OCTOBER 2015

VOL. 12 ISSUE IX
METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY OCTOBER 2015
$
3
www.chaldeannews.com
Debating
the Mosque
Passions flare in
Sterling Heights
INSIDE
Reflecting on the Pope’s Visit
Coffee with the Old Timers
Justin Meram Scores Again
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CONTENTS OCTOBER 2015
THE CHALDEAN NEWS VOLUME 12 ISSUE IX
on the cover
22 Debating the Mosque
By Harry Kirsbaum and Joyce Wiswell
Passions flare in Sterling Heights
46
24 Point
By Omar Binno
Mosque proposal is insensitive to Chaldeans
departments
8 From the Editor
By Vanessa Denha Garmo
Communicating with peace
10 In My view
By Michael Sarafa
Excitement, security, cordiality and
dialogue mark Pope’s trip
12 Guest Columns
By N. Peter Antone
The ‘illegals’
By Rep. Dave Trott
Christians need results, not delays
16 Noteworthy
17 community bulletin board
18 Chai Time
18 Religion
By Junior Jwad
Celebrate the Rosary this Month
20 Obituaries
36 arts & entertainment
By Weam Namou
Bridging Worlds: The art of Qais Al-Sindy
42 Classified Ads
40 Kids Corner
Are You a Poet?
44 Events
Sounds of Babylon
Stride for Seminarians
25 Counterpoint
By Weam Namou
Religious intolerance serves no one
features
26 Little Hope
By Weam Namou
Syriac patriarch sees ‘no horizon’
28 a uniting force
By The Associated Press
Pope Francis takes Washington by storm
30 Coffee Talk
By Vanessa Denha Garmo
Catching up with the old timers
32 Chaldean on the Street
By Joseph Abro
What should the U.S. do about Iraq? What are you doing?
34 Like Mother, Like Daughter
By Vanessa Denha Garmo
Talented duo are ‘called and gifted’ to create
sports
38 Playing for Iraq
By Steve Stein
Soccer star Justin Meram scoring goals, making friends
On the Cover
The anti-mosque
crowd outside Sterling
Heights City Hall
on September 10.
Photo by Harry
Kirsbaum
OCTOBER 2015 CHALDEAN NEWS 7

from the EDITOR
Published By
The Chaldean News, LLC
Communicating with peace
Editorial
Editor in Chief
Vanessa Denha-Garmo
managing Editor
Joyce Wiswell
Contributing Writers
Joseph Abro
N. Peter Antone
Omar Binno
Junior Jwad
Harry Kirsbaum
Weam Namou
Michael Sarafa
Steve Stein
Dave Trott
proofreader
Lisa Kalou
art & production
creative director
Alex Lumelsky with SKY Creative
graphic designers
Zina Lumelsky with SKY Creative
Joseph Sesi with Sesi Design Group
Photographer
David Reed
operations
Interlink Media
director of operations
Martin Manna
CLASSIFIEDS
Joyce Wiswell
sales
Interlink Media
sales representativeS
Interlink Media
Sana Navarrette
managers
Vanessa Denha-Garmo
Martin Manna
Michael Sarafa
subscriptions: $25 per year
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Phone: (248) 996-8360
Publication: The Chaldean News (P-6); Published
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I
know emotions are
high in the community.
As a recovering
stressaholic, I get the difficulty
of controlling one’s
emotions when you are
angry and fearful. I think
that is exactly what happened
in Sterling Heights
last month. Although I do Vanessa
not agree with the tactics
denha-garmo
of some of the protesters, I editor in chief
sympathize with their feelings.
co-publisher
They are angry, hurt and most
likely fearful.
Why wouldn’t we be after what
we have witnessed with the invasion
of ISIS?
I have not lived through the
torment and persecution that many
of my fellow Christians have experienced
but I can empathize with
their pain.
I have lost months of sleep over
this crisis. Ask my husband, who
begs me to take a sleeping pill at
night because I am constantly restless
thinking of Iraq and the possibility
of another 9-11.
I know that not all Muslims are
terrorists. Yes, many of them have
suffered under the same hands that
have killed Christians. However, I
don’t understand a belief that perpetuates
hate and promotes the
killing of anyone who doesn’t follow
them. I don’t understand religious
leaders who call us infidels
and expect us to shut up and accept
it. I certainly cannot comprehend
how a religious leader can compare
Chaldean protesters in Sterling
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Heights to evil murderers.
There are several Arab
countries, including Iraq,
governed by Sharia law,
which is in opposition to
the U.S. Constitution. I
found it a bit ironic that
our constitution — based
on Christian principals
— was used in the promosque
argument. It was
a valid argument as we are
a country that values freedom
of religion. I pray we
always stay that way.
As I watched the scene unfold
at City Hall, I thought about what
my father used to say to me as a
child when I would be screaming.
“Vanessa, no one cares what you
have to say if you do not know how
to say it.”
I truly believe I was destined for
a life in communications as I was
challenged to learn how to properly
and effectively communicate
myself.
As Christians, we are called to
communicate with love and kindness.
Jesus has challenged us to not
only forgive those who persecute us
but to love them as well. He also
said that those who follow Him will
be persecuted; we have been since
His birth and we will be until the
end of time.
If we truly want peace, we have
to start communicating peacefully.
We have to ask ourselves, “What
Would Jesus Say?”
That doesn’t mean we do not
speak up. It is all in the delivery.
Going back to what my dad said,
“no one cares what you have to say
if you don’t know how to say it.”
I saw a quote I reposted on social
media that said, “It is more
important to be biblically correct
than politically correct.”
I couldn’t agree more.
The “political correctness” by
our political leaders is what will
ultimately destroy us. I think the
radical Islamists are banking on it.
We must speak out against evil
but we cannot attack people because
they happen to practice the
same religion of those who persecute
us. Muslims have every right
to want a mosque and other residents
have every right to oppose.
It is called living in a democracy.
However, we must live by the
example of Christ and speak up
with peace in our soul and love in
our hearts. I know, easier said than
done. We must not feed the anger
that percolates inside of us.
As Al Kresta on Ave Maria Radio
has said numerous times, those
who persecute us want to push the
Christians to fight back with the
same hate and evil they have attacked
us with, but we cannot.
We must come in peace and
love as Christians. We must pray
for guidance and ask for intercession
from the saints and our Mother
Mary.
We also must find ways to communicate
love and peace whether
on social media or in our work. My
friend and fellow evangelist Tom
Naemi posts regularly on Facebook.
As we were talking about the situation
in Sterling Heights and Iraq,
he mentioned how he makes a conscious
decision to post positive and
loving things on Facebook, as we
are all bombarded with negative
news. He uses his speaking platform
to post peaceful messages.
Maysoun and Grace Seman – a
mother and daughter art team – use
their God-given talents to evangelize
their faith through art. I have
known both for a while now but
never knew the extent of their artistry
until recently. I am so honored
to share their work with our readers.
They are using their talents to
communicate God’s love through
the eyes of the saints and the scripture
of God’s words.
May we all find ways to communicate
with peace even when we are
in the midst of chaos. Let’s start that
communication with prayer.
Alaha Imid Koullen
(God Be With Us All)
Vanessa Denha-Garmo
vdenha@chaldeannews.com
Follow her on Twitter
@vanessadenha
Follow Chaldean News on
Twitter @chaldeannews
8 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2015

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in my VIEW
Excitement, security, cordiality
and dialogue mark Pope’s trip
He landed at Andrew’s Air Force
Base on September 22, the
eve of Yom Kippur. Out of respect
for the Jewish faithful, there were
no speeches. Pope Francis didn’t wade
into the crowd. He had a brief meeting
with President Obama at the base before
heading to the Papal Nuncio’s residence
on Embassy Row for a quiet evening.
The next day, he was off to the White
House, an event I was fortunate to be
able to attend. We awoke at 5 a.m., got
in line by 6 a.m. and made it through security
and to the White House grounds by 7 a.m.,
two and a half hours ahead of the start of the event.
The President’s comments were polite and on
point. He expressed his gratitude to the Pope for
the great work of the Catholic churches, school
and charities in helping the poor, educating our
children and taking care of the helpless. The Pope,
in turn, acknowledged America’s role in the world.
He complimented President Obama’s work on climate
change and encouraged the U.S to continue
to welcome refugees and immigrants.
The Pope’s first couple days of his time in the
U.S. were very scripted. He didn’t do what he often
does, which is stray from his prepared remarks, perhaps
because he is less comfortable doing so when
he is speaking in English. He does speak English
but only in a measured, deliberate way.
Surrounding the Pope’s visit to our nation’s
capital was one of the largest security protocols
ever conducted. Even the estimated 100,000 people
lining the parade route to get a glimpse of the
Pope on his Popemobile had to go through metal
detectors at two designated access points. His
motorcade was at least double the size of the typical
presidential motorcade. Taxicabs were useless
because the roads around the White House, the
Capitol, the parade route and the Papal Nuncio’s
Michael G.
Sarafa
SPECIAL TO THE
CHALDEAN NEWS
residence were all closed and barricaded.
So people pretty much had to walk to
get around. Snipers were on rooftops.
Air space was shut down. Law enforcement
officials were borrowed from other
cities, states and agencies. Compared to
the Pope’s other international trips, access
to him was much more limited than
usual. He seemed grudgingly accepting
of the heavy security but nonetheless
unhappy about it restricting his ability
to engage with people, an activity he insists
is part of his pastoral duty.
After his quick tour on the Popemobile, he
headed to St. Matthews Cathedral, the seat of the
Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., to address the
leadership of the American Church, the U.S. Conference
of Bishops and all our Cardinals and prelates.
Speaking to them as the Bishop of Rome, “a
brother among brothers” as he said, he was grateful
to the Bishops for “their generous solidarity with
the Apostolic See … and the unfailing commitment
of the Church of America to the cause of life
and that of family …”
He reminded his fellow bishops of the necessity
of “authentic dialogue.” He added, “Harsh
and divisive language does not befit the tongue of
a pastor. It has no place in his heart … only the
enduring allure of goodness and love remains truly
convincing.”
In his landmark address to the American Bishops,
the Pope seemed to be nudging the American
Church to consider adjusting its priorities. “The
innocent victim of abortion, children who die of
hunger or from bombings, immigrants who drown in
search for a better tomorrow, the elderly or sick who
are considered a burden, the victims of terrorism and
war, violence and drug trafficking, the environment
devastated by man’s predatory relationship with nature
… It is wrong then, to look the other way or to
remain silent. Abortion, same sex marriage and euthanasia
are not all; there is much more to men and
women’s lives in between conception and death.”
“Be pastors close to the people, pastors who are
neighbors and servants,” Pope Francis urged. “Find
ways to encourage their spiritual growth, lest they
yield to the temptation to become notaries and
bureaucrats, but instead reflect the motherhood
of the Church, which gives birth to and raises her
sons and daughters.”
While the Pope did not shy away from controversial
issues, his message transcended politics. But
Pope Francis seemed grudgingly accepting of the heavy
security but unhappy about it restricting his ability to engage
with people, an activity he insists is part of his pastoral duty.
Francis does not fit neatly into any particular strain
of American-style partisan politics.
Because he is so overwhelmingly popular and
his message was so well-received, the real story of
the Pope’s visit was the sheer joy and excitement
felt by the American people. It was palpable for
those of us lucky enough to be on the White House
lawn and in Washington during his brief visit. Let
us hope that his message takes hold, that the excitement
remains and that this transformational
figure has a lasting impact.
Michael Sarafa is president of the Bank of Michigan
and a co-publisher of the Chaldean News.
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OCTOBER 2015 CHALDEAN NEWS 11

