OCTOBER 2006

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VOL. 3 ISSUE IX METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY OCTOBER 2006
INSIDE
LIFE ALONG
SEVEN MILE
FACING
SADDAM
HELPING
REFUGEES
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4 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2006

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CONTENTS OCTOBER 2006
THE CHALDEAN NEWS VOLUME 3 ISSUE IX
on the cover
29 A FESTIVE TIME
BY JOYCE WISWELL
Chaldean Festival draws thousands
29
features
32 CLOSER TO RESETTLEMENT
BY JENNIFER T. KORAIL
State Department news is a small victory for Iraqi
refugees
32 34
34 LIFE ALONG SEVEN MILE
BY JOVAN KASSAB
The first U.S. home for many faces its challenges
36 CONFRONTING A KILLER
BY VANESSA DENHA-GARMO
Chaldean woman testifies against Saddam Hussein
38
40
38 DETROIT GETS IRAQ CONSULATE
BY VANESSA DENHA-GARMO
Iraq Ambassador makes announcement
during his Michigan visit
39 A DIFFERENT WORLD
BY LINDA JABORO
Exchange student reflects on life back home
42
44
sports
40 NET WORTH
BY STEVE STEIN
Marian tennis star eyes her third state championship
departments
8 FROM THE EDITOR
9 YOUR LETTERS
10 NOTEWORTHY
12 CHAI TIME
14 CALC CORNER
16 HALHOLE!
22 RELIGION
22 OBITUARY
24 ONE ON ONE
Lottery Commissioner Gary Peters
26 IRAQ TODAY
BY JOVAN KASSAB
Translator killed in Iraq
42 EVENTS
CALC’s 45-Year Anniversary
AFD Holiday Beverage Show
46 CLASSIFIED LISTINGS
OCTOBER 2006 CHALDEAN NEWS 7

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1006
Slices of Life
As I read the contents
page for this month, I
started to think about
life — in general. This month’s
issue reflects on the lives of
so many Chaldeans experiencing
different things, all at
the same time.
Last month, thousands of
Chaldeans enjoyed the fun and
festivities at the first annual
Chaldean Festival held in
Southfield. Kids bounced
around in a moon walk, munched on
cotton candy and hotdogs. Traditional
Chaldean music filtered the air, and people
danced. It was a good time. The
festival is another way to have fun in life.
Look at our contents page and the
varied stories we cover this month.
While contestants patiently awaited
the news of who won the raffle of a
Range Rover at the festival, Katrin
Michael was inside a courtroom in
Baghdad, sitting just a few feet away
from one of the world’s most horrifying
dictators and testifying against him.
Life comes with
triumphs, tragedy
and turmoil.
She recounted two separate attacks
as Saddam Hussein sat and listened.
She feared for her life, praying that
she would not be killed before she got
to testify. She survived and now life
goes on.
Although her accounts inside that
courtroom are far from everyday life
for Michael, struggling to survive is a
reality for those people living on Seven
Mile in Detroit. Jovan Kassab got a
glimpse of life for the dozens of families
living not far from the Eight Mile
border that separates the city from the
suburbs. Many of them are recent
immigrants, barely able to speak
English; their kids attend the local elementary
school, which provides no
after-school activities. They lack health
care, abundance of food, transportation
and often fear for their lives
because of the high crime in the area.
For them, it’s just life.
The Chaldean American Ladies of
Charity (CALC) are all too familiar with
life on Seven Mile. They conduct youth
programs and provide needed services
to these families. Last month, CALC
celebrated 45 years of dedication to
VANESSA
DENHA-
GARMO
EDITOR
the community. We feature
photos from their fabulous
gala in this issue. Without the
CALC, many families would
not get the food, clothing and
furniture they so desperately
need. Helping others is just a
part of life for the CALC — a
way of life.
As I read Linda Jabaro’s
article about a Chaldean
exchange student living with
an American family, I tried to
imagine what his life is like. We all
know of immigrants who have come to
the United States, but most of those
people end up living with family or
friends — other Chaldeans. This
teenager entered an exchange student
program while in Iraq and was placed
with a non-Chaldean family in
Michigan. Adapting to their culture,
their traditions and their daily routine
became his everyday life. Now, he is
the process of making plans to move
out on his own — finding independence
is just another part of life.
What is life? For each of us it is
something different. Sometimes it is
sharing a laugh with a friend while
hanging out at a festival while others
are facing their biggest fears and
worst enemies. At times, it has been
adapting to a new environment and
finding your way in this world. Life
comes with triumphs, tragedy and turmoil.
In this issue, we also feature the
story of a young translator who had a
goal — make enough money working
in Iraq so he could open his own business
in Michigan. Living and working
in Iraq where a civil war is on the brink
put his life at risk. In fact, it cost him
his life. Writer Jovan Kassab tells us
this story. Unfortunately, we know all
too well that death is a part of life.
In this issue, you will read about
the lives of so many others. There is
no specific theme - no one is experiencing
the exact situation. Instead,
so many people are experiencing
many different things all at the same
time. It shouldn’t come as a surprise.
It’s just life.
Alaha Imid Koullen
(God Be With Us All)
Vanessa Denha-Garmo
vdenha@chaldeannews.com
8 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2006

your LETTERS
Protecting Our Children
I was glad to read about your story concerning
persons who prey on children
[Dangerous Waters, September 2006].
I attended a Protecting God’s Children
class that provided me with more information
and I am glad I know about it.
Listed is a synopsis of what the program
reminds parents of:
1. Know the warning signs — the
offender wants to have 1-1 interactions
with his victim.
2. Control access - you are the parent,
make sure you have checked that
you are leaving your child with someone
who has had a criminal background
check and you have met them face to
face and you have checked references.
Please be aware though, that all your
checking will not find a sexual molester
if they have not been reported and your
child may still be a victim. Research
shows that most child sexual abuse
(nearly 85 percent) is never reported.
3. Monitor all programs — if you can
stay to watch your child, do so. Be very
wary of places that do not allow parental
supervision or state that your child will do
better without you watching.
4. Be aware — talk, listen and observe
your child’s behavior and teach them about
their privates, what to do to protect themselves.
Let them say, “stop it and I am
telling,” and to tell if someone makes them
uncomfortable. Start early — 2 year olds
know where their privates are and you
should let them know to tell you if someone
touches them. Again, be aware, sexual
offenders will threaten your child not to tell,
so make sure your child is secure in you.
5. Communicate your concerns — if
you are uncomfortable with someone
your child is with, your intuition is right.
Do something about it, don’t let your
child or someone else’s become a victim
because you did not talk, e-mail others
and speak out.
I found this to be a beneficial site —
http://www.safechild.org/ — and there
are many more.
– Tanya Kuza
Letters to the editor are welcome.
Please keep your letter to less than
500 words and include your city.
The Chaldean News reserves the
right to edit letters for clarity and
length. Submit your letter via email to
info@chaldeannews.com or mail to:
The Chaldean News, Letters to the
Editor, 30095 Northwestern Hwy.,
Ste. 102, Farmington Hills, MI 48334
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THE CHALDEAN NEWS
PUBLISHED BY
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Vanessa Denha-Garmo
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COPY EDITOR
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OCTOBER 2006 CHALDEAN NEWS 9

