MARCH 2004

$2.50 VOL. 1 ISSUE II METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY
MARCH 2004
The Chaldean News
30095 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 102
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
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cover
XX
22 AN ARAMAIC VOICE
BY VANESSA DENHA
Broadcasting Chaldean issues in Aramaic
all over the world
CONTENTS
THE CHALDEAN NEWS VOLUME 1 ISSUE II
features
18 MA BASIMA!
BY CHALDEAN NEWS STAFF
The Chaldean American Ladies of Charity
are Cooking up a Book
MARCH 2004
ON THE COVER:
Shoki Konja, host of
“The Chaldean Voice”
PHOTO BY ALEX LUMELSKY
22
18
21 CHALDEANS GAINING CONFIDENCE
BY CHALDEAN NEWS STAFF
Designing a Dale Carnegie Training ® course for the
Chaldean community
26 SPRING INTO FASHION
BY CYNTHIA SAGMANI
Is it Fashionable or a Faux Pas?
28 A TIME FOR A CHANGE IN DETROIT
BY CHALDEAN NEWS STAFF
departments
4 FROM THE EDITOR
5 YOUR LETTERS
6 NOTEWORTHY
8 CHAI TIME
10 HALHOLE!
12 RELIGION
A list of churches with mass schedules
26
6
28
10
34
14 ECONOMICS AND ENTERPRISE
BREAKING NEW GROUND BY MERVIT BASHI
Birmingham’s Hunter House site
of a future full-service hotel
15 ONE-ON-ONE
An interview with an elected official
16 IRAQ TODAY
TARGET FROM TELKAIF BY OMAR BINNO
Attempted assasination of the mayor
27 ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Christ’s Passion Comes to Theaters BY CHALDEAN NEWS STAFF
30 THE DOCTOR IS IN
Cancer Awareness BY ANITA BODIYA, M.D. CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST
32 KIDS CORNER
33 QUESTION OF THE MONTH
How Should Saddam Hussein Be Punished?
34 EVENTS
AFD’s Black Tie Gala
MARCH 2004 CHALDEAN NEWS 3

from the EDITOR
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I’m excited to report that
the reaction from our community
on the first issue of
The Chaldean News was
outstanding. “Long overdue”
is the most common
phrase we have heard from
so many of you. We
received phone calls, e-mails
and cards congratulating us.
A gorgeous peace lily plant
graces the corner of our
offices - a gift from a supporter.
Your response to The Chaldean
News overwhelmed us. We thank
you again.
During the past few weeks, I
have heard from so many people I
never knew. It was especially flattering
to receive kudos from our own
community. As the issue was about
to debut, waiting for our readers’
reactions was both nerve-racking
and exciting. We also received constructive
criticism and we appreciate
that as much as we appreciate
your praise. We cannot grow without
your suggestions.
As time passes, this newsmagazine
will evolve and we will
improve. It’s inevitable, because we
are all dedicated to its success.
We are grateful to our advertisers.
Your support is appreciated
and we know that we will all benefit
from the relationship you are building
with the staff at The Chaldean
News. We are confident that reaching
this niche market through a oneof-a-kind
medium will suit your
needs.
This issue focuses on a voice -
one that needs to be heard. This
magazine is your voice. Many of you
are quoted in our articles, featured
in the announcement pages and
have written letters to the editor. We
believe it is vital that this community
is heard.
If not heard, you were seen.
Roving reporter Cindy Sagmani
covered the Neiman Marcus fashion
show at the Southfield Manor.
Our cameras snapped away at The
Chaldean American Chamber of
Commerce quarterly event, also at
Southfield Manor. We also made
VANESSA
DENHA
EDITOR
an appearance at the
Associated Food Dealers
annual dinner at Penna’s in
Sterling Heights and got
shots of many of you with
Governor Granholm and
Wayne County Executive
Robert Ficano.
Whether serious or fun,
much is happening in the
community and we hope
to capture it all. Our goal
is to provide a service - to give
something back to the community.
The team at “The Chaldean Voice”
is also made up of dedicated
Chaldeans who spend several
hours each week doing something
they love - broadcasting Chaldean
programs on the air. They do it
without monetary compensation
because they adore this community.
Read more about them in our
cover story.
Contributing writer Omar Binno
talked to relatives of the Mayor of
Telkaif following his attempted
assassination. In our “Question of
the Month” section, readers
shared with us what they believe
should be Saddam Hussein’s punishment.
If you are looking for a good film
to see, Mel Gibson’s “The Passion
of The Christ” is in theaters. We
talked to two people from the
Catholic community who are urging
people to see the film.
Read on, write back and learn
something new.
Alaha Imid Koullen
(God Be With Us All)
Vanessa Denha
vdenha@chaldeannews.com
Vanessa can be heard regularly on
WDEO AM 990 between 10 and 11
a.m. on the Teresa Tomeo show.
Letters to the editor can be sent via
email to vdenha@chaldeannews.com
or to: The Chaldean News, Letters to
the Editor, 30095 Northwestern Hwy.,
Ste 102, Farmington Hills, MI 48334
4 CHALDEAN NEWS MARCH 2004

your LETTERS
It’s About Time…
To the Editor,
Bravo, it’s about time, very
exciting, very proud.
I can’t express enough gratitude
and excitement over “our” new
professionally designed publication.
I could not put the newspaper
down. I had to read the whole
thing in one sitting. It was very
easy to read and gave me a strong
sense of attachment - immediately.
I look forward to the infinite possibilities
of where this newspaper
can take our rich and proud heritage.
Especially in this great country
that God has blessed us,
deeply, to be here.
Ed (Imad) Bahoura
Congrats
Congratulations and Thank You for
the Chaldean News. It is very
much enjoyed and appreciated.
Mary Kassa
Learning Something New
Dear Friends of the Chaldean
News, I am looking forward to
reading your newspaper. I have
always loved learning about people
and history. I believe that your
newspaper will help bridge a gap
between the knowledge I have
(small as it is) of those great
Chaldean people of old and
today’s courageous people who
have suffered various forms of
oppression throughout the years.
Sincerely,
Gloria (Pat) Gordon
What Professionalism
Congratulations on the inaugural
issue of The Chaldean News. The
professionalism conveyed in the
design and lay-out certainly carried
through to the content which I found
timely, pertinent and interesting!
Great work by Vanessa, Angelo
and the rest of the staff getting it all
together. Looking forward to bigger
and better things to follow!
Tremendous job!
Maher Sarafa
Mayor Needs Chaldean Rep
I read in the “Chaldean News” that
the Mayor’s office indicated that
prior to the Mayor’s statements,
there was a miscommunication
between the office and the community
with regard to the press
release. Someone should remind
the Mayor that we urged the Mayor
many, many, many, times to install a
Chaldean as a liaison in the Mayor’s
office. This would have never happened
if a Chaldean was in place
looking after our reasonable interests.
The fact that a non-Chaldean
represents us is the main reason all
of this happened (all due respect to
his appointee-how would he have
known).
The Mayor, unfortunately, is not in
tune to our needs, our problems, our
difficulties or our desires. He probably
believes that all the Chaldeans
want to do is to pillage the City and
to destroy the City’s youth.
Farmer Jack is bailing out, K-Mart
is leaving, and these two entities
received substantial accommodation
to do business in the city and
now they are abandoning it. Who
will be left? The answer is the
Chaldean Community, because
these retailers risk their lives every
single day to earn a living.
When is the Mayor’s office going
to give our community the respect it
deserves? Oh, I forgot, they do that
during election years, because
miraculously at that time our money
does not stink of 40 oz beers, Wild
Irish Rose and Zig Zags.
Joe Shallal
#YD1824JNW
2004 MDX
Bravo!
I am a teacher at West Bloomfield
High School. I am so proud of this
wonderful magazine. I am very cultured
about the Chaldeans and am
committed to maintaining our culture
to the day I die! I am so happy that
we have a magazine to call our own!
“Mabrook” on such an awesome
magazine!
Warmest Regards,
Crystal Jabiro
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THE CHALDEAN NEWS
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PHOTOGRAPHER
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
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Omar Binno
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MARCH 2004 CHALDEAN NEWS 5