GUEST column
The ‘illegals’
As campaigning for
the 2016 presidential
election
intensifies, we are getting
bombarded in the ongoing
political debates about
the “illegal alien problem.”
However, my experience
tells me that there is no illegal
or undocumented immigrant
problem in the way
that it is being presented.
Some politicians would
have us believe that we are encountering
an invasion. In fact, I would
not be surprised if history will prove
that the undocumented immigrant
population has been in certain ways
a blessing to the American economy.
This is because they fill a void in the
workforce efficiently and economically
while, at the same time, creating
jobs for other Americans.
The current alarmist debate about
immigration has a fatal aspect in that
it views the issue of undocumented
immigrants in the workforce as static
rather than dynamic. For example,
these alarmists may view an undocumented
immigrant looking for a job as
simply replacing a potential American
worker. However, this perspective
fails to recognize that an undocumented
immigrant is also playing a
part in the consuming public: he and
his family need to live in an apartment,
they need to have a car, their
kids need to eat, they need furniture,
and so on. Thus, even if an undocumented
immigrant takes a potential
job away from an American, he also
creates jobs for other Americans.
The question becomes whether the
N. Peter
antone
SPECIAL TO THE
CHALDEAN NEWS
net effect is positive or negative.
Most studies show that
the presence of immigrants
(necessarily an ambitious
and hardworking group of
people) has a positive net
effect on the economy.
All reputable studies
confirm the above conclusion.
However, there are
two empirical observations
that I point out here to
prove this point:
Imagine you are out of a job and
looking for new work. Someone may
advise you to seek a job in the rural
areas of America where there are
very few people around under the
theory that there is less competition
for the jobs that exist there. The
corresponding advice would be not
to seek work in busy cities, because
there are so many people looking for
jobs there. In truth, it is rarely easier
to find employment in rural areas.
Although our busy cities may be full
of people looking for jobs, the very
presence of too many people creates
the need for more jobs, whereas in
rural areas, while there is no competition
for jobs, there are almost no
jobs to start with because there are
so few people around. Therefore, the
addition of more people to the society
does not necessarily reduce the
overall availability of jobs.
Every year, America accepts
about one million legal immigrants.
If the addition of people creates
more unemployment, then the
number of the unemployed should
increase every year by the number
of work-authorized people we admit
legally into the United States. But
statistics show no negative correlation
between the number of people
we allow into the United States vs.
the number of unemployed. Rather,
ironically, many studies show that
periods of increased immigration are
periods of less unemployment. This
may sound counterintuitive except
that upon closer study, it is logical if
you realize that the presence of more
people creates a need for jobs to accommodate
those new individuals.
In summary, even if an illegal
alien replaces an American worker,
Statistics show no
negative correlation
between the number
of people we allow
into the United States
vs. the number of
unemployed.
he is also creating the need for a job
that that American worker could occupy.
As it happens, most undocumented
immigrants work in difficult
jobs for modest wages, subsidizing
much of the luxury for the rest of the
American population and the American
economy.
Why is it, then, that many of our
political representatives raise exaggerated
concerns about immigration?
The reason is, unfortunately, that it
is an issue susceptible to demagoguery.
The immigrant population is
a weak minority with no political
power. If we look throughout history,
we find that there are many cases
where communities were convinced
that a smaller, vulnerable and politically
weak segment of society was
the cause of all of their problems. We
need look no further than Germany
in the 1930s.
What happened in Germany
could happen anywhere. We should
therefore be extremely careful of
demagoguery arguments that blame a
whole segment of the population for
our economic ills.
As to the criminal elements among
the undocumented, any group of 10 or
11 million has criminals within it. If
we deport the population of any state
in the union — such as Michigan, for
example, with its 11 million inhabitants
— the absolute number of crimes
would drop, but that is no intelligent
way to combat crime.
The above is not to say that open
borders or uncontrolled boundaries
are good. But there is an intelligent
way to approach the issue. One of
the things we need to think about is
that many of the undocumented were
brought as children and do not have
any other country to call home. Others
came because of inhumane conditions
and had no choice but to arrive
here. Many others have built families
here and have kids and spouses.
We do need to control the border,
but we also need a more humane immigration
approach where those who
need to be here do not have to seek
to enter illegally.
N. Peter Antone is an immigration
attorney in Farmington Hills and a
former adjunct professor of Immigration
and Nationality Law at Michigan State
University School of Law.
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OCTOBER 2015 CHALDEAN NEWS 13

GUEST column
Christians need results, not delays
During the past decade,
religious freedom
in the Middle
East has witnessed some
of its most trying times in
history. Only 10 years ago,
Iraq was home to over 300
churches, but today not
even 40 remain. The city
of Mosul, which was once
a Christian stronghold,
now is no longer home to
any Christian communities.
With the continued advance of
the Islamic State (ISIS), the very existence
of Christian communities in the
Middle East — the birthplace of the
Christian faith — is in grave danger.
Recognizing the severity of the
situation that the Middle East’s minorities
are facing, last year Congress
quickly acted to create a new position
in the administration — a Special
Envoy for Religious Minorities in
the Middle East and South Central
Rep. Dave
Trott
SPECIAL TO THE
CHALDEAN NEWS
Asia. After delaying action
on this position for a year,
the Obama Administration
has finally listened to
Congress and named Knox
Thames to fill this important
position.
This envoy will promote
the right of religious
freedom, denounce the
violation of freedom of religion,
recommend appropriate
government responses
to any violations, and ensure that the
needs of religious minority communities
are addressed. With continued
ISIS attacks in Iraq and Syria, it is
imperative that we have a high-level
diplomat regularly assessing the situation
and communicating it to the
President of the United States.
Knowing the importance of this
position, I was part of the bipartisan
effort to urge President Obama to
fill this position and use his power
to stand on the side of the minorities
of the Middle East who are under
attack. While I am pleased that
the President finally stepped up and
named this Special Envoy, it is disappointing
Christian communities
in the Middle East had to wait for
more than a year for the administration
to fill this critical position. Both
Democrats and Republicans agree
that Christians who are facing the
loss of their homelands shouldn’t be
asked to wait patiently due to inaction
from the White House.
Sadly, the administration’s failure
to quickly name someone to the Special
Envoy for Religious Minorities
position is only part of a broader pattern
of delay from the President. Since
2013, President Obama has failed to
produce the legally required annual
report to Congress on International
Religious Freedom and has waited
nearly a year to name the Ambassador
At-Large for International Religious
Freedom at the State Department.
While these actions would not
solve all of the challenges that Middle
East Christians are facing, it is absolutely
critical that the United States
shows it stands in solidarity with the
Christian communities during some
of their darkest hours.
America is the world’s brightest
beacon of freedom and liberty in the
world. For two centuries, our nation
has stood for the God-given principle
of religious freedom. Now more than
ever, the United States has to show
leadership in the world and stand
lockstep in support for the minorities
of the Middle East. Finally naming
the Special Envoy is a good first step,
and I am hopeful that in his remaining
years in office, President Obama
will start listening to Congress and
take action to help religious minorities
around the world. I will not be
silent on these important issues and
plan to continue pressing the administration
for action.
It is time that America speaks in
one voice and shows its unwavering
support for the Christian communities
of the Middle East.
U.S. Congressman Dave Trott, a
Republican, represents Michigan’s 11th
District (northwestern Wayne and
southwest Oakland counties).
14 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2015

cultivating
possibilities
Celebrating our cultural diversity and honoring those
who plant the seeds of possibility in our communities and in our world.
OCTOBER 2015 CHALDEAN NEWS 15

noteworthy
Driver Arrested in
Tragic Hit and Run
A Go Fund Me page has raised more
than $18,000 in memory of Linda
Khayya, who was killed by a hit-andrun
driver as she crossed Ryan Road
at 14 Mile on August 31.
Her disabled son, 15-year-old
Randee Najeeb, broke his pelvis but
is expected to recover.
On September 2, Xhuljan Gjinaj,
22, was formally arraigned on six felonies,
including driving while intoxicated,
failing to stop at the scene,
and driving with a suspended license.
The mother of four, Khayya, 47,
had been living in the United States
just a few years. She was pushing
Randee’s wheelchair as they were returning
to the Bristol Village Apartments
after shopping for groceries
when they were struck, allegedly by
Gjinaj’s red Cadillac.
“Thank you so much for the help,
love and support. We are blessed,” the
family wrote on the Go Fund Me page.
“Randee has a long road to recovery,
but we have faith he will be okay.”
The funds raised will help with
Randee’s medical bills. To make a
contribution, visit GoFundMe.com/
tt38jjbg.
Help Fill the Pallets
Much-needed supplies are being
gathered to send to Chaldean refugees
in Northern Iraq.
Women’s feminine products, diapers,
school supplies and new clothing
for toddlers and children are needed
for those who are living in tents or in
temporary housing. This will be the
fourth container sent to Iraq.
Drop supplies off at the Chaldean
American Ladies of Charity, 2033
Austin Drive in Troy, or at Socks
Galore Warehouse, 10355 Capital
Street in Oak Park.
USAID Shares Iraq
Response Details
Members of the USAID Center for International
Disaster Information (US-
AID CIDI) met with the Chaldean
community on September 17 to discuss
its efforts to help refugees in Iraq.
Speakers at the event, hosted by
the Chaldean American Ladies of
Charity, were Barlin Ali, program
coordinator, and Margot Morris, outreach
and volunteer coordinator.
They said US-
AID encourages
Barlin Ali
Slip-Sliding Away
Assyrian Church Elects New Patriarch
The Synod of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East has
elected Bishop Gewargis (George) Sliwa as its 112th patriarch.
He was scheduled to be consecrated at St. John’s Cathedral in Erbil, Iraq,
on September 27 (past press time) and will assume the name Mar Gewargis III.
The post had been vacant since the passing of the previous patriarch, Khanania
Dinkha IV, on March 26.
Patriarch Sliwa was born on November 23, 1941 in Habbaniya, Iraq. He
was consecrated Metropolitan of Iraq on June 14, 1981 in Chicago. Since then
he has made his headquarters in Baghdad.
Assyrian International News Agency, aina.org.
cash donations
above other forms of
support to allow for
the immediate ability
to purchase and
provide supplies to
affected areas. A list
of humanitarian organizations
to support
can be found at Interaction.org.
The non-governmental organizations
(NGOs) that partner with
USAID include InterAction and
National Voluntary Organizations
Active in Disaster.
Since January 2014 the number
of internally displaced persons
(IDPs) in Iraq has reached 3.11
million, according to the International
Organization for Migration.
United States aid assistance to Iraq
through FY 2015 was $477,764,956,
while Saudi Arabia gave $500 million
and German donations totaled
$154,742,702.
Learn more at cidi.org.
Who Owns the D?
West Bloomfield grocer and musician
Mark Kassa is suing over the popular
expression “Welcome to the D,”
which he says he has trademarked.
Kassa filed a federal trademark
infringement lawsuit on September
3 in U.S. District Court in Detroit
against the Detroit Metro Convention
& Visitors Bureau and the Detroit
Sports Commission. His band,
Slight Return, has a song called
“Welcome to the D” and the phrase
appears on clothing and shirts.
Jonnas Chair Eastern
Market Benefit
Judy and Frank Jonna are among the
co-chairs of the Eastern Market Corporation’s
Second Annual Harvest
Celebration on October 8.
The evening, which benefits Eastern
Market’s effort to improve access
to healthy food and encourage food
Hundreds of people visited the City of Westland’s garage sale of obsolete
city-owned equipment and furnishings during the last weekend of August.
Among the more interesting items was this water slide from the Bailey
Recreation Center. It was snapped up by Jeff Yatooma, who co-owns its
new home: the Bloomfield Hills Swim and Tennis Club. “It is by far the
coolest — and biggest — thing I’ve purchased all year,” said Yatooma.
entrepreneurs, begins at 6:30 p.m. in
Shed 5. It includes a dinner prepared
from Michigan’s harvest, music from
the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Brass Quintet and talks about the
historic market’s programs.
Tickets are $250 and $400. Call
(313) 833-9300.
Black Friday
Fundraiser Set
An evening of entertainment to
raise money for Iraqis displaced by
ISIS will take place on November 27
(Black Friday) at the Palazzo Grande
in Shelby Township.
Munther Fahmi and Linda
George will provide the entertainment
and the event also includes an
open bar, a five-course dinner and
fundraising activities. Proceeds benefit
nine medical clinics in Northern
Iraq through HelpIraq.org.
Tickets are $75 and tables of 10 are
$650. Sponsorships are available. Call
Adopt-A-Refugee-Family at (248)
406-2052 or email info@helpiraq.org.
New Program Helps
Get Schoolkids
Healthy
Michigan K-12 schools are invited
to apply for a program that supports
children’s health. “Building Healthy
Communities: Step Up for School
Wellness” is a partnership between
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan,
various state agencies and other organizations.
The program provides financial
support to develop, implement and
sustain wellness programs. It integrates
the recommended process
from Michigan’s new “Steps to a
Healthy School” website and uses
five action-focused steps: build or
re-energize a school health team; assess
the school health environment;
gather your tools and take action;
evaluate and sustain; share successes
and plan for the future.
Learn more at bcbsm.com/BuildHealth.
16 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2015

Community Bulletin Board
The Boxer
Stage IV prostate cancer survivor John Loussia
achieved a lifelong dream by summiting Mt.
Kilimanjaro in late August. Before conquering
Africa’s highest point, he stripped down to his
boxer shorts to promote the Blue Boxer program
for prostate cancer awareness and to raise funds
for research. “I think, like me, most men are
totally ignorant of this disease,” said Loussia,
who was diagnosed in 2011. “It is so wonderful
what has been done with breast cancer and so
disappointing with what has not been done with
prostate cancer. “ Visit BlueBoxerFund.org.
Memory Lane
A few hundred alumni of Telkaif High
School gathered at Camp Chaldean on
August 23 for a reunion. After mass by
Bishop Ibrahim Ibrahim, the group enjoyed
a picnic, swapped funny stories and a
trivia contest about their school days.
Guitar Heroes
Mark Kassa recently collaborated
with Andy Vargas, the lead singer
of Santana, in Chicago on some
new songs that will appear on
Slight Return’s next release. Vargas
posted this shot on social media.
Senior Power
Age prevailed 18-15 at the September
19-20 Ryder Cup at Shenandoah
Country Club. Senior captions were
Gene Dickow and Tom George, while
the juniors at the annual event were led
by Chris Toma and Sal Kesto.
Have an item for the Bulletin Board? Send it to Chaldean News,
30850 Telegraph Road, Suite 220, Bingham Farms, MI 48025,
or e-mail info@chaldeannews.com.