NOTEworthy
KIDNAPPED PRIEST IS FREED
The Chaldean priest who spent almost a month in captivity
in Iraq was freed on September 11.
Father Hanna Saad Sirop stressed how prayer for his
release has “united” large sectors of Iraq at a time of near
civil war, according to Zenit.org.
“I want to thank all those people who helped me with
their prayers. That really was a miracle for me,” he told
the charity Aid to the Church in Need. “From the
moment I was kidnapped, I felt God was with me. I
began to say, ‘God, you are my protector. You will be
with me in my pain.’”
Fr. Sirop expressed his willingness to forgive his captors.
“I do not hate them,” he said. “I pray for them — I
continue to pray for them.”
The priest said he has been advised against revealing
his experience during his captivity for fear of reprisals.
Whether a ransom was paid for his release has not been
revealed.
Fr. Sirop was kidnapped at gunpoint as he left mass in
Baghdad on August 15. The 34-year-old priest is director
of the Theology Department at Babel College.
FUNNY FILM EXPLORES
FAMILY LIFE
Family Chaos, touted as the first film directed by Jane B.
Dabish, a Chaldean-American woman, is now available on
DVD. The story, also written by Dabish, tells of a Chaldean
woman in Michigan who wants to make movies, despite
her family’s objections and pressures to enter the family
business.
“If you loved My Big Fat Greek Wedding, you’ll like
Family Chaos,” said Dabish.
Family Chaos is being screened periodically in Metro
Detroit. For information, contact bdcreativeproductions@yahoo.com.
STATE SENATOR HONORED
Friends and family of retired California State Senator
Wadie Deddeh gathered in Bloomfield Hills on
September 22 for a fundraiser in his honor. No, he is not
running for office — the event was held to raise money to
produce a documentary of his life. Group Indy
Productions will produce the video.
Senator
Deddeh
thanks the
audience for
helping raise
money for the
upcoming
documentary
on his life.
WAYNE COUNTY
GOES HIGH TECH
Potential vendors can now view advertisements for major
bid opportunities — defined as purchases of $20,000 or
more — on Wayne County’s public website.
Information pertaining to Request for Proposals
A Farmington Hills Police cruiser sits outside the
Bank of Michigan after the September 5 robbery.
BANK ROBBERY SUSPECT IN CUSTODY
Farmington Hills Police have
arrested a suspect in the
September 5 robbery at the
Chaldean-owned Bank of
Michigan.
Joseph Jerome Smith, 30, is
accused of entering the bank
that morning and demanding
money, telling the teller he had
a gun. He fled the bank in a
white van with an undisclosed
amount of cash. Police were
quickly on his tail and a chase
ensued. It ended in Redford
Township, where Smith allegedly
crashed his van into several
other vehicles, then attempted
to carjack a woman. Police fired
shots and Smith was apprehended.
(RFP), Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and Invitation for
Bids (IFB) is available by logging onto www.waynecounty.com
— then click on the “for Business” icon to view the
advertisements.
In other news, Wayne County led a seven-county
region in both residential and nonresidential development
in 2005, according to the Southeast Michigan Council of
Governments (SEMCOG) annual survey of business
investment in Southeastern Michigan.
The annual report provides a summary of newly constructed
buildings, additions/expansions, and redevelopment
of various types of projects, including industrial,
warehouse, retail, institutional and office.
Wayne County had a total development in 2005 of
10.3 million square feet, representing 31 percent of the
region’s total activity. That development was an increase
from the 9.3 million square feet of activity in 2004.
In 2005, Oakland County’s development activity
trailed Wayne County, with 9.9 million square feet.
The most active communities in Wayne County in
2005 were Detroit, 3.6 million square feet; Canton
Township, 1.4 million square feet; Romulus, 803,000
square feet; and Allen Park, 762,000 square feet.
SIX WIN ADS
Six people won free business card ads in this month’s
Chaldean News during random drawings at community
events. During the Chaldean Festival, Najwa Yono of
Direct Lending and Ralph Dallo of Art One Signs were
the winners.
During the Associated Food Dealers Holiday
Beverage Show, winners were: Sabah Ammouri of ATM
of America, Valerie Stephen of the Charles Halabu
Agency, Rico Mona of WOW Liquidation, and Arkan
“Rock” Haio of HSI News.
“Thanks to quick thinking by
the staff the police able to
immediately identify the getaway
vehicle,” said Michael
Sarafa, the bank’s CEO.
Smith was arraigned on
armed robbery and bank robbery
charges the next day. He is
being held in Oakland County
Jail in lieu of a $200,000 bond.
IT’S TIME FOR
ABSENTEE
VOTING
The general election
is on Tuesday,
November 7. Among
the issues facing voters
is the race for governor
between Jennifer Granholm, the
Democratic incumbent, and Dick
DeVos, the Republican challenger.
If you can’t make it to the polls, you
can vote by absentee ballot — as long
as you have voted in person at least
once. An absentee ballot allows you to
vote at home and then mail in your ballot.
Your request for an absentee voter
ballot must be in writing and can be
submitted to your city or township
clerk. Your request must include one
of six reasons, including being over
age 60 or being out of town on
Election Day, and your signature. You
may request an absentee voter ballot
with a letter or postcard, or you can
obtain a pre-printed application form
at your local clerk’s office.
If the ballot must be issued by mail,
the application for the ballot must
reach the clerk no later than 2 p.m. on
the Saturday prior to the election — in
this case, November 4. Absentee
voter ballots can be picked up by the
voter in person anytime up to 4 p.m.
on the day before the election. Learn
more at www.michigan.gov/sos.
10 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2006

WINDOW OF REMEMBRANCE
Florence and Steve Atto pose by the stained glass window they created for Pine
Lake Elementary School in Bloomfield Hills. The window is in memory of parent
and reading advocate Martha Jo Fleischmann, who died last December. The green
dots on the books in the window are familiar to Pine Lake students, since that is
how Accelerated Reader books are identified in the media center, where the window
resides. Also pictured is Yosef Fleischmann (right), widower of the deceased.
DENHA TAKES IT
Shenandoah Country Club held its
Second Annual Club Championship
Golf Tournament in August. Flight winners
were Terry Farida, Eugene
Dickow and Ray Hesano, and Roger
Denha won the overall tournament to
become Club Champion. About 40
golfers participated in the tournament.
PEOPLE
Two members of the
Chaldean community
made it onto the annual
40 Under 40 list in the
San Diego Metropolitan.
Valerie Attisha is
director of scholarships
for The San Diego
Foundation and the creator
of the San Diego
Teachers’ Fund.
Auday Arabo is
president and CEO
of the California
Independent Grocers
& Convenience
Stores, the state’s
largest independent
grocers organization.
Valerie Attisha
Auday Arabo
SHARE YOUR NEWS!
We’re always on the lookout for interesting
news and feature articles. Please
share what’s happening in the community
by sending an e-mail to
info@chaldeannews.com, or sending a
letter to Editor, Chaldean News, 30095
Northwestern Highway, Farmington
Hills, MI 48334.
You Know
You’re
Chaldean
If ...
✔
A visa is not a
credit card, it’s a
card that gets you in
the U.S.
✔
You refer to your
dad’s friends as
Amoo (Uncle).
✔
You have an
endless supply of
pistachios, dates
and pumpkin seeds.
✔
You can spot
a Chaldean
a mile away.
Pass along your own
Chaldean-only traits
by writing to
info@chaldeannews.com.
www.chaldeannews.com
OCTOBER 2006 CHALDEAN NEWS 11

CHAI time
CHALDEANS CONNECTING
COMMUNITY EVENTS IN AND AROUND METRO DETROIT OCTOBER 2006
[Wednesday, October 4]
Hot Topics in Women’s Health: Henry Ford Medical
Center - West Bloomfield presents “From PMS to
Menopause: Alternative therapies to help you at all
stages of life.” 6-7:30 p.m., free, Shenandoah Country
Club. For registration and further information call 800-
HENRYFORD, or visit henryford.com/hottopics.
Neighborhood Watch Coordinators Meeting:
Farmington Hills Police Department meeting for current
coordinators and those interested in starting a
Neighborhood Watch Group. 6 p.m., City
Hall Council Chambers, 31555 W. 11
Mile Road. (248) 871-2760.
[Thursday, October 5]
Book Club: Anita Qonja
leads the conversation on a
special book each month.
This is the first session for
this new group at
Shenandoah Country Club
(members only). 7 p.m.;
$7. (248) 683-6363.
[Thursday, October 12]
Who’s Looking Out for You?
The role of a primary care
physician is discussed at this Hot
Topics in Women’s Health seminar
from Henry Ford Medical Center — West
Bloomfield. 6-7:30 p.m., free. Jewish Community
Center, 6600 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield.
800-HENRYFORD or henryford.com/hottopics.
[Friday, October 13]
Chaldean Idol: The wildly popular show, always a
sell-out, returns for the third year. Tickets are $40 and
$60. Royal Oak Music Theater. (248) 399-2980 or
www.royaloakmusictheatre.com.
[Wednesday, October 18]
Travel Tips: Internet Travel Guru Bob Cowan shares
useful travel survivor tips. 7-10 p.m., Shenandoah
Country Club (members only). $25. (248) 683-6363.
[Friday, October 20]
Family Fun Night Costume Party: Craft table, trick or
treating, DJ, food and more at Shenandoah Country
Club Halloween party. $20 adults, $15 children over 3.
6-9 p.m.; members only. (248) 454-1932.
[Friday, October 27]
Second Annual Halloween Bash: Party with food, dancing
and open bar for those 21 and older. Must wear
Halloween attire to enter. Shenandoah Country Club. $60
members, $70 non-members. (248) 454-1932.
HAUNTED
HOUSES &
CIDER MILLS
Fall is officially upon us, and it’s the
season for haunted hay rides, apple
picking, cider mills and pumpkin
patches. Most are open throughout
October; call for details.
HAUNTED HOUSES
Deadly Intentions
20999 Dequindre, Warren
(248) 797-0676
Dr. Phobia’s Haunted House
Inside Universal Mall, Warren
(586) 582-9019
[Thursday, November 2]
Holiday Shopping Extravaganza:
Annual Chaldean American
Ladies of Charity event from 6-
10 p.m. at Shenandoah Country
Club. $25. Vendors welcome;
(248) 642-0601.
Erebus
18 South Perry, Pontiac
(248) 332-7884
Haunted Winery
31505 Grand River, Farmington
(248) 477-8833.
Nightmare Realm
3860 Newton Road, Commerce Twp.
(248) 363-9109.
Urban Legends Haunted House
35481 S. Gratiot Ave, Clinton Twp.
(586) 790-5670
CIDER MILLS AND
APPLE PICKING
Ashton Orchards & Cider Mill
3925 Seymour Lake Road, Ortonville
(248) 627-6671
Diehl’s Orchard and Cider Mill
1479 Ranch, Holly
(248) 634-8981
[Monday, October 30]
Women’s Retreat: Chaldean American Ladies of
Charity hold a retreat at Manresa in Bloomfield Hills.
$35. (248) 352-5018.
[Friday, December 1]
CFA Dinner: 25th anniversary dinner for the
Chaldean Federation of America. Shenandoah
Country Club. $250; proceeds assist CFA’s refugee
efforts. (248) 557-2362.
Please let us know what is going on in the
community. Fax your information to The
Chaldean News Editorial Department. Subject:
Chai Time Fax: 248-932-9161
Erwin’s Orchards and Cider Mill
61019 Silver Lake, near South Lyon
(248) 437-4704
Franklin Cider Mill
7450 Franklin Road, Bloomfield Hills
(248) 626-2968
Long Family Orchard & Farm
1342 Commerce Road,
Commerce Twp.
(248) 360-3774
Paint Creek Cider Mill
& Restaurant
4480 Orion Rd, Rochester Hills
(248) 651-8361
Parmenter’s Northville Cider Mill
714 Baseline Road, Northville
(248) 349-3181
Yates Cider Mill
1950 E. Avon, Rochester Hills
(248) 651-8300
BE AN ACTIVE PART OF THE
chaldean community
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12 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2006

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OCTOBER 2006 CHALDEAN 8/18/06 2:26:17 NEWS PM13

