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METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY VOL. 20 ISSUE X <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong><br />
Tragedy<br />
in Bakhdida<br />
DEADLY FIRE AT WEDDING<br />
RAISES QUESTIONS<br />
Featuring:<br />
Origins of Language<br />
Why Language Matters<br />
Thank You For Your Service
248-643-6600<br />
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www.lincolnoftroy.com<br />
| 1950 W Maple Rd. Troy, MI 48084<br />
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248-530-4710<br />
EMALOUF@LINCOLNOFTROY.COM
America’s largest arab<br />
and Chaldean law firm.<br />
أكبر مكتب محاماة عربي وكلداني في<br />
الواليات المتحدة االمريكية<br />
مكتب المحامي قاجي<br />
اتصل بنا على رقم<br />
877-525-9227<br />
Getting You Back to You.<br />
it’s Why We Care.<br />
نعيدك الى ماكنت عليه<br />
هذا هو سبب اهتمامنا<br />
Lawrence Kajy<br />
Attorney at Law<br />
املحامي لورنس قاجي<br />
877-KAJY-CARES / kajylaw.com<br />
<strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 3
4 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY | <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | VOL. 20 ISSUE X<br />
ON THE COVER<br />
22 Tragedy in Bakhdida<br />
Wedding fire raises questions<br />
By Christina Salem<br />
FEATURES<br />
24 Why Language Matters<br />
What Sureth means to Chaldeans<br />
By Cal Abbo<br />
26 Origins of Language<br />
Exploring cuneiform<br />
By Dr. Adhid Miri<br />
28 Thank You for Your Service<br />
Honoring Chaldean American veterans<br />
By Sarah Kittle<br />
22<br />
32 Spicing Up Michigan<br />
How Chaldean cuisine became<br />
mainstream<br />
By Cal Abbo<br />
DEPARTMENTS<br />
6 From the Editor<br />
Loss, Sacrifice, and Rediscovering Culture<br />
By Sarah Kittle<br />
8 Guest Column<br />
A Note About Support<br />
By Mike Sarafa<br />
10 Foundation Update<br />
Job Fair, Civics Bee<br />
21 Obituary<br />
Prof. Malik Yousif Mary<br />
44 Life Skills<br />
Buying Insurance as an Immigrant<br />
By Paul Natinsky<br />
46 Arts and Entertainment<br />
Sam Sako<br />
By Weam Namou<br />
38 Culture & History<br />
First Tango with Mango: Amba<br />
By Dr. Adhid Miri<br />
42 Celebrating 20 Years<br />
Chaldean Cultural Center Gala<br />
By Weam Namou<br />
12 Noteworthy<br />
Genevieve Kashat returns, Crain’s 40<br />
Under 40<br />
48 Family Time<br />
Beyond the Turkey<br />
By Valene Ayar<br />
14 Chaldean Digest<br />
Cardinal Sako visits Pope<br />
16 Religion<br />
Meet Fr. John “Junior” Jwad<br />
By Michael Antoon<br />
20 In Memoriam<br />
50 Sports<br />
Chaldeans and Golf<br />
By Mikey Lossia<br />
52 Events<br />
Chaldean Chamber’s Business Luncheon<br />
Photos by Dany Ashaka<br />
28<br />
<strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 5
FROM THE EDITOR<br />
PUBLISHED BY<br />
Chaldean News, LLC<br />
Chaldean Community Foundation<br />
Martin Manna<br />
EDITORIAL<br />
EDITOR IN CHIEF<br />
Sarah Kittle<br />
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS<br />
Cal Abbo<br />
Michael Antoon<br />
Valene Ayar<br />
Sarah Kittle<br />
Mikey Lossia<br />
Dr. Adhid Miri<br />
Weam Namou<br />
Paul Natinsky<br />
Christina Salem<br />
Mike Sarafa<br />
ART & PRODUCTION<br />
CREATIVE DIRECTOR<br />
Alex Lumelsky with SKY Creative<br />
GRAPHIC DESIGNER<br />
Zina Lumelsky with SKY Creative<br />
PHOTOGRAPHERS<br />
Dany Ashaka<br />
Stephen Attisha<br />
SALES<br />
Interlink Media<br />
Sana Navarrette<br />
CLASSIFIEDS<br />
Sana Navarrette<br />
Subscriptions: $35 per year<br />
CONTACT INFORMATION<br />
Story ideas: edit@chaldeannews.com<br />
Advertisements: ads@chaldeannews.com<br />
Subscription and all other inquiries:<br />
info@chaldeannews.com<br />
Chaldean News<br />
30095 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 101<br />
Farmington Hills, MI 48334<br />
www.chaldeannews.com<br />
Phone: (248) 851-8600<br />
Publication: The Chaldean News (P-6);<br />
Published monthly; Issue Date: November <strong>2023</strong><br />
Subscriptions: 12 months, $35.<br />
Publication Address:<br />
30095 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 101,<br />
Farmington Hills, MI 48334;<br />
Permit to mail at periodicals postage rates<br />
is on file at Farmington Hills Post Office<br />
Postmaster: Send address changes to<br />
“The Chaldean News 30095 Northwestern<br />
Hwy., Suite 101, Farmington Hills, MI 48334”<br />
Loss, Sacrifice, and Rediscovering Culture<br />