CHAI time
chaldeans conNecting
community events in and around metro detroit OCTOBER 2015
[Thursday, October 1]
Fundraiser: Fourth Annual Giving
Hearts event raises funds for Chaldean
women fighting breast cancer.
The evening, held in memory
of Vivian Esshaki Shouneyia, who
died of the disease, includes a
fashion show, wine appetizers, and
dessert. 6-9 p.m., Orchard Mall,
6353 Orchard Lake Road, West
Bloomfield. Tickets are $50 at the
door. Visit GivingHeartsForBreast-
Cancer on Facebook.
[Thursday, October 1]
Art: The grand opening of the Ancient
Middle East Gallery at the Detroit
Institute of Arts is celebrated
with cocktails, a strolling Middle
Eastern dinner, remarks and live oud
music. 6-9 p.m. Tickets are $125
and include complimentary valet
parking. (313) 833-1721.
[Thursday, October 8]
Support: Peter’s Angels, which helps
fight drug abuse in the Chaldean community,
holds a meeting at 7 p.m. at St.
Joseph Chaldean Catholic Church in
Troy. PetersAngelsCC@gmail.com
Dinner: Fr. Leo Patalinghug, “the
Cooking Priest,” is featured at the
Second Annual Come and See Dinner,
which raises funds for the ECRC. 6
p.m., Shenandoah Country Club. Tickets
are $100. (248) 538-9903.
[Sunday, October 11]
Race: The Hidden Forest Trail Run lets
runners participate in races of 2.5 to
8.5 miles at Independence Oaks County
Park in Clarkston. All races begin at
9:30 a.m. The fee is $18 and includes a
long-sleeve shirt for registrants before
October 4. After that, the cost is $20.
RiverbendStriders.com or Gaultrace-
Management.com.
[Sunday, October 11]
Family Day: Detroit Capuchin ministries
hosts a Family Day from 11 a.m.-3
p.m. in honor of Pope Francis’ decree
declaring 2015 “the Year of Consecrated
Life.” Participants can explore
the Solanus Casey Center, Fr. Solanus
Guild, St. Bonaventure Monastery
community areas and grounds, the Capuchin
Soup Kitchen’s Meldrum site,
and the Soup Kitchen’s Earthworks Urban
Farm gardens. Children activities
take place at the Solanus Center. The
free event includes light snacks and
desserts. 1780 Mount Elliott, Detroit.
SolanusCenter.org.
[Wednesday, October 14]
Health: Breast Health Boot Camp
teaches the latest to prevent, detect
and treat breast cancer. A cooking
demonstration features “super foods”
to improve stamina and benefit overall
health. A fitness expert will provide tips
on relaxation and the positive impact
exercise has on breast health. Henry
Ford West Bloomfield Hospital. $10.
(248) 325-3890.
[Thursday, October 15]
Chamber: Annual Business Luncheon
of the Chaldean American Chamber of
Commerce runs from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at
Shenandoah Country Club. The theme
is “Growing a Stronger Michigan.”
Moderated by Fox 2 News Legal Analyst
Charlie Langton. Tickets are $50.
Contact Lisa Kalou at (248) 996-8340
or lkalou@chaldeanchamber.com.
[Friday, October 16]
Benefit: The 43rd annual SOCK (Support
Our Capuchin Kitchen) dinner
at Cobo Center’s Grand Riverview
Ballroom includes cocktails, dinner,
entertainment, silent auction and
admission to the Second Helping
AfterGlow event, emceed by Fox 2’s
Roop Raj. Tickets are $250 and can
be purchased at CSKDetroit.org/
sock or by calling (313) 579.2100,
ext. 153.
[Wednesday, October 21]
Mass: 22nd Annual Mass for Commerce
begins at 8 a.m. at Sacred
Heart Major Seminary Chapel,
2701 Chicago Boulevard in Detroit.
MassForCommerce.org.
[Thursday, October 22]
Health: Senior Health and Wellness
Expo includes health talks, seated
yoga, vendors, a Detroit Institute
of Arts presentation and lunch.
9 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free.
Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital.
(248) 325-3890.
[Thursday, October 29]
Support: Peter’s Angels, which
helps fight drug abuse in the Chaldean
community, holds a meeting
at 7 p.m. at Mother of God Chaldean
Catholic Church in Southfield.
PetersAngelsCC@gmail.com.
[Friday, October 30]
Basketball: “Rebound for Relief in
Support of Help Iraq” will raise funds
for HelpIraq.org. Presented by Oakland
University’s CASA and the Detroit
Pistons, $55 buys a ticket to the
Pistons vs. Chicago Bulls game, admission
of the Club 300, all-inclusive
beer, wine and buffet. To buy tickets,
visit pistons.com/CASA and enter the
promotional code Pistons. Questions?
Call Mason Finch at (248) 377-8708.
Celebrate the
Rosary this Month
Many of us Chaldeans can attest to the
fact that our Grandma (aka Nana) is
one the most faithful churchgoing people
we know. From my earliest memories as an
altar boy I can easily hear the sound of the old
women who would come early in the morning,
every single day, to get together before mass to
recite (more like scream) the rosary with their
whole heart and soul.
To this day I have never seen a more concentrated
and committed group of people. It’s amazing
how happy these mothers and grandmothers
are to be at peace and give everything they have
to the Mother of God.
It truly makes me proud of our culture and its
closeness to our Catholic faith, but I’m also saddened
by the lack of youth who are unwilling to
inherit this love of the rosary from our elders.
This month on October 7 we will celebrate
the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, a feast that
truly reveals to us the true power of the rosary.
On the dawn of October 7, 1571, many faithful
soldiers were risking their lives for their faith at
the Battle of Lepanto. At the entrance to the Gulf
of Patras, the Christian and Muslim fleets finally
came face to face. The wind and all military factors
favored the Muslims, but the soldiers battled anyway
for the sake of protecting their people. Then,
all of a sudden, the wind mysteriously changed to
the advantage of the Christian fleet. Witnesses
wrote about this moment as the most dramatic
turn of events resulting from an “unknown factor.”
At that very moment — at dawn on October 7,
1571, as Vatican
archives
later showed
— Pope Pius V
and many faithful
were praying the Rosary
from dawn to dusk and the
prayers continued in Rome until the
moment the Muslims were defeated.
This can be a message today for us
youth. We all have many different battles in our
lives but they can all be easily fought with the
most powerful weapon of all: The Holy Rosary.
To many it’s just a pure recitation of meaningless
words, but it’s through our faith in Jesus through
Mary that these words give us power, help and
guidance to overcome the battles in our lives, no
matter how big.
– Junior Jwad
18 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2015

OCTOBER 2015 CHALDEAN NEWS 19

obituaries
Recently deceased Community members
Lillian Rita Antiwan
April 9, 2013 -
Sept. 22, 2015
Issam Fransis Kassab
Nov. 20, 1945 -
Sept. 17, 2015
Raad Salim Azzo
Sept. 1, 1956 -
Sept. 16, 2015
Najib Malallah Gatta
March 21, 1958 -
Sept. 10, 2015
Shadri Sesi Gagui
January 1, 1921-
Sept. 10, 2015
Juliet Dabish Jarbou
April 1, 1938 -
Sept. 9, 2015
Emad Eslewa Jarbo
Sept. 17, 1951 -
Sept. 8, 2015
Yacoub Yousif Abbou
July 1, 1928 -
Sept. 7, 2015
Ghalia Summa Kassab
Dec. 22, 1944 -
Aug. 31, 2015
Linda Khalil Khayya
Aug. 12, 1968 –
Aug. 31, 2015
Ibtisam Bahri Ammouri
Sept. 26, 1949 -
Aug. 30, 2015
Stephan Cholagh
June 30, 1930 -
Aug. 28, 2015
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phone: 248-996-8360 fax: 248-996-8342
Jamil Bebo Shabilla
July 1, 1934 –
Aug. 26, 2015
Janfiaf Stephan
Oct. 30, 1926 –
Aug. 18, 2015
Kozoo Youkhana
Odisho
July 1, 1953 –
Aug. 25, 2015
Yousif Kanouna
July 01, 1934 -
Sept. 9, 2015
Mansour Zia Kachi
July 1, 1939 –
Aug. 20, 2015
George Yousif AlKatib
July 1, 1926 –
Aug. 23, 2015
Abed Jajo Sitto
Jan. 1, 1929 –
Aug. 20, 2015
20 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2015

Michigan’s Largest Selection of Nursery & Kids Bedrooms
house of bedrooms
1716 S Telegraph Rd., Bloomfield Hills 48302 • 248-745-0012 • www.HouseofBedroomsKids.com
OCTOBER 2015 CHALDEAN NEWS 21

debating the
mosque
Passions flare in Sterling Heights
By Harry Kirsbaum and Joyce Wiswell
22 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2015

