JULY 2018

VOL. 15 ISSUE VI
METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY JULY 2018
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JULY 2018 CHALDEAN NEWS 3

CHALDEAN COMMUNITY
FOUNDATION
Help Wanted!
Please consider hiring one of
our many new Americans.
More than 30,000 Chaldean refugees have migrated to Michigan since 2007. Many
possess the skills and determination to work hard for you and your organization.
The Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) has a bank of resumes
of candidates qualified to do a variety of jobs. To inquire about hiring a
New American, call or email Elias at 586-722-7253 or
elias.kattoula@chaldeanfoundation.org.
Chaldean Community Foundation
Sterling Heights Office
3601 15 Mile Road
Sterling Heights, MI 48310
586-722-7253
www.chaldeanfoundation.org
4 CHALDEAN NEWS JULY 2018

CONTENTS JULY 2018
THE CHALDEAN NEWS VOLUME 15 ISSUE VI
on the cover
16 GUBERNATORIAL RACE
BY ASHOURINA SLEWO AND VANESSA DENHA GARMO
16
departments
6 FROM THE EDITOR
BY VANESSA DENHA GARMO
Doing the right thing
8 IN MY VIEW
BY MICHAEL SARAFA
Trump’s immigration stance
riles Christian community
9 WHERE DO YOU STAND?
BY MICHAEL SARAFA
Are donations to politicians
good investments?
9 YOUR LETTERS
10 NOTEWORTHY
12 CHAI TIME
14 RELIGION
15 OBITUARIES
35 CHALDEAN ON THE STREET
BY HALIM SHEENA
Will you vote?
36 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
BY WEAM NAMOU
What the Eyes Don’t See
38 DOC IS IN
BY SAMIR JAMIL MD
G6PD Deficiency and
Chaldean Children (Favism)
38 DOC IS IN
BY SAMIR JAMIL MD
Beta thalassemia (also
called B-thalassemia)
40 CLASSIFIED LISTINGS
42 EVENTS
18 CONGRESSIONAL SEAT
IN THE 11TH DISTRICT
BY ASHOURINA SLEWO AND VANESSA DENHA GARMO
19 U.S. SENATE RACE
BY ASHOURINA SLEWO AND VANESSA DENHA GARMO
20 CONGRESSIONAL SEAT
IN THE 13TH DISTRICT
BY ASHOURINA SLEWO
21 CONGRESSIONAL SEAT
IN THE 14TH DISTRICT
BY LISA CIPRIANO
24 MICHIGAN’S 9TH
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
BY STEPHEN JONES
26 8TH DISTRICT RACE KEY IN
FIGHT FOR HOUSE CONTROL
BY PAUL NATINSKY
28 DIANE D’AGOSTINI VIES FOR A
FOURTH TERM ON THE BENCH
BY LISA CIPRIANO
The 48th District Court judge faces one
opponent in the upcoming elections
28 CHALDEANS RUNNING FOR OFFICE
BY ASHOURINA SLEWO
features
30 POLITICALLY CONNECTED
BY VANESSA DENHA GARMO
Candidates were among hundreds of attendees
at the Mackinac Policy Conference
32 BRIDGING FAITH WITH WORK
BY ASHOURINA SLEWO
34 LITTLE BLESSINGS
BY LISA CIPRIANO
37 REFUGEES FOR PROSPERITY
BY MARTIN MANNA
JULY 2018 CHALDEAN NEWS 5

PUBLISHED BY
The Chaldean News, LLC
EDITORIAL
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Vanessa Denha Garmo
MANAGING EDITORS
Denha Media Group Writers
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ashourina Slewo
Lisa Cipriano
Halim Sheena
Weam Namou
Stephen Jones
Paul Natinsky
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CLASSIFIEDS
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Interlink Media
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MANAGERS
Vanessa Denha Garmo
Martin Manna
Michael Sarafa
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THE CHALDEAN NEWS
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PHONE: (248) 851-8600
Publication: The Chaldean News (P-6); Published
monthly; Issue Date: July 2018 Subscriptions:
12 months, $25. Publication Address: 30095
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Suite 101, Farmington Hills, MI 48334”
from the EDITOR
Doing the right thing
In this issue, we are covering
the political races.
We don’t endorse candidates.
We are merely sharing
the bigger races and
the candidates in each. As
I make the decision as to
whom to vote for, I use my
God guide and moral compass
as I look to the teachings
of the church.
I pray that that all elected
leaders do the right thing
while in office.
I really try to be a person living
in the world but not of it. I navigate
through life — part of society that
challenges me — as I work in communications,
media and politics. My
faith is challenged daily. When you
make a decision to follow Christ – to
do what Jesus would do and to say
what Jesus would say – you walk a
fine line in this world. You are often
criticized, belittled and ostracized by
your peers. It shouldn’t come as a surprise,
however; it’s exactly what Jesus
said would happen if you follow Him.
“And you will be hated by all on
account of My name, but it is the one
who has endured to the end who will
be saved.” – Matthew 10:22
I try, but I fall and fail often.
However, I pick myself up and move
on. And I am doing that now.
I realize that deciding to follow
the teachings of the church comes
with a price, especially when you
work in an industry that puts you on
a public platform. There is much responsibly
with that role. Sometimes
I wish I could live under the radar.
There is a burdened responsibility
when it comes to being in the media
VANESSA
DENHA-GARMO
EDITOR IN CHIEF
CO-PUBLISHER
and working with it. Every
day I am reminded of what
St. Augustine said, “what’s
right is right even if no one
is doing it and what’s wrong
is wrong even if everyone is
doing it.”
When I was approached
about a book written by gay
twins, I hesitated although
we have covered the topic in
the past. I have no problem
giving controversial issues
a platform as long as these
issues are looked at from the lens of
the Christian faith. In the past, I have
consulted with clergy and theologians
on such topics and I will continue
to do so. Writing a balanced piece is
what being a journalist entails.
I have learned much more about
the brothers and their social media
platforms since publishing the article.
Had I fully understood their
position and agenda, I would not
have agreed to publish the article as
a stand-alone. It came off by many
people like we were promoting homosexuality
and that was not the intent.
After the article was published,
I saw photos used in the book and on
social media that I found offensive.
I realize not all will agree with
me but I believe it is my duty as a
Christian to look at the world from
a Christians perspective. I know I
don’t always get it right.
We have covered abortion, homosexuality,
and drug abuse among
other topics. The need to include
the church’s teachings on the issue
of homosexuality in the article was
my initial response back to the twins
when they asked for us to write their
story. We will continue to provide
the church’s side when addressing
these social topics.
Like I said last month, I have
no issue giving people a voice even
when we don’t agree with their decisions,
opinions or lifestyles. We can
bring many issues to the forefront but
not in a way that offends the church.
There are many other topics that
we are asked to cover that I believe
are worthy of articles. A couple of
topics that many people have asked
us to write about are the rise of divorce
in our community and about
the love of money.
Again, as Catholics, we are called
to look at these issues from the
Church’s teachings. Although we
did do that in the particular piece
about the gay twins, having included
quotes from Fr. Matthew’s homily on
the topic, it was not sufficient. We
could have included the twins’ story
in an overal article about homosexuality
without appearing to be promoting
the book.
By trying to do the right thing,
I thought it necessary to share my
thoughts about that article in this
editorial. Now, I move on.
August 7 is the primary election.
With marijuana on the November
ballot, we will probably cover more
about the elections in another issue
before the general election.
Legalizing marijuana is another
heated topic that made it on the
Chaldean News pages. I am sure we
will write about it again. However,
with everything we cover, we try to
do the right thing!
Alaha Imid Koullen
(God Be With Us All)
Vanessa Denha-Garmo
vanessa@denhamedia.com
Follow her on Twitter @vanessadenha
Follow Chaldean News on Twitter @
chaldeannews
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JULY 2018 CHALDEAN NEWS 7

in my VIEW
Trump’s immigration stance riles
Christian community
The idea of taking
children away from
the parents strikes
against the core values of any
person that’s ever been in a
family. It feels wrong, counterintuitive
and amoral.
When the Trump administration
decided to
start prosecuting adults
trying to enter the U.S.
illegally, the natural consequence
was to separate
MICHAEL G.
SARAFA
SPECIAL TO THE
CHALDEAN NEWS
them from their children, who would not be prosecuted.
Thus, there was a rationale for the policy,
but it got overrun with opposition from across the
political spectrum. Those opposing this policy including
the First Lady Melania Trump—and all the
other living First Ladies.
It also included a wide swath of the Christian
community. Pope Francis tweeted on June 20: “We
encounter Jesus in those who are poor, rejected or
refugees. Do not let fear get in the way of welcoming
our neighbor in need.”
Francis also expressed solidarity with the U.S
Conference of Bishops stance on this issue which
was even more strident.
At the U.S. Bishop’s Conference in June, which
was also attended by Bishop Francis Kalabat, leading
American clerics slammed the Trump administration.
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, archbishop
of the Houston Texas Diocese was able to speak
from authority both as the current head of the
Bishop’s conference but also because he hails from
a border state. He compared the asylum requests of
those fleeing harsh condition in Central and South
America to abortion. “At its core, asylum is an instrument
to preserve the right to life.”
DiNardo continued regarding Attorney General
Sessions’ pronouncement of ‘zero tolerance’ that “the
decision negates decades of precedent that have provided
protection to women fleeing domestic violence.”
Tucson, Arizona Bishop Edward Weisenburger
went a step further calling on “canonical penalties”
for Catholics involved in implementing these polices.
In other words, taking steps like preventing
people from participating in sacraments because of
their involvement in an immoral practice.
“Canonical penalties are there in place to
heal,” Weisenburger said. “And therefore, for the
salvation of these people’s souls, maybe it’s time for
us to look at these [penalties].”
Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, New Jersey, who
I interviewed for the Chaldean News several months
ago, proposed that a delegation of Bishops visit the
border areas. And Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston,
a close confidant of the Pope’s, also weighed in.
“Immigration policy is a moral question that
cannot be separated from decisions of right and
wrong, of justice and injustice. It is about respecting
and reverencing the dignity of the human person,”
O’Malley said.
But it wasn’t just the Catholic Church leadership.
The Southern Baptist Convention also called
on the Trump administration to develop a pathway
to legal status for those fleeing poverty and despair
“with an emphasis on protecting family unity.”
The United Methodist Church followed suit and
squarely took on one of their own, Attorney General
Sessions who is Methodist. Their conference passed
a resolution calling on the Justice Department to
“immediately discontinue separating children from
their families due to the zero-tolerance policy.”
Christian denominations and their congregations
span the political spectrum are anything but
monolithic. But on this issue, there has been near
uniformity of opposition. The core of the Christian
message is to love another. On the issue of separating
immigrant children form their parents, it’s hard
to dissemble this teaching any other way. Thus,
Christians stand united.
It seems Trump, a Christian himself, did get the
message.
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8 CHALDEAN NEWS JULY 2018

where do you STAND?
your LETTERS
Are donations to politicians
good investments?
With college tuition for
three children imminent
and continued involvement
in important causes to our
family, I’ve began to evaluate the
priorities of the dollar. I’ve been in
banking and finance for nearly 15
years but never really took to evaluating
political contributions on a
Return on Investment (ROI) basis.
When you buy a hamburger, you
get food and nutrition and satisfaction.
When you pay for schooling,
you are educating your children.
When you take a vacation, you get
relaxation and enjoyment.
What the heck to you get when
you donate to a political campaign?
Well, one argument would be
you are participating in the American
political process and helping to
elect good people that are aligned
with your philosophy. That argument
certainly is true.
But another part of me says,
I never got a thing. Politicians
come and go, many of them keep
recycling and nothing much ever
changes. Meanwhile, there is often
scandal, embarrassment and major
examples of flat out crookedness.
There is also gridlock, acrimony
and often the seeming inability to
come together on important issues
of the day.
I’m not suggesting necessarily
that people shouldn’t contribute
to political campaigns, I’m simply
wondering if all of us should do a
better job of evaluating our ROI.
Where do you stand?
Michael Sarafa is Co-publisher of
the Chaldean News.
Responding to Questions
About the Experience at Mass
Most of the inconsistencies are things
that can be personal preference and
are not essential elements of the mass
to be specified. I could address some
of them, but they aren’t especially important
in the big picture.
I think the more important comment
I’d like to make is that I too
have attended many different Latin
Rite churches, in addition to studying
theology for many years at a Latin
Rite Seminary. Not every Latin Rite
church mass is as close as you are
making it seem. There are just as
many variations in sitting, standing,
kneeling (not all Latin rite churches
even have kneelers!), some will say
certain prayers in Latin, some in
English. At some parishes, the sign
of peace will be shared with those
immediately surrounding a person
quietly, and at other parishes, they’ll
go across aisles and around corners
to give the sign of peace to as many
as possible. Some parishes will have
more traditional songs, and some will
have more modern songs. Some pastors
choose to celebrate according to
the Novus Ordo mass, and some will
celebrate according to the Traditional
Latin Mass. Some priests will face
the congregation during the Eucharistic
prayers and some will face the
cross. Some parishes will have congregants
in shorts and flip flops and
no one bats an eye, and some will
be filled with women wearing long
dresses and veils.
My point is that there is just as
much variation at Latin Rite churches
as there seems to be at Chaldean
Churches. And all of these variations
are valid. There is diversity as well as
universality in the Catholic Church,
as well as within each branch of the
Catholic Church, and this is what
gives it beauty. Rather than be absolutely
uniform, it allows for some
amount of variation, because the
Church is made up of a diverse group
of people, with different needs, and
different cultural backgrounds.
If you ask me, it would be pretty
boring without all this flavor
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JULY 2018 CHALDEAN NEWS 9

noteworthy
Represented in
West Bloomfield
While running for Township Supervisor,
Steve Kaplan was also on a
mission to help Chaldeans find representation
in the township. “He
tirelessly helped me while I was running
for the board of Trustees,” said
Jim Manna who is the first Chaldean
ever elected in the township.
Since taking office in November
of 2016, he set out to make sure the
Chaldeans who make up about 20
percent of the population were hired
for open positions and appointed to
various commissions.
Kaplan has been in public office
for more than 20 years and was also
prosecuting attorney and a professor
of law. The most recent appointment
was Wendy Acho who, by a vote of
6-0 competing against three other
candidates, won a seat on the Zoning
Board of Appeals. “Every board
committee has at least one Chaldean
person on it,” said Manna. “This is
truly significant. People care that
their city or township represents
their community.”
“It is extremely important that
our employees and commission
members reflect the members of the
community,” said Kaplan.
It is the first time the city has had
such representation. “It is important
to note in recruiting and selecting
Chaldeans for employment and
boards, it is not about affirmative
action, it is about equal opportunity,
explained Kaplan. “It is based on
merit and competence.”
“And based on the supervisor’s
knowledge of our hard work ethnic
and it is something that I truly respect
him for because he understands
our community,” said Manna.
The representation is something
Kaplan and Manna want the community
to know. “And, Mr. Kaplan
is setting the bar for the entire state
of Michigan,” said Manna, “because
it is the first township of its kind and
an affluent one that is adding Chaldeans
and no other city or township
is doing that yet there are high Chaldean
populations in various cities.”
West Bloomfield has the second
largest Chaldean population in
Michigan. Sterling Heights has the
largest Chaldean population.
Originally from Malta, Anabelle
Karana is married to a Chaldean. She
speaks Maltese, Aramaic (Sourath),
English and Italian. “We do have
Chaldeans who come to city hall
and I am able to translate for those
who don’t speak English,” said Karana
who learned Sourath from her
in-laws.
She works in the assessing department
where she processes paperwork
for new homeowners. “It is so important
that the townships represent all
aspects of the community.”
“Anabelle generates goodwill
for the township because she always
speaks so highly of us,” said Kaplan.
“We want our residents to know that
we have an open-door policy. We are
here for them.”
“I can honestly say the employees
here truly go out of their way to help
the residents,” said Karana. “We really
want them to feel welcome here.”
There are also four Chaldean police
officers in the West Bloomfield
Police Department.
Promoted
Corbin Yaldoo is
an active member
of the International
Council of
Shopping Centers
(ICSC) and was
recently appointed
as ICSC’s Michigan Next Generation
State Chair. As the Next Generation
State Chair, Yaldoo provides vision,
leadership and support for the next
cohort of industry leaders. Through
a variety of programs, the Next Generation
Chair works with the ICSC
Team to create the forum in which
the young professionals network. Yaldoo
is also a member of ChainLinks
Retail Advisors and on the board of
several local organizations.
Yaldoo specializes in landlord
representation and placement of retailers
in regional and neighborhood
shopping centers. His area of expertise
also includes the leasing of new
developments and land/asset acquisition
and disposition.
Granted Scholarships
The Associated Food and Petroleum
Dealers (AFPD)hosted their annual
scholarship luncheon on Tuesday,
June 19. Each year, students across the
Midwest are selected to receive scholarships
from the association’s foundation.
Thirty-eight students were
selected to receive the scholarship
award of $1,500, bringing the total
amount given away $57,000. Eleven
of these students were Chaldean. The
following recipients are Chaldean:
Anne Elizabeth Acho Tartoni, Tristan
Attisha, Spencer Haisha, Emily Kado,
Miranda Kajy, Zena Kashat, Ryan
Kizy, Celeste Nafso, Lauren Zaitouna,
and Christopher Hamama.
Country Fresh Closes
Livonia Location
Country Fresh announced last month
that they will close their operations in
Livonia. Michael George sold Melody
Farms to Dean Foods and Country
Fresh is a subsidiary of Dean Foods.
“This is one of several facilities across
the nation that Country Fresh plans
to close as part of cost-efficiency efforts
for the company,” said Dan West,
president of the Livonia Chamber.
“It is never fun to see any company
close an operation and 100 people lose
their jobs, but it is really tough to see
a company like Country Fresh leave
because it had so many connections
to Livonia. Tom and Michael George,
revered leaders in the metro Detroit
Chaldean community, founded Melody
Farms in 1950 when some dairy
products were produced out of Wilson
Farms, now a historical barn in Livonia.
Melody Farms was headquartered
in Livonia until the George family
sold the operation to Dean Foods in
2003. The City, Livonia Chamber of
Commerce and Michigan Works are
already discussing plans to connect the
displaced workers with new job opportunities
locally after the Livonia Country
Fresh plant closes later this year.”
Jim Manna .......................................Township Board, Elected first place with 20,200 votes.
Jim Manna and Ghassan Abdelnour ....Planning Commission, appointed
Nada Jamoua ...................................Cable Commission, appointed
Wally Ammori and Ray Esshaki...........Environmental Commission, appointed
Wendy Acho....................................Zoning Board of Appeals, appointed
Phil Mansour and Tom Shaffou...........Construction Board, appointed
Vania Sebou.....................................Accounts Payable Specialist
Simona Hanna .................................IT Specialist
Christen Jamoua................................. Water Resource division, staff
Anabelle Karana................................Assessment department, staff
10 CHALDEAN NEWS JULY 2018