CALC corner
PHOTOS BY DAVID REED
NOTE from the
PRESIDENT
45 Years
of Making
a Difference
Clair Konja
Wow! It’s the only word to
truly describe last month’s red carpet gala. The
CALC celebrated its 45th anniversary September 16 at the
Shenandoah Country Club. The Oscar-like event came
complete with CALC celebrities.
More than 600 guests walked through the red-draped
entrance and proceeded onto the red carpet decorated in gold
stars to commemorate the CALC presidents. The community
was invited to join in celebrating the many accomplishments
of 45 years of building a strong community and charitable
organization. Our guests, dressed in their beautiful formal
gowns, exited their cars and were greeted by paparazzi
who snapped their pictures as they walked the red carpet.
Honored that evening were two long-time members:
Rosemary Antone and J. Julia Hakim. The CALC also
recognized Jonn Shamoun of New Century for his creative
and artistic contribution to the CALC.
The audience was entertained by hosts John Jonna and
Diane Dickow D’Agostini, who served as the evening’s
Master and Mistress of Ceremonies. Highlights included
entertainment by the comedic tunes of Steve Acho, which
was later followed by the Broadway styles of Nicole Hakim
Yohn and her husband, Chris Yohn. CALC executive board
member Bernadette Najor’s son, Nawras, served as the
evening’s DJ. During the cocktail reception, singer and keyboardist
Joseph Arabbo played traditional Middle Eastern
tunes. It was definitely a Night to Remember.
I personally want to thank so many people, including
Jane Shallal, Vanessa Denha-Garmo and LeeAnn Kirma
for all their work in putting the program together. Many
thanks to our members and friends who supported us and
worked on the event, including: Faye Gappy with Idol
Vodka, Haitham Asmar with Elegante Sweets, Shenandoah
Country Club, National Wine and Spirits, Diageo,
General Wine and Liquor Company, the Chaldean News,
Wally Jadan of MBN America, Ralph Dallo of Art One
Signs, Renee Antoon of Mainly Marketing, Lawrence
Yaldoo and Andrew Keina of Top That Table, Paul Jonna
of Spotlite Entertainment, Heather Jonna for her photography,
and Ivan Yousif of Futurewave Images. We also want
to thank Spartan Stores, the Michael J. George Charity,
Pepsi, the Boji Group, Dean Foods/Country Fresh,
Kojaian, Atwell Hicks, Peoples State Bank, Codespear,
Children’s Hospital, Fifth Third Bank, LaSalle Bank,
Honigman Miller, Henry Ford Health System, National
City and Wolverine Packing Co. for sponsoring this event.
Clockwise from top: J. Julia Hakim (right) receives her award. Jonn Shamoun was recognized for his
creative and artistic contributions to CALC. Rosemary Antone was also honored for years of dedicated service.
UPCOMING EVENTS
HOLIDAY SHOPPING
EXTRAVAGANZA
It’s the perfect time and place to get
your holiday shopping done. Gifts
for friends and family will be on display
on the annual CALC shopping
extravaganza. Get that stocking
stuffer for him or her on Thursday,
November 2, at Shenandoah
Country Club. The event is from 6-
10 pm. Admission price is $25.00.
We have a variety of vendors: accessories,
handbags, belts, clothing,
jewelry, beauty and pamper products,
gourmet specialty items — just
to name a few. New and unique vendors
are still welcome; please contact
Karen Denha at (248) 642-0601
for more information.
WOMEN’S RETREAT
MONDAY, OCT. 30
Guest Speaker Fr. Bass. This will
held at Manresa, which is located
on 16 Mile in Bloomfield Hills. The
cost is $35. Reservations can be
made by calling the CALC office
at (248) 352-5018.
CHRISTMAS ADOPT
A FAMILY PROGRAM
The CALC’s Christmas Adopt-a-
Family program provides gifts of
new clothes, toys, food and other
items to many needy families.
Share in the holiday spirit by sponsoring
or adopting a needy family.
If you’d like to get involved in our
upcoming holiday program as a
sponsor or volunteer, or would like
further information, please give us
at (248) 352-5018 or e-mail us at
info@calconline.org.
14 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2006
ADVERTORIAL

HALHOLE!
[Births]
Alexander and Alyssa
Alexander Brian and Alyssa Josephine were born on
July 13, 2006 to Ben and Renee (George) DiCicco.
Nina is the proud big sister. Grandparents are Lilly
George & the late Bill George, and Pat & Domenica
DiCicco. We lovingly welcome them into the world!
Gisella Anne
Twinkling stars in Heaven above are smiling down on
our baby with love. Announcing the birth of Gisella
Anne on July 26, 2006. She weighed 6 Ibs. and 10
oz. and measured 19.5 inches long. Big sisters are
Isabella and Gabriella and proud parents are Bobby
and Sandy Dalou. Gisella is the 28th grandchild for
Shimama & the late Shama Dalou and the third for
Mundher & Angel Adamo.
Isabella Anastasia
Ramis and Rena Kouza would like to welcome their
first little bundle of joy to this world. Isabella
Anastasia was born on June 30, 2006, at 1:28 p.m.,
weighing 7 lbs., 3 oz. and measuring 20 inches long.
She is the 14th grandchild for Shamoon & Najiba
Kouza and the first for Fahmi & Hana Awdish. Proud
godparents are Roy Kouza and Serena Chammout.
Alexander and Alyssa
Isabella Anastasia
Gisella Anne
SHARE YOUR
JOY
WITH
THE
COMMUNITY!
Announcements are offered free of
charge to paid subscribers.
Please email or mail announcements
with a photo to the Chaldean News at:
vdenha@chaldeannews.com
Chaldean News; c/o Editor
Subject: Announcements
30095 Northwestern Hwy., Ste 102
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Hard copies of photos can be picked
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Photos are not mailed back.
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16 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2006

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OCTOBER 2006 CHALDEAN NEWS 17

HALHOLE!
[Births]
Ethan Issac
The Lord has blessed Bruce and Angela Kello with the birth
of their first son, Ethan Issac, born on July 28, 2006, at Troy
Beaumont Hospital. Ethan was 6 lbs., 11 oz. and 19 inches
long. He is the second grandson for Moaiad & Labiba Kello,
and the first for Nabil & Nidhal Kinaia.
Savio Salim
Savio Salim Shayota was born on April 24, 2006 at 4:54 p.m.
He weighed 6 lbs., 6 oz. and was 20 inches tall. Proud parents
are Sarmad and Evan Shayota. Savio is the first grandchild
for Khalidah & the late Salim Shayota and for Riyadh &
Batool Karana. The Godfather is his uncle, Naseem Shayota.
Benjamin Walid
Sam and Jake love their new little baby brother, Ben, so
much. Ben was born on February 2, 2006 weighing 7 lbs.
and 5 oz. Proud parents are Sam Jr. and Christina Yono.
Ben is the sixth grandchild of Sam & Lillian Yono and the
third for Walid & Niran Habboo. Excited Godparents are
Brian Najor and Tamara Piziali. We have been so blessed!
[Engagements]
Reno and Ronda
Reno Kasskorkis (Petrous) and Ronda Jarbo became engaged
on July 16, 2006. Reno is the son of Kamal & Helen Kasskorkis
and Ronda’s parents are Adil & Karima Jarbo. The couple plans
a February 2007 wedding at St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic
Church with a reception at Penna’s of Sterling Heights.
Ethan Issac
Benjamin Walid
Savio Salim
Reno and Ronda
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18 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2006

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OCTOBER 2006 CHALDEAN NEWS 19

[Engagements]
Gib and Gehan
Gib Enwyia, son of Wadie Enwyia and Maida Rayis, proposed
to Gehan Brikho, daughter of George and Bassima Brikho, on
August 26, 2006. Gehan is an emergency room technician
and Gib is a self-employed businessman and Realtor. They
plan to wed in November 2007 at St. Joseph Church.
Reem and Roger
Sabah & Nawal Toma are proud to announce the engagement
of their son, Roger Toma, to Reem Mansoor, daughter of
Sahira & the late Dhafer Mansoor. The couple was engaged
on May 7, 2006. An April 2007 wedding is planned at St.
Thomas Chaldean Church. Roger is a physician specializing
in otolaryngology head and neck surgery. Reem is a physical
medicine and rehabilitation physician at Beaumont Hospital.
Joey and Sally
Albert & Ikhlas Kejbou are pleased to announce the
engagement of their son, Joey, to Sally, daughter of Dr.
Nisreen & the late Dr. Jamal Murad. The couple will marry
in October 2007 at St. George Church, followed by a
reception at Penna’s of Sterling Heights. Joey is currently
pursuing a law degree at Wayne State University and Sally
is a medical student at Michigan State University.
[Wedding]
Joseph and Louanne
Joseph Jadan and Louanne Nannoshi were married on
August 13, 2006 at Mother of God Chaldean Catholic
Church, with a reception following at Penna’s of Sterling
Heights. Joseph is the son of Najib & Ibtissam Jadan.
Louanne is the daughter of Jalal & Jan Nannoshi. The Best
Man was Jason Jadan, and the Maid of Honor was Kathy
Kassab. The couple honeymooned in Hawaii on the islands
of Maui and Kona.
Gehan and Gib
Joey and Sally
Reem and Roger
Louanne and Joseph
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OCTOBER 2006 CHALDEAN NEWS 21

