

government officials, civic organizations, 

business associates, universities, 

religious institutions, and many 

others. 

The Chaldean Detroit Times has 

been recognized and honored by many 

political figures, news stations, churches, 

and local organizations. Its twicemonthly 

circulation was 10,000 per 

edition and the subscription was free. 

As a young Iraqi citizen from the 

Arab world, Denha faced opposition 

writing about matters close to his 

identity. Being a newcomer, outside 

the dominant culture, was tough in 

the 1980s. Denha began raising critical 

issues about Iraq at a time when media 

was tainted by misinformation. 

Earlier in his career, Denha wrote 

editorial columns and commentaries 

for the DCT. His posts advocated moderate 

community views and a “neutral 

Iraqi nationalist voice,” that rejected 

extremism, embraced peace, and opposed 

the use of violence. 

Denha proudly speaks about his 

journalistic journey. “I am the owner 

and operator of the Chaldean Detroit 

Times. I started the newspaper in 

1989 and published my first issue in 

1990. In the past twenty-five years, I 

have delivered world-wide news to the 

Arab American and Chaldean community 

nationwide. One of my greatest 

achievements is playing a significant 

role when the Chaldean Archdiocese 

was originated in 1980. On top of 

contributing to my own publication, 

I have written numerous articles for 

church bulletins, the Chaldean Iraqi 

Association of Michigan (CIAAM) and 

other newspapers. 

“I have been interviewed by CNN, 

ABC, BBC, Al-Jazeera, and other admired 

news organizations locally and 

throughout the world. I was regularly 

featured and interviewed by the newspapers 

of the time and various Iraqi 

media channels.” 

As well as its founder, the Chaldean 

Detroit Times has been recognized 

and honored by many political 

figures, news stations, churches, and 

local organizations as well. To celebrate 

the American Dream, and 22 

years of successfully publishing the 

community news, a Gala event was 

held on March 28, 2012. 

The Gulf Wars and sanctions years 

The invasion of Kuwait, the Iraq-Iran 

war, and the Gulf wars of 1991 and 

2003 launched the prominence of CNN 

and Al-Jazeera and helped establish 

Denha’s publishing program. 

Denha continued to be a regular 

guest, appearing on television and 

radio networks throughout the Middle 

East and the United States, including 

ABC, CBS, and NPR. In later years, he 

was on CNN, BBC, ANA, Al-Jazeera, 

and Detroit local channels 2, 4, 7 during 

the weeks leading up to the 2003 

U.S. invasion of Iraq. 

As an author of numerous articles, 

interviews, and publications on 

the Iraq sanctions and the protests 

leading to the wars, Denha repeatedly 

warned that the root causes for social 

unrest in the Arab world since the 6 

Day War and Arab defeat in 1967 were 

still simmering, adding that the next 

explosion would be catastrophic for 

Iraq and the region. 

On March 20, 2003, the United 

States and its allies launched their land 

invasion of Iraq. Denha’s political visibility 

and engagement continued as 

he brought coverage to the forefront of 

Chaldean American homes. His markers 

and contributions remain carved in 

the memory of his generation. 

Iraq in the Heart 

Denha’s tilt and support of Saddam’s 

policies and regime drew lots of attention 

and was met with criticism from 

Amir Denha on left with Faisal Arabo delegation including Tariq Aziz. 

members of the Iraqi and Chaldean 

Community within the U.S., who described 

him as “an associate of the 

Ba’athists.” 

He also provoked negative reactions 

from U.S. media, which widely viewed 

his “pan-Arabism” as radical thinking. 

His difficulties in getting his views 

noticed began once he was branded a 

pro-Ba’athist sympathizer. His views 

and editorials about Iraqi issues were 

suddenly seen not as patriotic, but as 

“propaganda.” Nevertheless, he remained 

consistent with his views and 

continued to sound his voice in politics, 

despite the robust double standard that 

complicated the publishing of Iraqi- 

Chaldean perspectives. 

Despite his physical separation 

from Iraq, Denha is still attached to 

his Iraqi and Middle Eastern roots. He 

is a huge fan of Egyptian singer, Um 

Kalthoum, and together with lifelong 

friends Jalal Arabo and Francis Boji, 

he enjoys the songs. His eyes light up 

with joy as he speaks fondly about his 

two loyal friends and the quality time 

he spends with them. 