JULY 2018 CHALDEAN NEWS 11

CHAI time
CHALDEANS CONNECTING
COMMUNITY EVENTS IN AND AROUND METRO DETROIT JULY 2018
Monday, July 9
Golf Outing: Community Social Services
of Wayne County will be hosting
their inaugural golf outing on Monday,
July 9 from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Hosted at the Northville Hills Golf Club,
this golf outing will provide an opportunity
for corporations, organizations,
community leaders and golf lovers to
meet the organizations new president,
Wm. Chuck Jackson, while engaging
board members and staff while learning
about the organization’s services.
Tickets are priced at $125 per person,
$500 per foursome. For more
information or to purchase tickets, visit
http://www.csswayne.org
Wednesday, July 11
Detroit Youth Day: Children ages 8 to
15 years old are invited to enjoy a day
of educational fun under the sun. Metro
Detroit Youth Day invites more than
35,000 students, 1,700 volunteers, and
360 community partners to the 36th
annual youth-centered event from 8:30
a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 11
at Belle Isle’s athletic fields. Students
will have the opportunity to interact with
more than a dozen Michigan colleges
and universities within College Row, engage
in sporting activities while interacting
with NFL Alumni and Detroit Lions’
mascot Roary and enjoy more than 50
interactive and educational demonstrations
and activities. Free lunch will be
provided to all children who attend.
For more information or to register, visit
www.metrodetroityouthday.org/register
or call (586) 393-8801
Saturday, July 14
Concert: The Drifters will be performing
live at Meadow Brook Theatre on
Saturday, July 14 for the fourth annual
Concert & Cuisine benefit event. This
year’s theme will be “Under the Boardwalk,”
and will set the tone for The
Drifters’ famous repertoire of hits. This
one-of-a-kind event features a pre-glow
party with strolling cuisine, drinks, and
silent auction followed by a private concert.
Tickets are on sale now, with all
proceeds benefiting the theater. Tickets
can be purchased by calling 248-
377-3300, visiting Ticketmaster.com,
or stopping by the Meadow Brook Theatre
box office.
Tuesday, July 17
Health Fair: Sponsored by Central
City Integrated Health, the Sixth Annual
Community Health Fair will be
hosted at the Detroit Eastern Market
on Tuesday, July 17, from 9:00 a.m. to
3:00 p.m. The Community Health Fair
is a free, annual event that aims to raise
health awareness and includes several
vendors that provide basic health
screenings, immunizations and blood
pressure checks. A variety of information
booths, focusing on health-related
programs, services and providers in the
community will also be on display. This
year’s event will include organizations
giving brief presentations showcasing
their programs. For more information
on the Sixth Annual Community Healthy
Fair, contact Norris Howard via email at
nhoward@centralcityhealth.com or call
313-733-1303.
Sunday, July 22
Family Fun: Join St. Thomas Chaldean
Church for their 2018 family picnic! St.
Thomas will be hosting their family picnic
Sunday, July 22 at Camp Chaldean
in Brighton from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m.
With a variety of activities, families are
encouraged to attend. The event will
include entertainment for all, food, and
basketball and volleyball. Those in attendance
can also participate in a raffle.
Wednesday, July 25
Charity: Fleece & Thank You will be
hosting their Golf Outing on Wednesday,
July 25 at Shenandoah Country
Club of West Bloomfield at 9:00 a.m.
Fleece & Thank You is a Michigan
charity that gives kids in the hospital
a powerful connection to the outside
world during their treatment journey
by supplying them with a colorful,
fleece blanket and a video message of
support from the blanket maker. This
year the organization will hold its annual
golf outing on July 25. The day
will include a gourmet sandwich lunch,
early buffet dinner, presentation, silent
auction, and 50/50 raffle. Tickets are
priced at $160 per golfer, $600 per
foursome. Tickets can be purchased
at www.ticketstrip.com/ftyouting18
Saturday, July 28
Festival: The 47th Annual Arab and
Chaldean Festival will be hosted at Hart
Plaza in Downtown Detroit. The festival
begins Saturday, July 28 and runs
through Sunday, July 29. Each year,
thousands of people from all ages attend
the festival during the two-day
event activities. The festival features a
variety of ethnic food, cultural gallery exhibits,
and an impressive Middle Eastern
live performance. This year, there will be
live performances from Hussam Al- Rassam,
Ahmad Hatoum, Megan Kashat,
and many more. For more information,
visit www.arabandchaldeanfestival.com
or email aacfestival@yahoo.com
JOIN OUR GROWING TEAM.
The Chaldean News is looking for motivated
candidates to fill full-time salaried sales positions.
Qualified candidates should email a resume to
info@chaldeannews.com.
12 CHALDEAN NEWS JULY 2018

EASY WAYS TO SAVE
Warmer weather may make it hard for businesses to save money
on their gas and electric bills while still keeping employees
and customers cool. That’s why DTE Energy wants you to
know what you can do to accomplish both goals. Programming
thermostats to automatically adjust the temperature during
unoccupied periods and installing motion sensor lights in less
used areas are easy ways to save without sacrificing comfort.
Replacing water heaters with ENERGY STAR® certified ones
will result in even more energy savings. Together, we can
reduce energy waste and help your business thrive.
For more tips and ways to save, visit dteenergy.com/savenow.
Creative Files: DTE0849/Translations/R0 > 2018-05-31-DTE0849-EnergySmart-Grand-rapids-9x5.875-BW-English.indd
Bleed - None | Page 1 of 1 | Rev0 | 2018-06-01
REVISIONS DUE TO AGENCY 2018-05-31
DT ____ CR ____ TR ____ PR ____ AE ____
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JULY 2018 CHALDEAN NEWS 13

eligion
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
25603 Berg Road, Southfield, MI 48033; (248) 351-0440
Bishop: Francis Kalabat
Retired Bishop: Ibrahim N. Ibrahim
HOLY CROSS CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
32500 Middlebelt Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334; (248) 626-5055
Rector: Msgr. Zouhair Toma Kejbou
Mass Schedule: Weekdays, noon in Chaldean; Saturdays, 4:30 p.m. in English;
Sundays, 10 a.m. in Chaldean and Arabic, noon in English, 6 p.m., in Arabic
HOLY MARTYRS CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
43700 Merrill, Sterling Heights, MI 48312; (586) 803-3114
Rector: Fr. Manuel Boji
Parochial Vicar: Fr. Andrew Seba
Bible Study: Mondays, 7 p.m. in Chaldean; Thursdays, 8 p.m. Seed of Faith
in English;
Saturdays, 7 p.m. Witness to Faith in Arabic
Youth Groups: Wednesdays, 7 p.m. for High Schoolers
Mass Schedule: Weekdays, 9 a.m. in Chaldean; Saturdays, 5 p.m. in English;
Sundays: 9 a.m. in Chaldean and Arabic, 10:30 a.m. in English, Morning
Prayer at noon, High Mass at 12:30 p.m. in Chaldean; 6 p.m. in English
MAR ADDAI CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
24010 Coolidge Highway, Oak Park, MI 48237; (248) 547-4648
Pastor: Fr. Stephen Kallabat
Retired Priest: Fr. Suleiman Denha
Adoration: Last Friday of the month, 4 p.m. Adoration; 5 p.m. Stations of the
Cross; 6 p.m. Mass; Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Bible Study: Fridays, 8-10 p.m. in Arabic and Chaldean
Youth Groups: Thursdays, 7:30-9 p.m. Jesus Christ University High School
and College Mass Schedule: Weekdays, noon; Sundays, 10 a.m. in Chaldean
and Arabic, 12:30 p.m. High Mass in Chaldean
MOTHER OF GOD CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
25585 Berg Road, Southfield, MI 48034; (248) 356-0565
Retired Priest: Fr. Emanuel Rayes
Bible Study: Mondays, 7-9 p.m. in English; Wednesdays, 7 p.m. for college
students in English
Mass Schedule: Weekdays, 10 a.m.; Saturdays, 4 p.m. in English; Sundays:
8:30 a.m. in Arabic, 10 a.m. in English, noon in Chaldean, 7 p.m. in English
OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
11200 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48093; (586) 804-2114
Pastor: Fr. Fadi Philip
Parochial Vicar: Hermiz Haddad
Bible Study: Thursday, 8 p.m. for ages 18-45; Friday, 8 p.m. in Arabic.
Teens 4 Mary Youth Group: Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Confession: 1 hour before mass or by appointment.
Adoration: Thursday, 5-7 p.m. Chapel open 24/7 for adoration.
Mass Schedule: Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m. in Chaldean; Thursday, 1 p.m.
in English and 7 p.m. in Chaldean; Friday 7 p.m. in Chaldean; Sunday, 10
a.m. in Arabic and 12:30 p.m. in Chaldean.
SACRED HEART CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
30590 Dequindre Road, Warren, MI 48092; (586) 393-5809
Pastor: Fr. Sameem Belius
Mass Schedule: Sundays, 10 a.m. in Arabic, 12:30 p.m. in Chaldean
ST. GEORGE CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
45700 Dequindre Road, Shelby Township, MI 48317; (586) 254-7221
Pastor: Fr. Wisam Matti
Parochial Vicar: Fr. Matthew Zetouna
Youth Groups: Disciples for Christ for teen boys, Tuesdays, 7 p.m.; Circle of
Friends for teen girls; Thursdays, 6 p.m.; Bible Study for college students,
Wednesdays 8 p.m.
Bible Study: Wednesdays, 8 p.m. in English; Fridays, 8 p.m. in Arabic
Mass Schedule: Weekdays, 10 a.m. in Chaldean; Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Adoration;
8-10 p.m. Confession; Saturdays, 6:30 p.m. in English (school year);
6:30 p.m. in Chaldean (summer); Sunday: 8:30 a.m. in Chaldean, 10 a.m. in
Arabic, 11:30 a.m. in English, 1:15 p.m. in Chaldean; 7:30 p.m. in English
Submission Guidelines The Chaldean News welcomes submissions
of obituaries. They should include the deceased’s name, date of birth
and death, and names of immediate survivors. Please also include some
details about the person’s life including career and hobbies. Due to space
constraints, obituaries can not exceed 300 words. We reserve the right
to edit those that are longer. Send pictures as a high-resolution jpeg
attachment. E-mail obits to info@chaldeannews.com, or through the mail at
30095 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 101; Farmington Hills, MI 48334.
ST. JOSEPH CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
2442 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy, MI 48083; (248) 528-3676
Pastor: Fr. Rudy Zoma
Parochial Vicar: Fr. Bryan Kassa
Bible Study: Mondays, 7 p.m. in Arabic; Tuesdays, 7 p.m. in English; Thursdays,
7 p.m. Chaldeans Loving Christ Youth Group for High Schoolers
Mass Schedule: Weekdays, 10 a.m. in Chaldean except Wednesdays, 10 a.m.
in Arabic
Saturdays, 6 p.m. in English and Chaldean; Sundays, 9 a.m. in Arabic, 10:30
a.m. in English, noon in Chaldean, 2 p.m. in Chaldean and Arabic, 7 p.m. in
Chaldean
Baptisms: 3 p.m. on Sundays.
ST. PAUL CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
5150 E. Maple Avenue, Grand Blanc, MI 48439; (810) 820-8439
Pastor: Fr. Ayad Hanna
Mass Schedule: Weekdays, 6 p.m.; Sundays, 12:30 p.m.
ST. THOMAS CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
6900 Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322; (248) 788-2460
Administrator: Fr. Bashar Sitto
Parochial Vicars: Fr. Jirgus Abrahim, Fr. Anthony Kathawa
Retired Priest: Fr. Emanuel Rayes
Bible Study: Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. in Arabic
Youth Groups: Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Girls Challenge Club for Middle Schoolers;
Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Chaldeans Loving Christ for High Schoolers;
Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. Boys Conquest Club for Middle Schoolers
Other: First Thursday and Friday of each month, 10 a.m. Holy Hour; 11
a.m. Mass in Chaldean; Wednesdays from midnight to Thursdays midnight,
adoration in the Baptismal Room; Saturdays 3 p.m. Night Vespers (Ramsha)
in Chaldean
Mass Schedule: Weekdays, 10 a.m. in Chaldean; Saturdays, 5 p.m. in
English;
Sundays, 9 a.m. in English, 10:30 a.m. in English, 12:30 p.m. in Chaldean, 2
p.m. in Arabic; 6 p.m.
Grotto is open for Adoration 24/7 for prayer and reflection
CHALDEAN SISTERS/DAUGHTERS OF MARY OUR LADY OF THE
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ORDER
Superior: Benynia Shikwana
5159 Corners Drive
West Bloomfield, MI 48322; (248) 615-2951
CHALDEAN SISTERS/DAUGHTERS OF MARY HOUSE OF FORMATION
24900 Middlebelt Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48336; (248) 987-6731
ST. GEORGE CONVENT
Superior: Mubaraka Garmo
43261 Chardennay
Sterling Heights, MI 48314; (586) 203-8846
EASTERN CATHOLIC RE-EVANGELIZATION CENTER (ECRC)
4875 Maple Road, Bloomfield Township, MI 48301; (248) 538-9903
Director: Patrice Abona
Daily Mass: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.
Thursdays: 5:30 Adoration and 6:30 Mass
First Friday of the month: 6:30 p.m. Adoration, Confession and Mass
Bible Study in Arabic: Wednesdays 7 p.m.
Bible Study in English: Tuesdays 7 p.m.
ST. GEORGE SHRINE AT CAMP CHALDEAN
1391 Kellogg Road, Brighton, MI 48114; (888) 822-2267
Campgrounds Manager: Sami Herfy
ST. MARY HOLY APOSTOLIC
CATHOLIC ASSYRIAN CHURCH OF THE EAST
4320 E. 14 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48092; (586) 825-0290
Rector: Fr. Benjamin Benjamin
Mass Schedule: Sundays, 9 a.m. in Assyrian; noon in Assyrian and English
ST. TOMA SYRIAC CATHOLIC CHURCH
25600 Drake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48335; (248) 478-0835
Pastor: Fr. Toma Behnama
Fr. Safaa Habash
Mass Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 6 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m. All in
Syriac, Arabic and English
CHRIST THE KING SYRIAC CATHOLIC CHURCH
2300 John R, Troy, MI 48083; (248) 818-2886
_
_
Praying for
Continued
Independence
On July 4, 1776, the
United States of
America became an
independent country. There are
many ways to honor God on
this special day. It’s also election
season. Perhaps you can
read a passage from the Catholic
Bible with your family to kick
of the festivities, or pray a family
rosary with the special intention
for our political leaders and
our country’s future.
Or you could pray this simple
prayer for our nation written by
George Washington, our first
President:
“Almighty God, who has
given us this good land for our
heritage: We humbly beseech
you that we may always prove
ourselves a people mindful of
your favor and glad to do your
will. Bless our land with honorable
industry, sound learning,
and pure manners. Save us from
violence, discord, and confusion;
from pride and arrogance,
and from every evil way.
Defend our liberties, and
fashion into one united people
the multitudes brought hither
out of many kindreds and
tongues. Endue with the spirit
of wisdom those to whom your
Name we entrust the authority
of government, that there may
be justice and peace at home,
and that, through obedience
to your law, we may show forth
your praise among the nations of
the earth.
In the time of prosperity, fill
our hearts with thankfulness and
in the day of trouble, do not allow
our trust in you to fall; all
this we ask through Jesus Christ
our Lord.” AMEN!
14 CHALDEAN NEWS JULY 2018