RELIGION
PLACES OF PRAYER
THE DIOCESE OF ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE IN THE UNITED STATES
ST. THOMAS CHALDEAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE
25603 Berg Road, Southfield, MI 48033, 248-351-0440
Mar (Bishop) Ibrahim N. Ibrahim
www.chaldeandiocese.org
MOTHER OF GOD CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
25585 Berg Road, Southfield, MI 48034; 248-356-0565
RECTOR: 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
CHALDEAN CHURCHES IN AND AROUND METRO DETROIT
OCTOBER 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
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. GEORGE CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
45700 Dequindre Road, Shelby Township, MI; (586) 254-7221
MASS SCHEDULE: Sunday: 10 a.m. in Sourath, 12 p.m. in English and Sourath,
2 p.m. in Sourath and Arabic; Baptisms: 3:30 p.m. Sundays
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, Rev. Andrew Younan
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
Rev. Emanuel Rayes (retired)
MASS SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday 10 a.m. in Sourath, Saturday
5 p.m. in English, Sunday 9 a.m. in English, 10:30 a.m. in
English, 12:30 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
7 Mar Elia the Prophet
13 Our Lady of Fatima
obituary
Mary Karmo Betty
Mary Karmo Betty
Mary Karmo Betty was born on March 1, 1919 in Talkaif,
Iraq. She died on August 16, 2006 at the age of 87.
Mary was the daughter of the late Hanno Karmo and
Rejina Hakim Karmo. She was predeceased by her siblings,
Petrus, Aziz, Habib Karmo and Marosha Garmo.
She is survived by her sister, Shoshi Garmo.
Mary was proud of her children. She loved to garden,
talk with friends about the old country, and life outdoors.
Mary was the spouse of the late Namo Betty and is
survived by nine children: Najiba Oram, Suad Betty,
Masoud Betty, Salwa Souliman, Salam Betty, Florence
Thomas, Faiz Betty, Nadwa Abbo and Rita Betty, as well
as 29 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. She
followed two young daughters, Ghanima, 12 years, and
Florence, 6 months.
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22 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2006

OCTOBER 2006 CHALDEAN NEWS 23

ONE-on-ONE
Lottery Commissioner Gary Peters
Considering Chaldeans’ dominance
in Metro Detroit’s convenience
story industry, it’s no
surprise that 33 of the state’s top 40
lottery retailers are Chaldean. The lottery
is big business, both for the state
and for its retailers. In 2005, the lottery
raised some $667.6 million for the
state’s schools, and paid retailers
about $152.6 million in commissions.
$1.179 billion was awarded in prizes.
Gary Peters, commissioner of the
Michigan State Lottery, was appointed
by Governor Jennifer Granholm in
2003. Peters serves as the lottery
bureau’s CEO and is responsible for
its overall management and operation.
Peters was a member of the
Michigan Senate from 1995 to 2002.
He served as Chair of the Senate
Democratic Caucus and Vice Chair of
the Finance, Education, Judiciary and
Natural Resources Committees.
Peters also currently serves as a
Lieutenant Commander and a Seabee
Combat Warfare Specialist in the
United States Naval Reserve.
The commissioner recently sat
down with The Chaldean News’
Vanessa Denha-Garmo and Joyce
Wiswell to discuss the lottery and its
impact on retailers.
Chaldean News: Could you explain
the commission structure with retailers?
There was a big outcry a few years
ago when a Chaldean retailer sold a
winning Mega Millions ticket and complained
he only received a $2,000
bonus. If he had been in Illinois, he
would have received $1
million.
Gary Peters: The lottery
pays a 6 percent bonus on
sales and a 2 percent
bonus on in-store redemptions.
Retailers receive an
additional 1 percent on
instants if they meet the
quarterly sales goal.
If you look at total commission
structure in Illinois Gary Peters
and Michigan, ours is more
generous. The idea is that most retailers
do not sell the Mega Millions jackpot
— most retailers would prefer to
earn money on every single transaction
and every sale rather than just the jackpot
of the Mega Millions. More people
win this way.
However, we did change the jackpot
commission structure so that retailers
get $5,000 for selling a Classic
Lotto 47 jackpot ticket and $50,000 for
selling a Mega Millions jackpot ticket.
CN: How does the lottery compete
Nidhal Dishow of Sterling Heights was a $2 million prize winner at a March 25 Pistons
game. Other big Chaldean winners have included Yousef Sharif of Swartz Creek
($2 million split with three other finalists on June 29, 2005) and Mona Al-Falahat of
Roseville, who won $2 million on March 23.
with Michigan’s 20-plus casinos?
GP: One way we are competitive is
that we have increased our prize payouts.
Casinos have higher payouts; our
payouts have to be higher. Traditionally it
was a 50/50 payout, now we are moving
out to a 65 percent and up payout. We
up in the upper tear compared to the
rest of the country with prize payouts for
instants because we changed that.
The players want more prizes. I have
been slowly increasing more payouts
and more winning experiences. Very few
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MICHIGAN LOTTERY
people will have the experience
of a million-dollar prize,
but if you have a $25 experience,
it is a great winning
experience. You can do a lot
more $25 prizes than you
can $1 million.
CN: Do increased payouts
mean commissions for
retailers will go down?
GP: We will not reduce
commissions. The increased
prizes are being taken out of the state’s
side. But we are making up for it by
increasing sales. This also helps the
retailers.
We have put sales reps on a compensation
plan to work with our retailers.
The more the retailers do, the better the
reps will do. We are like any other sales
and marketing operation. The reps are
successful when their retailers sell.
CN: We have recently seen more
competition between retailers, where
they are paying out bonuses on lottery
wins in order to increase traffic in their
stores and get the reimbursement commission.
What do you think of this?
GP: It is an issue, and it has to be
the State Legislature that fixes it. I
don’t have the power to tell folks that
they can’t pay out higher. I can shut
them out if they pay less than the prizes
we pay — those are criminal charges
— but I can’t do anything if they pay
more. If legislation comes forward [forbidding
this practice], I would support
it. I don’t think the extra payout is
increasing sales, it is just moving sales
from one store to the next.
CN: There are currently about 8,000
traditional lottery machines in the state.
Do you plan on adding more?
GP: I am not anticipating more
licensees. The license requirement has
changed a bit. Before, a retailer had to
qualify based on instant tickets sales.
The reason we did that is, we don’t
charge retailers for the machine and we
pay $75 a month for the dedicated line
for that machine. We don’t want to put
machine everywhere if it is not profitable
for us. We have relaxed that a bit ... if
you want a machine you have to pay for
it. There is a one-time fee of $420.10 to
get the telecommunication line installed.
There is a Terminal Minimum Sales
Performance Fee which requires retailers
to maintain an average of $500 a
week in sales. If you go below the rate,
you have to go back to paying for the
machine. Retailers can make the business
decision themselves.
CN: How do you deal with the issue of
compulsive gamblers playing the lottery?
GP: We take this very seriously. We
run a good business for the state that
is important for education funding, but
we need to be responsible as to how
we market. We don’t market the lottery
as a way to get fast cash; we market it
as fun and entertaining.
We put $1 million a year into the
compulsive gaming hot line. The number
is printed on our tickets and our
machines. If someone calls, they get a
live person to talk to, and they are
referred to help. We have PSAs [public
service announcements] on TV
about problem gaming. We produce
those commercials, going above and
beyond what the Legislature has mandated
for gaming.
Lottery is not the same gaming situation
as you get at a casino. It is not
instant; you have to wait for the numbers.
If folks have a problem with gaming
it is usually more intense gaming
situations.
We did have an instance where we
shut down a retailer’s machine when
the owner showed excessive use. I
said that he would have to produce a
letter from a therapist showing he has
gotten help for his addiction, and then
I would turn the machine back on. He
has yet to produce the letter.
TOP 10
LOTTERY
SELLERS
JUNE 2005-JUNE 2006
Oak Liquor and Wine #80590 *
13700 W. 8 Mile, Oak Park
MGM Food Center #14436 *
13433 W. 8 Mile, Detroit
King of Gratiot Carmen’s
Liquor & Deli #17857 *
14650 Gratiot Ave., Detroit
Stop N Shop #34133
265 S. Outer Drive, Saginaw
Gratiot Fairmont Market #18196 *
14999 Gratiot Ave., Detroit
Danny’s Fine Wine #80183 *
23063 Coolidge Hwy., Oak Park
New Northend Market #14371 *
21601 Coolidge Hwy., Oak Park
Town & Country Liquor #17703 *
16261 West 12 Mile, Southfield
Thrifty Scot #18454 *
12021 Harper Ave., Detroit
M T Loonies #71857
6648 Lewis Ave., Temperance
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24 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2006

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OCTOBER 2006 CHALDEAN NEWS 25

IRAQ today
issued helmets, body armor or any
form of protection given to U.S.
troops and foreign contractors.
Georges told his family over numerous
occasions that Iraq was dangerous
and rough but he enjoyed his
work.
“He felt the U.S. needed his help so
he didn’t think twice before joining
Titan. He really wanted to help his
country and his family,” said first cousin
Deena Georges. “This job was a
jump-start — he was planning on using
the money to start his own business
and provide for his family. He will
always be seen as a hero.”
Rick Kiernan, spokesman for L-3
Communications, said roughly 300
employees, including subcontractors,
have indicated that their home of residence
is Michigan. From July 2003 to
August 2006, a total of 18 U.S-hired
linguistics have been killed in Iraq.
To those who knew him, he will
never be forgotten. Georges, of
Chaldean and Syrian Orthodox
descent, came to the United States
A life cut short: Translator
is killed in Iraq BY JOVAN KASSAB
Clockwise from top:
Saher Georges in Iraq.
Friends and family, including
Faris Salim (right),
gathered on Sept. 17 to
play one of Saher’s
favorite sports, soccer.
Saher’s brothers:
Sameh and
Samer Georges.
It’s one of the most dangerous civilian
jobs in one of the world’s most
dangerous countries — translating
Arabic for the U.S. military in Iraq. One
by one, little noticed in the daily chaos,
dozens of translators have been killed
— mostly Iraqis but Americans, too.
A knock on the door is what ended
all hope for the family of 23-year-old
Southfield resident Saher
Georges, an Arabic interpreter
for the U.S. Marines.
Two women from L-3
Communications Titan visited
the Georges house with tragic
news that their son was killed on
August 29 by a car bomber who
drove through a checkpoint in
Ramadi, Iraq. Georges worked for
Virginia-based L-3 Communications
Titan for six months and was assigned
to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine
Armored Division. He was aboard
North Entry Control Point (ECP) in the
city of Al Ramadi when a Suicide
Vehicle-Born Improvised Explosive
Device (SVBIED) attacked it.
Riding in bomb-blasted Humvees,
A knock on the door is what ended all hope for the
family of 23-year-old Southfield resident Saher Georges.
tagging along on foot patrols in
Fallujah or dashing into buildings
behind Marines, translators are dying
on the job. Many of them spend
months on the job before being
from Baghdad in 1994. He is survived
by his parents, Salman and Khalida; his
older brothers, Sameh and Samer; and
one nephew.
In an e-mail to the family, Lance
Cpl. Steven VanNostrand said
Georges “put a smile on everybody’s
face that he was around. I didn’t look at
Steve (Saher) as just an interpreter, I
considered him to be one of us, a
Marine.”
Deena recalls a sympathy call from
one of Saher’s friends in Iraq. “After
he paid his respects, we asked him if
he could send all of Saher’s belongings
back home. The man said, ‘Saher
had already packed up. He was going
to make a surprise visit home for his
brother’s engagement.’”
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OCTOBER 2006 CHALDEAN NEWS 27

festive
a
time
Chaldean Festival
draws thousands
BY JOYCE WISWELL
OCTOBER 2006 CHALDEAN NEWS 29