Final words and wishes 

“I have many wishes for Iraq and the 

United States. My heart lies within Iraq, 

where I was born and grew up. Iraqis 

had been living through an unmerciful 

time of wars and conflicts. I am proud 

to be a member of this Iraqi Chaldean 

community in the United States. 

“My wish for my country is that we 

can restore peace, protect, preserve, 

promote, and uphold the image of the 

Iraqis with pride and dignity. I wish 

one day that all Iraqis will unify as 

one to save the country from falling 

in the hands of big-time corruptors; to 

be governed by honest, nationalistic 

leaders, whose true love for the country 

will be matched by sincere action, 

which may start moving the country 

forward.” 

Denha cautions: “We often forget 

that the United States is the gravity 

center of democracy and freedom. This 

great country has given us the opportunities 

and the successes we enjoy. 

My hope is that my beloved United 

States will keep its promises and help 

Iraq gradually transform its image into 

a productive and progressive nation 

where people help one another promote 

peace, justice, and harmony.” 

He adds, “Peace. Real peace will 

bring about happiness, economic 

growth, stability, and contentment 

among our people, rich and poor.” 

We are always looking for ways to 

shine a spotlight and to inspire. 

Perhaps those community members 

who blazed the trail and inspired us 

might also inspire you. Enjoy! 

Acknowledgement of material from 

Mr. Amir Denha’s news and pictures 

collection, The Chaldean Detroit 

Times. Excerpts from: Action- Arabic/ 

English Newspaper published in NY, 

The Orient (Al-Mashriq) in Michigan, 

The New World, Al-Islah (He Reforms) 

published in NY, The Detroit Free 

Press, The Eccentric, and various Iraqi 

media channels. Special editing by 

Jaqueline Raxter. 


SPORTS 

Taking His 

Talents to 

New York 

Walled Lake Western 

grad Joey George was 

a special football 

player at U-M 

BY STEVE STEIN 

Joey George is ready to tackle the investment 

banking world. After joining the University of 

Michigan football team as a preferred walk-on 

in 2018 and working his way up to becoming a valued 

special teams player this past season, George will 

head to New York City after he graduates in May. 

The 21-year-old will be an investment banking analyst 

with RBC Capital Markets after having a virtual 

internship with the company last summer, bringing 

to fruition his nearly lifelong passion for business 

and finance. 

George is confident his transition 

from the world of football to the world 

of investment banking will be seamless. 

“That’s because there are parallels 

between the two,” he said. “There are 

pressures you need to deal with and 

overcome, and you need to communicate 

with people with different perspectives.” 

George juggled both worlds during 

his internship. On a typical workday, 

he’d do his football workout from 6:30- 

8 a.m., then begin his internship duties 

for RBC Capital Markets at 9 a.m., “and 

I worked as late as needed,” he said. “It was a transition 

going from one to the other, but a good transition. 

It was good for life balance.” 

George has had to balance football and academics 

at U-M for four years. The rigors of being in a bigtime 

college football program have been matched 

by the rigors of being a student in U-M’s prestigious 

Ross School of Business. 

George has succeeded on the football field -- 

he’s a two-time letter-winner -- and he’ll continue 

to achieve success in academics when the two-time 

Academic All-Big Ten honoree graduates from U-M 

this spring with a degree in business administration. 

It’ll be a different looking George who goes to New 

York City. “I weigh about 280, 285 pounds right now 

Joey George official 

team photo 

Joey George gets ready to go to work against Wisconsin during U-M’s 38-17 win October 2. 

because of football,” he said. “I don’t need to be that 

heavy anymore, especially for a 6-footer. So I’m going 

to cut to about 240, 245 pounds.” 

George was a standout football player at Walled 

Lake Western High School. He started for three years 

on the offensive line for the Warriors, playing mostly 

at center, with 118 pancake blocks in 32 career games. 

PHOTOS COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN 

He was a Division 1-2 honorable mention 

All-State choice as a senior. 

A classroom standout in high 

school, he was named to the Michigan 

High School Football Coaches Association 

“Dream Team” Academic All- 

State Team as a senior. 

George could have gone to a small 

college and played a lot more football 

than he did at U-M, but he’s happy 

with his decision to head to Ann Arbor, 

especially for the football experience 

and academics. “It was a nobrainer 

decision for me to go to U-M for 

many reasons,” he said. 