With a unanimous 9-0 vote,
and a raucous crowd spilling
into the parking lot
during a meeting of the Sterling
Heights Planning Commission on
Sept. 10, a proposed mosque on 15
Mile Road was denied.
The Shia mosque was vigorously
opposed by many residents of the
Chaldean community. While some
said it was insensitive for Muslims to
build amid a large Christian refugee
population driven from Iraq by ISIS,
others cited traffic concerns, property
values and its large size in a neighborhood
zoned residential.
Hundreds of people gathered outside
the Sept. 10 meeting chanted
“No More Mosque” and “U.S.A.!
U.S.A.!” at Muslims entering or
leaving City Hall.
The vote came one month after
the Planning Commission asked
the American Islamic Community
Center to revise the plans for a
20,500-square-foot mosque, which
would have been located on a fouracre
site on 15 Mile between Mound
and Ryan roads.
Sterling Heights City Planner Don
Mende said that the revisions were received
on Aug. 28, but did not meet
the recommendations. Although the
twin spires were reduced from 66 ft.
to 57 feet, a 13.6 percent reduction,
the dome was increased from 58 to 65
feet, a 12 percent increase.
“There are no apparent changes
in the architecture plans to improve
the compatibility of the proposed
development with the established
long-term land uses in the vicinity
in terms of the height, scale and
potential impact on the neighboring
areas,” Mende said. “As a result
the administration is recommending
that the Planning Commission deny
the application for special approval
land use.”
Jaafar Chehab, director of the
American Islamic Community Center
in Madison Heights, was stunned.
“I’m not sure what just happened,”
he told the commission
members. “We have followed all the
rules. Not allowing this mosque to be
built is a violation of my constitutional
rights. We are within compliance
with the master plan. We have
given everything they have asked for.
This is not about public pressure, this
is about the rule of law.”
Mary Scott, a resident of Sterling
Heights, told the commission she
agreed with the denial. “It does fail
to meet Standard A in Section 25.2
of the general standards, that the
building is not of such size and character
that it is in harmony with the
appropriate orderly development of
the surrounding neighborhood,” she
said. “I also believe that if it fails one
standard, it fails them all.”
The proposed mosque has been a
contentious issue in the city because
of its large Chaldean population.
Signs against the mosque on the
property in the past, and previous
city council and planning commission
meetings that have brought up
the issue have been met with hundreds
of protesters.
“We are considerate people
of Muslim Americans,” said Muhammed
Abdallah, of Dearborn.
“Most of us were born in this country,
and we’re all willing to compromise.
I believe there are ulterior motives,
to be honest. This is absurdity, and
it’s unconstitutional.”
Not everyone appreciated the
anti-mosque chants from some of the
crowd.
“We’ve lived here all our lives
and there’s never been a problem,”
said Melinda Darwich of Sterling
Heights, who called the chants of
“No More Mosque” horrible. “They
keep saying it’s about the building
height. But there are so many
churches around. If it was a church,
this would not be happening now. It’s
obviously bigotry and racism, and it’s
a shame.”
Grant Rayess of Sterling Heights
disagreed.
“There are other places they can
build, like Dearborn, and we don’t
need it. The price of the houses are
going to go all the way down, and the
traffic all over, and then it will disturb
the neighbors with the calling
[to prayer],” he said. “We don’t like
that. They call us ‘infidel.’ We don’t
need that. We run away from those
people because they don’t learn how
to live with other people.”
Osama Zetouna of Macomb Township
manages a Sterling Heights retail
store. “We want to keep our city residential,
not commercial,” he said. “It’s
already too crowded, and the place
they pick would make it very busy. It’s
zoned residential, keep it residential.
There’s lots of empty land.”
Mayor Michael Taylor denied
that anti-Muslim sentiment was behind
the rejection.
“Sterling Heights has a solid
reputation for inclusiveness and
tolerance reflected in a wide variety
of places of worship across the city,
including a Sikh temple, a Buddhist
temple and two existing mosques,”
he said in a statement after the meeting.
“Sterling Heights will continue
to foster faith-based inclusiveness
and understanding with local partners
including our city’s school districts,
religious organizations and
other community groups.”
Imam Hassan Al-Qazwini infuriated
Chaldeans when he reportedly
compared those opposing the
mosque to the terrorists of ISIS.
“ISIS is a bunch of bigots, hateful,
who hate others. Those people are
also a bunch of bigots who hate others,”
he said in a Detroit mosque.
Martin Manna, Chaldean News
co-publisher and president of the
Chaldean American Chamber of
Commerce, called for an apology.
“Unfortunately, some members of
the Arab community have been provoking
some of the comments made
by members of the Chaldean community.
Imam Al-Qazwini should retract
his statement comparing Chaldeans
that oppose the mosque to
ISIS,” he said. “He should also issue
an apology as his statement is inflammatory
and outrageous.”
After the Sept. 10 vote, the Arab
American News published “An
Open Letter to the Chaldean Community”
that called for dialogue between
the two communities.
“Arab-Chaldean relations have
reached a critical point. Repeated attempts
by some Chaldeans to attack,
smear and ridicule Arab and Muslim
Americans can no longer be tolerated.
This rising bigotry should be
addressed with reason and dialogue
within and between both communities,”
it began. “The Sterling Heights
controversy was not the first incident
when certain members of the Chaldean
community insulted local Arabs
and Muslims.”
It added, “Throughout all of these
attacks by Chaldeans against Muslims,
Chaldean community leaders
and heads of organizations remained
silent, validating that Islamophobia
is an acceptable position in their
community.”
Social media has been abuzz with
ugly remarks and name-calling on
both sides of the mosque issue.
Fr. Manuel Boji of Holy Martyrs
Chaldean Catholic Church in Sterling
Heights decried the sometimes
nasty rhetoric, though said mosque
proponents could have been more
sensitive, especially to newly arrived
refugees whose “wounds are still
fresh.” But, he said, “Some [protesters]
failed to show their Christianity
well. They expressed their opinion in
a tough way.”
He added, “We don’t want the
kind of relations between Christians
and Muslims like in the Middle East
– we don’t want that model copied
here. We should give the example of
how to live together, how to be tolerant,
and how to accept others who
are different in all aspects.”
Manna agreed. “As Chaldeans,
we cannot allow hate to fill our
hearts,” he said. “We must open up
a dialogue with the local Arab and
Muslim communities.”
OCTOBER 2015 CHALDEAN NEWS 23

Point
SOUTHFIELD
Mosque proposal is
insensitive to Chaldeans
By Omar Binno
28100 Telegraph Road
Southfield, MI 48034
(800) 725-0697
Sales
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Tue/Wed 9am-7pm
Thursday 9am-9pm
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JEEP CELEBRATION EVENT NOW TAKING PLACE!
Recently, the community
was caught
up in a storm of
controversy surrounding
the building of a mosque
on 15 Mile Road in Sterling
Heights, and the
proposed project wreaked
havoc on several levels.
Many residents vehemently
opposed the idea, while
others saw the opposition
as a breach of America’s
freedom of religion rights.
Obviously, the legality of building
a new mosque is unquestionable
assuming it meets a city’s building
regulations, but the ethics behind it
are a whole other ballgame.
Many non-Chaldeans were opposed
to the mosque, and those who
have relentlessly labeled Chaldeans
as “bigots” should reflect on that. The
projected area is zoned for residential,
not commercial, use. In one interview,
a resident said she didn’t want
a mosque, church, restaurant or any
other commercial building in the area.
Furthermore:
• The area is congested with traffic.
A mosque at 20,000 square feet and 60
feet high would cause traffic jams.
• Building such a structure around
a residential area could potentially decrease
the value of homes there.
• There is a fire station in the
vicinity, and a mosque that holds
prayer five times a day could hamper
firetrucks in their work.
A disconcerting issue is the misuse
of the word “bigotry.” Many
Chaldeans, for personal reasons,
have expressed strong opposition
to the building of this mosque. For
years, Chaldeans have lived and
worked with Muslims and their businesses.
So why are so many suddenly
troubled by the building of a mosque?
The short-term answer lies in the
chapter of a brief history that began
more than a year ago with ISIS’ (Daesh’s)
takeover of Mosul and the unbroken
streak of terror that continues.
Since 2003, thousands of Chaldean
refugees have arrived in Detroit,
and their stories of violence,
persecution, treachery by neighbors,
death and other dreadful atrocities
Omar Binno
SPECIAL TO THE
CHALDEAN NEWS
cause us who live in comfort
in America to cringe
just listening. It’s fairly
clear that we’re in shock
and many are grieving at
the devastation that has
infested the homeland.
Daesh is evil incarnate for
all its hellish acts that are
done in the name of Islam.
I’m not criticizing Islam
here; I’m bringing it up to
help those who are only
concerned with the legalities of the situation
to understand the sorrow, hurt,
emptiness and hopelessness felt by victims
of the Iraqi turmoil — rather than
just focusing on political correctness or
worrying about legalities.
Just because something is legal
doesn’t mean it’s ethical. Is “religious
freedom” a constitutional right? Sure
it is! Are there ethical ramifications
Sterling Heights is
largely populated
by Chaldeans and
Americans, and
only a fraction of its
residents are Muslim.
in this issue? I believe there are.
In the wake of the 9-11 tragedy,
building a mosque at Ground Zero is,
to me, not only absurd but a slap in
the face of all Americans. Of all the
places where Muslims can worship,
building a mosque at Ground Zero is
like pouring salt on an open wound
for the families of the victims of that
awful tragedy, as well as the rest of
America. I see the Sterling Heights
mosque project in a similar fashion.
Sterling Heights is largely populated
by Chaldeans and Americans, and
only a fraction of its residents are
Muslim.
When the Planning Commission
rejected the project on September
10, the Muslim community was outraged.
It has pledged to continue the
point continued on page 26
24 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2015

counterPoint
Religious intolerance
serves no one
By Weam Namou
Many of our people,
like Californian
artist Paul
Batou and Chicago attorney
Wisam Naoum, have
compared the genocide of
the Christian Iraqis to that
of the Native Americans,
who recount how an estimated
80-100 million of
their people were wiped
out by disease, famine or
warfare imported by white
men carrying crosses who came here
to find gold and to own new land.
Those who survived were forced to
convert to Christianity and to abandon
their traditions and their native
language.
Yet, we don’t see Native Americans
protesting against our churches
in the prejudiced manner we’ve protested
against mosques. They keep
their ancestral memory and lessons
alive through storytelling and ceremonies,
not hate speech.
Native Americans mainly blame
politics and greed, not religion, for
what happened to them. They’re not
the only ones with this viewpoint.
Ariel Sabar is a Kurdish Jewish author
whose father was from Zakho.
Currently a professor of Hebrew at
UCLA, Sabar is a native speaker of
Aramaic and has published more
than 90 research articles about Jewish
Neo-Aramaic and the folklore of
the Kurdish Jews. In his book, My Father’s
Paradise, he describes the old
community in Zakho:
“Muslims, Jews, and Christians,
Judaism, Sufi mysticism, Bahaism,
and Yezidism flourished alongside
one another and extremism was
rare…. Muslim, Jew, and Christian
suffered alike through the region’s
cruel cycles of flood, famine, and
Kurdish tribal bloodshed. They prospered
alike when the soil yielded
bumper crops of wheat, gall nuts, and
fragrant tobacco. In important ways,
they were Kurds first and Muslims,
Christians, or Jews second.”
Sabar also blames politics and
greed, not religion, on the mass exodus
of 120,000 Jews from Iraq in the
1950s. Some of Sabar’s accounts are
similar to what occurred last year
Weam Namou
SPECIAL TO THE
CHALDEAN NEWS
with ISIS’ Christian genocide.
If we were to research
history, we would see that
political greed is at the
root of most invasions,
massacres and occupations.
If we choose to have a
one-sided memory, we will
never be able to have a dialogue
with other cultures,
ethnicities and religions,
and yet that’s what democracy
is about. It’s the reason this
country has such great potential and
why people risk their lives to come
here.
We remember the 1933 Simele
Massacre but we forget the 1991
Gulf War, the unjust UN-imposed
sanctions that were enforced on Iraq
for more than 12 years, and the 2003
U.S.-led invasion, all which caused
the deaths of millions of innocent
Iraqi civilians and a refugee crisis for
which the world is today paying the
Muslim, Jew, and
Christian suffered
alike through the
region’s cruel cycles.
price. The Arab world looked upon
these wars and sanctions as Christians’
war against Muslims. During
that time, many in Iraq began labeling
Christians “Bush’s people” and
terrorists were easily able to recruit
extremists.
Despite all this, Saddam did not
permit Muslims to use hate speech
against Christians. Batras Mansour,
a refugee I once interviewed, said, “I
haven’t seen a day of peace since the
war. During Saddam’s regime in Iraq,
we experienced much better days.
Back then, no one could say a wrong
word to us Christians.”
Mansour told the story of how an
imam spoke against the Christians
over the microphone. After he was reported
to authorities, the mosque was
counterpoint continued on page 26
OCTOBER 2015 CHALDEAN NEWS 25