WHO WON THE CAR?
One of the most highly anticipated events of
the festival was the drawing for a 2006
Range Rover Sport HSE, with a suggested
retail price of $59,350. Thousands of people
crowded around the stage Sunday evening as
the winning names were drawn. A little over
$1,000 tickets were sold at $100 each.
The Shallal family of Sterling Heights —
Ghayda, Naiel, Francis and Franchesca —
were the lucky winners of the car.
Second prize, $1,500 cash, went to
Naseem Kathawa of Sterling Heights.
Third prize, $1,000 cash, went to Samir
Maroki of Sterling Heights.
Fourth through seventh prizes, a year’s
worth of Stroh’s Ice Cream donated by
Country Fresh, went to: Simon Jonna of West
Bloomfield, Saber Kassab of Birmingham,
Debbie McDonald of Lathrup Village, and
Rodney Gappy of West Bloomfield.
From left, Howard Openo of World of Erhard with the Shallal family of Sterling Heights: Ghayda, Naiel, Francis and Franchesca.
Unseasonable temperatures did
nothing to keep the crowds
from converging on
Southfield’s Civic Center
lawn last month for the
Chaldean Festival. Some
estimates put the crowd at
more than 10,000 on Sunday,
September 10.
The hordes warmed the hearts of festival organizers,
who suffered through a very slow Saturday
thanks to steady rainfall. But by early afternoon on
Sunday, it was clear that people were not letting
the cool weather keep them away. The festival
raised about $25,000 for the Chaldean Chamber
Foundation, the charitable arm of the Chaldean
American Chamber of Commerce, which organized
the event.
People of all races and faiths attended, though
the predominant presence was, not surprisingly,
Chaldean. Children jostled and played, teens held
hands, older men worked their worry beads, parents
pushed strollers and generations of families
walked together as they took in the sights.
“This festival is way overdue for our community,”
said Carl Dallo, who chaired the event with Ed
Babbie. “We need to unite our community a little
more from east side to west side. There is a big
divider — I don’t know if it’s Woodward or
Telegraph, but we are not united. This is a good
start, a wonderful good start.”
Babbie said the festival had many goals, including
benefiting businesses and “displaying our culture
to non-Chaldeans.” Enid Brown, who lives in
Franklin, said she came for just that reason. “I wanted
to learn more about the Chaldean culture,” she
said as she perused the literature at the chamber
booth. “I try to attend all different kinds of events.”
Whether they were selling American-style
hamburgers or Middle Eastern specialties, the
various food vendors did a brisk business. Forty
merchants sold everything from mortgages to
jewelry, banking services to statues.
Women sat and chatted, men smoked the
hooka and a group of youngsters sat in a circle to
play cards. Nearby, an impromptu foosball tournament
broke out.
“This is a great event for the Chaldean community,”
said Paul Jonna, one of the dozens of
volunteers, as he worked the Chaldean
Chamber Party Store. “It’s an event that brings
our community together,” agreed Flora Kuza,
who volunteered to work at the festival both
days.
A variety of performers took to the stage,
with rap and pop music the flavor of the afternoon
and authentic Chaldean music getting
everyone moving as the day progressed. People
held hands and danced the khigga, depka and
shaikhani in a circle around the raffle grand
prize — a 2006 Range Rover Sport.
The children’s area was a bit hit, with kids
doing the three-legged race and spirited tugs of
war. Over at the large inflatables, children
scrambled up and down slides and mazes. “Easy,”
is how Yasmeen Sarafa, 5 1/2 years old,
described her ascent to the top of the rock wall.
At the dunk tank, volunteers braved the frigid
water as gleeful participants hit their mark.
The line for balloon animals and airbrush tattoos
never let up, while next door, people sat
patiently as their caricature was drawn. One little
boy seemed to miss the point of the exaggerated
drawings. “But,” he said in disbelief after
being presented with his fanciful portrait, “I
look like a cartoon!”
30 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2006

Displaced
refugees from
around the
world
closer to
resettlement
State Department news is a small victory
for Iraqi refugees
BY JENNIFER T. KORAIL
In another step forward in uniting displaced
refugees from all over the world with their families
in the United States, Christian Iraqis are
being recognized as persecuted religious minorities
in a report by the United States Department of
State, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“This is a result of the determination and dedication
of the Chaldean Federation of America,”
said CFA Chairman Michael George. “The ACC
[Arab Chaldean Council] has also been big supporters
of this issue. They have been volunteering
with us, assisting the CFA with processing the
applications.”
ACC will also set up a Non-Government
Organization (NGO) in Jordan to help Iraqi
refugees.
Chaldeans have been immigrating to the
United States for decades. Much of the Chaldean
population today is comprised of second and third
generations. Yet it is difficult to find a Chaldean
who is not affected somehow by a family member
in the process of emigrating from Iraq or another
country abroad.
Unfortunately, the immigration process has
been growing increasingly difficult, especially
since the most recent war in Iraq. Many Chaldeans
continue to fear for their lives in the Middle East
amidst violence and persecution. However,
Chaldean Americans are taking initiative on the
matter. The Committee on Immigration and
Refugees was formed this past May 2006 to aid in
alleviating the concerns and pains of Chaldean
immigrants hoping to settle in the U.S.
COMMUNITY EFFORT
Led by George, CFA Executive Director Joseph
Kassab and Honorary Chairman Bishop Ibrahim
Ibrahim, the committee is made up of a number of
humanitarian and professional Chaldean
American organizations. Committee members
have spent as much as three decades volunteering
for the benefit of Chaldeans. Kassab, a nanobiotechnologies
expert, has chosen to take six
months off from his work to help spearhead the
initiative. “This issue is in my heart,” Kassab said
passionately. “It has been a truly noble effort by
the volunteers.”
The committee meets on a bi-monthly basis to
discuss and explore ways of assisting the indigenous
people of Iraq who fled the ancestral land due
to religious and ethnic persecution and to the
inability of the Iraqi government to protect them.
Volunteers include doctors, students, professors
and lawyers.
“If we don’t help our own people, who will?”
asked George, explaining why the refugee issue has
become the primary focus of the CFA. “It is our
obligation to help the Iraqi people from our historical
ancestry and fellow members of the
Chaldean community.”
According to Kassab, tens of thousands of
REFUGEES continued 50
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OCTOBER 2006 CHALDEAN NEWS 33

life along seven mile
The first U.S. home for many faces its challenges
BY JOVAN KASSAB
Everywhere one looks there are shops proclaiming
their products and names in both
Arabic and English. Neighbors pass by
speaking loudly in their Iraqi language as they
greet each other in a hospitable and friendly fashion.
Detroit’s Seven Mile Road is a starting point
for many Chaldean immigrants, many of whom
eventually move to the suburbs.
Life is not always easy along Seven Mile, which
has suffered the urban decay that marks many of
Detroit’s neighborhoods. The difficult part of living
in Seven Mile, said 12-year-old “Rena” (all
youth names in this article have been changed) is
“all the gunshots at night. It’s just scary.” Born in
Detroit and sharing her home with two sisters and
one brother, she said her challenge is moving out
of the neighborhood. “It’s hard and we can’t move
because my dad doesn’t work and we don’t have a
lot of money.”
Upon arriving home one day, the family found
their windows broken. “There was glass everywhere.
Of course we will be scared,” Rena said.
Nevertheless, she hopes to attend college and
become either a teacher or a pediatrician.
HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
The non-profit Arab American and Chaldean
Council (ACC) wants to help make Seven Mile a
more friendly and safe environment. “ACC is one
of five organizations helping to restore Seven
Mile, “said Isa Hasan, ACC’s director of the Seven
Mile Community and Neighborhood
Development Initiative at ACC. She admits
Seven Mile has become a dumping ground but
insists, “We are going to change that.”
The Seven Mile neighborhoods include businesses
whose owners are doing their part to beautify
the city. “We have to start cleaning up everywhere,”
Hasan said. “Residential spills over to
commercial.”
Peter Kassab of Waterford is the owner of B &
S Collision on Seven Mile and Danbury. He’s
34 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2006