One of the reasons was he was able to attend university 

for a year with his older brother Jonathan, 

24, a Michigan graduate with a double major in biomolecular 

science and political science. Jonathan 

just completed his first semester at the Harvard Law 

School after a year at the Vanderbilt Law School. 

Family factored into another reason Joey went 

to U-M. “U-M is only about 35 minutes from home 

(Walled Lake). I know my mom has liked that,” Joey 

said. 

Indeed, she has. Ban George and Joey’s father, 

Paul George, went to every U-M home football game 

the past four years. They also were at the Big Ten 

championship game vs. Iowa in Indianapolis on December 

4 and the NCAA semifinal game vs. Georgia 

in Miami on New Year’s Eve. 

U-M beat Iowa in its first Big Ten championship 

game appearance but lost to eventual national 

champion Georgia in the semifinals in its first playoff 

game. “Watching my son play football for U-M was a 

humbling and exhilarating experience as a parent because 

Joey was relentless when it came to football,” 

Ban said. “He worked so hard, and he never gave up. 

It was wonderful to see him get what he wanted.” 

While Ban obviously is proud of what her son was 

able to do on the football field at U-M, she’s equally 

as proud of his work in the classroom in Ann Arbor. 

“It’s not easy to be a student-athlete at U-M,” she 

said. “It’s incredible what Joey has accomplished 

there in four years.” 

Education is extremely important in the George 

family, Ban said. “So is hard work. We’ve instilled in 

our three children (Jacob, 18, is a freshman at Michigan 

State University) the values of hard work and the 

rewards of hard work,” she said. 

Ban certainly has benefitted from education and 

hard work. An immigrant from Iraq who came to the 

U.S. in 1992, she had three jobs while going to college 

and now is the director of pharmacy for the 103 

Kroger stores in Michigan. Paul George is a retired 

business owner. 

Joey George played a few snaps on the defensive 

line for U-M this past season in addition to his consistent 

work on the Wolverines’ kickoff return team. 

It was a senior season to remember. 

“The camaraderie and brotherhood were fantastic,” 

he said. “It was exciting to go into the football 

building every day with your friends and teammates, 

who all had a common goal. 

“People outside our team didn’t believe in us. But 

we knew we had all we needed to succeed right in our 

building.” 


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DOCTOR IS IN 

Overcoming Cultural Concerns 

BY M. LAPHAM 

Dr. Firas Abdollah 

Dr. Marcus Jamil 

An elderly Chaldean immigrant 

sits in a doctor’s office. 

He has prostate cancer 

and feels nervous and scared. Aside 

from medical care, he needs someone 

who understands his cultural 

concerns. 

Finding a doctor who understands 

the privacy Chaldeans expect 

makes all the difference in his 

treatment. Bridging that gap is the 

most important reason to bring 

Chaldean doctors into as many fields 

as possible. 

Many patients feel uncomfortable 

when discussing more intimate parts 

of their body. Oftentimes they associate 

the issues with age, or simply don’t 

keep track of them. 

“Even though it might be perfectly 

normal, they may not know 

the cause,” said Dr. Marcus Jamil, a 

resident at Henry Ford Health System 

- and the son of immigrants. 

Along with the culture barrier comes 

the language barrier. While many immigrants 

speak English, it is not their 

primary language, which can contribute 

to their unease. A doctor who understands 

the cultural differences and 

speaks the same language has a major 

advantage over one who doesn’t have 

those skills, which adds an extra level 

of comfort with the patient. 

“Being Chaldean in southeastern 

Michigan, we have an amazing (cultural) 

support system,” said Jamil. 

Expanding that system to healthcare 

is why he and his colleague, Dr. 

Faris Abdollah, want more Chaldean 

doctors to go into medical specialties, 

especially their field of urology, 

where preventive care means so much. 

Abdollah, an immigrant himself, understands 

the culture and knows the 

anxiety common among Chaldean 

and other Middle Eastern immigrants, 

sometimes even including those born 

here in America. 

This is especially true in metro Detroit, 

which has one of the largest Middle 

Eastern populations in the country, 

and the largest Chaldean population 

outside the Middle East. 

Finding doctors and other healthcare 

professionals who can reach out 

to the Chaldean community – parents, 

grandparents, or other family members 

– to get basic health information can 

lead to early screening and save lives. 

For example, one of the best indicators 

of potential prostate cancer 

is if a person’s father or other family 

member had the disease. If that’s the 

scenario, the risk is higher. 