little hope
Syriac patriarch sees ‘no horizon’
By Weam Namou
There is little hope left for
the Christians of Iraq and
Syria. That was the message
from the head of the Syriac Catholic
Church on his recent visit to the
United States.
“There’s no horizon in the sky for
a solution for Iraq and Syria,” said
His Beatitude Moran Mor Ignatius
Joseph III Younan, 71. “The crisis is
resulting in more killings, kidnappings,
hostages and vacating massive
populations from their region. We
don’t know what will be the end of
this horrible situation.”
The Patriarch of Antioch and all
the East of the Syrians for the Syriac
Catholic Church visited the U.S. in
September, and, past press time, was
scheduled to meet Pope Francis.
During his four-day stay in Michigan,
he held mass at St. Toma Church
in Farmington Hills in remembrance
of the 100-year anniversary of the
genocide against Christians in Turkey,
and to honor Father Toma
Azizo, 86, who recently retired after
25 years of service to the church.
On September 21, the patriarch
held a forum at St. Toma where he
introduced the life of His Beautitude
Flavien Michel Melki, who in August
1915 was captured, tortured and
decapitated — his head thrown into
the Tigris River — by the Ottomans
because he refused to relinquish his
religion. Cardinal Angelo Amato,
on behalf of Pope Francis, presided
over his beatification into sainthood
in Lebanon on August 29, 2015. A
book on the subject, prepared by
Msgr. Flavien Youssef Melki, was recently
published in Arabic.
But the patriarch’s discussion
mainly focused on the current situation
in Iraq and Syria and what
Christians here can do to help their
people halfway across the world.
“For the last 14 months, since
the Islamic State was established in
Mosul, Christians have been hated
the most,” he said. “Since then, all
Christian communities who have
lived there for millennia have been
kicked out of the region and there
has not been a prayer service or mass
in our churches.”
The patriarch blamed the United
States and its western allies for most of
the problems in the Middle East. He
said, “They were telling the world to
spread democracy and encouraged the
‘Arab Spring’ in countries where dictatorship
or despotic police reign. This
is a euphoric fantasy that did a lot of
harm to the population in general and
minorities in particular because Christians
and other minority groups can’t
survive unless the government protects
them. Now we have a chaos that led
to a sectarian war. The political agenda
of the West failed and it destroyed our
presence in that region.”
The major problem now, he said,
Bishop Yousif Habash (left), Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Joseph III Younan, Bishop
Yousif Abba from Baghdad and Fr. Habib Morad, the patriarch’s secretary, at St. Toma.
is in Muslim fundamentalists wanting
to impose their vision of creed
that does not separate state and religion.
The answer to this problem
is in establishing separation between
state and religion in the Middle East.
“When you do not have separation
of state and religion, that means you
will discriminate,” said the patriarch.
“Separation between state and religion
will allow for all citizens to live in
peace and receive equal treatment.”
The western nations have to
make this possible because the Christians
in the East do not have enough
population to have the type of power
that the Ummah has in the Gulf, nor
do they have the oil like Saudi Arabia.
Why, he wondered, if the free
world believes in freedom at all, are
they remaining silent about the persecutions
of Christians?
“We have to tell them that they
must repair what they have done,” he
said. “We ask the leaders responsible
for what happened to admit to their
mistake and fix it, but sadly, we have
been forgotten, even betrayed, by the
western nations.”
While Patriarch Younan said
there is no hope that the Christians
will return to their villages, he added,
“We also can’t encourage excessive
exodus because it will be a real tragedy.
We will lose the land where our
forefathers have been pioneers of our
civilization and the cradle of Christianity.
We don’t want these biblical
regions to simply turn to archeological
sites like the sites in minor Asia,
Turkey and North Africa. We want
to do our best to live in our forefather’s
land despite the persecution.”
Having said that, he admitted
that despite all the efforts the Christians
in the Middle East have made,
despite having raised their voices as
much as possible, what’s being done
is not enough. Therefore, he conceded,
it is better that the refugees are
taken to the United States, Europe
and other western nations.
“At least that’s better than how
they are living right now,” he said.
point continued from page 24 Bigotry is irrational hatred without
evidence to back it up. I never
counterpoint continued from page 25
fight, claiming that its rights of freedom
to worship were violated. the same token, the anecdotal and taken away and no one saw him since.
condone nor accept hatred; and by circled by four cars. The imam was
Islam is currently under heat by historical evidence of the persecuted So was Saddam more intolerant
the western world and the media. make the label of “bigotry” void here. of religious hate speech than we are?
Rather than doing what it needs to If the Muslim community is also a Over the years, I have interviewed
dozens of people from the
show its critics that it’s a religion of victim of these terrorist groups, they
peace, as its majority claims, Muslims should be more empathetic and understanding
of the evil that has befall-
blamed Islam for Iraq’s current situ-
Catholic religious order. They never
seem to prefer to engage in situations
that inflame the supposed bigotry en our exiled brothers and sisters. ation. In my recent book about the
against them. Why not communicate
with those who oppose it, listen Omar Binno owns his own recording of the artists expressed nostalgia for
lives of Iraqi American artists, most
to their sorrow, understand their pain studio and hosts a weekly Internet talk the Iraq that was once unified.
and then do what it takes to prove show called “The Nadi.” He lives in Randa Razoky said, “I once painted
your “peace?”
West Bloomfield.
a painting of mosque, churches, and
Mandaean men baptizing women by
the river, where the Tigris and Euphrates
Rivers flow. This painting represents
an Iraq of diverse religions which
no longer exists. We lost that Iraq.”
Maybe We can get that Iraq back
if we open our hearts and re-learn to
co-exist. Otherwise, true peace will
never find a home within us.
Chaldean News contributor Weam
Namou is an author, journalist and the
president of the Iraqi Artists Association.
Her seventh book, Iraqi Americans:
The Lives of the Artists, was recently
released. She lives in Sterling Heights.
26 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2015

OCTOBER 2015 CHALDEAN NEWS 27

Pope Francis turns toward
President Barack Obama
during his welcoming
remarks at the White House
on September 23.
Standing before Congress on
September 24, Pope Francis
issued a ringing call to action
on behalf of immigrants, urging
lawmakers to embrace “the stranger
in our midst” as he became the first
pontiff in history to address a joint
meeting of the legislators.
Referencing the migration crisis
in Europe as well as the United
States’ own struggle with immigration
from Latin America, Pope Francis
summoned lawmakers “to respond
in a way which is always humane,
just and fraternal.”
“We must not be taken aback by
their numbers, but rather view them
as persons, seeing their faces and listening
to their stories, trying to respond
as best as we can to their situation,”
Pope Francis urged.
He was welcomed enthusiastically
to a House chamber packed with
Supreme Court justices, Cabinet officials,
and lawmakers of both parties,
uniting the bickering factions before
he even opened his mouth as all
stood to cheer his arrival.
The day before, September 23, he
was cheered by jubilant crowds as he
visited the White House — where
he and President Barack Obama
a uniting force
Pope Francis takes Washington by storm
By The Associated Press
embraced each other’s warnings on
climate change — paraded through
Washington streets in his Popemobile,
addressed U.S. bishops, noting
the clergy sex abuse scandal, and celebrated
a Mass of Canonization for
Junipero Serra, the Spanish friar who
founded major California missions.
His trip was also scheduled to include
stops in New York and Philadelphia.
He was expected to fly back
to Rome on September 27 (past press
time).
Introducing himself at the Capitol
as “a son of this great continent,” the
Argentine Pope, reading his remarks
slowly in English, spoke from the
same dais where presidents deliver
their State of the Union speeches. Behind
him sat Vice President Joe Biden
and House Speaker John Boehner,
the first and second in line to the
presidency, both Catholics. Outside,
tens of thousands watched on giant
screens erected on the Capitol’s West
Lawn, and many more were watching
on TV around the world.
Lawmakers of all political backgrounds
and religious affiliations eagerly
welcomed the Pope, pledging
to pause from the bickering and dysfunction
that normally divide them
and hear him out. Yet Pope Francis
spoke to a Congress that has deadlocked
on immigration legislation
— at a time when there are more
than 11 million people in the U.S.
illegally and when some lawmakers
have balked at Obama administration
plans to accept more of the migrants
from Syria and elsewhere who
are now flooding Europe.
Indeed, Pope Francis arrived at
a moment of particular turmoil for
Congress, with a partial government
shutdown looming unless lawmakers
can resolve a dispute over funding
for Planned Parenthood related to
the group’s practices providing fetal
tissue for research.
Pope Francis steered clear of the
controversy, alluding only in passing
to the Catholic Church’s opposition
to abortion when he noted, to applause,
“our responsibility to protect
and defend human life at every stage
of its development.”
He advocated abolition of the
death penalty and spoke out against
fundamentalism of all kinds, while
urging care in combating it.
“A delicate balance is required
to combat violence perpetrated in
the name of a religion, an ideology
AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais
or an economic system, while also
safeguarding religious freedom, intellectual
freedom and individual freedoms,”
Pope Francis said.
On immigration, Francis urged
lawmakers — and the United States
as a whole — not to be afraid of migrants
but to welcome them as fellow
human beings, not things that
can be discarded just because they
are troublesome. He recalled that
America itself was founded by immigrants,
that many lawmakers are
descended from foreigners and that
that new generations must not “turn
their back on our neighbors.”
Given an ovation when he spoke
of the Golden Rule, he said, “Let us
treat others with the same passion
and compassion with which we want
to be treated.”
Security was tight outside the
Capitol, with streets blocked off
and a heavy police presence that rivaled
an Inauguration or State of the
Union address by the U.S. president.
The scene on the West Lawn was festive
but orderly, as thousands awaited
the Pope’s appearance on the House
Speaker’s Balcony after his speech to
Congress.
Ahead of Pope Francis’ remarks
lawmakers of both parties had busily
sought political advantage from
his stances, with Democrats in particular
delighting in his support for
action to overhaul immigration laws
and combat global warming and income
inequality. One House Republican
back-bencher announced plans
to boycott the speech over Pope
Francis’ activist position on climate
change, which the pontiff renewed
alongside President Barack Obama
on September 23.
But Boehner, a Republican and a
former altar boy who invited the Pope
to speak after trying unsuccessfully to
lure the two previous pontiffs to the
Capitol, has dismissed concerns that
the politically engaged Francis will
stir the controversies of the day.
“The Pope transcends all of this,”
said Boehner, who met on his own
with Pope Francis before the speech.
“He appeals to our better angels and
brings us back to our daily obligations.
The best thing we can all do is
listen, open our hearts to his message
and reflect on his example.”
Pope Francis enjoys approval ratings
the envy of any U.S. politician
as he’s remade the image of the Catholic
Church toward openness and
compassion, yet without changing
fundamental church doctrine.
28 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2015

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OCTOBER 2015 CHALDEAN NEWS 29

coffee Talk
The coffee crowd: Najib Karmo (sitting, left), Ramzi Kizi, Buddy Atchoo, Nazar Tarla, Selman Sesi, Gorgis Dakki (standing, left) Nuri
Salmu and Salim McKay.
Catching up with the old timers
By Vanessa Denha Garmo
On any given day of the week,
you will see up to 12 regulars
at the Starbucks on Maple
and Telegraph between the hours
of 12 and 3 p.m. They are the patriarchs
of the community – born in
the 1920s and early 1930s. The employees
not only know them by name
but by drink, from a cup of black
coffee for Salim McKay to the café
latte Buddy Atchoo prefers. Selman
Sesi strays from the norm and orders
mango juice.
They have become a coffee shop
staple with their own special spot
where they sit.
On this particular September afternoon,
the sun was shining and the
men were enjoying an Indian summer
day with temperatures in the
80s. Seven of the regulars sat outside
around two tables — Salim McKay,
Gorgis Dakki, Nuri Salmu, Ramzi
Kizi, Buddy Atchoo, Najib Karmo
and Selman Sesi (who was with his
nephew and driver, Nazar Taila). A
few others are often there too, including
Mike Dickow and Yousif Mekani
(known as Abou Tehsine, father
of his oldest son) but not on this day.
The topic of the day was politics.
“We talk about the political situation
of both countries,” said Sesi, the eldest
of the group, who will turn 91
in January. “We were born in Iraq
yet we have spent most of our lives
here. Our land was once occupied by
Christians and now the Muslims are
killing our people. They are eradicating
them to establish a caliphate
regime.”
Most of the men emigrated in the
1950s, however Atchoo has been
in the United States the longest of
the group, having arrived in 1947.
Thousands of Chaldeans came to the
United States at the time. However,
they have lost many of their friends
over the years.
When asked if they could have
predicted that their homeland would
be in the situation it is today, they all
answered a resounding no.
“No, to see our Christians being
forced to convert, pay the fee or be
killed is unbelievable,” said Sesi.
“Most of our talks are about
solving the world problems,” said
Atchoo.
“We raise up presidents and put
down presidents,” said Karmo
They all smile with sounds of
laughter. It’s evident the men are old
friends and cherished companions.
“We have many disagreements,”
chimed in McKay. “We have Democrats
and Republicans here so sometimes
we argue.”
“But most of us are Republicans,”
said Kizi.
“Not me,” chimed in Atchoo, “I
am neither. I am a conservative.”
On a serious note, the men —
who proudly admit to voting in every
election — are concerned about
the current administration and the
policy of the country. “We have a
liberal country today,” said Atchoo.
“The United States is not like what
it used to be. It is worse. We have a
country that is slowly becoming a socialist
country.”
None of them would have imagined
the United States being where it
is today and Detroit having changed as
drastically as it has over the decades.
“When I first came to this country
there were more than 2 million people
living in Detroit. Today there are less
than 700,000,” said Atchoo.
“Not even, 700,” said Sesi.
“I remember we walked everywhere
we went,” said Atchoo. “We
took street cars everywhere and we
walked even at midnight.”
“It was very safe back then,” said
Kizi.
“You go downtown for walk no
problem,” said Karmo.
“We used to walk to Hudson’s,”
noted Salmu.
“Highland Park was the cleanest
city in the United States,” said
Atchoo.
Today they rarely go into the city.
“Once in a great while, I will go to
the city,” said Kizi.
They all worked 15-hour days, 7
days a week in their respective stores
– mostly in Detroit – while raising
their families. Today, they pass time
with each other reminiscing about
the past, talking current events and
making personal predictions about
the future.
“We talk about everything,” said
Karmo.
“Sometimes it depends what’s in
the news that day,” said Dakki.
Sesi worked the same long hours
but his time was at a law firm, having
graduated as an attorney from Iraq.
The friends, however, reminded him
that he was in fact a store owner for a
short period. “Oh yes, I think 1958,”
he said.
“No, it was 1958 to 1959,” Karmo
corrected him.
Although it provided a good living,
today none of them would recommend
the business they spent
most of their lives in.
“We don’t talk about the store
business,” said Kizi.
“It’s dead today,” said Sesi. “It is
not what it used to be.”
“We are sick and tired of it,” noted
Salmu and Dakki.
“We had so many problems in the
business,” said Kizi. “We don’t really
miss it.”
The men today have all encouraged
their children, grandchildren
and great grandchildren to get an
education.
“Not even just a bachelor’s degree,”
noted Atchoo. “They need to
get a master’s degree today.”
“Nowadays without finishing college
there is no future,” said Karmo.
They have children who are in a
variety of professions including medicine
and law.
“Chaldeans are part of the progress
today,” said Sesi. “They have
contributed so much to the economy
and society. They are active and
work hard.”
The men just don’t spend their
30 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2015