Peter Kassab
looks over the
neighborhood
“I think Seven
Mile is a safe
area — at least
it always has
been for me.
Nothing has
forced me to
move out.”
– PETER KASSAB
been at that location for 27 years. “A lot of the
immigrants resided in Seven Mile when they first
came here and they gradually moved out,” he
said. “Some of the business did also.”
Kassab said he stays because of his Chaldean
supporters. “Chaldeans have supported us all
along. I feel comfortable and have never had
major problems,” he said. Kassab does his part to
keep his area of Seven Mile clean, safe and
friendly. “I think Seven Mile is a safe area — at
least it always has been for me,” he said.
“Nothing has forced me to move out.”
Jane Shallal, president of Associated Food and
Petroleum Dealers and an active member of the
Chaldean American Ladies of Charity (CALC),
noted that Seven Mile has always been a little
behind. “There were always little alternatives for
youth. Not that much was offered,” she said.
In 2005 the ACC opened its doors to an afterschool
youth program providing more than 300
kids with homework assistance, academic tutoring,
life skills, service learning, computer skills,
leadership, health education and conflict resolution,
along with activities such as basketball,
dance and hands-on activities. There is always a
police officer on hand. “We never turn down anybody
interested,” Hasan said. “And there is no
charge.”
There is also a change in the youths’ attitudes.
“Back in the days there were Chaldean and
African American gangs. Now, I walk in here and
see them playing on the same basketball teams,”
Hasan said.
POSITIVE CHANGE
Planned streetscape improvements on Seven
Mile Road get rolling this year. ACC joined
forces with the Michigan Department of
Transportation (MDOT) and are in the advanced
stages of the streetscape, which will include sidewalks,
decorative lighting, trees, park benches
and trash receptacles. “Everything is changing,”
Hasan said.
None of the initiatives will go anywhere
unless the people of Detroit step up to the plate
and get involved, Hasan pointed out. “We have
to assure the city that somebody will take care of
cleaning, painting... we are going to do this the
right way.”
Hasan said the area has received promises over
the years but nothing ever happened. “This
time,” she said, “change will be made.”
A Community Pocket Park will also be constructed
with children’s playground equipment,
park benches, lighting, decorative pavement and
more. The ACC said the park will provide “the
community a place to enjoy the outdoors in a
clean and safe environment with no worries.”
Another new feature being built is the Artesian
and Adult Learning Center, a 15,000- to 20,000-
square-foot building of workspace for Middle
Eastern and African American artists to create
and display their artwork for sale in an adjoining
Middle Eastern-themed cafe.
NEW HOMES
Penrose Village, a community under construction
in a north central neighborhood of Detroit, will
have 36 spacious three- and four-bedroom homes
available for rent early this fall for medium-income
families. Rents will start at about $430 per month.
Cynthia Solaka of Solaka & Associates said the
Seven Mile area is slowly but surely improving. “I
have seen men cleaning up [litter] and when I ask
if they are cleaning outside their business they say,
‘No, this is my neighborhood.’ The people here
care. They deserve it,” Solaka said. “Chaldeans
are the one who anchored the neighborhood —
they deserve good housing.”
Shallal agrees. “If they can work on building
new homes and cleaning up the abandoned houses,
the city could be more desirable.”
With all these new projects, there are still
children who feel grief and sadness and are overwhelmed
with their fears and feelings of being
different, alone and isolated. Project Venture, a
program started last November by CALC, runs
two days a week at two different locations — St.
Joseph Church in Troy and Sacred Heart Church
in Detroit. Children 10-15 years old attend the
program, where every activity relates to the “real
world.” One of the facilitators, Vanessa Konja,
said it’s a great program especially for the kids in
Detroit. “It gives them something to do during
the week because their schools have cut out all
after-school and gym activities,” she said.
Konja said working with children who call
Seven Mile home “really made me realize how
thankful I am for what I have. I didn’t think any
Chaldeans lived the way these children live.”
LIVING THE LIFE
Fourteen year-old “Mona” came to the United
States three years ago and is one of five siblings.
She said living in Detroit is difficult. “It is dangerous
in Seven Mile. There are a lot of fires and people
could burn down my house,” she said, adding
that she has seen homeless people living in the
burned houses. “The challenge in the summer —
it’s so hot and there is no air condition. The dogs
are outside and nobody is with them.”
Mona also worries about being robbed.
Regardless, she holds onto her dream of being a
hair stylist. For now, she spends her days cleaning
around the house and watching television because
she has “nowhere to go” and her friends “all moved
out of Seven Mile.”
Arriving in the United States eight years ago,
13-year-old “Reem” has ambitions of finishing her
education and becoming a doctor. She is the
youngest with two brothers and one sister, for
whom she worries. “I worry about my family
because someone could just get into your house
and kill you. People in Seven Mile just don’t care
— all the houses are dirty and so are the streets,”
she said. “I would like to change the way people
act in Seven Mile because they curse too much
and I don’t like that.”
One of three brothers and three sisters, 11-yearold
“Laith” came to the United States seven years
ago and spends his time playing video games. He
wants to help those in danger by one day becoming
an FBI agent. “Someone might get hurt, shot or
might be blamed for stuff they did not do,” he said.
Left unchallenged, neighborhood crime and
carelessness contributes to community neglect,
breakdown and fear. There are few incentives to
invest — economically or socially — in any unsafe
neighborhood. In five years, Solaka said there will
be an instant raise in dignity thanks in part to her
firm’s new housing — “The feeling of having your
own home in a safe and clean environment.”
Seven Mile will be a place where you could
walk without fear, a clean and safe neighborhood
of homes and businesses, say Hasan and Solaka.
“Plain and simple,” Solaka said, “Seven Mile will
be transformed.”
OCTOBER 2006 CHALDEAN NEWS 35

PHOTO BY ERIC DRAPER
President George W. Bush greets Dr. Katrin Michael (right) in the Oval Office on March 14, 2003.
confronting a killer
Nearly 20 years after being attacked by
Saddam Hussein’s military,
Katrin Michael, Ph.D., a Chaldean
woman and former freedom fighter who now
lives in Virginia, recounted two Iraqi Air Force
bombings in 1987 and 1988. During the first
attack, the Iraqi military used chemical weapons
against the opposition located in the Kurdish
area.
Michael’s testimony confirmed the horror stories
in slow and deliberate tones. Like so many
others before her, Michael described the pungent
smell of the chemical agents, like “garlic and
apple.”
“I saw hundreds of people — not dozens, but
hundreds — and they were vomiting with tears
coming out of their eyes,” Michael testified.
The chemical weapon attacks on the Kurdish
city of Halabja in 1988, and similar attacks elsewhere
in northern Iraq, are a significant part of
the case against Hussein.
Halabja is a small city in Iraq’s northern
province of Sulaymaniya, about 260 kilometers
northeast of Baghdad. Some 5,000 people are
Chaldean woman testifies
against Saddam Hussein
BY VANESSA DENHA-GARMO
thought to have been killed there, with another
10,000 injured.
Michael was a victim in a similar attack in
Zewa, a city east of Halabja.
Survivors of the chemical attacks still suffer
from the memories and, in many cases, the physical
effects such as cancer, neurological disorders,
birth defects and miscarriages.
Michael, 56, was a former resistance freedom
fighter in northern Iraq when the Baghdad government
launched what was called the Anfal
campaign.
According to Michael, she also testified in
2003 that, “On June 5, 1987, at 7:30 p.m., we
were shelled with chemical weapons mustard and
cyanide gases. Those who were near the bomb
started vomiting, and emptying their stomachs, a
mere 30 minutes after the raid. The situation on
“I asked God that if I was going to get killed, please make
sure I die after I testify against Saddam.” – DR. KATRIN MICHAEL
the site was horrible and
awful.”
She was among a number
of witnesses at an event sponsored
by the Congressional
Human Rights Caucus to
commemorate the 15th
anniversary (on March 16,
2003) of the Zewa chemical
weapons attack. She also sat
inside the Oval offices
recounting the events to
President George W. Bush.
Now just three years later,
Michael retold the story sitting
just seven feet away from
Saddam Hussein. “I never
thought that the dream I had
to see this man come to justice
would ever come true,”
she said. “I never thought I
would see Saddam Hussein
look like a chicken right in
front of me.”
Although friends and family
tried to persuade her not to
testify, fearing she would be
killed, Michael was determined
to come face to face
with the man who bestowed
such suffering on thousands of
people.
“I entered a camp site
inside the Green Zone under
a high-level security, praying
that I would not be killed,”
she said. “I asked God that if I
was going to get killed, please make sure I die
after I testify against Saddam.”
Michael believes that part of the insurgency
in Iraq exists because the Saddam loyalists want
to stop the trial against him, scaring victims from
testifying. “They will not succeed,” she said. “I
sat in that courtroom believing I spoke on behalf
of thousand of victims who will never get the
chance to speak up. I don’t want any more sadness
— no more crying.”
Michael was told more than three months ago
that she would travel to Iraq to testify but was
sworn to secrecy. She sat in a room with dozens
of people — primarily prosecutors, other attorneys
and judges.
After spending eight days in Iraq and testifying
for more than two hours, Michael has
returned home safely.
36 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2006

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OCTOBER 2006 CHALDEAN NEWS 37