The best way to gather that data 

is with face-to-face conversations between 

doctor and patient, which can 

be difficult in the Chaldean community. 

To find out the risk, doctors must 

dive deep into a patient’s private life, 

a rare conversation even among close 

friends. 

The ability to engage one-on-one 

with the community is especially important 

because there is little data 

collected specifically on the larger 

Chaldean community and their health 

issues. There needs to be more targeted 

information that can alert people to 

their higher risks. 

“One potential obstacle we face as 

urological researchers is that Chaldean 

(information) is not routinely collected 

in large databases as a separate ethnicity 

or race, making retrospective investigations 

far more difficult,” says Jamil. 

When the National Cancer Institute’s 

Surveillance, Epidemiology, 

and End Results Program (SEER) did 

a check in the Detroit area looking at 

the Arab and Chaldean communities, 

it found some shocking results. 

When compared to non-Arab 

Whites, Arabs and Chaldeans had 

higher rates of leukemia (29%), 

multiple myeloma (46%), liver 

(64%), kidney (33%), and urinary 

bladder (26%) cancers. 

Arab and Chaldean women had a 

much higher rate of leukemia (23%), 

thyroid (57%), and brain (35%) cancers 

than their non-Arab White counterparts. 

“Given that Michigan is home to 

one of the world’s largest Middle Eastern 

populations outside of the Middle 

East, this is an area of research that 

myself and Dr. Abdollah will likely be 

investigating in the future,” said Jamil. 

Speaking openly, and often, to a 

doctor is a key to prevention - which 

most would agree is better than treatment 

after the fact. 

For example, as a urologist, Jamil 

said bladder cancer can be treated, or 

even avoided, with education. Smoking 

is the primary cause of the disease, 

and Chaldeans have a higher-thanaverage 

number of smokers. 

A cancer surgeon, Abdollah points 

out there’s a high survival rate when 

patients come to him with an issue and 

are diagnosed early. Other potential 

forms of cancer urologists can screen 

for include kidney, bladder, prostate, 

testicular, and penile cancer. 

Regular checkups also can find 

and treat issues such as kidney stones, 

enlarged prostates, infertility, and 

erectile dysfunction early on. 

Erectile dysfunction is something 

men of any background can 

struggle to speak about, and the 

sensitive nature can only make it 

harder for Chaldeans. While that 

can be a sign of cancer, it could 

also be an indicator of diabetes or 

cardiovascular issues. Both can be 

manageable if caught early and are 

much more serious if ignored. 

Women also face sensitive health 

issues which can be addressed by 

urologists. 

“Certain urologists specialize in female 

pelvic medicine and reconstructive 

surgery, which is the treatment of 

pelvic floor disorders, which include 

urinary incontinence, vaginal prolapse, 

While many immigrants speak English, it is not their primary language, 

which can contribute to their unease. A doctor who understands 

the cultural differences and speaks the same language has a 

major advantage over one who doesn’t have those skills, which adds 

an extra level of comfort with the patient. 

and pelvic pain in women,” Jamil said. 

Left untreated, those issues can 

lead to long-term health problems. 

In all cases, early screening is essential. 

Doctors who understand the 

cultural and linguistic boundaries in 

the Chaldean community can play a 

huge role in getting patients to recognize 

what is needed and save lives. 

“The fundamental thing is education 

and knowledge,” Jamil said. 

Abdollah is the director of the Vattikuti 

Urology Institute Center for Outcomes 

Research Analytics and Evaluation, 

and vice-chair of academics and 

research, Department of Urology. 

Jamil is a graduate of the Wayne State 

University School of Medicine. 



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COMMUNITY PROFILE 

Majd Zuma has looked at 

immigration from both sides 

BY SARAH KITTLE 

Majd Zuma, like many Chaldean-American 

young adults, 

immigrated to the U.S. from 

Iraq as a child. On June 5, 2007, thirteen-year-old 

Majd and his family arrived 

at Detroit Metro Airport and a 

whole new world. 

They had come from Jordan, where 

“there was no hope,” Zuma recalls. As 

refugees in that country, Majd and his 

siblings were not allowed to attend 

school. He had finished fourth grade 

in Iraq but missed the next few years 

of schooling, a deficit that is difficult to 

make up. He knew no English and had 

to learn the basics, like the alphabet, 

in order to go on. 