NOTEworthy
LOCAL CENTER OPENS
TO HELP IRAQIS
The Iraqi American Center is an affiliation of Kurdish
Human Rights Watch (KHRW.) It is a humanitarian,
non-profit community based organization with its main
office in Virginia. Michigan’s office in Madison Heights
is the 7th office in the U.S. to open. There is also one
in Iraq. The organization helps refugees and immigrants
achieve successful resettlement. Some of the
services and programs include: family and marriage
enrichment classes, elderly and youth programs, translation
and interpretation services, immigration counseling
and orientation on the American and Iraqi cultures.
The Iraqi American Center in Michigan opened on
February 12. It is headed by Dunya Mikhail.
At the event from left to right, Dunya Mikhail with Katrin Michael and Karen Caird
(from Congressman Sander Levin’s office) with Anu Mekha.
AFTER 10 YEARS,
HAIR SALON OWNER GOES SOLO
Nadwa Yono is now the sole owner of Salone Nadwa and Day Spa in Novi
after 10 years of co-owning the business. The full-service salon and day spa
grossed more than $1 million during its first year. Nadwa has been in the
business for more than 22 years.
KERRY COMES OUT AHEAD
Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry won Michigan’s Democratic caucus,
capturing 52 percent of the vote and the bulk of the state’s 128 delegates
to the party’s nominating convention. Former Vermont Gov.
Howard Dean was in second place with 17 percent, followed by North
Carolina Sen. John Edwards at 14 percent. The Rev. Al Sharpton won
just over 7 percent, retired Gen. Wesley Clark held just under 7 percent,
and Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich was at 3 percent.
PIANO MAN,
CHALDEAN STYLE
You may already love Billy Joel and Elton
John, but there is a new name to add to
your favorites. Musician Steve Acho has
released his first original CD called
“Politix.” Acho spent years performing
in Detroit-area coffee houses and bars.
In 2002, he performed his song “United
We Stand” in Washington, D.C., during
a 9/11 anniversary tribute concert at
DAR Constitution Hall.
GOVERNOR GRANHOLM’S STATE OF THE STATE
ADDRESS OUTLINES PLAN TO CREATE MICHIGAN JOBS
Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm outlined her seven-point plan to grow
Michigan’s economy and create new jobs for Michigan workers in her second
State of the State Address before a joint session of the Michigan
Legislature.
“The state of the State tonight is one of total determination,” said
Granholm. “Michigan will become an economic powerhouse state in the
21st century. We will grow our economy by giving businesses the tools they
need to succeed and by improving the quality of life for all of our citizens.
To be an economic powerhouse, you can’t have one without the other.”
Granholm said that in the coming year, her administration will focus
on retaining manufacturers while also attracting new businesses to the
state, developing a 21st century workforce, creating “cool cities,”
ensuring quality educational opportunities, making health care more
accessible and affordable and protecting Michigan natural resources. In
addition to growing the economy and improving our quality of life, the
Governor also addressed the need to protect our citizens and their
hard-earned dollars.
FICANO ACKNOWLEDGES CHALDEANS
DURING THE STATE OF THE COUNTY SPEECH
In his state of the county address, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano
focused on regionalism and noted that government must work together and
not separately in order to move forward. He also said that government must
work with businesses and various groups. He acknowledged the Chaldean
Community as a partner in his efforts to move toward regionalism. In the
address Executive Ficano said, “We have brought together partners including
the Detroit Regional Chamber, the City of Detroit, the Arab American
Chamber, the Booker T. Washington Business Association leadership, the
Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce, small and Hispanic business
and other stakeholders who stand with us in this new direction. This represents
a regional approach that will work for all of us.”
[National]
IRAQI RELIGIOUS LIBERTY AND WOMEN’S
RIGHTS DISCUSSED IN WASHINGTON
Senate Republican Conference Chairman Rick Santorum (R-PA) and
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Chair of the Governmental Affairs
Committee, held a press conference to call on the Iraqi Governing Council
to protect individual religious freedom and women’s rights. The Senators
and outside experts discussed the drafting of Iraq’s constitution, and advocate
an Iraqi constitution that supports individual human rights and equality
for all Iraqis - men and women, Muslim and non-Muslim. Other speakers at
the event included Nina Shea, U.S. Commission on International Religious
Freedom, Joseph Kassab, President, Iraqi Chaldean National Congress,
Michigan, Tamara Sarafa Quinn, Women’s Alliance for a Democratic Iraq,
Zakia Ismail Hakki, former President, Kurdish Women’s Federation, Dr.
Eden Naby, Assyrian scholar, Harvard Divinity School and Dr. Imtihan
Jawdat, Chair, Sabean Mandean World Council. It was held at the U.S.
Capitol Building on Thursday, Feb. 12.
6 CHALDEAN NEWS MARCH 2004

PRESIDENT REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO ECONOMIC
AND POLITICAL FREEDOMS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Last month, President Bush reaffirmed his commitment to greater economic and
political freedoms for the people of the Middle East. In a speech at the Library of
Congress, he announced greater funding for democratic and economic reforms as
well as the creation of a new Middle East television network.
President Bush also proclaimed a change in America’s history of foreign policy
shortcomings toward the people of the Middle East, stating: “For too long, American
policy looked away while men and women were oppressed, their rights ignored and
their hopes stifled. That era is over, and we can be confident. As in Germany, and
Japan, and Eastern Europe, liberty will overcome oppression in the Middle East.”
President Bush Meets With Iraqi Fulbright Scholars
President Bush met with the first class of Iraqi Fulbright students to come to the
United States in 14 years. The arrival of a new group of Fulbright scholars marks yet
another step in Iraq’s journey toward rejoining the international community.
PHOTO BY PAUL MORSE/WHITE HOUSE
Above: President George W. Bush meets with 25 Iraqi Fulbright
Scholars in the Roosevelt Room on Feb. 3. Reestablished in October
of 2003, the Fulbright Program offers its scholarship recipients the
opportunity to study at American universities.
Above left: Senator Santorum (R-PA) speaks at the press conference
appealing for individual religious freedom and women's rights in the Iraq
constitution. With him in the picture are on the left, Sen. Collins (R-ME), and
on the right, Joseph Kassab (President, Iraqi Chaldean National Congress of
Michigan) and Zakia Ismail Hakki (former President of the Kurdish
Women's Federation). Above right: Center Director Nina Shea (center),
Sen. Santorum, left, and Joseph Kassab, right.
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RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS
THREATENED IN IRAQ
In a letter to Ambassador Paul Bremer, Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum
expressed his concerns regarding religious freedoms in Iraq. “Iraq’s new
constitution should clearly and unequivocally set forth the right of everyone
to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This is not only consistent
with core American values, but it is also internationally accepted language
of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” wrote Santorum.
In the letter, Santorum talked about the Chaldean Church, the history
of the Chaldeans and how the population in Iraq has decreased over
time with thousands of Chaldeans settling in Michigan and California.
In a response, Bremer agreed with the senator’s views regarding religious
freedoms. He wrote, “Ensuring human rights, including religious
freedom, for all Iraqis is central to the mission of the Coalition
Provisional Authority (CPA). The Iraqi Governing Council (IGC) and the
CPA have already agreed that Transitional Administration Law will
include a Bill of Rights providing for freedom of speech and religion, as
well as a statement concerning the equal rights of all Iraqis, regardless
of gender, sect or ethnicity. The Bill of Rights will also guarantee due
process. The Transitional Administrative Law is scheduled to be
approved Feb. 28.”
Fax press releases or news items to the Editorial Department at 248-932-9161
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MARCH 2004 CHALDEAN NEWS 7

CHAI time
CHALDEANS CONNECTING
COMMUNITY EVENTS IN AND AROUND METRO DETROIT MARCH 2004
[Monday, March 1]
Seniors Bingo first Monday of each month at
the Chaldean Manor, sponsored by The
Chaldean American Ladies of Charity (CALC).
[Wednesday, March 10]
Our Lady of Chaldean Cathedral
Mother of God Parish is sponsoring
the annual dinner honoring
His Excellency Mar Ibrahim N. Ibrahim
at 7:30 p.m. at The Southfield Manor.
Donations are $250.00 per couple.
Proceeds from this dinner will go to support the
Chaldean Seminary Endowment Fund. Special
thanks to all Chaldean Parishes in Metro Detroit.
[Friday, March 19]
The Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce
first annual dinner is being held at the Southfield
Manor at 6 p.m. Tickets are $100.00 and can be
purchased by calling 248-538-3700.
[Saturdays in March]
Strengthening Chaldean Families Program,
Sponsored by The Chaldean American Ladies of
Charity. For information, call CALC at 248-352-5018.
[March]
Deals on Clothes for metro Detroiters in the month
of March. Ann Taylor Loft at Great Lakes Crossing
in Auburn Hills is aiming to pique your interest with
a tempting spring preview sale. With every $50 you
spend through March, the store forks over a $25
savings card valid toward your next purchase of
$50 or more. Great Lakes is at 4000 Baldwin
Road in Auburn Hills. For more information, go
to www.shopgreatlakescrossing.com or call
(248) 332-5208.
[March/April]
Chaldean Federation of America encourages
all 2003/2004 High School, College and
Graduate students to attend the 22nd Annual
Commencement ceremony and to fill in the
applications to apply for:
1. Academic scholarship
2. Newcomer’s scholarship
3. H. S essay award
4. College essay award
5. Commencement yearbook
The deadline is Friday April 30th 2004.
For more info, view this website.
www.chaldeanfederation.org/
Please let us know what is going in the community.
Fax your information to The Chaldean News Editorial
Department. Subject: Chai Time Fax: 248-932-9161
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8 CHALDEAN NEWS MARCH 2004

MARCH 2004 CHALDEAN NEWS 9

HALHOLE!
[Engagements]
Ban Fani Suolaka and Jibran (Jim) Manna
Ban Fani Suolaka, daughter of George and Khariya
Suolaka and Jibran (Jim) Manna, son of Frank and
Hanna Manna announce their plans for marriage. The
wedding is taking place in the summer of 2004. Stay
tuned for all the festivities.
Juanita Semaan and Derek Dabish
Juanita Semaan, Daughter of Nebil and Amira is heading
to the chapel to marry Derek Dabish, Son of Adil and
Zahia. In July, they will wed at Mother of God Church
and celebrate their nuptials at the Southfield Manor. The
two were engaged in October 2003.
Lena Foumia and Daniel Tauro
Lena Foumia will marry Daniel (Danny) Tauro in July. The
two met in Boston after she took a job at WHDH-TV.
Danny is self employed and has owned his company
Logan Glass for the past five years. Their wedding will be
held at Mother of God Church. They will celebrate with
both families at the Southfield Manor. Although their backgrounds
are very similar, they are both excited about introducing
Boston’s Italian community to Metro Detroit’s
Chaldean community. Lena’s parents are Fahmi and Jalila
Foumia and Danny’s parents are Benito and Debora Tauro.
[Births]
Joseph John Abbo
A bundle of joy came tumbling into the Abbo household.
Joseph John was born on January 21 at 2:40 p.m. He
weighed 7 lbs and 15 ounces and was 20 inches long.
He is the second child to John and Jennifer Abbo.
Joseph has an older brother Michael who is two-yearsold.
He is also the grandson to Frank and Mary Thomas
and Michael and Dora Abbo. Joseph’s Godparents are
Richard Abbo and Kim Thomas. Joseph was born four
days after his first cousin John Edward Haddad.
John Edward Haddad
Pam and John Haddad welcomed their first child John
Edward born on January 17th at 3:58 am, on his “Jiddo”
Edward Haddad’s birthday. Baby John was born six weeks
early and weighed 5 pounds and was 19 inches. He is
among six grandchildren to Frank and Mary Thomas and the
8th grandchild to the late Edward and late Elizabeth Haddad.
John’s Godparents are his aunt Kim and uncle Jerry Thomas.
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10 CHALDEAN NEWS MARCH 2004