PHOTOS BY NORA DOWNS
From left:
Nafa Khalaf,
Ambassador
Samir Sumaidaie,
Kays Zair, May
Sumaidaie, Jacob
Mansour and
Adhid Miri
detroit gets iraq consulate
Speaking in Arabic and in English, Samir
Sumaidaie, the Iraq ambassador to the
United States, sat inside a conference room
at Shenandoah Country Club in West Bloomfield
for a dinner meeting on September 14 and
announced that an Iraqi Consulate office will be
formed in Detroit sometime at the end of the year.
“This is really big news,” said Adhid Miri, Ph.D.,
one of 25 people who attended the private meeting.
“These are milestones. We never had this kind of
representation. In the past, we rarely reached the
embassy. The consulate office will be autonomous
— dealing with economics, immigration issues —
and will not infringe on the embassy in D.C.”
The ambassador said two official Iraqi Consulate
offices will be formed — one in Detroit and one in
California. Their presence will make it easier to
Iraqis to deal with immigration issues in those areas,
rather than having to travel to Washington, D.C.
Miri explained that Sumaidaie has a long history
with Iraq and the Chaldean community, having
served on the Governing Counsel as well as an
envoy to the United Nations.
“He was very candid about the situation in Iraq
— how desperate it is but he is not losing hope,”
said Sabah Hermiz. “He does believe it will get
better. The best thing for Iraq is to stay united and
tackle those issues.”
Iraq ambassador makes announcement
during his Michigan visit
BY VANESSA DENHA-GARMO
The ambassador is greeted by Samir Paulus of
Bloomfield Hills
While many people might be wondering what
the ambassador can do for the Christians in Iraq,
Hermiz asked, what can the Chaldeans in the
United States do for him? He went on to suggest
that Sumaidaie create a database of names of Iraqis
with varied backgrounds from around the United
States who could help with the rebuilding of Iraq.
“He did ask us to put pressure on our elected
leaders,” said Hermiz. “We don’t want the U.S. to
back out of Iraq.”
As in past conversations
about Iraq and in past visits
with Sumaidaie, the
Chaldean community is concerned
about the safety and
welfare of Christians in Iraq.
“We know that once
Christians leave Iraq, they do
not return,” said Hermiz. “It
was important that the
ambassador understands
that.”
When the liberation
occurred, many Chaldeans
were optimist about the
future of Iraq but now doubt
is setting in. “The ambassador
said that in the short term
things will be very difficult
but in the long term, in about
five years, things will be much
better,” said Dave Nona. “I
have my doubts. I am much
less hopeful today than I was
when Saddam was taken out
of power.”
Nona blames the current Iraqi situation on how
the occupation took place and said there was mismanagement
by the allied forces. “This liberation
created a monumental problem for Christians in
Iraq,” said Nona. “I truly believe their survival is
in question. “
He continued to say that the only choices
Christians will have will be to either move out of
the country or migrate to the north of Iraq where
there is some stability. “It will be a major migration,”
Nona said. “It will require a lot of planning,
strategizing and support from our community here
and from the American leaders, NGOs [non-government
organizations] and Christian organizations
throughout the world. What is happening
now is difficult for those living through it.”
The Network of Iraqi-American Organizations
hosted the ambassador’s three-day visit to Detroit.
In addition to his visit with a group of Chaldeans,
Sumaidaie hosted a town hall meeting at the
Westin Hotel in Southfield.
Sumaidaie is the first ambassador for the state of
Iraq in 15 years. He was appointed as Iraq’s ambassador
to the United States in May 2006, after previously
serving as the Iraq’s Permanent
Representative to the United Nations (from July
2004), and prior to that, as Baghdad’s Interior
Minister.
38 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2006

a different world
Exchange student reflects on life back home
As daily news reports filter in, many
people of Iraq react with a mixture of
horror, disbelief and at times hope for
an end to the war. Many people in Iraq continue
with their daily routines while their
minds stay fixates on the war. In the United
States, Chaldeans are kept abreast of what
takes place in their homeland — thousands of
miles away — with no control over what is
occurring to our people overseas.
Like many other Iraqis, Firnas Aziz, a local
exchange student, was thrilled when the war initially
started. “It was like a whole new beginning.
They said that it would be much better than
what we had. And here it is more than three
years and no progress.”
Aziz came to Michigan in July of 2004
when he was a high school junior to study
abroad just as many students do; he was 16 at
the time. He finished the last two years here
and got his diploma from Milford High
School.
Leaving the war and moving to a free country
was a huge adjustment. Along with adjusting
to the new customs and style of living, Aziz
found it difficult to adjust to living with an
American family. “This is probably the hardest
thing that I had to adapt to,” he said. “As it is
known, Chaldeans and Americans have completely
different cultures and ways of doing things. I am
not saying that living with Americans is bad, but
it’s something that I got used to — and I like it.”
Along with the different traditions and values,
the language barrier was a challenge. “At first, I
really had a hard time trying to communicate and
I was sick of it but as I kept trying and trying, I got
a lot better at it,” he said.
BIG ADJUSTMENTS
Acquiring a taste for the American hotdog and
hamburger was tough on Aziz’s taste buds.
“Adapting to the American family was hard and so
was the food,” he said. “Like when I first came
BY LINDA JABORO
Firnas Aziz
relaxes at his
temporary home
in Commerce
Township.
here, the first thing that I had was pizza and I
thought it was the most disgusting thing ever. But
now it’s one of my favorite foods here.”
Aziz’s English has only a hint of an accent —
thanks to his father and his excellent education in
Iraq. “I only have been speaking English for the
two years that I’ve been here. I studied English in
Iraq for five years in school but we only learned
how to write and speak. My dad was a major factor
that I am good at English.”
Just as many other exchange students, Aziz went
through a strict process in where he improved his
English skills and gained many new relationships.
“While I was an exchange student, I came to
Michigan for a month for language training. There,
the government placed us with host families. After
that was over, everyone went to their states for a
full year as exchange students. After that year was
PHOTO BY BRAD ZIEGLER
over, the family that I had in Michigan for a month
offered me to stay with them. We get along pretty
good. And now I am trying to move out to live on
my own with some friends.”
Thus far, Aziz has enjoyed the local Chaldean
community along with the “freedom” of living outside
of war. “I like the Arab community here. It
kind of reminds you of back home. It’s been lots of
fun so far but I just wish that my family is here with
me,” he said.
LIFE BEFORE WARTIME
Aziz still fears for his family back home but
remembers a time when he didn’t have to worry
about shootings and bombings. “Life before the
war was great. There was a lot of peace, no bombings
or anything like that. My family, friends and I
would stay late at night outside doing whatever,
which we could not do at all after the war began.”
Initially Aziz was happy for the war because
there was no democratic system. “We had no right
to say anything on Saddam or the government.
Whatever Saddam or the government said, everyone
had to agree to it, otherwise you would see
yourself in jail or maybe killed,” he said.
But as time rolled on and the war become more
real, the life of Iraq changed forever. “The life was
something different. Kids would be playing around
outside of their homes during the bombing. You
could see the soldiers and Al-Ba’ath party people
everywhere in the streets. It was like a war zone in
your neighborhood. But we didn’t care and everyone
did work and did whatever they had to do. But
when the Coalition forces were close to Baghdad,
that’s when everyone realized it’s going to be real.
So lots of people closed their shops and took off
somewhere else other than Baghdad.”
Like many, Aziz’ thoughts of the war are not
good, but he hopes for new beginnings. “The war
killed a lot of innocent people,” he said. “It killed
some of my relatives in Baghdad. Right now, the
Iraqi and the U.S. Army are fighting unknown
fighters that dress like normal people and that’s
really hard to recognize. I do have hope for a better
Iraq but that takes a lot of time and blood.”
Currently Aziz is studying at Oakland
Community College but hasn’t yet chosen a particular
career path. Although he enjoys being in
the United States, there is really no place like
home. “What I miss is Iraq itself,” he said. “I miss
my great family that supported me with everything
I did. And who doesn’t miss the food! No one
cooks like my mom.”
OCTOBER 2006 CHALDEAN NEWS 39

sports
PHOTO BY DAVID REED
net worth
Marian tennis star eyes her third state championship
BY STEVE STEIN
Kassandra Piligian has a perfect
record at the Division 2 state high
school girls tennis tournament.
She’s been there twice, and won
two doubles championships.
What will the 16-year-old
Birmingham Marian star do for an
encore this fall in her senior season?
She’d love to win a third state title,
of course, but it’s going to be difficult.
Piligian is playing No. 1 singles
for the state-ranked Mustangs after
earning that spot through pre-season
intrasquad challenge matches.
Even though she lost nine of her
first 12 matches after the season
began, Piligian wasn’t discouraged.
“I would have been a little bit
disappointed if I was playing doubles
again this year,” Piligian said.
“My goal was to be our team’s No. 1
singles player. I love the position.
It’s difficult and challenging, but
fun. I’m doing my best, and trying
to be a leader for my teammates.”
Playing singles isn’t a new experience
for Piligian. She’s a singles
player in United States Tennis
Association and country club tournaments.
“I like playing singles more than
doubles, but doubles was where my
team needed me the last couple
years,” Piligian said. “I prefer singles
because you don’t have to depend
on anyone. If there’s a mistake
made during a match, it’s something
I could have prevented.”
Marian coach Dan Bittner has
no misgivings about Piligian’s
switch from doubles to singles in
the Mustangs’ lineup.
“I thought about playing
Kassandra in doubles, but the bottom
line is you always put the best
player on your team at No. 1 singles,
no matter what,” Bittner said.
“Kassandra has proven she’s the
best player on our team. She’s a
very confident player and she keeps
her emotions in check, especially in
pressure situations.”
After not making it to the state
tournament as a freshman, Piligian
teamed with Kiki Wilson to capture
doubles state championships in
2004 and 2005. The duo won at
No. 2 doubles in 2004 and No. 1
doubles in 2005. Wilson graduated
last spring.
“Doubles can be a lot of fun,
especially if you have a great partner
and friend like Kiki,” Piligian
said. “And your partner can keep
you focused during a match.”
The daughter of Chris Piligian
and Christine Jonna Piligian of
Troy, Kassandra Piligian has two
athletic siblings.
Katrina, 20, is an ex-Marian
tennis captain who is now a junior
at the University of Notre
Dame. She isn’t playing tennis
there. Cary, 19, is a former
University of Detroit Jesuit High
School baseball star who is continuing
his career at Georgetown
University (see box).
CARY ON
After a remarkable high school
baseball season last spring, Cary
Piligian — brother of Kassandra —
continued his winning ways in summer
travel ball.
The pitcher-outfielder helped the North
Farmington-West Bloomfield Cobras win
the under-age 18 division of the prestigious
Mayor’s Invitational Tournament in
July in Battle Creek. Piligian was a major
reason why U-D Jesuit, which finished
fourth in the Catholic League Central
Division, came out of nowhere to make it
to the championship game of the Division
1 state tournament in June.
On the mound, the hard-throwing
right-hander was the winning pitcher in the
Cubs’ 5-4 victory over Birmingham
Brother Rice in the regional semifinals and
6-2 triumph over Brighton in the
state semifinals. At the plate, Piligian’s
three-run homer in the bottom of the
seventh inning beat Lake Orion 8-5 in
the state quarterfinals and his grand
slam homer was the big blow of U-D
Jesuit’s win over Brighton.
The Cubs’ Cinderella story ended
sadly in the team’s first state championship
game. Grosse Pointe North
scored seven times in the first inning and
went on to a 7-5 victory. GP North finished
38-1, while U-D Jesuit ended up 25-14.
Piligian couldn’t pick a most memorable
state tournament moment. “The
walk-off homer against Lake Orion was
pretty cool. The ball went over the
scoreboard in left-centerfield at Bishop
Foley,” the 5-foot-11, 180-pounder
said. “Being the winning pitcher and
hitting a grand slam in the state semifinal
game was great, too.”
Piligian’s season statistics for U-D
Jesuit were impressive. As a pitcher,
he was 8-3 with a 2.40 ERA, striking
out 101 in 74 innings. He batted .426
with five homers and 35 RBI.
Georgetown pitching coach Mark
Van Ameyde was in contact with
Piligian all summer, communicating at
least once a week via a phone call or e-
mail. “He usually wanted to know how
I was doing and if I was staying
healthy,” said Piligian, who headed to
school in late August.
Even though he’s a freshman, Piligian
is expected to compete for a spot in
Georgetown’s starting pitching rotation.
The Hoyas finished 24-36 last spring,
but their 10 victories in the Big East
Conference was the most since 1986.
– Steve Stein
40 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2006