“I credit my grandfather with emphasizing 

the importance of education,” 

Zuma says. His grandfather was 

a pharmacist in Iraq, and he shared 

his pearls of wisdom with young Majd. 

“Anybody can take anything from you, 

except your knowledge,” was a favorite 

saying. 

In his new country, Majd was 

placed in eighth grade, despite the 

holes in his learning. At Clifford Middle 

School in Commerce, he would 

work 3 hours on English as a Second 

language (ESL) classes before school 

started. There was only one other 

Chaldean kid in his class. “ESL kids 

lack confidence,” says Majd. “Immersion 

learning was definitely at play,” 

he adds, remembering movies and TV 

shows that he watched back then. 

Majd developed a list of goals at a 

young age. He knew the medical field 

was not for him, and he had no interest 

in exploring the world of mathematics, 

so what did that leave? His tenthgrade 

teacher, Alycia Chase, gave him 

the answer when she suggested he enroll 

in AP Government class. She had 

a law degree herself and she pushed 

him and expected a lot out of him. 

“I never knew I could survive a 

class like that,” Majd recalls. “It was 

a turning point for me; I found myself 

and my own interests.” A tenth-grade 

field trip to Washington, D.C. cemented 

the deal. Attending law school became 

one of his goals. 

“The U.S. gave me opportunities 

that my home country couldn’t give,” 

says Majd. He was always on the lookout 

for opportunities of service, which 

is how he ended up at the Chaldean 

Community Foundation, helping register 

people to vote and educating 

them on the voting process. “Hey You 

Vote” was one of the social media campaigns 

he worked on. He also helped 

create a numbering system for digital 

appointments and played a part in the 

expansion committee. 

Majd also had his hand in the music 

business. In high school, a band 

called “The Dollhouse” was looking 

for a third member. He brought them 

Chelsea Stone, and she became the 

first unofficial artist he represented. 

Years later, when Majd was working on 

a primary election campaign for Klint 

Kesto, whom Majd considers a mentor, 

he met (now Representative) Ryan Berman, 

who had connections in the music 

industry. “I wanted to experience 

something new,” Majd recalls, “I’ve 

always been into new talents.” 

So where is Majd now? In a little 

town on the Mexican border, working 

as a U.S. Customs and Border Protection 

(CBP) Officer. As such, he processes 

applicants and goods for entry. He 

is the first point of contact for an immigrant 

crossing the border there. 

“I’ve gained so much knowledge 

and experience working for CBP” he 

says, “Looking back, I never would 

have thought I’d be on the other side” 

(of the immigration process). 

“It’s been a great experience so far,” 

he says, “although it is a major change 

for me.” Of course, he knew no Spanish 

going in but is in the process of learning, 

understanding the words better 

than he can speak them at this point. 

Law school may still be in the future 

for this enterprising young man. 

He respects the dignity and integrity of 

the profession, and he has proven he 

is willing to work hard to get what he 

wants. “No one’s going to do it for me 

if I don’t do it myself.” 

What is next for Majd? “The sky 

is the limit,” he says with a laugh. Always 

ready for a new challenge, Zuma 

sees his future laid out bright before 

him – with the FBI, HSI, ICE, maybe 

a deportation officer, who knows? “Always 

look for better” is the motto he 

lives by. 


New Sales Requirements for JUUL Products 

Juul Labs, Inc. (“JLI”) has received authorization to sell JUUL Device and JUULpods. 

As part of its marketing order and sales and distribution restrictions, all JUUL retailers 

must commit to adopt Enhanced Access Controls (EAC) by November 9, 2021 and 

complete implementation and certification no later than March 9, 2022. 

EAC includes two requirements for every JUUL transaction: 

Advanced Age-Verification 

(ID Scanning) 

To ensure customers are of 

legal age, and that an ID is valid 

and not expired. 

Automated 

Product-Quantity Limits 

To ensure customers cannot 

buy in bulk to re-distribute 

to those under the legal age 

by automatically blocking 

transactions that exceed Juul 

Labs’ limits of 1 JUUL Device 

and/or 4 JUULpod Packs. 

How do I commit to EAC? 

Learn how to configure your POS system by visiting the 

Juul Labs Resource Center: https://www.juullabsretailer.com 

Contact the EAC Call Center: 1 (855) 780-7966 between 

9 AM to 9 PM ET 

Please reach out to your Juul Labs Representative if you have any questions. 