We chose our cover carefully to convey<br />
the great sorrow and anguish felt after<br />
a recent tragic fire in the Nineveh Plain<br />
province of Iraq. It was the happiest of occasions,<br />
a wedding between two lovers, a marriage of families,<br />
which turned into one of the most heartbreaking<br />
events a family can endure.<br />
The story made headlines internationally, in<br />
part because of the “blame game” that started almost<br />
immediately among Iraqi officials and others<br />
involved, and in part because this tiny community<br />
has been beleaguered by tragedy for decades and<br />
has endured. Other recent events in the Middle East have<br />
overshadowed this story, so we wanted to remind you that the<br />
people of this small village in northern Iraq are still dealing<br />
with the aftermath of the fire and are struggling to pick up the<br />
pieces. Will they be able to recover from this horrific event and<br />
once again rebuild the community? Only time will tell.<br />
We cannot ignore the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, however.<br />
It has far-reaching effects as well as the potential to turn<br />
into the next world war. It seems that everyone has an opinion<br />
on this issue. Guest columnist Mike Sarafa shares his views on<br />
the situation, one that we hope and pray will have cooled off,<br />
or at least not escalated, by the time we go to print.<br />
In honor of Veterans Day on November 11, we are humbled<br />
and honored to feature a story about Chaldean American<br />
veterans who served in the US military as part of our<br />
“Great Michigan Stories” series. Engaged in conflicts from<br />
World War II to the Detroit Riots to the Gulf War, these brave<br />
men and women served in war and in peacetime, admirably<br />
representing and upholding the values of the community.<br />
All Americans owe every US veteran a debt of gratitude.<br />
Exploring more “Great Michigan Stories,” we seek to tell<br />
the tale of how Chaldean immigrants impact their adopted<br />
state. Two articles penned this month by star reporter Cal<br />
Abbo—Why Language Matters and Spicing Up Michigan—<br />
explain the importance of sustaining a shared culture, the<br />
former about native language and the latter about native cuisine.<br />
Chaldean language and Chaldean food are unique and<br />
deserve to be celebrated and preserved. We hope you agree.<br />
SARAH KITTLE<br />
EDITOR<br />
IN CHIEF<br />
Dr. Miri once again delights readers with colorful<br />
prose extolling the virtues of Chaldean culture<br />
and history. This month’s article is all about Amba,<br />
that delicious spicy mango-flavored treat that is a<br />
staple in Iraqi kitchens. In First Tango with Mango,<br />
he traces this delicacy to its roots in India and explains<br />
how it was adapted by cooks in Iraq.<br />
In Celebrating 20 Years, Chaldean Cultural Center<br />
(CCC) director Weam Namou shares CCC founders’<br />
stories and photos of the anniversary gala they<br />
recently celebrated. This small center has a large impact<br />
on the community, whether Chaldean or non-<br />
Chaldean. Families bring their young ones to show them their<br />
familial and cultural roots and others come to be educated<br />
about their neighbors. It serves a great purpose, and we are<br />
The people of this small village in<br />
northern Iraq are still dealing with<br />
the aftermath of the fire and are<br />
struggling to pick up the pieces.<br />
excited about the upcoming relocation and expansion.<br />
Other articles in this issue include Origins of Language,<br />
Dr. Miri’s take on cuneiform and other early forms of writing<br />
and Arts & Entertainment, in which author Weam Namou tells<br />
the story Sam Sako, a foreign language coach in Hollywood.<br />
Michael Antoon introduces us to one of the community’s<br />
newest priests, Fr. John “Junior” Jwad; Mikey Lossia tells the<br />
story of his family’s introduction to and subsequent love affair<br />
with golf; Paul Natinsky gives us an update on new Americans<br />
seeking health insurance; and Valene Ayar shares some<br />
unique ideas for Thanksgiving fun, minus the turkey.<br />
Sarah Kittle<br />
Editor in Chief<br />
CONNECT WITH<br />
YOUR COMMUNITY.<br />
SUBSCRIBE TO THE<br />
CHALDEAN NEWS<br />
AND FOLLOW CN<br />
ON SOCIAL MEDIA.<br />
6 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
PUBLISHER'S CIRCLE<br />
Join the<br />