golden years at the coffee shop; Kizi
and Atchoo spend two to three hours
a day at LA Fitness working out —
mostly walking. “We exercise and we
socialize,” said Atchoo.
They all have hopes for the future
generation. “It really depends on the
child,” said Atchoo. “I have seven great
grandchildren. I tell them there is no
future without an education. Whether
they are getting a college degree or a
trade, they need an education.”
For them, life has changed tremendously
and as they almost talk
over each other, they offer their
opinions.
“When we came in the ‘50s and
‘60s, businesses thrived. You had opportunity
as small business owners to
succeed,” said Atchoo.
“There is so much competition
today,” said Sesi.
“The grocery businesses today are
on the decline,” said McKay.
If they were in their 20s coming
to the United States today, “we
would be looking for businesses,” said
Kizi, “even if we didn’t know what
kind of businesses.”
“If we are in our 20s, we would be
looking for women,” laughed Karmo.
“Today, you really need to focus
on a specialty,” said Atchoo.
“I would recommend to the new
arrivals today getting an education,”
said Sesi.
As they talk about life’s conundrums,
they are grateful for the opportunities.
“It was a dream coming
to America,” said Dakki.
“We talk about everything, including
coming to America,” said
Salmu.
“Including things going on today
— someone got married, someone
got divorced, someone died, someone
had a baby,” said Karmo.
“Once in a while we talk about
these things,” said Kizi. “Mostly we
talk about what is going on in the
world.”
“We talk about our lives too, like
losing our wives,” said Atchoo. “In
Chaldean we say ‘kbahadlet’ (you are
lost).”
He lost his wife nearly three years
ago after 62 years of marriage. Karmo
lost his wife Norma in the 1990s and
his daughter Anette a few years later.
Although few of them have returned
back to their homeland since
they first arrived, none of them believe
Christians will remain.
“The way it is going, it looks like
we will be wiped out from Iraq,” said
Kizi.
In 1989, Atchoo took his wife
Vicki, who was born in the United
States, to see Telkaif – her family’s
hometown. “She got to see her parents’
house,” said Atchoo.
“Everything has changed,” said
Karmo. “Nothing is the same. When
you grow up in a town of 10,000 people,
everybody knows everybody.”
Sesi used to travel back and forth
for work but hasn’t returned since
1989. “It really was a beautiful country
back then,” he said.
Salmu’s son went to Iraq to play
on a Chaldean basketball team in
the 1980s. Karmo went back to Iraq
to coach soccer in the 1980s.
“I have never gone back one
time,” said Kizi.
All of them live within five miles
of the coffee shop. They have been
hanging out at the same place at
the same time for nearly five years.
Although they do not openly admit
it, the men spend some time people
watching at the Bloomfield Hills coffee
shop. Those who know them well
say they have fun making up games
or surveying the scene by counting
how many women will walk in talking
on their cell phone on any given
day.
Once strong and vibrant members
of the community, age has
slowed these men down. A few walk
with canes; some are chauffeured to
the coffee shop as they are no longer
able to drive. Some of their eyes
have gone blurry and their hearing
muffled. Perhaps their short-term
memory has faded a bit but each has
a history to share and a legacy to
leave.
Although a few engaged in the
conversation more than others, they
each contributed insight about life’s
issues as they shared personal experiences.
As the afternoon was winding
down and their coffee cups running
low, the men touched on many subjects.
Regardless of the conversation,
it is all about camaraderie and enjoying
their twilight years.
“We always look at what is going
on in the world,” said Salmu.
“The world and politics,” said
Atchoo.
“Iraq and America,” said Sesi.
“Our lives – yesterday and today,”
said McKay.
“There is so much to talk about,”
said Dakki.
“We really do talk about everything,”
said Kizi.
“There is nothing,” said Karmo,
“we don’t talk about.”
OCTOBER 2015 CHALDEAN NEWS 31

chaldean on the STREET
What should the U.S. do about Iraq? What are you doing?
By Joseph Abro
With the ongoing attack on Christians in the Middle East along with the continual rise of ISIS, many are
wondering when — and if – the terror will be tamed.
Even though the U.S. probably
won’t be doing anything
anytime soon to stop what’s
going on in Iraq, they should
do something about the
refugees. They should be
following the example of the
countries accepting refugees
and do the same. Even
accepting 100 people will
make a difference.
– Mary Kollo
Rochester Hills
Personally, I would love
for the U.S., as well as the
UN to create camps in the
Middle East to keep the Iraqi
refugees safe in these times
of troubles, while still giving
them the opportunity to go
back to their homes when
the time is right. Sending my
prayers every day for those
in need is a must. Also,
supporting CASA at O.U. as
they run outstanding fundraisers
for the Iraqi refugees.
– Brandon Rasho
Shelby Township
When the U.S. removed all
the troops from Iraq, the region
became destabilized. I
believe the only way to undo
this mistake is to send U.S.
troops back into Iraq to fight
ISIS and their forces. As a
part of Oakland University’s
CASA, I work to help raise
money for those displaced
by ISIS and their atrocities in
the region.
– Michael Garmo
Southfield
The U.S. should send more
troops to help the refugees
and stop the rapid spread of
ISIS in the region. I believe
the troops were taken out
prematurely and it’s our duty
to help in any way we can. I
personally donate clothes to
the families who truly need
them.
– Jimmy Shaba
Sterling Heights
I wish the U.S. would get
more involved with the
situation in Iraq. Our fellow
Christians need more help
than they’re currently receiving.
I always pray and try to
donate as much as I can.
– Tahani Bashi
Sterling Heights
Iraq and the U.S. have been
attached for decades, yet
Iraqi Christians are still not
receiving the help they need.
We have families in the U.S.
who are willing to host these
refugees and it wouldn’t
cost the government a thing.
The U.S. should open their
borders to these refugees as
other countries have and give
them a safe haven. I continue
to pray for these refugees
and hope their suffering
comes to an end soon.
– Candice Abro
Canton
If the U.S. was truly worried
about the ongoing scramble
in Iraq, they would send an
appropriate amount of U.S.
troops. They would eliminate
ISIS within months and
remain in the area post-war
to reconstruct the country.
They’ve done the same sort
of thing in countries like Germany
after World War II and
Vietnam. I donate money as
much as I can to Chaldean
Iraqis who are suffering. I
feel like there is not much we
can do alone. We need to
settle this in a way many may
be opposed to, through war.
– Sam Jarbo
Rochester Hills
There are many people who
are against the U.S. sending
more troops back to Iraq.
With all the suffering ISIS
is bringing upon not only
Christians, but everyone who
opposes their beliefs, we
must support as much as we
possibly can. Praying, donating
and participating in local
events are a few ways I like
to provide for our brothers
and sisters around the world.
– Christina Abro
Troy
The U.S. has been involved
with Iraq and the continuous
problems it’s had and
now when people need it
the most, they are hesitant
to get more involved. There
are thousands of people
stranded with no one to help
them. I try to help as much
as I can by donating to the
charities for Iraq in the Metro
Detroit area and to share
information on social media
of what’s going on in Iraq so
other people are aware as
well. And as much as I can, I
pray for the people in Iraq.
– Amanda Korkis
Sterling Heights
32 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2015

OCTOBER 2015 CHALDEAN NEWS 33

like mother, like daughter
Talented duo are ‘called and gifted’ to create
By Vanessa Denha Garmo
They are “like mother like daughter” in more
ways than what meets the eye. Maysoun
and Grace Seman have always been artistic
and creative but neither truly appreciated the
value and purpose of their talents until they both
participated in the Called & Gifted program a few
months apart.
“We both realized they were gifts from God given
to us to give away and share with others,” said
Maysoun Seman, wife and mother of four children.
“However, it was Grace who felt inspired to
combine her love of our faith and art by starting
Creation Custom Arts (CCA.)”
The Called & Gifted process is designed to help
Christians discern the presence of charisms in their life.
At first, it was Grace’s creations but the demand
for her handmade religious wooden pieces needed
helping hands and so that’s when her mother Maysoun
got involved and started putting her own talents
and skills to use. The two decided to create
only originals.
They have been in business for less than two
years and their clients are all word of mouth. “We
have not really advertised in any way,” said Grace.
However, they do show their work through an
Instagram account.
It was not only God who inspired the creative
duo to partner in business but it is He who sparks
their creativity.
“The Artist and Creator Himself, God the Father,
is our inspiration,” said Maysoun. “Our aim
is to bring others closer to Him. We always, at the
very least, do the sign of the cross when we begin
a new commission so that He will guide our work.”
The Seman artists use a combination of woodworking
and mixed media. Each piece stands alone
as a one-of-a-kind original and entails an individualized
creative process.
“We feel a certain responsibility to reflect the
saint or quote at hand. So we always reserve the
right of expression in order to create what we feel
inspired by,” said Maysoun. “We use conventional
and unconventional materials to achieve what we
feel inspired to create.”
Each item is accompanied with information
about the saint or Bible quote that is the focus on
the piece. It further tells a story.
Their pieces reflect a mix of wood burning, oil
and acrylic paints, wood stains, ink and charcoal,
among other art media and wood products.
“We like to call our esthetic ‘old world rustic’
so we distress the majority of what we make
to hopefully achieve the look of an authentically
aged piece,” said Maysoun.
If you travel around Metro Detroit, you might
see a CCA piece. Fr. Andrew Seba at St. Thomas
Chaldean Catholic Church has a wood-burned,
heavily distressed piece with one of his favorite
quotes, “Ora et Labora,” hanging in his office. Fr.
Pierre Konja from Mother of God commissioned
a piece that also hangs in his office; this particular
piece incorporates Aramaic writing referencing the
papacy of Peter. An intentions box that lies below
the altar was commissioned for the Chaldean Diocesan
Chapel in Southfield.
“We are currently working on another intentions
box being made for St. Thomas,” said Maysoun.
“Another work in progress is being made for
the Our Lady of Refuge School, which will be hung
in the hallway entrance.”
It is a large wood piece incorporating oils on
Above: Grace and Maysoun Seman.
Below: A sampling of their work..
canvas, wood burning, gilding and ink and will be
framed with mitered wood trim, which the Semans
measure and cut themselves. As Graces noted,
“Most people are surprised that we own and operate
power tools.”
When asked what each loves about what they
do, Grace said, “I love to see the look on people’s
faces when they pick up their piece. But I also love
working with my mom, who inspires me with her
endless creativity.”
Maysoun, however, loves the different forms of
artistry and, she said, “seeing how people’s reactions
are influenced by religious art. Some people
have cried while others are speechless with an expression
of amazement. In a way it helps to confirm
that we are on the right path.”
Although alike in many ways, mother and
daughter each have different visions for their art.
“We appreciate similar art though our visions
often collide, but somehow we end up creating
what we are meant to create,” said Grace. “Sometimes
our relationship can become stressed if one of
34 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2015