Grant Peter LeMay
Jacqueline Acho LeMay and John LeMay welcomed their
second child Grant Peter. He is the brother to Sophie and
grandchild to Pete and Barbara Acho. Grant arrived into
the world at 3:16 am on Super Bowl Sunday. He weighed
7 lbs and was 19 inches. The family is doing well and they
thank everyone who offered support and good wishes.
Nina Domenica DiCicco
Renee George and Ben DiCicco are the proud parents
of Nina Domenica born on December 9, 2003. She
weighed 6 lbs and 11 0z. She was 20” long at birth.
Nina is also the granddaughter to Lilly and the late Bill
George.
[Wedding]
Eve Sitto and Marvin Putrus
Marvin Putrus, son of Mawfek and Nawal Putrus married
Eve Sitto, daughter of Nouri and Nazhat Sitto on
Sunday, December 21, 2003 at Mother of God
Church. The reception was held at Penna’s in Sterling
Heights. The best man was Javen Putrus, brother of
the groom and the maid of honor was Vivienne Sitto,
first cousin to the bride.
PHOTOGRAPHER WANTED
The Chaldean News is looking for an
experienced and creative photographer.
Please send samples of work and resume to
The Chaldean News,
Attention: Editorial Department,
Subject: Photographer
You can email to info@chaldeannews.com or send to:
30095 Northwestern Highway, Suite 102
Farmington Hills, MI 48334.
SHARE YOUR
JOY
WITH THE COMMUNITY!
Please email announcements with a photo to the Chaldean News to:
vdenha@chaldeannews.com. Mail to: Chaldean News; c/o Editor; Subject:
Announcements; 30095 NW Hwy, Ste 102; Farmington Hills, MI 48334
(hard copy of photos can be picked up after the first of the month)
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46509 Hayes Road • Shelby Twp, MI 48315 • By Appointment
586-566-7800
www.laurasbridalcollection.com
MARCH 2004 CHALDEAN NEWS 11

RELIGION
PLACES OF PRAYER
CHALDEAN CHURCHES IN AND AROUND METRO DETROIT
THE DIOCESE OF ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE IN THE UNITED STATES
ST. THOMAS CHALDEAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE
Mar (Bishop) Ibrahim N. Ibrahim
www.chaldeandiocese.org
MOTHER OF GOD CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
25585 Berg Road, Southfield, MI 48034; 248-356-0565
PASTOR: Rev. Manuel Boji
PAROCHIAL VICAR: Rev. Wisam Matti
MASS SCHEDULE: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. in
Sourath (Aramaic) and Arabic, Tuesday 5:50 p.m. in Sourath and Arabic,
Saturday 5:30 p.m. in English, Sunday 8:30 a.m. in Arabic and Sourath,
10 a.m. in English, 12 p.m. in Sourath
SACRED HEART CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
310 W. Seven Mile Road, Detroit, MI 48203, 313-368-6214
PASTOR: Rev. Jacob Yasso
MASS SCHEDULE: Monday - Saturday 5 p.m. in Sourath, Sunday 8:30 a.m. in
Arabic and Sourath, 10 a.m. in English, 12 p.m. in Sourath
MAR ADDAI CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
24010 Coolidge Hwy, Oak Park, MI 48237, 248-547-4648
PASTOR: Rev. Stephen Kallabat
PAROCHIAL VICAR: Rev. Shlaman Denha
MASS SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday 10 a.m in Sourath, Sunday 10 a.m. in
Sourath and Arabic, 12:30 p.m. in Sourath
ST. JOSEPH CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
2442 E. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, MI 48083, 248-528-3676
PASTOR: Rev. Emanuel Shaleta
PAROCHIAL VICAR: Rev. Jirjis Abrahim
MASS SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday 10 a.m in Sourath, Saturday 5 p.m. in
Soureth, Sunday 8 a.m. in Soureth,10 a.m. in English, 12 p.m. Soureth, 2
p.m. in Soureth and Arabic
ST. THOMAS CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
6900 Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322, 248-788-2460
PASTOR: Rev. Frank Kalabat
PAROCHIAL VICAR: Rev. Emanuel Rayes
MASS SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday 10 a.m. in Sourath, Saturday 5 p.m. in
English, Sunday 10 a.m. in English, 12 p.m. in Sourath
ST. TOMA SYRIAC CATHOLIC CHURCH
2560 Drake Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48335, 248-478-0835
PASTOR: Rev. Toma Behnama
MASS SCHEDULE: Sunday 12 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 6 p.m. All
masses are in Syriac, Arabic and English
MARCH CALENDAR
KEY OBSERVATION DATES
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
MARCH 7
22nd Anniversary of the Ordination of Bishop Ibrahim Ibrahim
as Bishop of our Diocesee
MARCH 19
Memorial of St. Joseph
obituary
Joseph Louis Elia
Joseph Louis Elia, husband to Mary John (Assar) passed
away on January 22, 2004. He is also survived by his son
Michael , brothers Eddie, Ramzi, sisters Marcelle Kirma,
Suad Najor, Ramzia Shouni, and Madeline Bachawa. He
is also the brother to the late Kamal Elia. He was the son
of the late Wardana Elia. Mr. Elia was 81.
12 CHALDEAN NEWS MARCH 2004

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MARCH 2004 CHALDEAN NEWS 13

ECONOMICS and ENTERPRISE
Breaking New Ground
Birmingham’s Hunter House site of new full-service hotel
BY MERVIT BASHI
Big things are in store for long-time
Birmingham mainstay The Hunter House.
Kalabat Construction, along with Victor
Saroki & Associates Architects, is planning a
major $26-million hotel building project at the
location of The Hunter House restaurant and
Sunoco gas station on the northwest corner of
Maple and Woodward.
The Hilton Hotel Project, as it is called, will
result in a five-story, 120-room hotel.
The top-notch, full-service hotel will feature
restaurants, a bar and a banquet facility to
accommodate 250 people. The top floor will consist
of 15 executive apartments. Fitness facilities
will include a complete health club with an indoor
pool. To ensure that parking is not a concern for
guests, three floors of underground parking will
be included as well.
“Negotiations are underway with one of the
most well-known chefs and restaurant owners in
town, to team up in order to provide the best food
and quality of service in Birmingham,” said Ismat
Karmo of Delta Hotels, the hospitality management
company that will manage the new hotel.
According to Jamal Kalabat, CEO of Kalabat
Construction, the hotel is being built in a prime
location. “It’s the gateway to the downtown
area,” he said.
In addition, those involved with the project
expect to draw more business and leisure travelers
to Birmingham.
Loyal Hunter House patrons need not worry,
though. The original Hunter House, dating as far
back as perhaps the 1940s, will be replicated on
the first floor of the building. Famous for its “sliders,”
restaurant goers will still be able to satisfy
their burger cravings by the dozen.
The restaurant is presently operational, and is
scheduled to be closed for business only during
construction.
The Hilton Hotel is an addition to the other highrise
structures in the area. “The City of Birmingham
has been very supportive and interested in the
future of this project,” said Karmo. At a time when
downtown Birmingham has truly become a thriving
locale, entrepreneurs see an opportunity to contribute
to the economic growth of the community.
Speaking of the prospective Hilton Hotel,
Kalabat said, “There is a market demand for it.”
Well known for numerous residential and
commercial achievements, Kalabat Construction
is credited with buildings such as St. Toma
Church and Hall in Farmington Hills.
In addition, Birmingham architectural firm
Victor Saroki & Associates Architects was
responsible for the design of the prominent
Townsend Hotel in Birmingham.
Kalabat Construction and Delta Hotels have
already partnered on the Holiday Inn Express venture
in Waterford. Together, they plan on building
or acquiring three hotels during the next two years.
Groundbreaking for the Hilton Hotel is set for
early fall 2004. Construction should be complete
in mid-2005.
Birmingham’s
Hunter House
PHOTO BY VANESSA DENHA
MANZO
E Y E C A R E
David L. Manzo, M.D.
LASIK/EXCIMER SPECIALIST
and General Ophthalmologist
SALES REP WANTED
The Chaldean News is searching for a qualified
sales rep to work full-time covering the Metro
Detroit Area. If you are highly motivated and a
self-starter, please call Silvia at 248-932-3100.
27776 WOODWARD AVE., ROYAL OAK
(ACROSS FROM WESTBORN MARKET)
PHONE: 248-541-4200
30095 NORTHWESTERN HIGHWAY, SUITE 102 • FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334
PHONE: 248-932-3100 • FAX: 248-932-9161
14 CHALDEAN NEWS MARCH 2004