To combat underage use of JUUL products, Juul Labs is working with retailers 

across the U.S. to implement EAC within pre-existing point-of-sale system 

technology. Thank you for being a responsible retail partner and helping 

restrict underage access to JUUL products. 

This information is for retailer use only and is not for advertising or promotional purposes or 

intended for a consumer audience. 


ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 

Saving Grace 

Assyrian-Australian director debuts short film 

portraying Christian genocide in Mosul 

BY CAL ABBO 

Though terrorist threats and Christian hatred 

spread through Mosul, Grace’s father would 

not leave his home. The threat of ISIS hanging 

over his head, his life continued on. He knew he had 

to protect his daughter at all costs. Whatever happened 

to him didn’t matter. 

As days passed, the violence grew nearer. At the 

sound of gunshots just outside, he told Grace they 

would play hide and seek, a game they practiced time 

and time again, while he defended her with his life. 

This is the plot of “Grace,” an award-winning short 

film made by Assyrian/Chaldean director Brian Patto, 

who lives in Melbourne, Australia. The film was accepted 

to dozens of International Film Festivals in major cities 

across the world like Los Angeles, New York, Boston, 

San Francisco, Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, Moscow, 

London, Paris, Hong Kong, Vienna, Berlin, Budapest, 

Stockholm, Tokyo, Sao Paulo, and many more. 

At the Prague Indie Film Festival, “Grace” took 

over. It won four different categories, including best 

foreign short, best male director, best actor debut, 

and best actress debut. The film, which is ten minutes 

long, also won many other awards and finalist 

rankings throughout its tour. Most recently, it won 

Best Script in Sao Paulo last month. 

“Grace” was also nominated for an AACTA award, 

Australia’s version of America’s Academy Awards, for 

Best Short Form Drama, an apt nomination. The film 

tells a compelling and forceful story, complete with 

a murky, suspenseful set and excellent acting. Its 

most important feature, however, is its authenticity: 

“Grace” is shot entirely in Sureth. 

Patto was born in Iraq, but his family escaped 

from the homeland when he was two years old. He 

remembers nothing of his native country. At the age 

of four, they settled in Melbourne, where he has lived 

ever since. Melbourne and Sydney, the two largest 

cities in Australia, are home to around 40,000 Assyrians/Chaldeans. 

Patto graduated with an honors degree in multimedia 

from Swinburne University. He started as an 

editor before he began directing. Since then, he’s 

directed commercials for clients like Nissan, GMC, 

Schweppes, and the Australian government. 

The film’s journey, Patto said, began almost ten 

years ago, before Mosul fell to ISIS. “In 2008, there 

was some conflict between some families involving my 

cousin from Mosul,” he said. “Al-Qaeda came busting 

in one day. Long story short, he put his family in the 

backroom, took out his gun and there was a firefight.” 

During the battle, his cousin’s 5-year-old son was 

killed. The rest of the family eventually escaped to 

Australia. Patto approached his father about telling 

the story, who told Patto he should avoid it out of respect. 

“I asked myself, if I was in Mosul and I had 

to protect my daughter, whose name is Grace, while 

preserving her innocence, what would I do? I would 

disguise it as a game of hide and seek.” 

Patto’s film is a microscopic feature of one Mosul 

household in the summer of 2014. The dramatic fatherdaughter 

story is just a proof-of-concept, Patto said, for 

a full-length feature film which explores the detailed 

tragedy of the 2014 Christian purge at the hands of ISIS. 

And proof it is. The short film’s sweeping success, 

seemingly out of nowhere, launched Patto and his 

crew into the spotlight. Now they’re working on a full 

script which Patto expects to complete this year. 

“We need to raise around $15-20 million,” he said, 

stressing that they have to “do it right.” Patto already 

spoke with several investors and has locked in over 

$1 million. “The thing with film making is because 

it’s so challenging, oftentimes it’s all talk,” he said. 

“For me, this is personal. This film will get made.” 

For Patto, the short film, and eventually the fulllength 

film, contrasts heavily with mainstream coverage 

of the ISIS takeover in Mosul. Cable news offers 

30-second segments about the attacks that don’t do 

it justice and are forgotten within the day. A feature 

film, on the other hand, lasts forever. If done well, 

it will explore the emotional magnitude of the Chaldean 

exodus from Mosul. 