us slacks on deadlines, which means
the other has to do double the work,”
noted Maysoun.
Their biggest challenge is also a
great blessing — filling the demand
for commissions.
“Our pieces can be labor intensive
as well as time consuming. Besides
designing each piece, we cut
and prep our own wood, and then
begin the long process of completion,”
said Maysoun. Grace added,
“Right now I’m very limited with
free time to create for CCA because
I just started my bachelor’s program
in social work at Wayne State University
along with volunteer work.”
“As much joy as I get when creating
these pieces, I cannot put them
before my home and my responsibilities
as wife and mother and so I too
can be limited in time for creating,
but plan on making more time in the
near future ” said Maysoun.
Far from an assembly line, the
pieces require hours of intensive labor.
For the Seman women, the work
is a labor of love. “We both truly love
experiencing the creative process
and the transitions to completion,”
said Maysoun. “Every piece is like
the only piece, which is probably
why the last is always our favorite.”
The two have also realized that
not everyone will appreciate the
kind of art they create nor realize its
value; “and that’s okay,” said Maysoun,
“because the many forms of
art speak differently to each person
since art is very personal and speaks
more to the soul than to the heart or
the head.”
Both began sketching and creating
as young girls. Maysoun has been
drawing since as early as she can remember.
She continued on a creative
path throughout her school years.
She received both state and national
awards in high school for her artwork
and sold her first art piece in eighth
grade to a doctor. It was a drawing of
a panda.
“We had an art show at Birney
Middle School in Southfield,” remembered
Maysoun. “He was a parent
and he wanted to display my art
piece in his office. I actually kept the
original, which hangs in my home,
and I made him an exact replica of it
and sold it for $80.”
Soon after graduating from high
school, Maysoun got married and
started a family, “so I had little or no
time for art although I would sketch
my husband or children every now
and then. In fact, I have a couple of
those sketches framed and they are
hanging with some of my favorites.”
Growing up Grace was always
“doodling” as she said. “I made things
for my brothers all the time,” said
Grace. “I have always loved making
homemade birthday cards and cards
for all occasions using my drawings.”
She too enjoyed and shined in
her art classes at school.
“I knew I really enjoyed drawing
and realized I had a natural ability to
draw although I don’t think I have
the same passion that my mom has
for it,” Grace said.
Their goals are to continue to
create simple and eye-appealing
pieces that they hope will in some
way encourage and inspire the spiritual
journey. Explained Maysoun,
“Nothing more, nothing less; anything
else that comes along with that
is an extra blessing that we will be
grateful for.
“I feel like I’ve come full circle
when it comes to my art. As a young
artist, I never fully realized its value
although I very much loved it,” she
added. “As an adult, I know that I
focused on the right things, which
was raising my children who are now
adults, and I finally have the time
and am able to live out what I’ve always
desired to do, and I get to do it
with my daughter!”
As for Grace, “I look forward to
finishing my schooling and to continue
as much as time allows, to create
and to learn from my mom while
growing more in love with art.”
“Each one of us has been given
what some call gifts, talents or
charisms,” said Maysoun. “Could you
imagine the world if every person put
their ability to use? How much happier
and fulfilled one would be and
how that would affect everyone
else!”
OCTOBER 2015 CHALDEAN NEWS 35

ARTS & entertainment
Bridging Worlds: The art of Qais Al-Sindy
By Weam Namou
Chaldean Qais Al-Sindy
studied engineering at the
University of Baghdad and
though he excelled in his classes, he
soon discovered that the field was
not for him.
After graduating, he applied to
the Academy of Fine Arts, telling
the administration, “If you force me
to be a Baathist, I will study outside
this country and you will lose me.”
It worked. They made an exception
to Al-Sindy’s non-Baathist affiliation
and enrolled him. In 2004,
he graduated with an MFA from the
Academy of Fine Arts. His thesis was
on Christian paintings from all over
Iraq. This led him to take a big tour
of Iraq to visit all the monasteries
and different cities from Zakho (in
the Kurdisan region) to al-Faw (a
marshy region in the extreme southeast
of Iraq).
“It was dangerous to travel, especially
since I did not have a sponsor,”
he said. “I paid from my own
pockets and drove my own car. Because
I speak English very well, I
managed well at American checkpoints.
I received harassment from
the insurgents and extremists, but
at that time, it wasn’t very severe. I
managed, but I did leave the country
shortly after graduating.”
Al-Sindy, who began painting at
age 14, has held art exhibits all over
the world. His work has drawn so
much attention that six books have
been published about it by various
venues, including the Kuwait Cultural
Center and the Iraqi Cultural
Center in Washington, D.C.
“I don’t do anything else in this
world except for art,” said Al-Sindy,
who resides in California. “If you are
able to do the art that you like
and find a way to sell it, this
means that you believe in yourself.”
Al-Sindy, whose work includes
painting, videos and installations
of objects designed
to make a point, is known to
engage audiences in his art. An
example of this is the “Mamdooh”
series.
“After I left Iraq, I lived in
Jordan, where I taught art in
the architectural department,”
he said. “One day I heard that
one of my dearest friends in
Iraq, a talented portrait artist
named Mamdooh, suffered
injuries as a result of a car explosion
that injured and killed
many people. He was transferred
to the hospital where he
struggled against death for one
week, then died.”
This led Al-Sindy to do a
series of four paintings. The
first one is a portrait of Mamdooh
in an expressionist style
that focuses on his appearance.
The second is a ghostly figure
with transparency like his character,
full of hue colors. It is the moment
that Mamdooh suffers and dies. In
the third painting, he brought some
ashes and charcoal from the ruins
of the car that exploded and drew
Mamdooh using those ashes. That
means Mamdooh is gone. The fourth
painting is a pure blank canvas.
“Everyone is well aware that it’s
prohibited to touch the artwork in
galleries and museums,” Al-Sindy
said. “But in this, I came up with
something new to complete the
fourth painting. I asked the viewers
Above: Qais Al-Sindy.
Top of page: The ‘Mamdooh’ series.
to wipe their hands on painting number
three. Of course, now their hands
are stained with charcoal and ashes.
They want to clean their hands, but I
ask the crowd to wipe their hands on
the blank canvas, on painting number
four. The fingerprints on the canvas
mean that you’re a participant of
this crime in Iraq.”
Al-Sindy said this was his way of
getting his audience to participate in
the message he wanted to deliver: It
is up to us to make this world the best
place to live in.
He showed the series in more
than 10 countries and the fourth
piece, the blank canvas, is now
covered with more than a thousand
people’s fingerprints.
“Everyone wants to show
that they are responsible for us
not having peace in this world,”
he said. “The frames are cracked
and damaged because they
toured many, many countries. I
kept it as it is.”
Al-Sindy has also produced
an 11-minute documentary
about the burning of the Iraqi
library called “Letters Don’t
Burn.”
His latest project, called
“The Bridge,” showcased the
work of 47 premier and emerging
Arab, Persian and Jewish visual
artists around the theme of
what “bridges” us to each other.
The show opened in Paris in
February and has been seen in
England, Egypt and other countries.
The idea was to collect
stones and bricks and, instead of
using them to hit each other, to
build a bridge out of them that
would start a cultural dialogue
between different countries.
“This would help create love,” he
said, “because if I love you I will not
fight you. If I love you, then I will
put my hands with your hands and
we will build something together.
All the problems in this universe are
the result of us not loving each other.
People’s desires for opportunism,
greed, for looking out for themselves
and not each other, are the reasons
we don’t have universal peace.”
View more of the artist’s work at
QaisSindy.com.
36 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2015

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OCTOBER 2015 CHALDEAN NEWS 37

sports
playing for iraq
Soccer star Justin Meram scoring goals, making friends
By Steve Stein
Justin Meram carries an
enormous amount of
weight on his shoulders
when he takes the field to play
for the Iraq national soccer
team.
The Shelby Township native
is representing his family,
two countries, his Major
League Soccer team and Chaldeans
across the world.
He’s the lone Chaldean on
the Iraq team, and one of very
few who have ever played for
the Lions of Mesopotamia.
It wasn’t easy at first fitting
in with the Muslim players,
Meram admits. But now, he’s
just one of the guys.
“We have great respect for
one another,” he said. “We’re
on the team to play football
for our country and our fans
and we’re all family. I say my
prayers before games, and
the Muslim players say their
prayers. I ask them questions
about being a Muslim, and
they ask questions about me
being Catholic.”
From his perspective,
Meram said, he’s learned that
many perceptions people have
about Muslims simply aren’t
true.
“I’ve had nothing but positive
experiences with my teammates,” he
said.
Meram can play for Iraq because
his parents were born there. It took
nearly two years for him to gain dual
citizenship.
He joined the Iraq team late last
year and played in the Gulf Cup of
Nations and Asian Cup tournaments.
The goal-scoring winger didn’t score
any goals, but that changed in early
September.
After the 26-year-old joined his
Columbus Crew MLS team for a
game in New York City after attending
his brother’s wedding and scored
the winning goal in a 2-1 Crew victory,
Meram scored twice in two
games for Iraq during 2018 World
Justin Meram (left) handles the ball, and joins in
a celebration with teammates.
Cup qualifying matches.
He had a penalty-kick goal in the
91st minute of a 5-1 win over Chinese
Taipei on September 3 at PAS
Stadium in Tehran, Iran, and a goal
in the 34th minute against Thailand
in a 2-2 tie September 8 in front of a
crowd of about 65,000 at Rajamangala
Stadium in Bangkok.
The goal against Chinese Taipei
came in Meram’s 15th game for Iraq.
Against Thailand, Meram got
the ball on the left wing and cut to
his right before sending a low shot
into the net inside the near post to
give Iraq a 1-0 lead. After the goal,
Meram pointed to his wristband,
where he had written, “For Iraq.”
“I scored that goal for my country,”
he told the Columbus (Ohio)
Dispatch. “It was for all the people
watching going through the hardship.”
The Iraqi people’s passion for
their national soccer team fuels
Meram.
“It’s a blessing to play for them,”
he said.
Meram had to endure a
travel ordeal to get to the
World Cup qualifying games
and return to Columbus to
rejoin his team in a timely
manner. His stops included
Toronto and Istanbul on his
way to Iran, and Tokyo and
Minneapolis on his way home
from Bangkok.
“It was all worth it,” he
said. “Our trainers in Columbus
did a great job keeping my
body fresh and helping me do
the right things off the field.”
He also learned some tricks
to deal with the time changes.
One was to live as best he
could on Eastern Time no matter
where he was. In Bangkok,
that meant a 15-hour time difference.
“Luckily, I can fall asleep
quickly,” he said.
Meram will be doing more
traveling for the Iraq team in
the near future.
He’ll be in Vietnam in October
and Taiwan in November
for World Cup qualifying
games and he’ll be playing in
the Gulf Cup again in December.
Next March, there will
be a World Cup qualifying game in
Tehran.
Before that happens, he hopes to
help Columbus make a deep run in
the MLS playoffs. His goal against
New York City was his fourth of the
season but the first since April 25.
Meram was drafted by Columbus
in the first round (15th overall) of
the 2011 MLS SuperDraft and made
his MLS debut that season.
He came to Columbus after two
years playing at the University of
Michigan, where he scored 24 goals
and had 14 assists in 41 games.
He transferred to U-M after two
years at Yavapai College in Arizona.
He led Yavapai to back-to-back National
Junior College Athletic Association
national championships and
he was named the 2008 National Junior
College Player of the Year.
photos courtesy Columbus Crew SC/Daniel Herlensky
38 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2015