obituaries
Said Tobia Najjar
December 1, 1938 - May 28, 2018
Said Tobia Najjar was a devoted
husband of 40 years to Esmat Najjar.
Beloved father to Anita Bahri
(Tony), Rita Putrus (Wasim), Sylvia
Lazar (John) and Pamela Russell
(Mike). Loving grandfather of Kaitlyn,
Nikolas, Jackson, Mckenze, Ava,
Jayden and Natalie.
He will reunite with his parents
Tobia and Marosha, and his siblings
George, Ellis, Magy, Joseph and Manuel.
Baba, your time on earth came and
went before our eyes and we would give
anything to give you one more hug.
We miss you so much but know that
you will forever live on in our hearts!
RECENTLY DECEASED COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Jared Alexander Atty
June 02, 1988 -
June 08, 2018
Ralph Dallo
July 09, 1966 -
June 20, 2018
Najiba Yousif Battah
December 08, 1927
- June 18, 2018
Diane Terese Farida
February 24, 1971 -
June 17, 2018
Wesma Hallak
Al-Osachi
June 18, 1947 -
June 11, 2018
Naim Yousif
Shamasha Matti
April 09, 1937 -
May 15, 2018
Raul “Joe” Denja
January 03, 1931 -
June 09, 2018
Najib Marogi
Yaldo
July 01, 1940 -
May 14, 2018
Iman Bahri Thweni
January 14, 1967 -
June 01, 2018
George Edward
Kathawa
February 21, 1939
- May 13, 2018
Suaad Tobia
Bajouwa Sinawe
August 28, 1956 -
May 17, 2018
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JULY 2018 CHALDEAN NEWS 15

Votes Count
Know who’s running
Gubernatorial race
BY ASHOURINA SLEWO AND
VANESSA DENHA GARMO
The race to take Governor Rick Snyder’s place
rages on as each candidate works to set themselves
apart from their plentiful pool of opponents.
Candidates on both sides – including Gretchen
Whitmer, Patrick Colbeck, Brian Calley and Bill
Schuette – are drawing on their several years of political
experience to gain a leg up among the masses and
in the race. Others – such as Abdul El-Sayed, Shri
Thanedar, and Jim Hines – believe their lack of experience
is not an issue as they will be able to bring a
fresh perspective to the Governor’s office.
We posed the following question to each candidate,
why should the Chaldean community support you?”
Democrats
Abdul El-Sayed is a University
of Michigan graduate born and
raised in Michigan. Following his
time at U of M, El-Sayed went
on to become a Rhodes Scholar
earning his doctorate from Oxford
University and his medical
degree from Columbia University.
He went on to become a pub-
Abdul El-Sayed
lic health professor, internationally known for his
expertise in health policy and inequalities.
At just 30 years old, El-Sayed became the
youngest health official of a “major American city
when he came home to rebuild Detroit’s Health
Department after it was privatized during the city’s
bankruptcy.” In his position as Health Director, El-
Sayed was responsible for the health of more than
670,000 Detroit residents. In his position as Health
Director has served a number of Detroiters, from
students to expectant mothers.
With roots in the Middle East, El-Sayed believes
he can most relate to the Chaldean community. “…
as someone whose family hails from the Middle East,
I know what it’s like to be locked out,” he said. “I
stood with the community when members of the
community were facing deportation. I will always
stand with members of the community and I think
there’s an opportunity for us right now to think beyond
the politics of a place 3,000 miles away and to
think about the politics right here at home.”
Shri Thanedar is a scientist and entrepreneur.
He immigrated to the United States in 1979 to
pursue his Ph.D. at the University
of Akron. After receiving
his Ph.D. in polymer chemistry,
Thanedar worked at the University
of Michigan as a postdoctoral
scholar from 1982 to 1984.
While his first company was
forced to close due to the recession
in 2008, his entrepreneurial spirit
continued on. After his family’s relocation
to Ann Arbor, Thanedar
founded Avomeen Analytical Services in 2010. As
a result of his entrepreneurial achievements, he was
recognized by Ernst & Young as “Entrepreneur of the
Year” in 1999, 2007 and 2016.
“I am an immigrant, I’m a business person. I
came to the United States in 1979 and became a
U.S. citizen in ’88 and being an immigrant, I understand
and I would like to make this more of a
melting pot,” he explained. “I understand the contributions
immigrants have made and the contributions
the Chaldean community have made. I
come from the Indian community.”
“America needs to be more inclusive, it needs
to have policies that are fair and that are responsive
to all. I want to be a very pro-immigration candidate,”
said Thanedar. “I’m going to bring new investment
to Michigan by encouraging immigrants
to immigrate to Michigan.”
Having been raised in Grand
Rapids and East Lansing, Gretchen
Whitmer is a lifelong “Michigander.”
A product of the state’s
public schools and universities,
she built a life close to home –
even moving into a house in the
same neighborhood where she
grew up. She knows education
and economic opportunity are
linked. That’s one of the reasons
Shri Thanedar
Gretchen
Whitmer
she supports access to early childhood education –
so every child can get a strong start.
During her time in the state legislature, Whitmer
brought workers, labor unions, and businesses
together to fight anti-worker legislation. When
Governor Snyder tried to pass the bill without any
public hearings she led the protest from her office
so people could have their voices heard.
In 2016, Whitmer served as prosecutor in Ingham
County, “restoring faith in the office” after the
elected prosecutor resigned amidst a scandal. She
implemented stronger ethics standards, established
a new Domestic Violence Unit, sped up the rehabilitation
of non-violent first-time offenders, and
asked the Michigan State Police to investigate the
integrity of the county’s evidence room.
As of print day, June 22, Whitmer has not provided
a statement.
Republicans
Patrick Colbeck is a Republican
candidate for the governor of
Michigan. After six years of operating
his small business, he sought
a seat on the Michigan Senate.
Colbeck became the first person
elected directly into the Michigan
Senate in over three decades
without any political experience, Patrick Colbeck
defeating four former state representatives
in the process.
Colbeck has been recognized as the “Most Conservative
Senator” consecutively in the past two
years and three times overall the span of his public
service career. He has also received the Senator
Paul Fannin Statesman of the Year Award in
recognition of his leadership role. “His free market
health care solutions that lower costs and improve
services are nationally recognized and featured by
Forbes. He has also been honored as the Legislator
of the Year by the Police Officers Association
of Michigan, The Senior Alliance, and Associated
Builders and Contractors.”
With strong ties to the Chaldean community,
Colbeck believes he is well situated to advocate
for the community. “I appreciate the strong, faithdriven
family values of the Chaldean community,”
said Colbeck. “I appreciate the spirit of entrepreneurship
and hard work that is so prevalent in the
Chaldean community.”
“My Principled Solutions will benefit the Chaldean
community more than the policies of any
other candidate for Governor in Michigan,” he
explained. “These solutions include the elimination
of the state personal income tax, free market
healthcare solutions which lower costs and
improve care, fixing our roads without increasing
taxes, lowering auto insurance rates and being a
vocal defender of religious liberty. The Chaldean
community appreciates the opportunity to pursue
the American dream in a special way. It is my goal
as Governor to make the pursuit of that dream
16 CHALDEAN NEWS JULY 2018

HENRIETTA ST
much easier for all of the citizens of
Michigan.”
Currently serving as Lieutenant
Governor, Brian Calley is one of four
republican candidates running for
governor. A community banker for
more than 10 years, Calley
left to seek election as a state
representative. He served
two terms before being asked
by Rick Snyder to be his running
mate in the 2010 gubernatorial
race.
During his time as Lieutenant
Governor, he has
Brian Calley
been a part of “two historic
tax cuts, which has resulted
in increased prosperity and
substantial job growth.” He
has dedicated much of his
time in office to spurring
Michigan’s comeback – of
which he acknowledges the
Chaldean community has
been a large part of.
“The Chaldean community
has been such a huge
Jim Hines
part of the Michigan comeback
and what our administration
has done over the
last seven and a half years
created an environment for
success and has resulted in
investment, job growth, and
opportunity,” he explained.
“The entrepreneurial spirit of
Bill Schuette
Chaldean people in our state
has taken full advantage of
this and created more opportunity
for our community. It has been
exciting to see.”
Unlike his primary opponents,
Jim Hines is not a politician. He is
a medical doctor and has delivered
thousands of babies over the last 30
years. As a missionary doctor, Hines
also ran a couple of missionary hospitals
and about 20 urgent care type
facilities for several years in the Central
African Republic.
If elected, Hines says he will focus
on a number of things, including putting
children first by improving the
education system, improving Michigan’s
job climate by ensuring
Michigan does not “go back to
the days of higher taxes”, protecting
the environment, and
investing in infrastructure.
According to Hines, he
shares many of the same beliefs
as the Chaldean community.
His campaign provided
the following statement, “Dr.
Hines supports our constitution
and conservative values.
He is pro-life, pro-family,
supports the growth of
small business and values the
Chaldean community. He is
interested in hearing specific
questions and concerns.”
Currently serving as
Michigan’s 53rd Attorney
General, Bill Schuette, has
joined the race to become
Michigan’s next governor. As
attorney general, Schuette
has served as a “voice for
victims.” During his tenure,
he has formed the Michigan
Commission on Human Trafficking,
created a plan to fund
the testing of thousands of
abandoned rape kits or DNA
evidence boxes, and joined
in the effort to put 1,000 new
cops on the street.
Fighting against corruption, the
conservative candidate led the “termination
of taxpayer-funded pensions
for 13 Detroit school principals
who embezzled millions.”
As of print day, June 22, Attorney
General Schuette has not provided a
statement.
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JULY 2018 CHALDEAN NEWS 17

Congressional Seat
in the 11th District
BY ASHOURINA SLEWO
AND VANESSA DENHA GARMO
When U.S. Representative Dave Trott
made the surprising announcement that
he would not run for another term in
Congress for the 11th District, Democrats and Republicans
began eying the open seat as opportunity
and for State Representative Klint Kesto that became
an opportunity to make history. If elected, he
will be the first Chaldean ever elected to Congress.
His campaign is garnering not just local attention
but the interest of Chaldeans around the country.
We asked all the candidates in the race why should
the Chaldean community support him or her in
this race. We share the answers from those who responded
on time for the July printed issue.
The 11th District covers Auburn Hills, Birmingham,
Bloomfield Hills, Canton Township,
Clawson, Commerce Township, Farmington,
Highland Township, Lake Angelus, Livonia, Lyon
Township, Milford Township, Northville/Northville
Township, Novi/Novi Township, Plymouth/
Plymouth Township, Rochester Hills, South Lyon,
Troy, Walled Lake, Waterford, West Bloomfield,
White Lake Township and Wixom.
We posed the following question to each candidate,
why should the Chaldean community support you?
Democrats
Tim Greimel is the grandson of
immigrants who came to Michigan
in search of economic opportunity
and security for their
family. His grandfather was a successful
small businessman who
opened a small tool and die shop.
Another was a proud UAW mem-
Tim Greimel
ber at Timken-Detroit Axle Company. His grandparents
were able to help their kids go to college.
Greimel’s mom became a teacher and his father
an architect. Native of Oakland County, has held
office as a Rochester school board member, county
commissioner and, since 2012, as a member of the
state House of Representatives. Greimel was formerly
the House minority leader.
In 2014, Greimel helped push a successful effort
to raise Michigan’s minimum wage to $9.25 an hour.
He was also part of the bipartisan coalition that
reached a “grand bargain” to provide $195 million
to Detroit as part of its bankruptcy reorganization.
Suneel Gupta has been
hailed as “The New Face of
Innovation” by the New York
Stock Exchange magazine. Gupta’s
experiences in technology,
healthcare, and business uniquely
qualify him to fight for better
jobs, better wages, and better
skills for our working families. Suneel Gupta
Gupta’s Michigan roots date back to 1967, when
his mom became Ford Motor Company’s first female
engineer. She and his father worked in the auto industry
for over 30 years, until April 4, 2001, the day
they were both laid off. He was recruited to Groupon,
which was co-founded by Michiganders, to serve
as the young startup’s first Vice President of Product
Development.
There Gupta helped create thousands of goodpaying
American jobs and serve over 1 million
Michigan customers, while driving millions of dollars
of revenue into small businesses around the
country. In 2012, Gupta’s’s brother - Dr. Sanjay
Gupta - helped him start Rise, a healthcare company
that uses technology to shrink the cost of
quality health care. After the startup served over
1,000 patients, First Lady Michelle Obama asked
Rise to be her team’s official technology partner.
Through this public-private partnership, together
they delivered health coaching to lower-income
areas of the country.
In 2016, Michael Bloomberg convened a bipartisan
commission on the Future of Work, and
Gupta was asked to join and bring Rise’s lessons to
policymakers. Gupta has led and lectured on Entrepreneurship
at the University of Michigan and been
named a Visiting Scholar at Harvard University.
“The Chaldean community should get behind
my race for the same reason everyone is supporting
me for Congress right now. We have a lot more in
common than we give ourselves credit for. We all the
same things. We want good jobs that pay the bills. We
want a good healthcare system. We want our kids to
do well and have a give education. I am fighting for
these values. When I got door-to-door, I am making
this promise to fight for those values and those are
the same values shared in the Chaldean community.”
As Detroit’s Director of Immigrant
Affairs, Fayrouz Saad
worked with Mayor Mike Duggan
to put inclusive values and
small business development at
the heart of the city’s recovery.
Prior to her time in the Detroit
Mayor’s Office, Saad served as an
appointee at the Department of
Homeland Security under President
Obama. There, she helped
Fayrouz Saad
coordinate the Gulf Coast recovery and developed
new standards for fair, effective community policing.
Before that, she spent three years learning to
craft legislation and deliver constituent services
as District Director and Legislative Aide to State
Representative Gino Polidori and began her career
in 2004 as an organizer right here in Michigan’s
11th District. The Northville resident is the
daughter of Lebanese immigrants, and a graduate
of Michigan public schools.
During her time in the Detroit Mayor’s Office,
Saad worked closely with the Chaldean community.
“As Director of Immigrant Affairs, I traveled
across Southeast Michigan in the wake of the 2016
election, working to educate and organize targeted
communities in response to overzealous immigration
enforcement,” explained Saad. “The Chaldean
community, despite assurances from then-candidate
Trump, found itself a top target for ICE raids in the
region. This was especially concerning given that (if
deported) many would be returning to an Iraq where
they’d face anti-Christian violence.”
“I also know first-hand the community’s work
ethic and community spirit, in part because of my
economic development work in and around Detroit,
and in part because of how similar it is to my
own parents’ story: fleeing Lebanon in the 1970s,
they arrived in Michigan with nothing, and built a
successful family business (Saad Wholesale Meats).
When we welcome and support immigrant-owned
small businesses, it grows the wider local economy,
grows the tax base to support schools and other vital
services, and strengthens communities. In Congress,
I look forward to being a friend and advocate
for Michigan’s Chaldean community, and to celebrating
its successes for decades to come.
During the Great Recession,
Haley Stevens served as chief
of staff on the Auto Task Force
inside of the U.S. Treasury Department,
the team responsible
for returning the auto industry
to financial stability and saving
211,000 Michigan jobs. Most recently,
she led a national workforce
development program and
created the country’s first online
Haley Stevens
training program for digital manufacturing. Earlier
in her career, Stevens played a key role in setting
up two federal offices critical in creating new
Michigan jobs: The Office of Recovery for Automotive
Communities and Workers, and the White
House Office for Manufacturing Policy.
Stevens believes her work as an economic development
professional puts her in a position to
advocate for small business owners in and outside
of the Chaldean community. “I am focused on 21st
century job training and I have long admired the
Chaldean community, their leadership and in our
district, in particular, Martin Manna’s work and
the chamber fostering business creation,” she explained.
“That’s what I want to do from the nation’s
capital, which is support people, support
small business owners and support our students.”
In addition to fostering business growth and innovation,
Stevens stands by the community as they
continue to fight deportations. “I was on the phone
with members of the Chaldean community when
the ICE raids were taking place,” she explained.
“It’s something that is really serious to me.”
As of print day, June 22, the following candidates
have not given statements: Greimel.
Republicans
State Rep. Klint Kesto, also
among those who have raised the
most money, is a former criminal
prosecutor who took on violent
crime, consumer fraud, domestic
violence and political corruption.
Kesto previously owned and
operated a family-owned small Klint Kesto
business. Kesto is a conservative
focused on reforming the welfare
system, reform our unconstitutional civil asset for-
18 CHALDEAN NEWS JULY 2018