“We need to get backing. If we don’t get backing, 

it’s not that it won’t happen, but it will be very hard,” 

“The thing with film making is, 

because it’s so challenging, 

oftentimes it’s all talk. 

For me, this is personal. 

This film will get made.” 

– Brian Patto, Director 

Patto said. “I’m talking to as many people as I can 

around the world. Just connecting and trying to get 

people interested. You never know who might know 

someone and then you’re off.” 

Patto’s projected budget puts his movie well within 

the realm of feasibility. As a result, there’s a good 

chance that a large company like Netflix or Amazon 

will offer to fully fund the project in exchange for exclusive 

ownership rights. One of Patto’s wishes, however, 

is for the Assyrian/Chaldean community to own 

some portion of the movie. 

Just as well, he is dead-set on producing the full 

movie in Sureth. “It’s not about being the first,” he 

said, acknowledging that other movies have already 

been made in the ancient language. “I want to see 

something of high caliber in our native tongue. I want 

to be up against the big players. Ladies and gentlemen 

of the world: This is a language that derives from 

Aramaic, and it is still spoken around the world.” 

Patto’s career thus far has involved editing and directing 

for commercial clients. Only now has he entered 

into the private, creative space, where his own cultural 

experience and hardship is king. “It’s not about the 

money for me,” he said. “It’s about pride. This one here, 

this one’s personal. I want the film to come out, and say 

to the Assyrians and Chaldeans around the world: This 

is my tribute to you.” 


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EVENT 

Chaldean 

Chamber’s 

Fun After Five 

On Thursday, January 13, the Chaldean 

American Chamber of Commerce 

hosted the first of what they hope will 

be many events this year. The ‘Fun 

After Five’ quarterly networking meeting 

drew approximately fifty businesspeople 

to Zao Jun New Asian restaurant 

in Bloomfield Hills. The event 

was supported by Farbman Group and 

Lucido Fine Jewelry, who provided a 

door prize to one lucky winner. 

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OPPOSITE PAGE: 

1. A nice, lively 

crowd gathered 

for networking, 

some for the first 

time in almost 

two years. 

2. Left to right: 

Andy Batal and 

Wes Ayar of 

Urban Air. 

3. Rana Adou 

from Citizens 

State Bank was 

the lucky winner 

of the door prize. 


Michael Acho 

and Doron York. 


Barbara Meskin, 

Erika Rukas and 

Joe Crifasi. 

7 8 

6 

THIS PAGE: 


Joe Crifasi, Terry 

Judge, Dominic 

Fazzolari, Dan 

Lewkowicz, Tony 

Konja, and Mr. 

Singh. 

7. There was 

a nice mixture 

of young and 

experienced men 

and women at 

the event. 

8. Zao Jun 

provided tasty 

appetizers that 

were enjoyed 

by all. 

PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS 

CHALDEAN 

AMERICAN 

CHAMBER OF 

COMMERCE 


FOUNDATION 

SANA NAVARRETTE 

MEMBERSHIP MANAGER 

Safaa Macany 

VP of Mortgage 

Lending 

o: (248) 216-1255 

c: (248) 229-4422 

smacany@rate.com 

www.rate.com/SafaaMacany 

30600 Northwestern Hwy 

Suite 410 


CHALDEAN 

AMERICAN 

CHAMBER OF 

COMMERCE 

Guaranteed Rate NMLS: 2611 • NMLS ID: 138658, LO#: MI - 138658 


FOUNDATION 

SANA NAVARRETTE 

DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT 

30095 Northwestern Highway, Suite 101 


CELL (248) 925-7773 

TEL (248) 851-1200 

FAX (248) 851-1348 

snavarrette@chaldeanchamber.com 

www.chaldeanchamber.com 

www.chaldeanfoundation.org 

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in our business directory section! 

to place your ad, contact us today! 

phone: 248-851-8600 fax: 248-851-1348 

30095 Northwestern Highway, Suite 101 


Jaguar Land Rover Troy 

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1815 Maplelawn Drive 

Troy, MI 48084 

TEL 248-341-8015 

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ELIAS KATTOULA 

CAREER SERVICES MANAGER 

3601 15 Mile Road 

Sterling Heights, MI 48310 

TEL: (586) 722-7253 

FAX: (586) 722-7257 

elias.kattoula@chaldeanfoundation.org 

www.chaldeanfoundation.org


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FEBRUARY 2022

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