ONE-on-ONE
Shulman Supports The Community
In Every issue, the Chaldean News will talk to
an elected official. This month we sat down
with State Representative Marc Shulman from
the 38th District. Rep. Shulman was first elected
to serve the 39th District in the Michigan House
of Representatives in 1998. Rep. Shulman was
appointed Chairman of the influential House
Appropriations Committee for the 91st
Legislature and is currently serving a second
term as Chairman. He is also Chairman of the
sub-committee on Economic Development
Council/Michigan Strategic Fund.
CHALDEAN NEWS: You are an elected official
covering a district where a large Chaldean population
resides, what have your learned from this
community?
SHULMAN: The people are hardworking individuals
committed to their families and wanting to
insure that their children get a good education.
They have a sense of community and patriotism
toward this country.
CN: This is a difficult budget crisis — how could the
Chaldean Community be directly affected by this?
SHULMAN: Many items funded by the state
were eliminated by the millions as a result of the
lack of money. The fact that the community was
able to get some funding to start with to me is a
sign of respect and importance that the state has
shown to the culture ands the Chaldean people.
In the future, I am pleased to continue to look for
funding sources for programs, education, and
other needs. I am very proud to have stood up
with your leadership on this issue and will always
be there for you in the future.
CN: In the past, the Chaldean community has
felt shorted by the state, in terms of getting funding
for the community center - do you see this
changing? Do you see us getting any funding for
the Community Center in the 2004 ?
SHULMAN: Many of the Governor’s
tax increases are directed to small
businesses. A proposed 75 cents
increase in the cigarette tax and an
increase in the tax on alcohol will
hurt many small businesses. We
cannot continue to place the money
shortfall on the backs of hard working
people who have taken risks and
used their sweat to make a living for
their family.
CN: How do you think members of
the Chaldean Community could get
involved in Economic Development
in the State?
SHULMAN: Some members
already have and as Chairman not
only of the entire Appropriations
Shulman
committee but also the subcommittee on economic
development, I will immediately work with
your community to set up a meeting with the new
director and board members to discuss what
opportunities there are which are many.
CN: Often, people think by donating to campaigns
they have done their part in the political
process. What advice do you have for the community
to get more involved in politics?
SHULMAN: Begin at the grass roots level, to get
involved with candidates who understand your
positions on issues. Also get involved at the local
level on Boards of Zoning, appeal boards of education,
anywhere you can make a difference. Your
investment in time will result in changes you want.
CN: Keeping abreast of the issues is not
always easy, what suggestions do you have for
people before they cast their vote, so they know
exactly who and what they are voting for?
SHULMAN: Read the papers
including your own community
paper. Also, don’t be afraid to
bring candidates in to talk and
ask them hard questions.
Your community has been
doing an excellent job in
informing the community.
CN: Your district covers West
Bloomfield and Commerce, and
in the past residents have complained
about not having
enough after school programming,
are there efforts in the
state to offer more programs for
students?
SHULMAN:
The Governor
has cut funding directly targeted
to the “wealthier districts.”
West Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills, Troy, and
Walled Lake will suffer because of these cuts.
Thus, the community must work hard to find
other sources because after school programs are
going to be affected.
CN: As chair of the house appropriations committee,
what does that mean for your constituents?
SHULMAN: Increased opportunities to secure
funding for needed services that might not be
available otherwise.
CN: What are your predictions for the
Presidential race? Will this be a close race?
SHULMAN: Presidential races are always close
and this one is no different. The key issues are
jobs and national security.
CN: Rumors are afloat, since you are term limited,
that your wife might run for you seat?
SHULMAN: My wife Lois would be a very effective
legislator and is giving it serious consideration.
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MARCH 2004 CHALDEAN NEWS 15

iraq TODAY
target from telkaif
Attempted assassination of the mayor
BY OMAR BINNO
Just a few weeks ago,
Chaldeans in Iraq almost
lost a leader.
On January 24, 2004, Wadhah
Dallo, the Mayor of Telkaif was
nearly assassinated after leaving a
government officials meeting in
Nineveh, the Iraqi state to which
Telkaif belongs. Dallo, 34 had
just left the building where the
meeting was held, when a barrage
of gunfire opened from all sides.
Dallo and his bodyguards were
able to escape by car, while their
would-be assailants pursued them
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to the outskirts of Telkaif.
Dallo forbade the members of his
bodyguard to retaliate with gunfire,
because of the innocent bystanders
on the streets and in their cars.
“He loves his people, and Telkaif,” Awrahen
said. “He always wanted to see Chaldeans
united with the other communities of Iraq.”
“Wadhah did not want anybody to
get hurt,” said Dallo’s cousin, Mahir
Awrahen. “He was more concerned
with the other people’s safety than
to fight back at these attackers.”
According to sources close to
Dallo, the assailants did not
appear to be Iraqi civilians.
“We’re not sure who they were,”
Awrahen said. “Witnesses are sure
though that the attackers did not
look Iraqi at all. My cousin wasn’t
even concerned with who was
behind it. All he was worried
about was that no innocent civilians
got caught in the gunfire.”
Dallo was born on March 5,
1970. He has three brothers and
five sisters. He graduated from
Mosul University with a Bachelors
of Science in mathematics. He consistently
engaged in social and
political functions as an active
voice for the Chaldean population
in Iraq, especially those of his
native village of Telkaif. “He loves
his people, and Telkaif,” Awrahen
said. “He always wanted to see
Chaldeans united with the other
communities of Iraq.”
Dallo was elected Mayor of
Telkaif in August of 2003. In a
period of recovery and rebuilding
for Iraq, Dallo’s election was timely.
While turmoil, strife, and war
had ravaged the country for years,
its people were left sundered, one
community from another, under
the rule of a brutal dictator who
knew no justice or mercy.
As Iraq continues to recover
from years of economic deprivation,
it is the ideal time for people
like Dallo to be the voice for
Chaldeans from the smaller villages
in order for them to be heard
throughout the country. “After
years, even centuries of not getting
recognized, Wadhah wants
Chaldeans to stand out among the
Iraqi people,” said Awrahen. “He
was always active in his community
in Telkaif, and I’m sure he’s
going to keep standing up for his
village and his people.”
As the Iraqi people walk on the
road to a better life, government
continues to provoke us and keep
us wondering what the future
holds. As Chaldeans in United
States and abroad seek to stand
out as an identifiable group in the
world, Dallo strives to maintain
the Chaldean identity in Iraq
where they can have a distinct
place in the pages of their own
country’s history books.
16 CHALDEAN NEWS MARCH 2004

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MARCH 2004 CHALDEAN NEWS 17

ma basima!
18 CHALDEAN NEWS MARCH 2004

The Chaldean American
Ladies of Charity
are Cooking up a Book
FATOUSH
BY VENUS SADEK
SALAD
1 head of romaine lettuce - cut up
6 pickling cucumbers - sliced
1 large tomato cubed
2 tablespoon purple onion chopped
1 green pepper chopped
1/2bunch parsely chopped
1/4bunch of mint chopped
2 tablespoons of basil chopped
(optional)
1 loaf syrian (pita) bread cut into
small squares and toasted
What’s that we say when something tastes oh so
good? We say, “Ma Basima!” (how good). That
phrase is the title of the cookbook the Chaldean
American Ladies of Charity (CALC) are brewing in the kitchen.
It is a work in progress and the result of a contest the women
organized last year. CALC has been collecting recipes in order to
preserve the history and culture of the community. Selected
recipes were available for tasting at the Middle Eastern Cuisine
with a “Chaldean Flair” Taste Fest and Cook-Off, held last
September at the Birmingham Community House. More than 450
people who attended the event tasted more than 60 different and
delectable recipes.
“This cookbook is important because we want to impress on our
children the significance of their past, so that they can preserve
our traditions in the future, said event co-chair Diane Karmo.
The cookbook will feature more than 100 recipes ranging from
horse devours to deserts with main courses highlighted throughout
the book. Winner in several categories from the event, Venus
Sadek is anxious for the book to be published. “Most people get
their recipes from their moms or mother-in-laws, but few people
write them down and pass them on,” said Sadek. When someone
dies, those wonderful recipes die with her.”
As they make final changes to the book, the women are actively
searching for a publisher. They plan to sell the book all over the
U.S. and abroad. “The Chaldean community has a rich culture
that so many people can enjoy and this book will allow them to do
that,” said Sadek.
DRESSING
Mix together:
1 teaspoon oregano or (zataar -
Lebanese Oregano)
1 teaspoon sumak
1/4teaspoon cinnamon
Dash of hot red pepper
Dash of black pepper
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
1 juiced lemon (@ 1/4 cup) or to
taste
1/4cup olive oil
Mix ingredients together and add
toasted bread to salad before serving.
(Sumak and zataar can be purchased
at your local middle eastern stores.)
Serves 6-8
MARCH 2004 CHALDEAN NEWS 19