feiture laws, protect religious freedom, and rein in
unelected bureaucrats who cripple small businesses
and destroy jobs. Kesto is a pro-life activist and “defends
the unborn child’s right to a life.” If elected,
his win will be an historic one as the first Chaldean
elected to U.S. Congress.
Kesto set his sights on the U.S. House of Representatives
as he has termed out and cannot run for
the Michigan House of Representatives.
Previously Kesto has worked for the United
States Department of Energy and the United States
Department of Justice. Even as he pursues this new
political endeavor, Kesto remains rooted in his own
community as he is a board member of the Chaldean
American Chamber of Commerce, a member
of the Chaldean American Bar Association, the
American Bar Association, the Michigan State
Bar, and a member of the Greater West Bloomfield
Republicans.
As a member of the Chaldean community, Kesto
believes he can bring to the Chaldean community
here what has been lacking in the Middle East.
“I will work to protect: Peace, Freedom and
Opportunity,” he said. “Those values are virtually
gone from the Middle East, but they are alive and
well here, and it is our duty as Americans to protect,
preserve, and spread those values.”
Representative Kesto calls on the community
for support as the primary approaches, “…this will
be a tight race and every vote is going to count.”
Kerry Bentivolio was a 2016
independent candidate who
sought election to the U.S. House
to represent the 11th Congressional
District of Michigan. Garnering
less than five percent of the
vote, Bentivolio ultimately lost.
Bentivolio is a former teacher
and Army veteran. Bentivolio is
geared towards rooting corruption
out of Capitol Hill as several
politicians are willing to “spend millions of their
own money to purchase a two-year seat in Congress
that pays only a fraction of what they’re investing
to win the seat.”
Bentivolio is a lifelong Michigan resident and
continues to reside in Milford with his wife and
“knows the needs and desires of his fellow citizens.”
Businesswoman Lena Epstein
is a millennial and third-generation
co-owner of Southfieldbased
Vesco Oil Corporation,
one of the largest distributors of
automotive and industrial lubricants
and supporting services in
the country. She loaned her campaign
nearly $1 million and with
$1.5 million total, is among the
highest fundraising candidates.
Epstein was a co-chair of Trump’s
2016 Michigan campaign and has tied herself to
the president’s agenda.
Epstein is involved in local, state and national
organizations supporting a number of causes and
11TH DISTRICT continued on page 21
Kerry Bentivolio
Lena Epstein
U.S. Senate Race
BY ASHOURINA SLEWO
AND VANESSA DENHA GARMO
The pool of candidates running for
U.S. Senate is a relatively small one
as incumbent U.S. Senator Debbie
Stabenow is unopposed in her primary.
However, political newcomers John James
and Sandy Pensler are fighting for the opportunity
to go head to head with Stabenow
in the general election. Without a primary
and several decades of political experience,
Stabenow’s GOP opponent – whether James
or Pensler – will have to be prepared for a
challenge.
We posed the following question to each
candidate, why should the Chaldean community
support you?
Democrats
Running unopposed in her
primary, senior U.S. Senator,
Debbie Stabenow is running
for U.S. Senate once again.
The first woman from Michigan
elected to the U.S. Senate,
she was first elected in
2000. Stabenow has previously
served in the Michigan House
of Representatives (1979-
1990), State Senate (1991-
Debbie
Stabenow
1994), and U.S. Congress (1996-2000).
In addition to serving as U.S. Senator, she
is a member of the Senate Leadership, serving
as the Chair of the Democratic Policy
and Communications Center. Through this
position, Senator Stabenow brings Michigan’s
voice to Congress. During her time in
office she has focused on bringing jobs back
to Michigan, advocated for quality health
care and access to comprehensive coverage,
and worked to protect the state’s natural resources,
including the Great Lakes.
As of print day, June 22, Senator Stabenow
has not provided a statement.
Republicans
John James is a husband, father,
businessman and veteran
running for U.S. Senate.
He is a pro-life, pro-Second
Amendment, and pro-business
conservative.
James made the decision to
serve the country at the young
John James
age of 17. After graduating
from West Point in 2004, he
became a Ranger-qualified aviation officer.
He went on to serve in Operation Iraqi
Freedom where he earned a Combat Action
Badge (CAB) and two Air Medals.
After eight years of service, he was honorably
discharged and returned to Michigan
to work in his family’s business James Group
International. Currently serving as president
of his family’s business, James has led the
company from $35 million to $137 million
in revenue while creating 100 additional jobs
in Michigan and around the country since
2012.
In addition to his Bachelor of Science
from the U.S. Military Academy at West
Point, James has earned a Master of Supply
Chain Management and Information Systems
from Penn State University and a Masters
of Business Administration (MBA) from
the University of Michigan.
When asked why the Chaldean community
should support his candidacy, James cites
cultural similarities. “The Chaldean community
should support me because we’re very,
very close culturally in terms of background,”
he explained. “I graduated from Birmingham
Brother Rice, I am very strong in my faith, I
also understand business and the Chaldean
community is very, very strong in business.”
“But also, on a personal level, I spent
some time in Iraq and I understand the
critical situation Roman Catholic Iraqis are
facing.”
Sandy Pensler was
born and raised on the
west side of Detroit from
which he commuted to
Grosse Pointe where
he attended University
Liggett High School.
After graduating from
University Liggett High
School, he attended Yale
Sandy Pensler
University where in the span four years he
earned a B.A. in Chemical Engineering,
a B.A. in Economics and an M.A. in Economics.
Following his time at Yale, Pensler
founded his first business importing sweaters.
Not long after, he sold the business to help
pay for law school. He received his Juris Doctorate
from Harvard in 1982.
Before entering the world of business,
he served as a clerk in the U.S. 5th Circuit
Court of Appeals for Judge Patrick Higginbotham.
Sandy has worked as both a private investor
and financial advisor to some of the
largest corporations in America, including:
Chrysler, Sprint, Scholastic, Time Warner,
etc.
According to Pensler, his experience in
the world of business is what makes him the
right candidate to represent the Chaldean
community.
“Michigan’s Chaldean Community has
championed Entrepreneurialism and the
Professions. Whether it be your hospitals,
clinics, restaurants, construction companies
or retailers, the Chaldean Community is an
integral part of every aspect of life in Michigan,”
he said. “My economic plans as senator
will help increase Chaldean and Michigan
job creation and economic growth.”
JULY 2018 CHALDEAN NEWS 19

Congressional seat
in the 13th District
BY ASHOURINA SLEWO
The race for the Congressional seat in the 13th
District is especially crowded as there are
seven Democrats currently running. Since
former U.S. Representative John Conyers Jr. stepped
down from his position in December amid sexual assault
allegations, several candidates have come forward
this election cycle to take his seat. While many
contenders remain, not all hopefuls were able to make
it to the ballot. John Conyers III, Conyers Jr.’s own
son who he had endorsed, will not be on the ballot
this August. We asked each candidate why the Chaldean
community should support him or her in this
race. We share the answers from those who responded
in time for the printed July issue. The 13th District
covers Detroit, River Rouge, Melvindale, Ecorse,
Dearborn Heights, Garden City, Inkster, Westland,
Wayne, Romulus and Redford.
We posed the following question to each candidate,
why should the Chaldean community support you?
Democrats
Bill Wild is a native son of the
13th District, born in Garden
City and raised in Wayne and
Westland. His wife Sherri is a
middle school teacher and they
have been married for 18 years.
They live in Westland with three
children and dog, Eli.
Bill Wild
Bill Wild’s dad was an auto
worker at the Wayne Truck Assembly
plant and his mom stayed home to raise me
and my three siblings. Like many families in today’s
13th District, they worked hard to get ahead, hoping
for a better life for their children.
His dad started a small auto recycling business
and by his example, he learned the principles of
hard work and perseverance through tough times.
In 1999, he was encouraged to get active in public
service and was appointed to the planning commission.
In 2001, I successfully ran for city council
and served for six years until his colleagues appointed
me Mayor when the seat became vacant. He is
now serving my third term as full-time Mayor.
This has grown increasingly diverse and has
dozens of Chaldean-owned businesses. “I’ve
learned so much in the job about meeting people’s
needs, serving a community, growing the pie, and
providing opportunity for all,” said Wild.
After Congressman John Conyers resigned from
Congress in 2017, he announced his candidacy to be
the Democratic nominee for the 13th District seat.
“I know how to ‘connect the dots’ between our local
communities and federal government and will focus
on bringing resources back home to improve everyday
life,” he said. “I will bring to every family in the
13th district a personal commitment to hands-on
public service and integrity that have been the hallmark
of my nearly 20 years of service to Westland.”
With nearly 20 years of public service, during
the worst economic collapse in our lifetimes, Wild
has seen first-hand the difference good government
can make and he made it happen time and time
again. The Congressional district, Michigan’s 13th,
is home to three stadiums, two casinos, two major
hospital systems, a major university, a robust community
college system, our international airport,
and many world-class cultural institutions. Yet, it is
the second poorest in the nation! “The truth is, too
many folks have been left behind and left out of the
economic recovery seen in our region,” he said. “To
me, this is unacceptable. I am a native son -- born,
raised and stayed! My wife Sherri and I want better
for my kids, and every child. It’s time we connect the
dots between the everyday, hard-working people in
the 13th District and the potential around us.”
He feels strongly about immigration policy. “I
never imagined I would live in country that would
deport people who happen to be undocumented
through no fault of their own–because they came
to the US as children,” he said. “It’s inhumane and
wrong that their lives hang in the balance as they are
used as pawns and bargaining chips to build a wall!”
He also believes that we need to strengthen our
refugee programs and open them to areas around
the world where human rights abuses and war have
put entire populations and generations at risk.
He has built a relationship with the Chaldean
community over the last several years.
“As a businessman for 30 years and as a fulltime
mayor, I understand the needs of the business
community,” said Wild. “I have had a long-standing
relationship with the Chaldean community
and many members of the Chaldean Chamber. As
a hands-on Mayor who has cultivated a businessfriendly
community and who has always had an
open-door policy, I truly understand the needs of
the Chaldean community. I know how important
it is for community members to have access to their
elected leaders. It is important that I am not only
an ally in Congress for my constituents but for all
those who invest in the 13th District.”
Coleman Young II represents
Michigan’s 1st Senate District.
Since 2015, he has served as the
Senate Assistant Minority Floor
Leader. From 2011-2014, Senator
Young served as the Senate Assistant
Minority Caucus Chair.
Senator Young currently serves as
Vice Chair of several committees,
including: Local Government and
Elections Committee; General
Coleman Young II
Government Appropriations Subcommittee; Judiciary
Appropriations Subcommittee; Licensing and
Regulatory Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee and
the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee.
Born in Royal Oak, Michigan, Senator Young
is the only son of former Detroit Mayor, Coleman
Young, and former Detroit Assistant Public Works
Director, Annivory Calvert. Prior to being elected,
Senator Young worked for Detroit City Councilwoman,
JoAnn Watson, and for the Detroit City
Council Research & Analysis Division. Senator
Young was first elected to the Michigan Legislature
in the 2006 Primary Election, after which he represented
the citizens of the 4th House District for
four (4) years. Now in his second term representing
the citizens 1st Senate District, Senator Young has
sponsored six (6) bills that have become law; including
the “Tisha Prater Act”, which guarantees antidiscrimination
protections for women affected by
pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.
Senator Young wants to serve as the people’s
ethical voice in Washington. “Our district deserves
to have a representative in Washington who will
put the citizens of the district first,” he explained.
“Someone who is willing to do what is right for the
people, rather than what is right for their wallet.
This campaign is for all of the residents of the 13th
District who choose to do what is right and who
work hard to provide a safe home for their families.”
Ian Conyers is an alumnus of
President Barack Obama’s Organizing
for America and a former
‘Major City’ Constituent Services
Deputy Director. Ian also served
as Treasurer of the 13th Congressional
District Democratic Party
Organization after the Obama
Ian Conyers
campaign wrapped. Working as
the Small and Disadvantaged
Business Director of The Anacostia
Waterfront Initiative — one of the nation’s largest
redevelopment projects valued at more than $1
billion — Ian was able to provide more than 32 percent
of spending to veteran-, women- and minorityowned
businesses by providing innovative programs.
Ian believes the American Dream is possible for
every family and is dedicated to working every day
to provide quality ladders of opportunity. Raised in
Detroit, he is a graduate of the University of Detroit
Jesuit High School. Ian is also a graduate of Georgetown
University, from which he holds a master’s
degree in urban and regional planning, and a bachelor’s
degree in government.
Ian has been able to develop and sustain a relationship
with the Chaldean community early on.
“I have been a friend of the Chaldean community
since my youth,” explained Ian. “I grew up attending
U of D High School alongside Attorney Sam
Elia and was a regular at family functions, dinners,
and recreation throughout my young and adult life.
Now as State Senator, I take a deep pride in representing
the old Chaldean town and connecting that
narrative to the American Dream. I am proud to be so
closely associated with my Chaldean friends throughout
my life, and proud of the large positive impact
the Chaldean’s have had on Detroit and the region.
I have used my position at the state level to advocate
for social and economic opportunity for the Chaldean
community. I look forward to doing the same at the
federal level as your Congressman in Washington.”
Rashida Tlaib is the mother of two boys and the
oldest of 14 children, born and raised in Detroit. She is
a graduate of Detroit Public Schools and the daughter
of Palestinian immigrant parents. In 2008, she became
the first Muslim woman to ever serve in the Michigan
Legislature where she has served three terms.
According to Rashida, the communities she
represents become her family and she doesn’t let
20 CHALDEAN NEWS JULY 2018