Publishers Circle<br />
As the publication of record for Michigan’s<br />
Chaldean community, the mission of the<br />
Chaldean News is to preserve and archive<br />
Chaldean heritage and history, and to tell the<br />
ongoing story of Chaldean contributions to the<br />
communities in which we live and work — in Michigan<br />
and around the world.<br />
Since being acquired by the Chaldean Community<br />
Foundation in 2019, the Chaldean News has substantially<br />
increased its readership and social media following,<br />
introduced new digital and website content, and expanded<br />
storytelling with the help of small grant funding.<br />
The Publisher’s Circle initiative empowers community members<br />
to provide major support for the Chaldean News and its<br />
important mission. With the generous help of individuals and<br />
organizations, together, we can ensure that this vital resource<br />
continues to educate and connect the community, while<br />
evolving to meet the needs of future generations.<br />
The Chaldean News has ambitious plans which include<br />
launching a CN app and continuing to expand into new<br />
media such as radio and TV, all with the goal of preserving<br />
our culture and telling the story of our people. You<br />
can take part in helping to preserve your Chaldean<br />
heritage by joining the Publisher’s Circle today.<br />
Jibran “Jim” Manna<br />
Martin and Tamara Manna<br />
Sylvester and Rita Sandiha<br />
We are grateful for the generous and<br />
continuing support of our community.<br />
To learn more, visit chaldeannews.com<br />
or contact us at 248-851-8600<br />
Let’s grow the circle.<br />
SEPTEMBER <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 7
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GUEST COLUMN<br />
A Note About Support<br />
On October 13 at<br />
11:50pm, we were to<br />
board a plane from<br />
JFK Airport in New York to Israel<br />
for a long-planned bucket-list<br />
trip to the Holy Land.<br />
Obviously, it didn’t happen.<br />
The unprecipitated yet<br />
coldly calculated terrorist attack<br />
by Hamas on innocent<br />
Israeli citizens, that also included<br />
Americans and other<br />
nationalities, has upended<br />
the fragile peace in the Middle<br />
East. Semi-neutral arbiters in the<br />
long simmering Palestinian - Israeli<br />
conflict have chosen sides—the United<br />
States lining up squarely and fully behind<br />
Israel—while countries like Egypt<br />
and Jordan, with their own peace treaties<br />
with Israel, are being forced to<br />
stand with the “Arab Street.”<br />
The repercussions of this war will<br />
be felt for a long time. The U.S. and<br />
other countries have called for some<br />
restraint by Israel but have also basically<br />
green-lighted the dismantling of<br />
Hamas. There is no way for Israel to<br />
accomplish this without the near complete<br />
destruction of the Gaza strip and<br />
without causing massive casualties to<br />
the Palestinian people. There is human<br />
tragedy on all sides of this conflict.<br />
I was able to attend a service at<br />
Temple Israel a couple Fridays ago<br />
along with about a dozen other representatives<br />
from Shenandoah. It is<br />
basic decency to stand with our Jewish<br />
brothers and sisters and friends<br />
to roundly condemn what happened<br />
in Israel and how it happened. I also<br />
reached out to close friends and colleagues<br />
of mine that happen to be Jewish<br />
to express sorrow and sympathy at<br />
a personal level. For Jews all over the<br />
world, the fate of Israel is a deeply personal<br />
and existential matter.<br />
Taking those steps was how I chose<br />
to respond to these heinous events. In<br />
addition, when asked by the heads of<br />
some Jewish organizations to release a<br />
statement or to add my name to a joint<br />
interfaith statement, I did so.<br />
But I want to urge my Jewish<br />
friends and colleagues not to conflate<br />
what they perceive as “silence” by<br />
some as complicity. For example, I<br />
MIKE SARAFA<br />
SPECIAL<br />
TO THE<br />
CHALDEAN<br />
NEWS<br />
personally don’t use any social<br />
media unless you count<br />
LinkedIn. So most of what<br />
I described above about my<br />
own activities and feelings<br />
would be unknown to the<br />
larger public.<br />
The vast majority of<br />
people, especially younger<br />
people, use social media for<br />
exactly what it says—social<br />