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20 CHALDEAN NEWS MARCH 2004

chaldeans gaining
confidence
Designing a Dale Carnegie Training ®
course for the Chaldean community
BY CHALDEAN NEWS STAFF
Sabah Hermiz (Summa), Pleasant
Ridge, signed up for Dale Carnegie
Training in 1978, but two weeks
before he was to start the 12-week course, he
injured his right vocal cord during a soccer
game and, for more than a year, wasn’t able to
talk. Even though the injury caused permanent
damage to his voice, he never lost interest
in the course and was determined to
enroll. Hermiz graduated 23 years
later.
“I wish I had taken it sooner,”
said Hermiz in a scratchy, whisper-like
tone. “I was afraid because
of my voice and people’s perception
of me; it’s such a challenge to
speak.”
The course he feared to enroll in,
at some level, helped him overcome
that same fear - of talking. Hermiz
was so impressed by the course that
he is organizing a tailored-made
program for the Chaldean community
through the Chaldean
American Chamber of Commerce.
In fact, the engineer’s passion for
Dale Carnegie Training is so strong
that he plans to be a teacher’s assistant
during the course.
Dale Carnegie organizers will offer a free
introductory session at the Southfield Manor.
To entice attendants, the 12-week course
organized by the Chaldean Chamber will be
offered at a discounted rate.
Developed more than 90 years ago by Dale
Carnegie, a farmer by trade, the training helps
people hone skills in leadership, communication,
management, sales, customer service,
team building and adapting to change.
“Studies have shown that public speaking is
rated as the number one fear,” said Kathy
Tosoian, a certified instructor of Dale Carnegie
Training. “Death is the number seven fear, and
that is why they say, ‘I would rather die than
speak in public.’”
Helping students to be confident public
speakers is a focal point of the course and one
of Carnegie’s original concepts almost a century
ago. Tosoian customizes her workshops for
corporations on such topics as customer service,
stress management, networking, business
etiquette, presentation skills and relationship
building. She will teach the course offered to
“Studies have shown that public speaking is rated
as the number one fear.” — KATHY TOSOIAN
Sabah Hermiz and Kathy Tosoian
the Chaldean community.
“Mr. Carnegie believed that in order to get
ahead in life, people needed to be able to talk
out their issues,” said Tosoian. “He wanted to
give them the tools they needed - self-confidence
- to go out on their own in the world and
overcome their fears.”
Not all fears are created equally.
“The classes teach you to fine-tune your talents,”
said Hermiz. “You will learn to work on
your weaknesses and enhance your strengths,
whatever they may be.” People of all ages, all
levels of education and from all over the world
have graduated from Dale Carnegie Training.
There are more than 160 training locations in
80 countries. More than 400 of the FORTUNE
500 companies have offered the training to
their employees.
Whether participants deal with people oneon-one
or in groups, both Hermiz and Tosoian
say everyone benefits from the philosophies
taught in Dale Carnegie Training. “I lose my
train of thought often,” said Hermiz, “and I am
a very timid speaker; the course helped me deal
with those issues, as well.”
Most classes include approximately 40 students,
and by the end of the three months, the
students share a close bond. “It’s like we are a big
family,” said Hermiz. “We helped each other
overcome our fears.” If anyone is interested in the
Dale Carnegie Class call: 248-478-5318.
MARCH 2004 CHALDEAN NEWS 21

an
aramaic
an
voice
Broadcasting Chaldean issues in Aramaic all over the world
BY VANESSA DENHA
They have come a long way since the closet space
below the flight of stairs in the basement of Mother of
God Church in Southfield, the place where they once
broadcasted “The Chaldean Voice,” originally known as “Voice
of the Chaldean Youth.” Today, 24 years later, the studio is in a
comfortable apartment on the third floor of the Chaldean
Manor in Southfield complete with state-of-the-art broadcast
equipment, a bathroom and a kitchen. On this day, it resembled
a Chaldean family’s home with hot chai (tea) on the stove.
It all started in 1979. Mar (Bishop) Sarhad and the late Mar
(Bishop) Garmo started the church’s radio show focusing on religious
issues. A year later, the two clergymen approached members
of the Chaldean American Youth Club and asked that they host
an entertainment-type show for the younger generation.
Over the years, much has changed including the cost to air
the program, the radio stations they leased time from and the
length of the show. It went from a one-hour show to a two-hour
show in a short time span. At one point, the show aired five
hours a week. However, one thing that never changed was the
love for the community and their commitment to the show.
Even in 1981, when the show faced financial difficulties and
the church ended its program, the team never gave up.
“Bishop Ibrahim, who was in California at the time, called
and asked us if we could continue both hours of the program,”
said Shoki Konja, one of the original hosts of the youth club’s
program. “When we expanded into two hours, our community
was there for us with donations and paid for commercials.”
That is how they continue to operate the show. “One listener,
a woman on welfare, is so dedicated to ‘The Chaldean Voice’
that she has been sending a $10 check every month for the past
three years,” said Konja. On the show’s 25th anniversary, the
team at “The Chaldean Voice” plans on honoring that woman
in a special way.
Since the days when they taped their show in a space that
only one person could stand up in, the show has expanded in
coverage and airtime. The crowded corridors in those days
meant that the on-air talent would have to leave the closet
space for the next person to go on the air. In fact, if someone
had to use the restroom, it caused a bit of a commotion.
Today, on AM 690, the show is not only heard throughout the
22 CHALDEAN NEWS MARCH 2004

Metro Detroit area, where the majority of Chaldeans in America
live, but the signal also reaches London, Ontario, and Toledo, Ohio.
“We wanted to reach more of the community as they expanded to
the east side, across Michigan and beyond,” recalled Konja.
Known personality Konja also serves as a producer of the weekly
talk show and works with a team of people who serve as producers,
writers, hosts, engineers and sound directors. The group
includes Saher Yaldo, Dhia Babbie, Intisar Yono, Mahar Kanona,
Janan Sinawi, Najib Konja, Salam Yaldko and Saher Haddad.
Many members of the team contribute between 20 and
30 hours of work per week to the weekly broadcast. The show is
written, produced and aired by dedicated
members of the community; not one
of them is paid for their services. They
volunteer their time and donate their
talents to a medium they admire - radio.
Often, they dip into their own pocketbooks
to pay for expenses, including
minidisks and CDs — needed equipment
to keep the program running.
They do all of this for the community.
This show, The Chaldean Voice, is
what keeps those people who are interested
abreast of timely issues. Whether
in the car, at the local coffee shop or sitting
in their family rooms, Chaldeans
across Metro Detroit tune in every week
to hear the latest news around town,
across the country and overseas. The
announcers broadcast death notices
and even take song dedications from
listeners. On any given Saturday, people can call in and dedicate
a song, often written by Konja, for a loved one getting married,
having a birthday or celebrating the birth of a child. Konja
is known to have written and produced more than a hundred
songs performed by different members of the community, which
are played on the air.
Just like the founders had envisioned, the show is primarily
in Aramaic with a splash of English, and the last part of every
show is in Arabic. Dhia Babbie spends more than 20 hours each
week producing the last half hour of the show called “Colors
and Branches.” He hosts the show in Arabic and said it is similar
to ABC’s Paul Harvey’s “Rest of the Story,” and syndicated
broadcaster Mort Crimm’s “Second Thoughts.”
“We do a commentary on news,” said Babbie. “We
search the Internet for stories. With help, I produce and host
my own commentary, and at the end of it I explain the moral to
the story.” He concludes the segment with music that ties into
the theme of his news and commentary.
His segment has made an impact on the world. One
Back row, from left to right: Fowzi Dalli, Intsar Yono, Saher Yaldo, Maher Kanona and Salam
Yaldiko. Front row, from left: Shoki Konja and Dhia Babbie
commentary resulted in former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein
changing his policy on an important issue. “About two years
ago, Saddam Hussein ordered that no one in Iraq name their
children after Christian names and could only use Muslim
names,” recalled Babbie. “We talked about that on the air and
caused a huge reaction. Patriarch Delly, who was the bishop in
Iraq at the time, got involved and we called the Iraqi Embassy
AN ARAMAIC VOICE continued on page 24
PHOTOS BY WILSON SARKIS
Above, from
opposite page,
left to right:
Shoki Konja,
Maher Kanona,
Dhia Babbie,
Intsar Yono,
Saher Yaldo
and Dhia
Babbie in the
music library
MARCH 2004 CHALDEAN NEWS 23

AN ARAMAIC VOICE
continued from page 23
in Washington. We were very serious
about this issue.” Saddam
backed off after all the controversy
he had caused, and the policy
never took effect. Chaldeans in
Iraq continued to name their children
after other Christians.
In 1985, they formed a corporation
called The Chaldean
Communication Network.
Under the network, the team
puts on several events, including
the Chaldean Arts
Festival. They are also on
hand to videotape and audio
record several church events they
eventually broadcast during the
show, including seminars organized
and lectured by Mar Ibrahim and
Mar Sarhad.
“Mar Sarhad was in town doing a
lecture and we hooked up to the
Internet and people were able to ask
questions from all over the word,”
said Saher Yaldo. “It was amazing.”
In 1998, they touted “The
Chaldean Voice” as being the only
Chaldean broadcast radio show
heard around the globe. “The bishop
(His Excellency Ibrahim) used to
say that he wished for the day we
could be heard from all over the
world,” recalled Yaldo. “The
Internet came into play and we did
research on how to broadcast to
more than just our current listeners.”
Yaldo and the team found a
company in Texas that hosted the
program on their website. Because
they had to record in real time, it
took them several hours just to
download onto the site. They
eventually built their own website
in 2000.
“Our site became very popular,”
said Yaldo. “We do live shows and
interview people from Baghdad
and Europe.” All you need on the
other end of your computer is a
microphone, and once you log on
to the site, you can talk to the
hosts of “The Chaldean Voice.”
To have even more of an
“One listener, a woman on welfare, is
so dedicated to ‘The Chaldean Voice’
that she has been sending a $10 check
every month for the past three years,”
said Konja.
impact on listeners, the team has
taken the show on the road. This
past summer, Konja, along with a
producer, broadcasted from
Baghdad during the U.S. Iraqi
Freedom mission. Listeners heard,
live on-the-air, gunshots in the
background while Konja described
the war scene on the streets of the
Iraqi capitol.
They have come a long way in
the past 24 years, but the team is
not settling on what they have now.
They are dreaming of owning their
own radio station and broadcasting
in Aramaic 24 hours a day, seven
days a week. They also want to produce
more television shows in
Aramaic and air them on cable TV.
The team on The Chaldean
Voice share a bond and camaraderie
that expands beyond the commonality
of being Chaldean. They share
a dedication for the betterment of
the community. They share a love
for creativity. They share a true
friendship with each other. They
may forgo monetary gain, but they
don’t forgo talent. They produce
quality shows worthy of being heard
all over the world.
“The Chaldean Voice” can be
heard every Saturday from 1 to 5
p.m. on AM 690 WNZK. You can
also log on to www.chaldeanvoice.org
at any time and catch
the latest show.
24 CHALDEAN NEWS MARCH 2004