anyone “mess” with her family.
“Throughout my career, I’ve
been able to build diverse coalitions
to improve the quality
of life for all of our families in
Wayne County and beyond. I
love bringing people to the table
and helping everyone work together
for the good of the community,”
she explained. “I’ve
talked to parents concerned
about the quality of our public schools, and who
need help getting funds for home repair or figuring
out government forms. I’ve engaged small business
owners in conversations about their priorities, and
how they can continue contributing to our economy
and helping our neighborhoods thrive.”
“The Chaldean community should support me
for the same reasons I hope other communities will
support me - because I will listen to you, because I
will be available to you, and because I will work as
hard as I can to take on the powerful interests that
harm your quality of life. I started standing up to
Donald Trump even before he was elected, and I
won’t let his administration separate our families
and send people back to situations where they will
be unsafe and persecuted.”
Brenda Jones’ public service
career began in 2005, when she
was first elected to the Detroit
City Council – to which she was
reelected to three more times. She
was elected president of the body
by her peers in 2014, and again,
in January 2018. Brenda serves
as Council’s liaison to the Police
and Fire Pension Board and was
appointed in 2014, to the Detroit Financial Review
Commission, where she also serves as ex-officio
member of the Detroit Public Schools Community
District Financial Review Commission.
She is currently leading an effort to form the
Detroit Commission on Human Trafficking to
align all branches of government, law enforcement,
non-profit, faith-based and corporate entities
together to raise awareness and fight against
this criminal epidemic.
Brenda Jones looks forward to
bringing more than 12 years of experience
with her to Washington
D.C. so she can fight for Wayne
County residents.
Shanelle Jackson has dedicated
much of her life to public service.
Rashida Tlaib
Brenda Jones
Shanelle Jackson
For six years, Jackson served as a
Michigan State Representative.
During her time as a state representative,
Jackson worked to pass bills that would
positively impact Wayne County’s middle class.
After leaving the state legislature, Jackson continued
in the path of public service, joining the
Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).
Much of her work at MDOT revolved around bringing
people from different walks of life together to
create plans to fix the state’s crumbling roads and
grow public transportation from Detroit to Romulus.
Currently, as a businesswoman, Jackson continues
to make public service a priority. In her role,
she is leading the efforts within her company to
not only employ more than 3,000 people from
Wayne County, but is also working to ensure the
jobs are well-paying.
Kimberly Knott Hill is running
for Congress in the 13th
Congressional District of Michigan.
For more than two decades,
Kimberly has served the people
of Michigan as a congressional
staffer, a community organizer
and a small business owner. She
wants to take her knowledge of Kimberly Knott Hill
the district, coalition building
skills, and collaborative leadership
style to the US House of Representatives to
represent Michigan’s 13th Congressional District.
Not long after graduating from Temple University,
Kimberly began her career as a congressional
staffer for Rep. John Conyers. During this time, she
learned about the 13th district’s greatest issues and
was able to facilitate solutions for Rep. Conyers’
constituents.
As of print day, June 22, the following candidates
have not given a statement: Councilwoman Jones,
Jackson, and Hill.
Republicans
David Dudenhoefer is the write
in candidate for the Republican
primary. David is a lifelong resident
of Wayne County and has
worked and lived in the city of
Detroit for more than 20 years.
He brings more than 10 years of
experience in legislative activism
as he formerly led the Michigan
Chapter of Campaign for Liberty.
Currently, David is the chairman
David
Dudenhoefer
of the 13th District Republican Committee. During
his time in these leadership roles, he operated
within both the state and federal legislatures, developing
an understanding of the bill process while
working to stop legislation.
“Our campaign is rooted in the unifying message
of individual liberty, person freedom, and a
respect for the rule of law, our Constitution,” explained
David. “From this perspective we do not
see people in terms of collective groups to pander
to, rather we see people as individuals and understand
that laws should be written to protect the
liberty of the individual.”
“My unwavering goal should you chose to
write-in my name during the August 7th Republican
primary is to end the government’s fiat printing
press money, our country’s cancer which steals
from those who labor, and punishes those who
save,” he said. “Rather than to merely band-aid the
symptoms of the inflation which fiat money causes
every individual, my goal is to cut out the cancer in
total and restore a Constitutional honest monetary
system. This approach which will serve as the level
playing field for every American to realize peace
and prosperity.”
11TH DISTRICT continued from page 19
initiatives. Appointed by Governor Rick Snyder,
Epstein also serves on Michigan Child
Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board. Epstein
serves on several other boards, including the Detroit
Regional Chamber of Commerce.
As a Jew, Epstein believes there are several
similarities between the Chaldean community
and her own community. “I sincerely hope the
Chaldean community considers supporting me
because of our shared values and experiences,”
she said. “As a Jew, I am oft amazed at the similarities
between our two peoples.”
“I want to empower you to exercise your
free will. Like many in the Chaldean community,
I am a business owner. I know how to
run my business. The government does not. I
will always stand up for small business owners
and their right to make their own business decisions
without undue government intrusion,”
explained Epstein.
State Sen. Mike Kowall is
the choice of the local Republican
establishment according
to the ‘’Detroit Free Press’’ and
would likely be ideologically
similar to Trott, one of the
more moderate House Republicans.
He is the only Republican
to support a pathway to
citizenship for children who
entered the country without legal permission
that is separate from President Trump’s border
wall and legal immigration limitation proposals.
A lifelong Michigan resident, Senator Mike
Kowall is a member of several committees, including
the Commerce Committee and the
Oversight Committee, the Government Operations,
Joint Committee on Administrative
Rules, Regulatory Reform, and Michigan Capitol
committees.
According to news reporters,
former state Rep. Rocky
Raczkowski is third in fundraising
for the 11th District race.
Former state Rep. Andrew
(Rocky) Raczkowski is a businessman
with a long tenure in
the U.S. Army Reserves, has
served in the state legislature
representing a Farmington
Hills-based district between
1997 and 2003.
Mike Kowall
Rocky
Raczkowski
A Republican, he lost a close bid to unseat
then-U.S. Rep. Gary Peters in 2010. Since
2002, he has unsuccessfully run for U.S. House,
U.S. Senate, and state Senate.
Raczkowski earned his BA in Political Science
and Psychology from Eastern Michigan University,
a Masters in Administration from Central
Michigan University, and a Juris Doctorate from
Michigan State University College of Law.
As of print day, June 22, the following candidates
have not given statements: Bentivolio, Senator
Kowall, and Raczkowski.
JULY 2018 CHALDEAN NEWS 21

Congressional Seat
in the 14th District
BY LISA CIPRIANO
Michigan’s 14th Congressional District,
which snakes across parts of both Wayne
and Oakland counties, has gone through
many redistricting changes having been redrawn
numerous times since the 1960s. Considered one of
the most gerrymandered districts in the nation, it
currently covers a diverse range of communities including
the northwest side of Detroit including its
enclave of Hamtramck, Grosse Pointe Park, Grosse
Pointe, Grosse Pointe Farms, Harper Woods, the
Village of Grosse Pointe Shores, Grosse Pointe
Woods, the Charter Township of Royal Oak, Oak
Park, Southfield, Lathrup Village, Farmington
Hills, the Charter Township of West Bloomfield,
Orchard Lake Village, Keego Harbor, Sylvan Lake
and Pontiac. The traditionally Democratic leaning
district includes communities with large Chaldean
and African American populations.
We posed the following question to each candidate,
why should the Chaldean community support you?
Democrats
Congresswoman Brenda L. Lawrence
is a lifelong resident of
Michigan’s 14th Congressional
District. She was first elected to
the U.S. House of Representatives
in November of 2014 and reelected
in 2016 where she serves
as a Senior Whip, Vice Chair of
the Congressional Caucus for
Women’s Issues and Secretary
Brenda L.
Lawrence
of the Congressional Black Caucus. She serves on
the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee,
where she also serves on the Subcommittee on Aviation,
Subcommittee on Highway and Transit, Subcommittee
on Water, Resources and Environment.
She is also a member on the House Oversight and
Government Reform Committee where she serves
on the subcommittee on Government Operation.
Born and raised in Detroit, Congresswoman
Lawrence attended Pershing High School and
earned her bachelor’s degree in Public Administration
from Central Michigan University. Before she
began her career in public service, she had a career
with the U.S. Postal Service.
Lawrence was elected Mayor of the City of Southfield
in November of 2001 and became the first African
American and the first woman to serve in that post.
She previously served on the Southfield City Council,
where she was elected President in 1999. She has also
served on the Southfield Public School Board of Education
as President, Vice President, and Secretary.
She and her husband have two grown children
and a granddaughter.
Lawrence believes that she has been a highly
effective lawmaker in her four years in Congress
and hopes to be given another opportunity to make
a positive impact on the lives of not only her constituency,
but for the entire Country.
“We live in an amazing Country. It is an honor
to represent Michigan in Congress and fight for
our priorities. I’ve been able to get results in my
first few years representing us in Washington, D.C.
With your support I can make a bigger impact to
improve our federal government, so it can better
serve you and your families,” said Lawrence.
“I am proud of the work I’ve done in expanding
skilled workforce training and education opportunities
for Americans, as well as my leadership role
and results in the fight for stronger foster youth
protections. Those have both been bipartisan efforts
that will make a difference for many Americans,”
she continued.
Lawrence already has goals that she wants to
accomplish if given another opportunity to serve
Michigan’s 14th Congressional District in our Nation’s
Capital.
“The three biggest issues I’ll be tackling in the
next Congress are rebuilding our nation’s crumbling
infrastructure, increasing Michigan’s share of federal
road funding and transportation investments, and
further workforce development and training opportunities.
I serve on the House Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee, and am a founding Co-Chair
of the Congressional Skilled Workforce Caucus –
through those roles, I intend to get even more results
for Michigan and our workers,” explained Lawrence.
Lawrence values the continued support that
she has received from the Chaldean community in
her district and vows to continue to listen to their
needs, concerns and be their voice to the Nation.
“During my two terms in Congress, I have been
a constant partner and ally with the Chaldean community.
It is an honor to have such a strong Chaldean
population in our region; in the Halls of Congress,
I have had the opportunity to speak out and inform
my colleagues from around the country about the
history, heritage, strength, and present challenges of
the Chaldean community. I have stood and fought
alongside you and I will continue that partnership,
if re-elected,” Lawrence concluded.
Republicans
Dr. Marc Herschfus MD is a resident
of Southfield and doctor of
internal medicine specializing in
gastroenterology with a practice
in Detroit. Herschfus is affiliated
with multiple hospitals in the
area, including DMC-Sinai-
Grace Hospital and Garden City
Hospital. He graduated from
Wayne State University School
Dr. Marc
Herschfus, MD
of Medicine in 1991. He completed a double residency
in pediatrics and internal medicine at St.
Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital in Pontiac. Herschfus
attended medical school and law school
concurrently earning his law degree at Wayne
State University Law School. He currently practices
family law in Oakland and Macomb counties
with an office in Bingham Farms.
Herschfus previously graduated from Tufts
University School of Dental Medicine in Boston,
worked at his father’s dental practice and later
taught in the dental hygiene program at Wayne
County Community College earning enough money
to put himself through medical and law school.
He is a married father of four including triplets.
Herschfus first entered into the world of politics
in a 2016 in bid for 46th District Court Judge and
was defeated in the primary election.
He says that his defeat has only helped to make
him more politically motivated and that is why he
chose to run for Congress.
“As a member of Congress, you not only have
an obligation toward your district, but you have an
obligation towards everyone. I want to look at the
bigger picture,” explains Herschfus.
The three biggest parts of his platform are strengthening
our military, addressing unfair tariffs against the
United States, and health insurance reform.
“This district is a varied district. It covers both
the “haves” and “have nots.” I want to make health
insurance affordable for everybody. I say this as a
consumer and as a physician,” Herschfus said.
As a Jewish person, he feels especially connected to
the Chaldean community and hopes for their support.
“I feel a sort of a kinship to them. We come
from a similar area and speak the same language:
the Aramaic language. As a child of an immigrant
and a husband of an immigrant, I can relate to the
fact that people want to come here, be a part of
who we are, integrate into our culture, but at the
same time they want to maintain a sense of where
they came from. I very sensitive to that,” concluded
Herschfus.
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22 CHALDEAN NEWS JULY 2018

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JULY 2018 CHALDEAN NEWS 23

Michigan’s 9th
Congressional District
BY STEPHEN JONES
The race to replace Congressman Sander
Levin is in full swing in the 9th Congressional
District. Levin announced his retirement
from Congress in December after serving for
35 years. Candidates from all sides have their sights
set on the open seat, including Levin’s son, Andy
Levin. We asked all the candidates in the 9th Congressional
District why they deserve the Chaldean
community’s support in this race. The 9th District
covers Berkley, Clawson, Center Line, Eastpointe,
Ferndale, Fraser, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods,
Madison Heights, Mt. Clemens, Pleasant Ridge,
Royal Oak, Roseville, St. Clair Shores, Sterling
Heights, Warren Bloomfield Charter Township,
Clinton Charter Township, Royal Oak Charter
Township, Southfield Charter Township, Beverly
Hills, Bingham Farms, and Franklin.
We posed the following question to each candidate,
why should the Chaldean community support you?”
Democrats
Andy Levin is the son of sitting
U.S. Rep. Sandy Levin and the
former head of the Michigan Department
of Energy, Labor and
Economic Growth. Levin is the
founder of a clean energy business
and directed the No Worker
Left Behind program, a worker Andy Levin
training program that provided
services to 162,000 Michigan residents.
“My family has always fought for the Chaldean
community in Congress, and I promise to carry on
that tradition,” Levin said. “We have to address the
outrageous violations of Chaldean’s rights in Iraq,
the attacks on Christian villages, the stripping of
people’s rights. These are issues that have to be
central to our policy in Iraq and around the world.
I’ve worked on human rights my whole life, and
those are issues that I will continue to work on.”
“Secondly, the Chaldean community and the Jewish
community have always been really close. I think
our traditions of immigrating to this country, creating
a lot of our own small businesses, working our way
up through hard work, and the importance of family
contribute to the closeness of our communities. I’m a
business owner, and I work with a lot of Chaldeans to
retrofit their buildings in water efficiency, energy efficiency
and renewable energy. I know what it feels like
to run a small business and to pay all the taxes that
you have to pay as a sole proprietor. I’m going to be
there for them as a member of Congress to advance
the economic and social interests of the Chaldean
community right here in the 9th District.
Finally, the Chaldean community is an immigrant
community, and I’ve worked on immigration policy
for over 30 years ever since the Immigration Control
and Reform Act was passed in 1986. Another tradition
of my dad’s office that I will continue is protecting
immigrants and fighting for immigrant rights.”
Ellen Lipton served three
terms representing the 27th District
in the Michigan House of
Representatives from 2009 to
2014. Before her six years in the
legislature, Lipton worked as a
patent attorney specializing in
medicine and technology. She is
a founding member and president
of the Michigan Promise Zone
Association, a statewide organization providing access
to post-secondary education and free college
tuition for high school graduates.
“As a State Representative, I used my position on
the Appropriations Committee to ensure adequate
funding for programs that affect immigrant communities,”
Lipton said. “I fought to increase dollars
dedicated to ESL programs and helped expand state
funding for community mental health services, which
we had found were inadequate in servicing our multicultural
populations. In Congress, I look forward to
working with the Chaldean Community on access
to affordable housing, job placement and training
programs, and educational opportunities for young
people and adults looking to further their education.
I believe Michigan thrives when our immigrant communities
succeed. In Washington, I’ll ensure that my
Constituent Services staff is engaged in working with
the Chaldean community, and I will always be available
to my Chaldean constituents to work together to
make our district a better place to live.”
Martin Brook is running this
race in addition to his role as a fulltime
employment law attorney.
He was a Trustee on the Bloomfield
Hills School Board from 2005
through 2010. In 2009, he was
selected by his colleagues to the
position of President of the Board,
where he led the school district
through intense legal battles, a bond
Ellen Lipton
Martin Brook
proposal, and the selection of a new superintendent.
“The Chaldean community is a wonderful immigrant
success story,” Brook said. “It’s a wonderful family
story, community story and story of economic success.
I’m a small businessman myself, so I respect small
businesses. I’m a member of the Michigan Chamber
of Commerce. I speak for them around the state, providing
training and programs for employers to become
better employers. I sit on their education, health and
welfare committee, and help define their legislative
priorities. I have a record of supporting small-business
owners and trying to advance their interests.”
“Also, an important path to success in America
is education. I value and respect education and its
social/economic power. That is why I ran for and
served on the Bloomfield Hills School Board - during
that time, I interacted with many in the Chaldean
community and came to see our shared respect
for the important role education plays in everyone’s
success story. I also respect the story of immigration.
It is America’s story. I’m appalled by the arrests and
detention of immigrants pushed by the Trump administration.
The immigrant community is core to the
success of the tri-county area, and everything we do
should aim to enhance the immigrant experience.”
Republican
Candius Stearns is the lone candidate
in the Republican Party, and
belongs to an immigrant family
of Polish, German and, through
marriage, Greek decent. Stearns
most recently held the position of
Treasurer in the 9th GOP district.
In 2007, Candius Stearns founded Candius Stearns
DFB TPA Services LLC, a sister
company to DFBenefits. In January 2016, Candius
combined her group benefits practice with Mason-
McBride Corporation (MMC), one of Michigan’s
largest privately owned independent insurance and
financial services organizations.
Stearns believes she shares a few core principles
with the Chaldean community, including faith,
family, community, and country.
“Our economic tools, our healthcare system and
our education quality have lagged behind much of
America’s progress for most people,” Stearns said. “It’s
my commitment to address these top priorities with
21st century solutions and rethink how these resources
can better enhance the quality of life for our fellow
citizens. Sterling Heights is experiencing an incredible
positive impact from the Chaldean Community
Foundation (CCF). Its retail and business community
provide my hometown of Sterling Heights with the
old-fashioned entrepreneur spirit that America was
built on, as well as people who are not ashamed of
working with their hands as I have done, growing up
as a daughter of a dairy farmer. I welcome these new
citizens who work towards the opportunity to share
in the American Dream of prosperity for all. I support
helping the community find work in skilled trades, as
well as higher education which provides a hand up
towards self-sufficient lives and much-needed workers
in our community. I support an exciting new development
plan, a $30 million multifamily housing project,
to assist the neediest among the community.”
Green
John McDermott is running for the
Green Party. He has a Bachelor of
Arts degree in accounting, and he
earned his J.D. from the University
of Detroit-Mercy Law School. He
believes he can be the change that
people need to see in government,
stating “the federal government John McDermott
needs a major overhaul and a return
to its constitutional origins and limitations.”
“I knew many Chaldean merchants when I
was a commercial realtor in Detroit and a Wayne
County resident,” McDermott said. “The Chaldean
community’s success and prosperity in metro
Detroit is an American success story.”
The long-term fate of the district has been the
subject of speculation recently. Michigan’s slowmoving
population growth means the state could
lose another congressional seat following the 2020
U.S. Census, and the 9th Congressional District
might be a target for dissolution by 2022.
The primaries for Michigan’s 9th Congressional
District Race will be held August 7, and the general
election will be held on November 6.
24 CHALDEAN NEWS JULY 2018