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OCTOBER 2006 CHALDEAN NEWS 41

event
1
1. Bernie Garmo
2. Anwar Yaldoo
(left), Ann Jamil and
Wafaa Jamil
3. Venus Sadek and
Joel Yono
4. Bernadette Najor
5. John Jonna, Diane
Dickow D’Agostini
and Florence Atto
6. Master of
Ceremonies
John Jonna
7. Lawrence Yaldo
(left), Heather Kali,
Traci Bashi and
Andrew Keina
8. Shenandoah was
beautifully decorated
2
calc’s 45-year gala
3
4
5
PHOTOS BY DAVID REED
1
Shenandoah Country
Club was transformed
into a glittering
Hollywood scene on
September 16 at the
Chaldean American
Ladies of Charity
celebrated 45 years
of good deeds with
an Academy Awardthemed
party.
6 7
8
More details and pictures
can be found on page 14.
View additional photos online at:
www.chaldeannews.com
42 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2006

Kevin M. Nalu
Specializing in commercial and residential real estate.
(248) 457-7053 • knalu@chglaw.com
COX, HODGMAN & GIARMARCO, P.C. is a full service law firm that
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OCTOBER 2006 CHALDEAN NEWS 43

event
2
1
3
4
5
6
afd holiday
beverage
show
1. Rafi Khanina
2. Jennifer Garmo
and Stephanie
Searcy
3. Sonya
Kory-Haio and
Barry Boozan
4. Fateh Fetouhi
and Paul Jaboro
5. Roni Sheena and
Sam Kallabat
6. AFD President
Jane Shallal (left),
Elias Francis and
Cathy Willson
7. Aziz Zirou (left),
Dan Wroubel and
Wally Abdal
7
PHOTOS BY DAVID REED
Retailers and suppliers came out
in force for the Associated Food
Dealer’s 2006 Southeast
Michigan Holiday Beverage Show
at the Rock Financial Showplace
in Novi on September 13-14.
View additional photos online at:
www.chaldeannews.com
44 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2006

KARAGOSIAN JEWELERS
CELEBRATING
56 YEARS
IN BUSINESS
IS
October 16-21
Everything will be specifically
priced for this event
Friday, October 20th from
5pm-8pm and Sat 10pm-5pm,
Karagosian will have an
exclusive Trunk show
from work famous
designer Gregg Ruth
and Christopher
Designs
Gregg Ruth
Designs
Refreshments and Hors d’ oeuvres will be served.
Come in an sign up for our raffle
56 years… we must do doing something right!
2266 ORCHARD LAKE ROAD | SYLVAN LAKE
(AT THE CORNER OF ORCHARD LAKE & MIDDLEBELT)
248-682-8573
1006
OCTOBER 2006 CHALDEAN NEWS 45

classified listings
HELP WANTED
HOUSES FOR SALE
HOUSES FOR SALE
BUSINESS FOR SALE
CARS FOR SALE
FULL-TIME ASSISTANT
who speaks Arabic & English at
shop in Royal Oak Township. Good
pay. Send resume to Ralph@artonesigns.com
or fax 248-591-7133.
2003 ACURA MDX
76,900 miles, new brakes, new air
conditioning. Seats 7. Great car!
$21,000. Call 248-939-7860.
SALES TERRITORIES AVAILABLE
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Interested parties should contact
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951-905-5000.
HOUSES FOR SALE
BLOOMFIELD HILLS SCHOOLS
3 BR, 2.5 bath, finished walkout
basement, over 1/2-acre lot.
Perfect to build new home or renovate.
$329,900. 248-225-7711
DOLLAR/CASS LAKE FRONT
Custom-built home in 2002, hardwood
floors, skylights, gourmet
kitchen, granite countertops, master
unit w/balcony overlooking
water, 4 BR, 2.5 bath, 2,200 sq. ft.
$429,900. 248-225-7711.
IMMACULATE CONDITION
62450 Rose Blvd., Maplewood
Sub, WB. 3,600 sq. ft. + finished
lower level w/ BR and workout
area. 4 BR, 4.5 baths, 3-car
garage, beautiful HW floors.
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1435 sq ft. Open floor plan w/living
rm, family rm w/fireplace leading to
large deck, kitchen w/oak cabinets
& hardwood floors, finished basement
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bedroom. Offering all appliances.
3 BR upstairs. $249,000.
248-756-8462.
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STERLING HEIGHTS
Beautiful, updated 3-BR colonial.
New kitch & furnace. Family rm
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$187,900, negotiable. (586) 247-8478.
HOME LOTS FOR SALE
WEST BLOOMFIELD LOT!
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BUSINESS PROPERTY FOR SALE
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REFUGEES continued from 32
Chaldeans have fled Iraq since 1988, dramatically
increasing during Saddam Hussein’s regime. The
estimated total ranges from 80,000 to 100,000
individuals. And there have been many more people
who have been silent in their departures. Most
have taken refuge in Syria and Jordan, as well as
Turkey, Lebanon and several European countries.
There are many Chaldeans applying for asylum
and refugee status. More than 1,200 cases have
been received in the first wave of the committee’s
efforts. One of the committee’s goals is to make the
immigration process for refugee families easier and
more effective. There are several steps in this
application process.
First, one must identify if the applicant is seeking
asylum or refugee status. Immigrants applying
for asylum file their application for refuge in the
country that they occupy. Therefore, they have
already settled in the country of refuge, but seek to
obtain legal residency in that country. Those applying
for refugee status are individuals who have fled
or escaped their country of origin for fear of persecution.
They are the applicants who wish to someday
settle in the U.S., but are still in transit.
Individuals seeking refugee status must select
one of three dimensions that apply to their situation.
The three dimensions, or criteria, include
Priority 1 (P-1), Priority 2 (P-2) and Priority 3 (P-
3). P-1 involves a referral in which an organization
prepares a case on behalf of the individual and
presents it to the State Department for referral and
approval. P-2 pertains to the humanitarian need of
individuals seeking admittance as a group. This
process requires political support. P-3 is an application
for family reunification, meaning that the
applicant is seeking to be reunited with family
members already settled in the U.S. Among the
1,200 applicants, 85 percent claim they have at
least one relative living in the U.S.
THE FIRST WAVE
The Committee on Immigration and Refugees has
been working diligently to assist their first wave of
applicants in obtaining official admittance to the
U.S. Kassab said the arrival process is starting to take
shape. “We do not have an exact timing as to when
the refugees will arrive, but the interview processes
are beginning,” Kassab said. Candidates must pass an
interview and meet United Nations guidelines for
refugee status before they will be able to settle in the
U.S. Eligible candidates will be able to settle six
months from the date of their interview. “We are
starting to see light at the end of the tunnel,” Kassab
said. “And we are continuing to see more light
with every step of the process.”
The committee’s efforts are indeed having an
effect on the immigration process. P-1 applications
had been severed for 3.5 years. However, due to the
persistence of the committee and the thorough
preparation of the cases presented to the Department
of Homeland Security, P-1 has been reactivated.
In the case of asylum status, most applicants
have been denied in the past for many reasons. The
committee persevered with the help of Senator
Carl Levin, who introduced a bill to reverse the
denials. Senate Bill S2611 has passed the first
round of votes and will appear in front of Congress.
There is much lobbying that needs to take place in
order to pass this bill into law, but it has successfully
made it through half of the process thus far.
There are an additional 800 cases waiting to be
processed for refugee status consideration. Those
applicants will be considered Wave 2.
Kassab remains enthusiastic about the future.
“Christians are the flowers of Iraq,” he said. “They
can truly grow and thrive here with the help of the
community.”
For more information on the Committee on Immigration
and Refugees, visit http://www.chaldeanfederation.org.
New forms are available, but only for those who have not
already applied.
YOU CAN HELP
On December 1, the CFA will host an event at
Shenandoah Country Club to celebrate its 25th
anniversary. The fundraising dinner will include
videos, photos and news from refugees and their
families. Tickets are $250. Visit
http://www.chaldeanfederation.org for details.
50 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2006

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