CHALDEAN COMMUNITY
FOUNDATION
Help Wanted!
Please consider hiring a refugee today.
They need your help! Many possess the skills and determination
to work hard for you and your organization.
You can give back to your community by hiring a
refugee. The Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) has
a bank of resumes of candidates qualified to do a variety
of jobs. To inquire about hiring a refugee, call Alfred or
Elias at the CCF at 586-722-7253.
Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce
and Chaldean Community Foundation
30850 Telegraph Road, Suite 200
Bingham Farms, MI 48025
248-996-8340
www.chaldeanchamber.com
Chaldean Community Foundation
– Sterling Heights Office
4171 15 Mile Road
Sterling Heights, MI 48310
586-722-7253
www.chaldeanfoundation.org
Waad
Murad
AdvocAcy
Fund

KIDS corner
Are You a Poet?
Hey kids, if you have a piece of
poetry that has won an award,
been recited at a public event or
published somewhere, please send
it our way for consideration to publish
in The Chaldean News. Drop
a line to info@chaldeannews.com.
Grandma Hania
By Madeline Dickow Surowiec, Age 12
Oh Grandma Hania, for we miss you so
We know you’re in heaven watching us grow
This past year has been hard without your smiling face
Walking into your house is just not the same
The first day I went in there after you passed
I was ready for kisses and hugs galore
For the person I most adore
When I walked in and looked around
There was nothing there
Not even a sound
The floor was different
The cupboards were bare
And there was no Grandma Hania sitting in her chair
I had a moment where I forgot she’d gone
And when I realized what I had forgot
My feeling of excitement was pretty much gone
I walked outside and saw my family
And gave my hugs to them so very gladly
A light from our family is gone
A voice we loved is stilled
There’s an empty place in the house that can never be filled
I cried when you passed away
I still cry today
Now you’re in heaven
For your golden heart stopped beating
And your hardworking hands at rest
God broke my heart to prove to me
It takes one of the best
Make a
Monster
Mobile
Supplies
• Cardboard tubes (toilet paper or paper towel rolls)
• Pipe cleaners
• Googly eyes
• Jagged teeth cut from craft foam, construction paper or card stock
• Paint (think Halloween colors: green, orange, purple, black)
• Yarn
• Paint the tubes (it’s easiest to you put three or four fingers
into one tube to hold it and paint with the other).
Instructions
Once paint is dry, make a hole in either side of the tube (the tip of a
pen works well) and poke a pipe cleaner through to create arms.
Glue on as many or as few eyes as your monster should have.
Create a mobile by looping a length of yarn under each pipe cleaner (inside
the tube) and stagger them so the monsters hang at different lengths.
– HappyHolligans.ca
October Word Search
Fall
Halloween
Costume
Candy
Trick or Treat
Leaves
Pumpkin
Spice
Apples
Cider Mill
Z Q C T C W P X A I R J N X I I Y X L Q
C C A A S N D G E D S E L Y U W V O Z S
J D V E J W J K H K E Y E P A Z V T M B
H P P R Z X O L K W Q C B Z V Z G G X M
X D C T O R L Y O O T O A G Y O S K G R
I Y O R B A R L P S N S R O E G M V M K
B I J O F R L V S R T R Y Y M K M G S F
P O B K N A S B G E I W E C O X B Z J H
V J J C H C I D E R M I L L O A X M J I
H N S I Z H B W C P O I C D R S Z O U T
V V V R O D F Y I L W V U C M M T S B R
P B U T R P E A P K G X Z F B Y L U G Y
U W N V D T U Q S X X Z F A E O P R M A
M X I Q F L O P R H Q W N W S H K L B E
P U H B L U H Y G R D K P L J J E G K C
K L D K J E Z C D U R K O P S A A N J V
I K I I T M W U X N Z W S L V L H Z I D
N L F T O L P S T C A H S E L P P A Y L
W M C W C R D H P A U C S J J C T G P U
O J A P C A I A H T Y E U I D A J Q E E
40 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2015

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Serious inquiries only. Call
248-250-2573, ask for Tim.
BUSINESS FOR SALE
ESTABLISHED BAR & GRILL IN
CLINTON TOWNSHIP
with Class C Liquor License,
building, and parking for over 300
cars, and two outside patio areas
for sale. Bar is 3,254 sq. ft. and
the completely updated upstairs
apartment is 1,628 sq. ft. Zoning is
B3 General and is located in a very
high-traffic area with 137’ frontage
on Gratiot Ave, with room to expand.
Sale includes all equipment, fixtures,
inventory and goodwill. Seller might
consider other options including a
long-term land lease. This is a one of
a kind opportunity priced right. One
owner for 34 years and is looking to
retire. Call for more details and an
appointment, 248-709-2028.
Chaldean News
classifieds work! Call
(248) 996-8360 to
reserve your spot in
the November issue!
BUSINESSES/BUILDINGS
FOR SALE
• Grosse Pointe Liquor Store And
Deli. High Gross Sales. $620,000.
• 12 Unit Apartment Building.
Waterfront, very well maintained.
$610,000.
• Warren Bar and Grill and concert
venue. Same location for 40 Years!!
$450,000.
• Roseville Bar and Grill, new
stainless kitchen. $379,000.
• 50,000 SF bowling/Entertainment
operation. $2 Million includes R.E.
Call Rob @ Lino Realty Inc., 586-
263-5111 or rob@linorealty.com.
Ronald G. Acho
Gerald C. Davis
BUSINESS LAW SPECIALISTS
39 ATTORNEYS
CMDA is a premier, AV® rated law firm that provides high-quality
representation in the following areas:
• Corporate and Commercial
Transactions
• Shareholder/Partner Relations
• Business Succession Planning
• Entity Structure and Governance
• Start-up Business
• Business Contracts
• Real Estate
• Tax Planning
A TTORNEYS & C O UNSELORS AT LAW
• Strategic Planning
• Commercial Litigation
• Non-Profit and Tax Exempt
Organization
• Intellectual Property
• Creditors’ Rights
• Sports and Entertainment Law
• Immigration
• Administrative Law
(734) 261-2400 • www.cmda-law.com • racho@cmda-law.com
Pssst…
What’s
the
Buzz?
Opening a new business?
Been Promoted?
Have an interesting story to tell?
We’d love to hear it!
Drop an e-mail to info@chaldeannews.com,
or send your news to:
The Chaldean News
The Chaldean 30850 News Telegraph • 29850 Road, Northwestern Suite 220 Highway
Bingham Southheld, Farms, MI 48034 48025
Please be sure to include your phone number.
42 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2015

PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS
Accredited Buyer Representative
Certified Luxury Home Marketing
Specialist
Certified Residential Specialist
Internet Professional
Graduate REALTORS Institute
Quality Service Certified
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Brian S. Yaldoo
Classic - Associate Broker
29630 Orchard Lake Road
Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334
Office: 1-248-737-6800
Fax: 1-248-539-0904
E-Mail: brianyaldoo@remax.net
Websites: www.brianyaldoo.com
brianyaldoo.realtor.com
BuyingOrSellingRealEstate.com
Individually Owned and Operated
PHOENIX REFRIGERATION, INC.
Commercial Refrigeration•Heating & Cooling
Mechanical Contractor
STEVE ROUMAYAH
29333 LORIE LANE
WIXOM, MI 48393
steve@phoenixrefrig.com
PHONE: 248.344.2980
FAX: 248.344.2966
TOLL FREE: 877.856.5800
Detroit • Grand Rapids • Lansing • Flint
www.phoenix-refrigeration.com
Palladium
Financial GrouP, llc
MOrTGaGE brOKEr NMLS 128686
GabE GabriEl
NMLS 128715
30095 Northwestern Hwy, ste. 103
Farmington Hills , Michigan 48334
Office (248) 737-9500
Direct (248) 939-1985
Fax (248) 737-1868
Email MortgageGabe@aol.com
www.palladiumfinancialgroup.com
BMW of Rochester Hills
Sammi A. Naoum
Client Advisor
Street Address
45550 Dequindre Road
Shelby Township, MI 48317
Telephone: (248) 237-3832
Mobile: ( 248) 219-5525
Fax: (248) 997-7766
Email: sammi.naoum@bmwofrochesterhills.com
Website: www.bmwofrochesterhills.com
Parking Lot Lighting
Tamou’s
Electrical Contractors
Commercial & Industrial
Installation & Service
Generators for Large Facilities
Tom Tamou
Cell: (810) 560-9665
tamouselectric@sbcglobal.net
Office/Fax (586) 803-9700
MAM FINANCIAL SERVICES
HEALTH INSURANCE & MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT
OBAMA CARE
INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES & GROUPS
MIKE MERHI
248-592-0080
248-361-0767 cell
mikemerhi1@gmail.com
www.mamhealth.com
HealtH Insurance
& MedIcare specIalIst
stephen M. George
office 248-535-0444
fax 248-633-2099
stephengeorge1000@gmail.com
Contact me for a free consultation
on Health Care Reform, Medicare
and Life Insurance
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.
OCTOBER 2015 CHALDEAN NEWS 43

event
sounds of babylon
Photos by David Reed
The Max Fisher Music Center (better known as Orchestra Hall) was alive with the Sounds of
Babylon on September 18. Attendees were treated to lovely music from the Detroit Symphony
Orchestra and Chaldean musicians and vocalists. The cultural evening was presented by the
Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce and the Chaldean Voice.
44 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2015

FREE
in-home
estimates!
LaFata Cabinets Are Proudly
Made in Michigan
Since 1962
LaFata Cabinets offers full remodeling services in
addition to providing beautiful hand crafted cabinetry
for your home. Stop in one of our showrooms or give
us a call to talk to a designer today!
Shelby Township • West Bloomfield
1.800.LAFATA1 • www.lafata.com
OCTOBER 2015 CHALDEAN NEWS 45

event
2
3
1
4
5
7
8
6
stride for
seminarians
9
10
Photos by David Reed
Sunday, September 20 was a beautiful day at the Detroit Zoo – the
perfect weather for the hundreds of people who came out to support the
Second Annual Stride for Seminarians. The event, held in memory
of Alexander and Gabrielle Mansour, concluded with mass. Funds
raised will help Chaldean seminarians complete their studies.
1. The Odish Family: Rafah, Cathy, Daniella and Valentina
2. Susan, Jim, Jenna and Rowan Hardy
3. The Jappayas: Christine, Shawn, Ethan, Aubrey and Isaac
4. Elliana, Monica, Andrew II and Andy Patros
5. Fr. Andrew Seba
6. Amanda Asmar and Sanya Jabero
7. Ann Patros, Mary Sheena, Chanel Maizi, Jenna Atchu,
Niran Shina, Sanya Jabero and Hanaa Shina
8. John, Ann and Adriana Mansour
9. Chaldean Sisters
10 Enjoying the fountain
46 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2015

Experience the New!
SERVICE CENTER
GM CERTIFIED SERVICE
COLLISION CENTER
NEW & USED SALES
TRADE-IN VALUE
FREE LOANERS
FINANCING
WELCOME TO THE SHOW!
LOCATION 14505 MICHIGAN AVE. DEARBORN, MI 48126
HOURS
MON & THURS 8:30 AM – 9PM / TUES, WED & FRI 8:30 AM – 6PM / SAT 10AM – 3PM
PHONE
800-292-4000
www.superiorbuickgmc.com
Open
Saturday!

40 YEARS OF
SERVICE
FOUR GREAT
BRANDS
SERVICE IS OUR
#1 PRIORITY
PORSCHE OF THE MOTOR CITY
24717 Gratiot Ave.
Eastpointe, MI 48021
Sales: Ray Crawford
866-981-3878
www.porscheofthemotorcity.com
MOTOR CITY MINI
29929 Telegraph Road
Southfield, MI 48034
Sales: John Nazzal
877-207-7281
www.motorcitymini.com
AUDI OF ROCHESTER HILLS
45441 Dequindre Rd
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Sales: Elie Daher
888-524-8551
www.audiofrochesterhills.com
BMW OF ROCHESTER HILLS
45550 Dequindre Rd
Shelby Township/Rochester, MI 48317
Sales: Sammi Naoum
248-237-3832
www.bmwofrochesterhills.com
ONE STANDARD
OF EXCELLENCE