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JULY 2018 CHALDEAN NEWS 25

8th District race key in
fight for House control
BY PAUL NATINSKY
As the 2018 mid-term congressional elections
rapidly approach, races around the
country are heating up, including Michigan’s
8th District, which includes all of Ingham
County, Livingston County, and north Oakland
County. The district runs from north of Detroit
through the Lansing area, and encompasses a
mix of suburbs and farms and conservative and
liberal leaning voters.
Incumbent Republican Mike Bishop has
served two terms representing the 8th and captured
56 percent of the vote in the district in
2016. He faces businessman Lokesh Kumar in
the Aug. 7 primary. Libertarian candidate Brian
Ellison is also in the race along with Democrats
Chris Smith and Elissa Slotkin.
Among the field of candidates challenging
Bishop, Slotkin has received the most media attention
and fundraising success. According to
a Detroit News report, Slotkin raised $801,000
last quarter, the most of any U.S. House candidate
in Michigan. She is also reported to have
slightly more cash in reserve ($1.34 million)
than Bishop ($1.3 million). Slotkin’s Democratic
primary opponent, Chris Smith, is reported to
have $48,646 on hand.
Slotkin’s fundraising support is in large part
composed of an influx of out-of-state contributions.
A loosely formed group of businesspeople
and others in solidly “blue” states such as California,
Vermont and Massachusetts view contributions
to candidates in their home states as redundant
and have instead directed their financial
support to swing races in the Midwest. So far, according
to a report in Reuters, the Purple Project
has raised $210,000 for candidates in Michigan,
Ohio and Pennsylvania, including Michigan’s 8th
District contest. The Purple Project and its allies
are hoping to win the 23 House seats needed to
elect a Democratic majority, while Republicans
work to retain gains made in the past few election
cycles. At this late date, pundits are widely
reported to be calling the race a tossup.
We posed the following question to each candidate,
why should the Chaldean community
support you?”
Republicans
Mike Bishop, the incumbent,
is a lifelong Oakland County
resident. He currently serves on
the House Committee on Ways
and Means, which is responsible
for issues including tax
reform, health care, Medicare,
Social Security and welfare. Mike Bishop
He previously served as
Michigan’s Senate Majority Leader. While in
the Senate, Bishop sponsored legislation that
created the Michigan Child Protection Registry
and the Michigan Identity Theft Protection Act.
He also served two terms in the Michigan House
of Representatives.
Bishop worked as Chief Legal Officer for International
Bancard Corporation and taught at
Thomas M. Cooley Law School following his
time in the Michigan Legislature. Before government
service, he was a private attorney representing
families, small business and local governments.
Bishop received his law degree from the
Michigan State University College of Law and
earned his bachelor’s degree from the University
of Michigan. He is a graduate of Rochester
Adams High School and is raising his three kids
with his wife, Cristina, in Rochester, Michigan.
Bishop credits the Chaldean community with
providing him support and advice.
“I have always been gratified by the friendship
and support I have received from my Chaldean
neighbors who I have worked with closely
to strengthen our community. Throughout my
time in service at both the state and federal levels
of government, I have relied on the help and
guidance of Chaldean leaders to assist me in developing
the policies that benefit the people I
am so proud to serve. My Chaldean friends and
neighbors can be certain that my door and my
mind will always be open to hear their concerns,
and they will receive nothing but my best effort
in moving our entire community forward,” said
Bishop.
Lokesh Kumar is a Michigan
businessman who graduated
from Eastern Michigan University
in 1987. He has owned a
manufacturing business in Lansing
since 2000, and lives in the
Lansing suburb of Okemos with
Lokesh Kumar
his family.
Kumar pledges to work with
federal, state, township, and
city officials to fix our roads urgently;
work to re-negotiate NAFTA, and invest
federal funding into manufacturing jobs for the
8th District; work to reduce income tax to a flat
rate of 15 percent, while reducing federal budget
deficit; work to make schools safer, stronger, and
effective with more federal resources and work
to provide better housing, resources, and social
security for seniors and veterans.
Kumar said he will hold quarterly meetings
in every county to talk with constituents in-person.
He identifies with recent immigrants and
entrepreneurs, having had personal experience
as both.
“Many households from the Chaldean community
in Michigan are small business owners
and entrepreneurs. I can relate to all the challenges
they face, having been an entrepreneur
myself,” said Kumar
“Many Chaldeans in Michigan are recent
migrants from areas affected by wars. I too know
a thing or two about the immigration process.
After my college in 1987, I worked in US and
Europe as a non-resident engineer. Thanks to
my employer and mentor, I eventually became
a citizen after a very lengthy and arduous legal
immigration process. The process took 10-plus
years, but it works. So, I have faith in the system.
I am proud to be an American, and fortunate to
have raised my wonderful family in Michigan for
20 years. I will endeavor to maintain a business
friendly and accepting environment for all immigrants
so we can all succeed when we work
hard. These are the core American values that
made America great.”
Democrats
Elissa Slotkin is a third-generation
Michigander who
has served three tours in Iraq
alongside the U.S. military, and
working as a national security
expert for both Democratic and
Republican administrations.
She has served at the White
House and in top roles at the
Pentagon, including as Acting
Assistant Secretary of Defense for International
Security Affairs under the Obama Administration.
She is married to Dave Moore, a former
Apache pilot, who retired as a colonel from the
U.S. Army after 30 years of service.
Slotkin lives in Holly on her family farm.
Her great-grandfather arrived on Ellis Island and
achieved the American Dream by founding the
family meat business, Hygrade Foods, which established
its Detroit headquarters in 1949. Hygrade
created a number of food staples beloved
by Michiganders, including the famous Ballpark
Frank, first sold at Tiger Stadium.
Slotkin did not comment directly on the
Chaldean community. Instead, she outlined her
thoughts on being a public servant.
“As a national security professional, I know
what it means to put politics aside, put your head
down, and get to work. To serve. I will always be
governed by the simple idea that our representatives’
job is to be available and serve the public,
but I think there hasn’t been enough of that in
Washington recently. It’s one of the reasons why
I’ve been holding so many public events to meet
folks in the community, and I hope you’ll join
me at one soon. It’s time to send a different generation
of leaders to Congress, and I hope you
give me the chance to do it,” said Slotkin.
Chris Smith is a longtime
resident of Ingham County who
has taught public policy and law
classes for more than 30 years,
including the past 24 years at
Michigan State University. He
is the author of more than 40
books on public policy, law, criminal
justice, and American government.
Smith was raised in a
union household and is a product
Elissa Slotkin
Chris Smith
of Michigan public schools. He and his wife, Charlotte—a
Michigan native, educated their children
in public schools in Ingham County.
26 CHALDEAN NEWS JULY 2018

Smith supports Medicare for
all, no pipelines under the Great
Lakes, ending sales of military-style
rifles, free community college and
technical training, raising the minimum
wage to $15/hour, expanded
opportunities for student loan forgiveness,
reducing military commitments
around the world and
opposes arming teachers with guns.
He and his wife Charlotte have
been married for 33 years. She has
spent more than two decades in
public service work. Their son is
a recent law school graduate who
serves in the Michigan National
Guard. Their daughter is a college
instructor married to a nurse.
Smith has strong views on fairness
and humanity in immigration
policy.
“I have spoken out strongly
about immigration issues. My sonin-law
is the son of refugee immigrants.
When the current administration
attacks immigrants and
seeks to accelerate deportations in
inhumane ways, this is personal for
me because I know from my own
family how much immigrants continue
to contribute to this country,”
said Smith.
“I am particularly concerned
about inhumane, punitive practices
that have expanded detentions and
deportations without regard to our
humane values and our asylum policies.
We should avoid separating
families. We should not be deporting
people to locations where they
will face persecution and the risk
of death based on a misdemeanor
offense that occurred in the United
States, often years ago when
someone made a youthful mistake
based on immaturity and bad judgment.
We also need to change the
rhetoric in Washington so political
leaders stop trying to divide us and
instead find ways to unify the country
and have us work together without
regard to nationality, religion,
race, and other factors. We need
to be a nation that appreciates how
people from all over the world have
brought their energy, ideas, and
hard work to the task of building a
strong country. As I focus on evidence-based
approaches to solving
problems and emphasizing humane
values, I plan to be an advocate of
unity and understanding. Our diversity
is a source of strength and
we should not let politicians try to
pull us apart through stereotypes
and scapegoating.”
Libertarian
Brian Ellison was
born and raised in
Royal Oak, MI,
graduated from
Kimball High
School and briefly
attended Michigan
State University.
He served
four years in the
Brian Ellison
US Army, serving tours in Germany,
Bosnia, Albania (Kosovo) and Fort
Hood, Texas. He and wife and fellow
soldier, Michelle have three children.
The Ellisons moved to Michigan
in August 2005. Brian began a
career in the construction industry,
working as a project manager, estimator,
and operations manager for a
disaster restoration company in Metro
Detroit for several years.
Ellison said that he and the Libertarian
Party are the best choices for
the Chaldean community because he
supports free market immigration,
support for small business, and community
focused government.
“I am a staunch believer in individual
rights and freedom for all
people. As such, I understand that
freedom does not begin and end at
any government border,” said Ellison.
“Freedom is universal to all
people regardless of their country of
origin. As such, I do not believe in
limiting the opportunities of those
individuals who want to come to
the United States in search of opportunity
and freedom from oppression.
The Chaldean community has
a long tradition of immigrating to,
integrating with, and contributing
greatly to the communities that
they join. I would like to see this
type of growth and evolution within
our society continue to evolve for
many years to come.”
Ellison pledges to support small
business owners. “Many Chaldean
business owners (like any other small
business owners) struggle with economic
hardship, while trying to make
their small businesses competitive in
today’s market. Burdensome taxes
and regulations can be crippling to
small business and these types of government
policies have succeeded to
limit competition from many wouldbe
start-ups for years. My staunch
opposition to government interference
in business in conjunction with
my advocating for a reliance on free
market solutions would be a benefit
to the Chaldean community and its
many small business owners.”
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18-WB-1977
JULY 2018 CHALDEAN NEWS 27

Diane D’Agostini vies for
a fourth term on the bench
The 48th District Court judge faces one
opponent in the upcoming elections
BY LISA CIPRIANO
On November 7, voters under
the jurisdiction of the 48th
District Court will be asked
whether or not to re-elect Judge Diane
D’Agostini to a fourth term on the
bench.
The 48th District Court covers
seven, high Chaldean population
communities: Birmingham, Bloomfield
Township, Bloomfield Hills, West
Bloomfield, Keego Harbor, Orchard
Lake and Sylvan Lake.
D’Agostini was first elected to the
bench in 2000. She was re-elected in
2006 and again in 2012. Now, she is
hoping for another victory to continue
her work into the next decade.
Prior to first being elected as District
Judge by winning all 84 precincts
in the district, D’Agostini served nine
years as an assistant prosecutor in Oakland
County.
D’Agostini earned a Bachelor of Arts
Degree in journalism from Wayne State
University before setting her sights on
law school. She graduated cum laude
from the Detroit College of Law, which
is currently known as Michigan State
University, College of Law.
Since 2000, Judge D’Agostini has
presided over thousands of criminal,
civil, probation and traffic cases.
D’Agostini says that her time on the
bench can be defined by keeping her
promise to keep the community safe.
But, her passions are being proactive with her district’s
youth about drug and alcohol addiction in an effort to keep
them out of the criminal justice system as well as ordering
treatment for those who already have fallen into that trap.
“I have been blessed to serve in a position that allows
me to make decisions that protect the safety of our families,
businesses and neighborhoods, while I continue my partnerships
with the local schools in educating our kids about
the law and drug prevention,” said D’Agostini. “I am uplifted
by the many people who have successfully completed
drug and alcohol treatment while on probation and am
grateful to be a part of their recovery from addiction. While
there are days that are very heavy and difficult, there are
many examples of people who transform their lives despite
their tough circumstances and it’s a privilege to be a part of
it. These are the reasons why I seek reelection.”
Judge D’Agostini, a Chaldean, is thankful for the community’s
support in helping her continue her important
work and strives to be a role model for young Chaldeans.
“My district covers seven communities with quite
a large Chaldean population. I am extremely involved
in speaking publically and educating the community at
forums, career days and internships. Schools with large
Chaldean populations have called on me to speak to the
kids, help out when there are issues, be a role model and
send a positive message,” D’Agostini said.
D’Agostini has one opponent this time around: Bloomfield
Hills’ criminal defense attorney Amy Welshler. She has
been practicing law for 18 years. She earned her Bachelor
of Arts degree at University of Michigan-Dearborn and her
law degree at the University Of Detroit Mercy School of
Law. Before going into private practice, Welshler interned
at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, assisting in prosecuting
misdemeanors at the 36th District Court, and handling
arraignments at Frank Murphy Hall of Justice.
Chaldeans
running for
office
Republican
Michael Shallal
(R) is
running for a seat
in the Michigan
State Senate. A
longtime resident
of Macomb County,
Shallal’s family
immigrated to the United States
when he was 17 years old. Shallal is
a small business owner with a bachelor’s
degree from the University
of Phoenix; during his schooling,
Shallal worked multiple jobs to support
himself and his family. Shallal
began a full-time job with the U.S.
government as an Iraq war civilian
contractor in 2003 after becoming
a citizen. This is Shallal’s second
attempt at running for office. For
more information, visit www.michaelshallal.com/
Democrat
Wisam Naoum (D)
is running for State
Representative of
the 30th House
District of Michigan.
As a finance
attorney, Naoum
noticed firsthand
the effects of Wall Street’s policies
on the working class, the economy
and politics. Having grown up in
the working-class neighborhoods of
Sterling Heights, this didn’t sit right
with didn’t sit right with Naoum;
he left his job at a major corporate
law firm in Chicago and returned
home to Michigan. It wasn’t long
after his return before Naoum became
locally involved again.
When ICE rounded up and detained
hundreds of members of the
Chaldean community, Naoum was
one of many volunteers that helped
buy time for the detainees and bring
several back home. Additionally,
as a community activist, Naoum
founded a nonprofit to mentor
traumatized children who had been
resettled in his community during
the Iraq War and worked with
the Obama administration to fight
ISIS. For more information, visit
www.wisamformichigan.com
28 CHALDEAN NEWS JULY 2018