Don’t let gambling get the best of you.
Please gamble responsibly.
Michigan Department of Community Health
Get the best of gambling by gambling responsibly.
That means having a plan, setting a budget and a
time limit. There are lots of tips to help you get the
most enjoyment out of gambling. There are also 20
signs that gambling is becoming a problem too.
If you think you or someone you know needs more
information just call 1.800.270.7117 for help.
MARCH 2004 CHALDEAN NEWS 25

spring into
fashion
Is it fashionable or a faux pas?
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CYNTHIA SAGMANI
From left : Amy Shaya, Najat Dickow and Bridget Kiminaia
Do you ever wonder if what you are
wearing is fashionable or a faux
pas? To alleviate that question,
the spring line was on display last month and
there was no question that the clothes at the
Southfield Manor were fashionable.
Neiman Marcus representatives in conjunction
with the Women’s Committee of Southfield
Manor (WCSM) put on a fashion extravaganza.
Amira Kizi, Neiman Marcus merchandise coordinator
was the liaison for this event.
The Southfield Manor illuminated excitement
and the hottest products on the market; Neiman
Marcus provided booths with their finest jewelry
and purses for boutique-type shopping.
After dinner, the music rocked the room
while stunning models walked down the runway
wearing the spring 2004-fashion line. The
models were interactive, whirling around the
banquet hall to allow the more than 300 guests
to get a closer at evening gowns, suits, and floral
dresses. Designer clothes such as, Dolce &
Gabbana, St. John, and Reem Acra were featured
throughout the night.
“It is a way for our community to get together,”
said Salma Ajo chair of WCSM. “And
with a name like Neiman Marcus... why not?”
Kizi was elated about her part in helping the
Chaldean community. When Ajo approached
her with the idea of the Neiman Marcus fashion
show she was more than happy to oblige.
She felt it was a wonderful opportunity for the
Chaldean community to be recognized by such
a large company. Neiman Marcus has a large
clientele of Chaldeans as well as many
Chaldean employees.
From left: Joanne Kallabat, Rana Dawood, Roula Korkis, Sylvia Pauls, Nuha Hysni, Milad Qasawa, and Sinda Farthel
“We want to eliminate some of the intimidation
that Chaldeans might feel when shopping
at Neiman Marcus,” said Kizi.
While the women inspected outfits and
accessories, Faris Guryoka and Majid Kakka
volunteered their professional services as a photography/videographer
and singer. Guryoka captured
the images of the latest fashions on film
and video, while founder of The Bell’s Band,
Kakka entertained the crowd with a song.
The night was deemed a success by the
WCSM, which also includes LaVonne
Kasmikha, Reem Sesi, Wanda Najor, Sada
Yaldo, and Maureen Bacall. This committee
sponsors events such as Halloween and
Christmas parties for children and their parents.
The WCSM is dedicated to enriching the
lives of Chaldean women through activities
that provides camaraderie.
If you are a Chaldean woman interested in working
on future WCSM events, contact the
Southfield Manor at 248-352-9020.
Neiman Marcus Models
26 CHALDEAN NEWS MARCH 2004

ARTS & entertainent
Christ’s passion
comes to theaters
BY CHALDEAN NEWS STAFF
In John 3:16 it is written: “For God so
loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son so whoever shall believe in
Him shall not die but have eternal life.”
With that one passage, some people might
sum up Mel Gibson’s new movie “The
Passion of the Christ.”
The drama opened to the public on February
25, (Ash Wednesday) but long before its release,
Jeff Cavins saw a special screening of the movie
with producer/director Gibson. “It was a unique
perspective to sit with the producer as we viewed
the film,” said Cavins, national talk show host on
Relevant Radio. “What I picked up from Mel was
his incredible passion for ‘The Passion,’ and his
singleness of mind for conveying the true story.”
Ave Maria College and Ave Maria
Communications in Ann Arbor hosted screenings
of the movie throughout the Metro Detroit
area prior to its national release. “I think people
are hungry for the truth of the Gospel,” said
Teresa Tomeo as she recited from the famous
verse found in the book of John. The broadcaster
on WDEO hosted one
of the events at the Star
Gratiot movie theater.
“Knowing that a devout
Catholic man is behind
this production is a comfort
to those who want
to see an accurate portrayal
of ‘The Passion.’”
Cavins said that
Gibson has been focused on the movie since
his conversion to Catholicism 12 years ago,
and that the controversy surrounding the film
will not deter his passion for Christ, even if it
means his Hollywood career comes to a halt.
“He knows it is a pivotal issue - he doesn’t
care,” said Cavins. “He is completely content
never to make another film as long as he has
the opportunity to complete this project.”
Mel Gibson’s rendition of the last 12 hours
of Jesus’ life has spawned criticism, but Tomeo
is not surprised, stating that the Bible is clear
that the world did not recognize, appreciate or
Mel Gibson directs actor Jim Caviezel who
plays Jesus in “The Passion.”
accept Christ when He walked the earth. She
believes that those who are opposed to the
movie are opposed to the message of Christ.
“I also think the movie is coming under attack
because it is produced by a Catholic,” said
Tomeo. “The Catholic Church is the only
church that has stood strong in terms of its stance
regarding many issues, especially the sanctity of
life and marriage and the family. Despite all the
controversy, I think the movie is going to do
extremely well and, most
importantly, it is going to
change lives. You can’t
encounter Jesus and not be
impacted.”
The dialogue in the
movie is spoken partly in
Aramaic, the language spoken
by Jesus. The use of the
language will surely offer
authenticity and power. The
movie is rated “R” due to graphic detail in the
crucifixion scene of Christ. If you intend to
have your children view the film with you,
know that these scenes are violent and disturbing
in nature.
The movie is already being touted as one of
the most influential films in history. Never
before have the final hours of Jesus’ life been so
vividly portrayed. Gibson is quoted as saying,
“I want to show the humanity of Christ as well
as the divine aspect. It’s a rendering that for me
is very realistic and as close as possible to what
I perceive the truth to be.”
SALES REP WANTED
The Chaldean News is searching for a qualified
sales rep to work full-time covering the Metro
Detroit Area. If you are highly motivated and a
self-starter, please call Silvia at 248-932-3100.
30095 NORTHWESTERN HIGHWAY, SUITE 102 • FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334
PHONE: 248-932-3100 • FAX: 248-932-9161
MARCH 2004 CHALDEAN NEWS 27

a time for a change
in detroit
BY CHALDEAN NEWS STAFF
It is a time for new beginnings and a time finding volunteers to reduce distasteful signage in
to build better relationships. That was front of the stores. An example of unacceptable
the theme at the Chaldean American signage is having three signs on a store to convey
Chamber of Commerce networking meeting
held at the Southfield Manor last month.
Following Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick’s recent
Party Store Initiative to crack
down on liquor stores, the
Chamber, along with the
that liquor, wine and beer are sold there.
Last month, a new ordinance took effect limiting
the number and size of signs posted on stores in
the City of Detroit. The City plans to enforce that
signage ordinance fully. Members
of the Chaldean community communicated
Associated Food Dealers
more than once to the
(AFD), invited the Mayor to
speak at the first quarterly networking
meeting of 2004.
It was standing-room only in
the main banquet hall, where
hundreds of storeowners listened
to a presentation by Mike
Sarafa, president of the AFD,
along with a rebuttal from the
Mayor Kilpatrick
Mayor that they felt targeted and
signaled out. To storeowners, it
seemed more than a coincidence
that the City was going after independent
stores that happened to
be owned by Chaldeans. In fact,
Chaldeans own 90 percent of the
independent liquor and beer
stores in Detroit.
Mayor. Storeowners also participated in a question-and-answer
“Our feelings are hurt, Mr. Mayor,” said
session.
emcee Martin Manna representing the
Mayor Kilpatrick sat calmly at the head table
next to members of his staff while Sarafa cited a
litany of complaints from storeowners regarding
harassment by police officers, including receiving
citations for trivial matters, such as opened
bottles of ketchup and water being consumed by
the storeowners and not being sold in the stores.
Before backing up the complaints with a
formal presentation, Sarafa stated publicly to
the Mayor that the Chaldean community is
predisposed to being his friend, and that for 50
years, the City of Detroit has been dominated
by independent stores. Chaldeans alone, he
continued, are contributing more than $10
million of new store construction in Detroit.
“We believe that having a clean store and a
properly signed store is just good business,” said
Sarafa. He went a step further and told the Mayor
that the AFD will collaborate with his staff in
Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce.
“Chaldeans are providing a service and have
been for more than 40 years in the city, yet we
don’t receive tax abatements like the large
chains, we don’t get free property like the large
stores and we are harassed and bullied. However,
this is a new beginning, Mr. Mayor. I am a solider
for you as long as members of our community
are respected and made a part of the team.”
The Mayor talked about his own experiences
as a child who grew up in Detroit, and said it
looks like the same dilapidated City as it did
when he was a kid. That is why he is focused on
changing it from the inside out. “This is personal,”
he said. “This is a spiritual movement. We
want to get the illegal activity out of the City.”
He said he does not believe that bringing in
big business and entertainment will change the
City, but changing the climate within the
neighborhoods will alter the environment.
Cracking down on illegal activity in the stores
is part of his mission to clean up Detroit.
The Mayor acknowledged that the majority
of storeowners are hardworking, law-abiding
citizens trying to make an honest living. He
apologized for anything the Chaldean community
believes he did to offend them. In addition,
he agreed the campaign should have been discussed
with the Chaldean American Chamber,
the AFD and storeowners before he went public
during a press conference. However, he
wanted to know who will apologize for the illegal
activity going on at stores where alcohol
and tobacco are being sold to minors and drug
paraphernalia is on the shelves.
Sarafa said storeowners agree that illegal
activity needs to be dealt with by law enforcement,
but issues go beyond selling liquor and
tobacco to minors.
Among other issues brought to the table,
Chaldeans were concerned about visits from
police officers who spent 20 minutes to an
hour in their stores inspecting every shelf for
outdated food. They brought up the issue of
carts being stolen and how storeowners are
being cited for gated barriers where carts are
being held to prevent theft. They are also concerned
about store signage - not just signs that
display their store names, but also signs that
entice customers with sales of items.
Storeowners have also been cited for drug
activity and open containers outside of their
stores. Although these incidences are out of
their control, they are being ticketed because
the activities are occurring on their property.
And, while some storeowners have been visited
by groups of officers looking to see if they
are abiding by the law, response time by officers
when a crime has taken place in the stores
remains to be a problem.
The meeting at the Southfield Manor was just
the beginning of what will be an ongoing dialogue
between the Chaldean community and the City
of Detroit. Problems may not have been solved in
one night, but the issues were placed on the table
and now there is work to be done. Fortunately,
both sides were geared to change the climate in
Detroit and seemed committed to building a better
relationship with each other.
28 CHALDEAN NEWS MARCH 2004