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JULY 2018 CHALDEAN NEWS 29

Politically connected
Candidates were among hundred of attendees at the Mackinac Policy Conference
BY VANESSA DENHA GARMO
On the Grand porch, in the
dining room, parlor and
even while walking down
the hill from the Grand Hotel, candidates
vying for several state and
congressional seats were communicating,
connecting and collaborating
on the island at the Mackinac Policy
Conference. It has been a premier
networking event of who’s who in
Michigan since it’s inception.
I have been attending this event
since the mid-90s and have interviewed
dozens of elected leaders and
political candidates as a reporter for
WJR and as Co-publisher and Editor
in Chief for the Chaldean News.
During an election year, the place is
swarming with people — all of whom
have a message as to why voters
should elect them into office.
I have also been on the island working
with candidates running for office
so I have literally seen both sides and
regardless of where I stand, the conference
is an important one to attend for
anyone wanting to garner support of
any kind when running for office.
Some are there strictly to network.
Others are there hanging out
on media row and some are hosting
fundraisers while a handful of repeat
attendees are there doing all three.
This year I decided to ask some of
those candidates why they decided to
attend this year’s conference.
“A lot of politicians come up here to
hob nob with corporate lobbyists; I
don’t take corporate money. I’m interested
more in how we build the
kind of economy that centers on small
businesses, like many that are owned
by folks in the Chaldean community.
My job is to reflect the conversations
that I’ve gotten to share with hundreds
of thousands of Michiganders
across the cities I’ve visited and talk
about what challenges they face because
a lot of those folks don’t come
up to places like this. That’s why I’m
here, to have that conversation with
folks who have perpetuated a system
that has often sold our politics, our
government, to big corporations.”
– Abdul El-Sayed, Gubernatorial
Candidate
Bill Wild and
Brenda Lawrence
Abdul El-Sayed
“As a former chief of staff of President
Obama’s US Auto Rescue – the
initiative responsible for saving General
Motors, Chrysler, and 200,000
Michigan jobs – I have long worked
with a lot of mayors and community
economic development professionals.
We’re standing up here with Dan
West, the president and CEO of the
Livonia Chamber and people like
him. Economic development is in my
very bones and there is no better to
be place than to be up on Mackinac
Island with colleagues in this beautiful
weather, getting your message out
and talking to people.”
– Haley Stevens, Congressional
Candidate, 11th District
“I come up to this event, quite frankly,
because it’s an opportunity to see
everyone from around the state, for
them to see you, and to listen and
learn. I promise to listen and learn.
The things that are in short supply in
Washington is courage, imagination,
and humility. I bring all of those, but
also, I bring experience. National
security experience as a combat veteran
and business experience as a
Brian Calley
Haley Stevens John James Shri Thanedar
business leader – successful in both.
Coming up here and listening and
learning and also sharing a bit about
how I was raised and the experience
I have is why I attend.”
– John James, U.S. Senate Candidate
“This is such an extraordinary gathering
of people from all across our
state, but especially in Southeast
Michigan. People that are a part of
making all kinds of important economic
decisions, investment decisions,
large employers to small employers
and connecting with them,
talking about the future and how we
can create the type of environment
they need to employ more people, to
pay people higher wages, to thrive
in our state so we can attract more
in. It’s just an important place to develop
those relationships and work
together, bring people together and
bring Michigan to the next level.”
– Brian Calley, Lt Governor
running for Governor
“To me, this conference has a lot
of conversation about the future
of Michigan. A lot is changing in
Michigan, robotics, jobs are outsourced,
technology is coming
– whether it’s mobility or transportation
– these changes are going
to change jobs. Some jobs are
going to leave, some jobs are going
to be lost. We need to prepare our
workforce for tomorrow’s jobs and
that’s what we talk about here; we
talk about the future of Michigan.
Michigan is ready to succeed in
2020, 2030, and 2040. So, I enjoy
these conversations. I like to exchange
ideas and we all need to put
our heads together to take Michigan
to the next level.”
– Shri Thanedar,
Gubernatorial Candidate
“I see it more as I want to share what
I’m learning in the field when I’m
going door-to-door and learning stories,
what’s really happening on the
ground in the 11th district and sharing
with the people here in Mackinac.
It’s important for them to hear the
stories I’m hearing day-to-day. That’s
where I’m grounded and I want them
to be grounded in that as they come
up with their policy solutions.”
– Suneel Gupta, Congressional
Candidate, 11th District
“We set policy, we legislate and you
can get an opportunity to talk to the
people who are dealing with healthcare
issues, who are dealing with technology,
who are dealing with keeping a
workforce. There’s always a hum here
because there’s so many conversations,
where else can you go and sit down
with so many leaders – industry leaders,
philanthropic, and nonprofits.”
– Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence,
14th District
“Important issues are addressed every
year at this policy conference. Mayors
play a key role in the regional
progress and the Mackinac Policy
Conference is a must attend for the
state’s top business and political leadership
if you expect to be part of the
conversation.”
– William R. Wild, Congressional
Candidate, 13th District
30 CHALDEAN NEWS JULY 2018

WHEN
UPSCALE
GOES ON
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DAY ON
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TOWN
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Day On The Town is the biggest shopping day of
the year in downtown Birmingham, and it draws
thousands from near and far. This event is for people
on the hunt for a good deal, and there are many deals
to be found. Attendees will find discounted high-end
merchandise throughout downtown Birmingham.
Whether you’re looking for clothing, jewelry, artwork,
antiques, dishes, vases or toys, Birmingham is
the place to be on August 11!
FREE ALL DAY PARKING
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JULY 2018 CHALDEAN NEWS 31
6/21/18 5:19 PM

Bridging
faith with
work
BY ASHOURINA SLEWO
Since the inception of the Young
Catholic Professional’s (YCP)
Detroit chapter in August of
2017, the organization has hosted their
executive speaker series once a month.
Each month, YCP Detroit hosts this
event in which executives “share their
professional and faith journeys with
young professionals in their 20’s and
30’s, challenging them to ‘Work in
Witness for Christ’.” The executive
speaker series is free and open to both
members and non-members of YCP.
According to chapter president,
Donald Smith, the monthly executive
speaker series are a great way for
any young professional, at any faith
level to get involved. “It is important
to have the Executive Speaker Series
because it is a low entry point for people
of all faith levels to come hear a
success story and provide ways to improve
ourselves,” explained Smith. “It
allows for people to see examples of
success in every day society while
having faith play an integral role.”
“It allows people who may at one
point have been catholic, to attend
a non-threatening or intimidating
speaking event at personal invitation
to their friends or seeing an ad
somewhere and see that is it ok to be
Catholic, proud of your faith and succeed
in today’s society,” Smith said.
On May 30, YCP, hosted yet another
executive speaker series event
at Corpus Christi Church in Detroit.
The event’s keynote speaker was Nemak
Global Customer Group Manager,
Bashar Kirma.
Kirma is the first Chaldean to
ever speak at a YCP Detroit event.
More than 170 young professionals
were in attendance to hear his story
of conversion from an atheist in Iraq
to a devout Catholic right here in
Detroit.
Referring to himself as a “sales
engineer”, Kirma works in sales and
business development in the autonomous
vehicle industry. In addition,
he hosts a TV series entitled “Silent
Saints” that is produced by the Eastern
Catholic Re-Evangelization Center
(ECRC) and is currently writing a
book – “From Atheist to Eucharist.”
Kirma explained to the audience
that he gained his faith back in the
same way he lost it, through science
and logic. After his conversion, there
was a noticeable difference in Kirma’s
demeanor and the way he carried
himself. His family and friends
noticed this change and even began
to ask him for prayers.
According to Kirma, Christians
represent Jesus and as a result, will
face skeptics. This should not deter
one, though, as Kirma says it is
important to “Know your faith, live
your faith, and learn how to deliver
the truth in love.”
Kirma, according to Smith, was
chosen because of his background as
a successful businessman who leads a
ministry in his free time. “The fact he
is a father of multiple children, works
full time, is so involved in his faith, and
family on top of striving to be more is a
great example for young people to look
up to,” explained Smith.
The word Catholic means universal
and as such we need universal
examples of faith/life balance
and pushing ourselves to be silent
saints in all our endeavors. He also
is a true representation of the American
dream coming to the states and
building up what he has done in such
a short time again is the hope for us
all, and why our relatives came to
this country.”
Before coming to Michigan,
Smith was actively involved with
YCP’s Dallas chapter, where the executive
speaker series was also hosted.
However, as diverse as Dallas was,
the speakers were not.
“In Detroit however, I knew the
successful people existed in all backgrounds,
cultures and parts of town,” explained
Smith. “I would brag about how
our city is like a cornucopia with many
varieties of backgrounds, foods, music,
even other faiths, along with different
rites within the Catholic Church.”
Hosting speakers like Kirma
brings all these people of different
backgrounds together. YCP is able
to bring a variety of people together
to educate and inform them. The organization
hopes to continue finding
speakers like Kirma who can serve as
relatable examples of “successful persons
in secular society.”
Ultimately, the hope is for attendees
to understand that Catholicism
is universal and that seeing Jesus
in everyone is possible, no matter
the circumstances.
“My hope is that YCP is a bridge
which people of all backgrounds,
faith levels, job levels can come together
under the banner of “Young
Catholic Professionals.” The idea is
as easy as the ministry mission. To
foster Catholic identity, to create a
Catholic community and inspire a
call to action,” explained Smith.
32 CHALDEAN NEWS JULY 2018

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JULY 2018 CHALDEAN NEWS 33

Little blessings
BY LISA CIPRIANO
“A
gift from God,” that’s how
Dawn Pullis, of Troy, describes
her 2 year old daughter,
Evelyn.
Many parents consider their children
a gift from above, but, Pullis has
a very personal reason why. She was
diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the
age of 21.
“My ovaries were the size of melons
and needed to be removed immediately,”
Pullis explained.
Her hopes of having a biological
child were dashed that day.
“God didn’t want me to die. But,
he didn’t want me to have kids naturally,”
Pullis added.
Pullis, a Chaldean, had difficulty
dating in the community after revealing
her inability to have children,
until she met Joseph. They got married
in 2010 and immediately started
saving money to adopt a child. The
couple heard a radio ad for Bethany
Christian Services and applied on
their third wedding anniversary.
The Pullis’ became parents exactly
two years and one month later,
on January 1, 2016.
“They called us and said come
meet your daughter,” Pullis said. “I
came alive when my daughter was
place in my arms.”
Evelyn was the fifth child of her
financially struggling, Mexican-
American biological mother and father
from Detroit. They put both Evelyn
and their previous child up for
adoption through Bethany Christian
Services. Pullis was on board for an
open adoption, but Evelyn’s biological
parents apparently were not.
“I would send them little updates
and pictures of Evelyn through the
adoption agency. They said that my
mail never comes back returned, but
they have gotten no response,” Pullis
explained. “We have no idea if she
cares,” added Pullis.
But, to the Pullis’, Evelyn is everything.
“She is like liquid sunshine. She
has changed us so much! My entire
family forgets that she’s adopted. Her
personality matches ours so beautifully.
It was meant to be,” Pullis said.
In fact, the Pullis’ have so much
love to give, that they are on the
waiting list to give a loving home to
another child through the agency.
Her workplace even helped with a
portion of the adoption costs.
Christina Kasmikha-Thomas, of
West Bloomfield, and her husband
Randy learned that they were unable
to conceive while trying to start
a family shortly after marrying in July
of 2009. They consulted with their
priest at Mother of God Chaldean
Catholic Church in Southfield. Father
Pierre Konja suggested foster care
and put them in touch with a couple
that had already fostered a child.
“It was something that we never
considered because we thought it was
only temporary. But, we learned that
there are cases where the children
have to be adopted because they
can’t go back to their biological parents,”
Kasmikha-Thomas explained.
They contacted the Ennis Center
for Children in Pontiac which works
with abused and neglected children.
The application and licensing
process lasted about a year and a half
before the Thomas family got the
call on June first of last year about a 5
week old baby boy, named John, who
needed a home.
“They said there were no guarantees,
but it looked like it could end
up to be a permanent placement. So,
we took him into our home and absolutely
fell in love with him,” said
Kasmikha-Thomas.
The child was thin and dirty when
he was put into the Thomas’ care.
“He was very malnourished and
only weighed six pounds. He only
had the onesie on his back and two
other ones that were all filthy. He
was in a very dirty, animal infested
home with a mentally ill mother and
no father on record,” explained Kasmikha-Thomas.
About a month before John’s first
birthday, the couple got the much
awaited call that they could begin
the adoption process. They kept the
biblical name of John, added the
middle name Paul, and are currently
awaiting the paperwork to officially
make him a Thomas.
“Now, he’s thriving and will grow
up with the same opportunities that
any child should grow up with. He
has grandparents and great grandparents
and a big loving extended
family. He was meant to be ours,”
Kasmikha-Thomas said.
Frances George-McCullough,
a Chaldean from Bloomfield Hills,
married her second husband John
later in life at the age of 41. The
couple had difficulty conceiving and
tried in vitro fertilization with no
success. The McCulloughs found an
adoption agency in Utah that would
adopt to older parents. They created
a profile, completed the paperwork
and almost exactly nine months later
in 2003, the McCulloughs received
the call that were chosen by the birth
mother of a newborn baby girl. The
birth mother was 35 years old and
left homeless after the birth father
had been deported to Mexico.
The McCulloughs travelled to
Utah to get their daughter whom
they named Emylee.
They eventually decided that
they wanted a son and three years
later they got their wish when a three
months pregnant, unwed teen mother
chose them as adoptive parents for
her son. They named him Elliott.
Frances and John were fortunate
enough to have watched them both
of their children be born and accept
them into their arms and hearts right
out of the delivery rooms.
“They are gifts from God. I’ve
always believed that these children
chose us before they entered this
earth, but just came through a different
body instead of mine. They were
meant to go through this thing called
life with us,” George-McCullough
explained.
All three couples acknowledge
that adoption is uncommon in the
Chaldean community and are hoping
that perceptions and lives can be
changed by sharing their stories.
“There are kids out there, healthy,
beautiful kids that need homes and
opportunities. Pray for guidance and
if God leads you to it, take them
in. Take that chance,” Kasmikha-
Thomas said.
Pullis feels that every aspect in
her life, including her career, has
taken a positive turn since making
the decision to adopt.
“If anybody out there is struggling
with infertility or just wants to adopt,
it is so worth it,” she said. It will
change someone’s life. It will change
your life and God will continue to reward
you. I am proof of that,” Pullis
concluded.
Catholic Charities of Southeast
Michigan offers foster care and adoption
services in accordance with the
Catholic faith.
For more information, you can visit:
https://ccsem.org/adoption-and-foster-care/
Bethany Christian Services:
https://www.bethany.org/adoption
Ennis Center for Children Inc.
https://www.enniscenter.org/
34 CHALDEAN NEWS JULY 2018

chaldean on the STREET
Will you vote?
BY HALIM SHEENA
Voters turn out in large numbers every four years to vote in the presidential election. Just as pivotal are
the midterm elections every two years, however, voter turnout is substantially less. We asked our readers:
do you vote in midterm elections? Why or why not?
I definitely plan to vote in the midterm elections. For me,
voting is a crucial part of a functioning democracy. Decisions
about everything from education to health are
made by those in government. So, voting is an important
way for me to elect officials and vote on policy measures
that have a big impact on my everyday life, as well
as the livelihood of my family and friends. While I can’t
pass these policies directly, I see voting as a way to
have my views represented at all levels of government
and consider it my duty as a U.S. citizen.
– Taylor Mattia, 24, New York City
Yes, I do vote in the midterm elections. I do so because
it is very important to me about who controls the house
and senate. With Donald Trump being our president, I
would like to see him maintain complete control of the
house and senate so that the republicans can push
their laws through easily. We can see how important
this is by observing how the Democrats refuse to pass
anything the republicans propose. With all the success
the Trump Administration is having, it would be stupid
of me to not vote to keep the success going.
– Alex Kassa, 23, West Bloomfield
Yes. Voting in the midterm election is extremely, and
historically, important. Whether you vote Republican
or Democrat, I believe it is your fundamental civic duty
to vote. Historically, the midterm elections were created
in a balance of powers type of perspective; if the
citizens do not like policies of the president and his
party that they voted in two years ago, now is the time
to vote to change the narrative. I think we’ll see a lot
of Democrats elected during the midterms because
that’s what usually happens when the opposite party
is elected to the presidency in the previous two years.
– Anthony Shallal, 24, Franklin
I always tell myself that I am going to vote in the midterm
elections because they truly mean so much more
than the general elections. Then the time comes and
I neglect to vote in the midterm elections. I can think
of no excuse that holds weight. I hope recognizing my
shortcomings will be the catalyst that leads me ultimately
to vote in future midterm elections.
– Paul Hanona, 25, Sterling Heights
I vote in our midterm elections. I believe that making
our voices heard in midterms are imperative to keeping
our local government working for us. As a citizen
it’s important to have choice in what goes on in our
local politics. With the internet it’s become much simpler
to learn about the issues and candidates so that
we make informed decisions. I encourage everyone in
our community to vote in the 2018 midterm elections.
– Stephanie Marroki, 22, Shelby Township
I do vote in midterm elections because it is very important
make sure you have a say in who represents you
on the federal, state, and local level. Midterm elections
give us the opportunity to vote for more than just our
president, who’s decisions really don’t affect our everyday
lives as much as we may think. This year, we’ll
be voting for a new governor and representatives for
the House and the Senate. Together, these individuals
make decisions that have more impact and influence
over our everyday lives than we may realize. These
people are accountable for almost everything the state
is responsible for. Having a say in who makes decisions
that affect taxes, welfare, and our schools is why
voting in midterm elections is so important!
– Bianca Mattia, 25, Shelby Township
JULY 2018 CHALDEAN NEWS 35

ART & entertainment
What the Eyes Don’t See
BY WEAM NAMOU
The recently released book, What the Eyes
Don’t See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance,
and Hope in an American City, reveals the
inspiring story of how Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha,
accompanied by a distinctive team of researchers,
parents, friends, and community leaders, proved
that Flints’ kids were exposed to lead and then
fought her own government and a brutal backlash
to expose that truth to the world.
Dr. Mona’s book begins with stories of her early
Chaldean family life and throughout, interweaves
the influence of that culture in her upbringing.
Born in England, it was her grandfather Haji who
came up with her name Mona, which means “hope,
wish, or desire,” thinking it would be easy for both
English and Arabic speakers to pronounce. Her
family lived in England as
her father, Michael David
Hanna, studied at the University
of Sheffield for a
doctorate in metallurgy.
Trained as a chemist in
Iraq, Dr. Mona’s mother
was an avid reader who at
bedtime, entertained her
children with stories of the
ancient capital of Baghdad,
once the most advanced,
prosperous, and progressive
civilization in the world –
the center of mathematics,
astronomy, and medicine.
She would weave stories of
Mesopotamia’s history with
strands of mysticism and
fables, the romantic tales of
Sinbad, Ali Baba, and Aladdin
as told by Shahrazad.
Dr. Mona’s parents always
assumed they’d be returning
to Iraq one day, but
Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha
over time, they realized that
“the Iraq they knew was lost, replaced by war and
ruins.” Eventually they immigrated to the United
States, and lived in Houghton, in the Upper Peninsula
of Michigan, where her father was a postdoctoral
researcher at Michigan Tech University.
Mona started elementary school at age four, after
her parents mistakenly wrote her birth date in European
style on the school forms; it was misunderstood
as September 12 rather than December 9, so
she was always the youngest in her class.
After her father finished his postdoc and was
hired by GM, the family moved to Royal Oak
where they lived for the next fifteen years. Mona
and her older brother Michael were only a handful
of other minority kids in their schools and experienced
their share of being called “camel jockeys”
and other ethnic slurs.
Mona writes that though these incidents were
infrequent, they did seem to coincide with U.S.
military actions against Arab countries, usually
Iraq, that kids were hearing about in the news.
“Even though we didn’t talk about them, they
stung.”
But she confers that the promise of America
worked for her family like it did with so many immigrants
over the centuries. Her mother eventually
returned to college to validate her chemistry
degree from Baghdad University, getting a master’s
in chemistry and a teaching certificate at the same
time. She ended up working in school districts.
As for her father, he never really stopped working.
Dr. Mona had wanted to be a doctor as far back
as she can remember, attributing this desire to several
factors: obsessively watching M*A*S*H reruns
growing up; the story
about her grandfather Haji
when he fell out of a tree
and doctors took care of his
broken leg; the family car
accident that led her, as a
child, to the hospital where
a caring physician made it
seem like everything was
going to be okay.
Given that her parents
are both scientists who
raised their children to love
multiplication and periodic
tables and the majestic order
of the natural sciences,
it wasn’t difficult for Mona
to enter a field that dealt
with biology, chemistry and
math. “Education was the
religion of our family, embraced
as a way to a better
life but also a richer, more
intellectually alive existence.”
In high school, Mona had
powerful experiences as an environmental activist
so she created an environmental health major
at University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources
and Environment, merging environmental
science and pre-med courses. That’s where her
passion for activism, service, and research were
solidified, followed by four years of medical school
at Michigan State University, where her last two
clinical years were in Flint.
Mona beautifully describes her love for attending
to children and helps heal them and make
them feel better. “A crying baby gives me a sense
of mission. Deep inside I have a powerful, almost
primal drive to make them feel better, to help them
thrive. Most pediatricians do.”
Her husband, Elliott, is also a pediatrician.
In her book, Mona mentions the story of her
distant cousin, a bacteriologist named Paul Shekwana,
one of the first public health scientists from
the Middle East, from Iraq, to work in America.
After studying at the Royal College of Physicians
and Surgeons in England, he was hired in 1904 by
the department of pathology at George Washington
University in D.C. Shortly afterward, he was
called to Iowa City, where a deadly outbreak of typhoid
fever had struck.
He was brought in to work with the Iowa State
Board of Health Bacteriology Lab, where an entire
floor of the new Iowa City Medical Building
was given over to his lab team. There, Shekwana
investigated, among other things, the tie between
unpasteurized milk and typhoid. But he didn’t stop
there; he promoted new public health regulations
in Iowa and beyond. His most important contribution,
Mona writes, may have been an article published
in the New York Medical Society Journal in
1906, urging all doctors to wash and disinfect their
hands throughout the day, particularly before and
after seeing patients.
Over a century later, there are undeniable similarities
between Shekwana’s and Mona’s careers.
After a friend told her that researchers found high
levels of lead in Flint residents’ homes, Dr. Mona
performed her own research and discovered this to
be true. In a September 4, 2015 press conference,
she urged residents, especially children, to stop
drinking the water. This was a risk to her career
as traditionally her research had to be scientifically
peer reviewed.
Not long after, the City of Flint, the State of
Michigan, and the United States made emergency
announcements. Dr. Mona initially received some
backlash from the State of Michigan, but after The
Detroit Free Press Press published its own findings
consistent with hers, they backed down.
Dr. Mona testified twice before Congress about
the Flint Water Crisis and, due to her advocacy,
$100 million in federal dollars was allocated to
Flint in addition to some $250 million in state dollars
to address the crisis. She brought the fight for
justice to national attention and she’s not done
yet.
36 CHALDEAN NEWS JULY 2018

Refugees for prosperity
BY MARTIN MANNA
Rochester Hills
Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram
Idon’t have to deliver a history
lesson to remind people that this
country was founded on immigrants
and the vital impact each ethnic
group has contributed to the prosperity
of this country. Metropolitan
Detroit is a shining example! But
in a time of increased restrictions
on immigrants and a shortage of
skilled and unskilled workers, Congress
and the Trump Administration
need to develop and pass immigration
laws that will help fill the talent
gap and support persecuted communities
throughout the world.
In 2016, nearly 100,000 refugees
entered the United States and there
has been a drastic decline since then.
The restrictions placed by the Trump
Administration and the failure for
Congress to act are the main reasons
few refugees have been admitted
into the United States. In
2017, some 28,000 refugees arrived
in the United States and this
year, that number has taken a plunge
to just a few thousand refugees. This
decline will only have a negative
impact on the country. Those fearful
of refugees should know that the
vetting process to come to America
often takes several years and includes
numerous background checks by
Homeland Security and others.
There is a shortage of workers. Immigrants
and their contribution to
the economy could remedy this pressing
issue. New research from the Fiscal
Policy Institute was released late last
month that documented lower turnover
rates among refugee employees.
In addition to these lowered turnover
rates, companies that hired refugees
experienced improved management
performance. Managerial staffs become
more versatile in their skill sets
as they adapt to working with diverse
employees. The study, based on 100
interviews in four regions of the country
and across a number of different industries,
found that in an industry like
manufacturing, the average annual
refugee turnover was 4 percent annually,
compared to an overall rate of 11
percent annually. Turnover rates were
found to be lower across all industries.
For these employers, the higher
retention rate directly translated to
increased efficiency. According to
the study, “Replacing an employee
was estimated for these employers
to cost about $5,000—more than
enough to offset the costs of hiring
and retaining refugee employees.”
Another study, released late last year,
shows the economic impact and
contributions of refugees in southeast
Michigan. In the past decade,
refugees in southeast Michigan have
contributed between $230 million
and $295 million.
The study conducted by Global
Detroit, an immigrant resource center
in Midtown Detroit and the University
of Michigan’s Ford School of
Public Policy showed that refugees
from Iraq and Syria who resettled
in southeast Michigan give back to
the economy in tremendous ways.
Ninety percent of refugee arrivals
in Metro Detroit were Iraqi, who
resettled over 10 years in Wayne,
Washtenaw, Macomb and Oakland
counties. During that same period, 7
percent of refugees were Syrians. The
study found those refugees who have
resettled in the last decade have contributed
between $229.6 million and
$295.3 million, with an estimated
2,311 jobs created. For every dollar
spent (by refugees) is more than a
dollar of impact on the economy.
The release of the study followed
President Donald Trump’s refugee
admissions cap, the centerpiece of
his policy agenda, announced last
September. The administration will
allow no more than 45,000 refugees
into the United States in this year.
It is believed to be the lowest admissions
level in more than a decade.
Some 30,000 Chaldean Iraqi refugees
have been admitted to Southeast
Michigan between 2007-2016 due to
the genocide committed against the
community and other minorities in
Iraq. A 2016 Dbusiness report estimated
that Chaldeans contribute
more than $10.7 billion annually
to Michigan’s economy. Most Chaldeans,
like other immigrant communities,
are entrepreneurs. A recent
study from the University of Michigan
Dearborn School of Business and
the Chaldean Chamber of Commerce
demonstrates that nearly 60
percent of Chaldean households own
at least one business. Refugees from
the Middle East are not a burden on
government or resources. Proving to
be the exact opposite, they are problem
solvers and job creators.
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In recent years, the resettlements
of Chaldeans became necessary. It is
because of immigrant communities
and their businesses, that many communities
have flourished. As small
business owners, we are among the
state’s largest employers, further reinforcing
the fact that refugees are
not stealing jobs but creating them.
Ultimately, what both of these
studies tell us, is that the positive
outcomes they have unearthed are at
odds with the restrictions the Trump
Administration is imposing on the
number of refugees that will be allowed
into the country. While the
rest of the world recognizes the massive
contributions of refugees and
welcomes all they have to offer, the
United States is in retrograde as we
prepare to take in the lowest number
of resettled refugees in decades. That
said, whatever legislative and regulatory
solutions are agreed upon, the
Mon-Thurs:8:30 – 9
Tues, Wed, Fri 8:30 – 6
Sat 10 – 3:00
Trump Administration and members
of the US House of Representatives
and US Senate must both be mindful
of the charge in the Preamble to
our Constitution to “provide for our
common defense” while mindful of
the other charge in the Preamble to
“promote the general welfare”.
It is my hope the current legislative
deliberations underway with
the Republicans in the US House of
Representatives bear fruit. Though
what is definitively needed is a bipartisan
solution, such as was had
when the last major piece of comprehensive
immigration reform (imperfect
though it was) passed in 1986
– 32 years ago!
Martin Manna is the President of
the Chaldean American Chamber of
Commerce and Chaldean Community
Foundation. Martin originally penned
this piece for dBusiness
JULY 2018 CHALDEAN NEWS 37

DOCTOR is in
G6PD Deficiency and Chaldean
Children (Favism)
G6PD deficiency is an inherited
medical condition in which the
body doesn’t have enough of
the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
(G6PD). This enzyme is normally
present inside the red blood cell
(RBCs) in our blood, and it helps the
RBCs function normally. The deficiency
of G6PD can cause destruction of RBCs
resulting in anemia (hemolytic anemia),
usually after exposure to certain medications,
foods, or infections.
Most children with G6PD deficiency
don’t have any symptoms, while
others develop symptoms of anemia,
but only after RBCs are destroyed
(following exposure to certain medications,
foods such as fava beans, or
infections.). The symptoms disappear
once the cause (medication,
food or infection) is removed.
There are many types of G6PD
deficiency, but one of them (the
Mediterranean type) is what Chaldean
children can inherit from
their parents. G6PD is the result
of a gene change (mutation)
on the X chromosome, and this
means that male children can get
this condition from their mothers
who are carriers. It also means that
carrier mothers can give carrier status to their
daughters. A father who has a G6PD deficiency
will give carrier status to all of his daughters, but
none of his male children will have G6PD deficiency
(Mendelian principles.)
Favism (a type of anemia) is a condition that
can result from consumption of fava beans (broad
beans), especially uncooked ones. It can happen
to boys who have G6PD deficiency only. Favism
is usually sudden, occurring within 24 hours after
SAMIR
JAMIL MD
SPECIAL TO THE
CHALDEAN NEWS
eating fava beans. Symptoms of the resulting
anemia include fever, jaundice,
pallor, dark red urine, headache, weakness,
and back and abdominal pain.
Sometimes the anemia can be severe,
requiring a blood transfusion. G6PD deficiency
is also a significant cause of severe
jaundice in male newborns. Many
people with G6PD deficiency however,
never experience any signs or symptoms.
Examples of medications resulting
in anemia in G6PD deficient children
are Aspirin and Sulfa drugs. Examples
of foods are fava beans and some legumes. Infections,
bacterial or viral can result in anemia in
these children too. Moth balls (naphtha) inhaling
can also result in sudden anemia in children
with G6 PD deficiency, and need to be avoided.
So, with the right precautions, a child with G6PD
deficiency can lead a normal and active life.
Samir Jamil MD is a Pediatric hematologist-oncologist
at Beaumont Children’s Hospital.
Beta thalassemia
(also called
B-thalassemia)
The word thalassemia is Greek in origin, and it
means “Anemia of the Sea.” Thalassemia is a hereditary
anemia that is of two types:
Alpha thalassemia, common in the people of Africa
and Southeast Asia.
Beta thalassemia, common in the people of the
Mediterranean region and the Middle East.
Beta thalassemia is the type of thalassemia common
in the Chaldeans, and exists in two forms:
(1) A mild form called beta thalassemia trait
(beta thalassemia minor). This form is inherited
from one of the parents. A person (a child or an
adult) who has beta thalassemia trait (beta thalassemia
minor) usually experiences no health problems
other than a mild anemia. A person may have
beta thalassemia trait and not know it. The diagnosis
of this condition is easily done by the doctor, by
performing a CBC (complete blood count) and hemoglobin
electrophoresis (a laboratory blood test).
Beta thalassemia trait (beta thalassemia minor)
needs no treatment, because of its mildness.
(2) A more severe form called beta thalassemia
major (Cooley’s anemia). This form is inherited
when both parents have beta thalassemia trait.
Again, this condition is diagnosed by performing
a CBC and hemoglobin electrophoresis. A person
who has beta thalassemia major has a severe anemia
requiring blood transfusion every 3-4 weeks from
the age of about two years and indefinitely. The frequent
blood transfusions needed for a patient with
beta thalassemia major eventually result in excessive
iron accumulation in the body. This excess iron
needs to be removed out of the body and is done by
giving the patient a special oral medication.
There are two important reasons to find out if
you have beta thalassemia trait: First, when two parents
both have beta thalassemia trait have a child,
there is a one-in-four (25%) chance with each pregnancy
that the child will be born with beta thalassemia
major that requires lifelong blood transfusions
and drug treatments. Second, some doctors may
mistake beta thalassemia trait for another condition,
such as iron deficiency anemia and prescribe
the wrong treatment (oral iron) for you.
Samir Jamil MD is a Pediatric hematologist-oncologist
at Beaumont Children’s Hospital.
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38 CHALDEAN NEWS JULY 2018

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40 CHALDEAN NEWS JULY 2018

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CHALDEAN
AMERICAN
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DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
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CHALDEAN
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FOUNDATION
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MEMBERSHIP MANAGER
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Farmington Hills, MI 48334
TEL (248) 851-1200
FAX (248) 851-1348
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event
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3
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4
6 7 8 9
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Min Sharetha –
In the Beginning
PHOTOS BY RAZIK RANON
In support of Right to Life of Michigan’s educational prolife
outreach within the Chaldean community, the fourth annual
Min Sharetha benefit dinner was hosted at Shenandoah
Country Club, Thursday, June 7. Several members of the
community were in attendance to hear the night’s special guest
speaker, Dr. Anthony Levatino. As a former abortionist,
Dr. Levatino shared his unique perspective and his eventual
conversion to prolife.
11
13
1. Bishop Francis Kalabat.
2. Jasmine Putrua,Cindy Korkis, Lyalia Putrus.
3. Fr. Bryan Kassa.
4. Dr. Anthony Levation.
5. Ahlam Kassab, Joseph Batbera, Frances
Kiryakoza, Ban Gorges.
6. Fr. Patrick Setto, Renée Yaldoo.
7. Brian Cusack (Right to Life Michigan).
8. Raida Bahoura, Rita Mokha.
9. Frances Kiryakoza, Joseph Batbera.
10. Michelle Mikna, Ntaly Salman, Roxanne
Arabo, Claudia Sitto.
11. Tina Teifer (Right to life Michigan).
12. Linda Gomma, Frances Kiryakoza.
13. Frances Kiryakoza, Nada Kattula.
12
42 CHALDEAN NEWS JULY 2018