Why Michigan’s electric deregulation law is
bad for us and bad for you.
We’ve been responsible to
the people of Michigan for over a
hundred years. And in all that time
we’ve never cried wolf. But now the
wolf is at the door. Because of flaws
in the electric deregulation law,
Public Act 141, out-of-state companies
are coming in, snatching up the
biggest electricity customers and
leaving the rest of us to pay the price
to keep the entire system running.
These outside companies
don’t care about homeowners or
small businesses. There’s not
enough profit there. In
fact, the law says
out-of-state suppliers
don’t
have to serve
low-income customers or senior citizens
or first-time homebuyers or people
out in rural areas. We do serve
them, of course, we always have.
PA 141 says we must cover
the entire cost of the electric system—all
the power plants, a million
utility poles, 42,000 miles of power
lines—and all the people who make it
work. The out-of-town suppliers don’t
contribute fairly to the maintenance
and upgrading of the system. That
remains our responsibility. The reliability
of that system is at serious
risk. The only way
we can properly
support and sustain
the electric
system
is to make up for the loss of revenue
by increasing rates to homeowners
and small businesses. We’re talking
about rate hikes of up to 30%. Is that
fair to you? No. But our hands are
tied. It could come to a rate increase
or a very real energy crisis.
Michigan’s electric deregulation
law was meant to stimulate competition,
give everyone a choice and
keep electricity affordable. It’s done
none of those things.
As the law stands, it just isn’t
fair, not to you and not to us. It needs
to be fixed. Help us change a law that
simply doesn’t work. Log on to
dteenergy.com and find out how you
can help keep energy reliable and
affordable for everyone.
Anthony F. Earley, Jr.
Chairman and CEO
DTE Energy and Detroit Edison
MARCH 2004 CHALDEAN NEWS 29

the DOCTOR is in
Cancer Awareness
ANITA BODIYA, M.D. CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST
Cancer. It’s a scary word. And it’s probably
safe to say that it’s a topic most people
don’t want to discuss. However, it is
something that must be talked about with your
doctor. You must understand that having cancer
doesn’t mean there isn’t anything you can do. In
fact, there are preventative measures as well as
screenings that can be done.
Every month, the American Medical Association
highlights different ailments in order to raise awareness.
For instance, March is Colorectal Cancer
Awareness Month. In this column, we are giving you
an overview of cancers. It is imperative that each one
of us takes control of our health and well-being. It’s
up to us to know our own bodies and to keep
records of our medical history at home. This will really
help your doctor. Early detection can save lives
Cancer is the abnormal growth of cells that
can affect any organ or tissue of the body. Its
cause is mostly unknown, but the environment
and heredity may play roles. Finding cancer early
is important because it gives you the best chance
for treatment and cure. Cancer screens include
those done at home by yourself and those performed
by your physician.
YOU CAN HELP PREVENT CANCER BY:
• Quitting smoking and/or the use of tobacco
products.
• Eating properly. Cut down on foods high in fat
and eat more high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables
and whole grains.
• Protecting your skin by staying out of the sun
(especially mid-day), avoiding tanning booths and
sun lamps, wearing protective clothing and hats
and using sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher.
• Exercising at least 30 to 60 minutes four to six
times each week.
SCREENING GUIDELINES FOR COMMON CANCERS
Breast Cancer
• Monthly self-breast exams starting at age 20.
• Breast exam by your doctor starting at age 20.
• Initial mammogram at age 40 and then every
one to two years.
Note: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer
in women. It is important to discuss with your
doctor what screening intervals are right for you.
You may need to begin screening earlier if you
have a family history of breast cancer.
Cervical Cancer
• Initial Pap test at age 21 or three years after
first intercourse (whichever comes first).
• Subsequent Pap tests yearly to age 30.
• Pap tests every two to three years after age 30.
Note: Intervals will vary based on your risk for
cervical cancer.
Colon and Rectal Cancer
Screening usually begins at age 50 for those at
normal risk. This involves:
• Digital rectal screenings
• Fecal occult blood test (stool) cards yearly and
colonoscopy every 10 years.
• Double contrast barium enema (X-ray test)
every five years.
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30 CHALDEAN NEWS MARCH 2004

Note: You may need to be screened earlier and
more often if there is family or personal history of
colorectal cancer polyps or personal history of
inflammatory bowel disease. Discuss with your doctor
which of these screenings will be best for you.
Prostate Cancer
• Digital rectal exam and PSA blood test at age 50.
Note: Discuss with your doctor at age 50 if these
procedures are right for you. If there is any family
history of prostate cancer, make sure you discuss
this with your doctor at age 40.
Skin Cancer
• Self-examination of your skin to detect moles that
change appearance and/or sores that do not heal.
• Examination of your skin by your doctor during
your annual physical exam.
Getting an annual physical exam and health counseling
can also aid in the prevention and detection
of other cancers. Some people are at risk for certain
cancers, especially if they run in families. Make
sure you see your doctor regularly and discuss any
of your health care concerns. Stay healthy.
Anita Bodiya, M.D., is a contributing columnist
for The Chaldean News and a family physician on
staff at Providence Hospital, a member of St. John
Health; she practices at Providence Park in Novi.
FOODS THAT FIGHT CANCER
Researchers are discovering numerous anti cancer compounds In foods. Some prevent a cell
from developing into malignancy while others tend to block the blood supply to the cancer. There
are (9) different classes of foods that are showing particular promise. The following list will give
you a quick reference to these cancer fighting foods. Always consult your doctor.
GARLIC & 0NIONS: contain allium compounds (dialyl sultides) which increase the activity of
immune cells that fight cancer and indirectly help break down cancer causing substances.
Chives also contain this chemical.
GRAPES: contain ellagic acid. This compound blocks enzymes that are necessary for cancer cells;
this can slow the growth of tumors. Grapes also contain compounds that can prevent blood clots
and another substance in grape skins (resveratrol ) prevents deposition of cholesterol in arteries.
ORANGES AND LEMONS: contain Iimonene which stimulates cancer killing immune cells (lymphocytes,
e.g.). Also breaks down cancer causing substances. Limes and celery also fall into
this category though are less potent.
LICORICE ROOT: a chemical, glycyrrhizin, blocks a component of testosterone and therefore
may help prevent the growth of prostate cancer. This is the root of licorice (not the candy form).
Caution: excessive amounts can lead to elevated blood pressure.
TOMATOES: contain lycopene, an anti cancer substance. Also vitamin C, an antioxidant which
can prevent cellular damage that leads to cancer. Watermelons, carrots, and red peppers also
contain these substances.
TEAS: contains certain antioxidants known as polyphenols (catechins) which prevent cancer
cells from dividing. Green tea is best, followed by our more common black tea (herbal teas do
not show this benefit).
MARCH 2004 CHALDEAN NEWS 31

kids’ CORNER
HANGING GARDENS OF BABYLON
THE SEVEN WONDERS OF THE ANCIENT WORLD
FIND THE BOLDED WORDS IN THE WORD SEARCH!
SINCE THE ANCIENT TIMES, PEOPLE HAVE PUT TOGETHER
MANY “SEVEN WONDERS” LISTS. THE SEVEN WONDERS THAT
MOST PEOPLE AGREE AS BEING IN THE ORIGINAL LIST ARE
THE SEVEN WONDERS OF THE ANCIENT WORLD.
1. The PYRAMIDS OF EGYPT are three pyramids at Giza,
outside modern Cairo. The largest pyramid, built by Khufu (Cheops),
a king of the fourth dynasty, had an original estimated height of 482
ft (now approximately 450 ft). The base has sides 755 ft long. It contains
2,300,000 blocks; the average weight of each is 2.5 tons.
Estimated date of completion is 2680 B.C. Of all the Ancient
Wonders, the pyramids alone survive.
2. The HANGING GARDENS OF BABYLON were believed to
have been built by Nebuchadnezzar around 600 B.C. to please his
queen, Amuhia. They are also associated with the mythical Assyrian
queen, Semiramis. Archeologists surmise that the gardens were laid
out atop a vaulted building, with provisions for raising water. The terraces
were said to rise from 75 to 300 ft.
3. The STATUE OF ZEUS (Jupiter) at Olympia was made of
gold and ivory by the Greek sculptor Phidias (5th century B.C.).
Reputed to be 40 ft high, the statue has been lost without a trace,
except for reproductions on coins.
4. The TEMPLE OF ARTEMIS (Diana) at Ephesus was begun
about 350 B.C., in honor of a non-Hellenic goddess who later became
identified with the Greek goddess of the same name. The temple, with
Ionic columns 60 ft high, was destroyed by invading Goths in A.D. 262.
5. The MAUSOLEUM AT HALICARNASSUS was erected
by Queen Artemisia in memory of her husband, King Mausolus of
Caria in Asia Minor, who died in 353 B.C. Some remains of the
structure are in the British Museum. This shrine is the source of the
modern word “mausoleum.”
6. The COLOSSUS AT RHODES
was a bronze statue of Helios (Apollo), about
105 ft high. The work of the sculptor Chares,
who reputedly labored for 12 years before completing
it in 280 B.C., it was destroyed during an earthquake in 224 B.C.
7. The PHAROS (Lighthouse) of Alexandria was built by Sostratus of
Cnidus during the 3rd century B.C. on the island of Pharos off the
coast of Egypt. It was destroyed by an earthquake in the 13th century.
ORLGJCNDJFIRLDKVIGKHLSKCIEKDMI
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MWFRPYRAMIDSOFEGYPTJRIDUFJXHCU
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MJKLIDJKSLEKDIKJFMDIXJDUGIKEOT
KDIJKVGTKPLYPHXWKEFJROLAPSLMIF
YMQJKADKWHWBEVRCTCAKKAKSLDIPGA
DGFIPSMHANGINGGARDENSOFBABYLON
QOAIEUTUTRHGJEKDLSKAJNXMZKDEGH
SDMKOGTADOXIKDFMDLXCDEVKDFKOAS
HEPISQMWTSRNABYJULPUOSLSEELFRH
USQPSKOSMUIDSWNBJDURIKMOTLGASO
UMGNTJHKUOEECSVJFMDIXJDUGIKROT
JKVLKDIJKVKOPLYPHGXWKEFJROLTIF
YMQJKAKWPDBEFRCTCAHKKAKSLDIEGA
UNGFIPDMOSIJRZFUZMDTJRNTLYJMLP
OSLKEJEIDUFJXCESQPLKOKSMEIDIWN
AMMUJDURIKFOTLPUYPHWERLDFLGSPT
FCOLOSSUSATRHODESLIDGODMDLXACU
JRMXUGYMQNWBNDFWTHFBVEIOVRCTDG
DDUFJNLXASFPEWKPLMKOIJNUYGVCFT
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MORE ABOUT THE HANGING GARDENS OF BABYLON
Detailed descriptions of the Gardens
come from ancient Greek sources,
including the writings of Strabo and
Philo of Byzantium. Here are some excerpts
from their accounts:
The Garden is quadrangular, and each
side is four plethra long. It consists of arched
vaults which are located on checkered cubelike
foundations. The ascent of the uppermost
terrace-roofs is made by a stairway.
The Hanging Garden has plants cultivated
above ground level, and the roots of the trees
are embedded in an upper terrace rather than
in the earth. The whole mass is supported on
stone columns. Streams of water emerging
from elevated sources flow down sloping
channels. These waters irrigate the whole garden
saturating the roots of plants and keeping
the whole area moist. Hence the grass is permanently
green and the leaves of trees grow
firmly attached to supple branches... This is a
work of art of royal luxury and its most striking
feature is that the labor of cultivation is suspended
above the heads of the spectators”.
More recent archaeological excavations at
the ancient city of Babylon in Iraq uncovered
the foundation of the palace. Other findings
include the Vaulted Building with thick walls
and an irrigation well near the southern
palace. A group of archaeologists surveyed
the area of the southern palace and reconstructed
the Vaulted Building as the Hanging
Gardens. However, the Greek historian
Strabo had stated that the gardens were situated
by the River Euphrates. So others
argue that the site is too far from the
Euphrates to support the theory since the
Vaulted Building is several hundreds of
meters away. They reconstructed the site of
the palace and located the Gardens in the
area stretching from the River to the Palace.
On the river banks, recently discovered massive
walls 25 m thick may have been stepped
to form terraces - the ones described in
Greek references.
32 CHALDEAN NEWS MARCH 2004

QUESTION of the month
Welcome to the
Question of the Month
In every issue we will ask our
readers a question. We look
forward to your answers.
MARCH QUESTION
How Should Saddam Hussein Be Punished?
Hang him upside down and every
Iraqi gets one swing at him and
make sure he never dies even if we
have to slow down the beating until
everyone gets a swing.
Fawzi Nona
What should his punishment be,
you ask? Well, let me think
about that. How about we begin
with tearing every finger and toenail
off? Then we can put him near a fire
and watch him blister.
Anyway, I think he needs to be
tortured in some way. I also think he
should have to apologize to all the
families he has affected. I do not
think he should be executed,
though. He needs to suffer the way
all the surviving members of those
he killed suffered.
Rhonda Barno
Ibelieve the Iraqi people should be
the ones who decide how to punish
Saddam. They’re the ones who
suffered under his presidency, so
it’s only fitting that they choose what
should be done with him. They’ve
never had the freedom to choose,
their families and loved ones suffered
under Saddam, so now here’s
their chance to start choosing. It’s
not my place or the president of this
country’s place to choose
Saddam’s punishment. It is clearly
the people of Iraq’s decision.
Amy Hanna
He should be considered a criminal
against humanity and put to trial -
immediately by the people of Iraq.
Maha Hussain, M.D.
Although no punishment could
ever fit the crimes that this man
has committed, our first instinct is to
say “kill him”. As comforting as that
may be to most people who have
been affected by his evil regime, it is
not within the beliefs of our religion.
As Chaldeans who have strong
beliefs in our Catholic faith, we
should put the death penalty aside,
even in a case such as this. The
only other logical punishment would
be a life sentence; but not just any
life sentence. The rest of his life
should be spent in solitary confinement
under the control of the
American military. I think the psychological
impacts this could have
on Saddam would prove to be the
worst punishment he could have
ever imagined. Death would be too
easy and could make him look like a
martyr in the eyes of his loyalists,
especially for a man who thrived on
torturing innocent people. He made
his victims suffer and I think he
should suffer just the same. As an
added bonus, maybe the U.S. could
drape his prison cell with the
American flag.
Mike M. Bahoura
When I see the images and hear
the stories of what this man
has done, my emotions get the best
of me. The first thing I think is an eye
for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. This
man should suffer one limb at a
time. Then I calm down and think
that revenge is never a good course
of action. He should probably be put
to death in a more dignified way.
After all, human punishment ultimately
rests with God
Sally Denha LaFave
Saddam Hussein must be tried in
Iraq by an Iraqi court of law. If
he is found to be guilty in one of the
many crimes he has committed,
then he must be executed.
Sami Hindi
Sadam should be tried as an
International War Criminal, as
well as being tried by the people of
Iraq. I think he should face both
courts. What would be interesting is
to see how he handles himself in
front of an International Court, versus
his behavior towards his own people
while being tried by his own people!
On an International level, I think
that he would be defiant, soft spoken
and maybe show signs of humility.
A trial by the Iraqi people would
show a different behavior. I think he
would almost be confronting, as well
as defiant. But, in this case, he would
spew his propaganda as too try and
convince the Iraqi people if they are
better off today (since America invaded*).
Or, were they better off in the old
Iraq under Saddam’s Government!
I would also be interested in seeing
what punishment each of these
courts would hand down on him... I
think one would be Life in jail... the
other... Life in Hell!
Khal Hanna
Get involved in The Chaldean News by
answering our question of the Month.
Fax us your answers to: 248-932-9161
or email to info@chaldeannews.com.
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MARCH 2004 CHALDEAN NEWS 33

events
AFD’s
black tie gala
In Black Ties and evening gowns, more than 1,000
people dined on a five course meal and sipped cocktails
at the Associated Food Dealers (AFD) 88th
annual dinner held at the Penna’s in Sterling Heights.
The $125 plate dinner attracted people in the food business
from all over the Metro Detroit Area. Many attendees
lined up to take photographs with elected officials, including
Governor Jennifer Granholm and Wayne County
Executive Robert Ficano.
Clockwise from top left:
Wayne County Executive
Robert Ficano, Ronnie Jamil
and Dr. Jacoub Mansour;
Representative Paul Candino
and LCC Chair Nida Samona;
Carl Dallo, Bernie Garmo and
Martin Manna; Mark Sarafa
and Mariann Sarafa; Nidal and
Mike Denha; Chris and Jodi
Zebari; Dave Yaldo, Laith
Yaldoo and Zaid Elia; Robert
Ficano, Jumana Judeh and
Wayne County Homeland
Security Director Tony
Shannon; Terry and Karen
Farida, Governor Jennifer
Granholm and Dan Mulhorn;
Manahel and Eddie Bacall.
Center: Nida Samona,
Angelo Binno and
Governor Granholm.
34 CHALDEAN NEWS MARCH 2004

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