things. I think many Americans<br />
handle these types of<br />
events quietly, expressing<br />
their thoughts and sharing their opinions<br />
with those closest to them.<br />
In opinion polls, it is clear that an<br />
overwhelming number of Americans<br />
stand with Israel and also support<br />
President Biden’s extremely strong<br />
stance for the same.<br />
Individuals that represent organizations<br />
or large companies with thousands<br />
of employees may have a more<br />
public obligation to speak out, the way<br />
many have about LGBT rights or Black<br />
Lives Matter, for example. But these<br />
issues are domestic American policy<br />
matters. I’m not defending this but<br />
I’m also not sure it’s fair to be overly<br />
critical. It likely did not occur to many<br />
Americans that it might be important<br />
to be vocal and public in their views on<br />
this particular terrorist attack.<br />
When ISIS was rampaging through<br />
the Christian villages of northern Iraq,<br />
destroying churches, cemeteries and<br />
attempting to wipe out Christianity in<br />
that part of the world, we really did not<br />
hear much support from people outside<br />
the Chaldean community. I’m not<br />
sure we really expected it either.<br />
Most people possess a basic righteousness<br />
and will respond as such<br />
when nudged. But many people are also<br />
private or deliberately unaware about<br />
major world or political issues. Where<br />
and when this is the case, let us not consider<br />
it a moral failing, but rather an opportunity<br />
to educate our fellow citizens,<br />
to reach out across communities and cultures<br />
and to take solace in the innate humanity<br />
and humaneness in all of us.<br />
This is a guest column and does not<br />
necessarily reflect the views of the<br />
Chaldean News.<br />
8 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
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<strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 9
FOUNDATION UPDATE<br />
Community Job Fair<br />
The CCF hosted 40 employers including Amazon, Kroger, Oakland<br />
University, Corewell Health West Bloomfield, Sterling<br />
Heights Police Department, and more at the Chaldean Community<br />
Foundation’s 2nd Annual Community Job Fair.<br />
More than 160 job seekers attended the event and met with hiring<br />
professionals across various industries. Job seekers were able<br />
to have in-person interviews with employers during the event.<br />
For those seeking employment, visit CCF’s Career Services<br />
department during walk-in days on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday<br />
to learn more about the available employment opportunities.<br />
Breast Cancer Awareness<br />
October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Chaldean Community Foundation was proud<br />
to partner with the Anthony L. Soave Family Mobile Mammography and Health Screening Center<br />
which is designed to ensure all women have easy access to high-quality breast health services regardless<br />
of their ability to pay.<br />
The Ascension St. John Hospital “Because We Care” program is committed to caring for all people<br />
with special attention to those who are uninsured, under-insured and require financial support<br />
with breast care.<br />
The CCF supported two dozen women in receiving mammography screenings this year.<br />
Delegation Visits NYC<br />
A small delegation of community members met in New York with the Prime Minister of Iraq, Mohammed<br />
Shi’a Alsudani, to discuss the current acrimony going on between the central government<br />
and the Chaldean Patriarch.<br />
The group also addressed the plight of Christians in Iraq with a special focus on a self-managed<br />
administrative unit in the Nineveh Plain and the recent alcohol ban inside Iraq which disproportionately<br />
hurts Christian and Yezidi businesspeople.<br />
National Civics Bee<br />
The Chaldean Community Foundation and Chaldean American<br />
Chamber of Commerce are partnering with the U.S. Chamber of<br />
Commerce Foundation and Michigan Chamber of Commerce to<br />
host a first-of-its-kind civics competition that encourages young<br />
Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.<br />
Participating 6th, 7th and 8th graders will flex their civics<br />
knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes. Finalists<br />
will be invited to Washington, D.C. to compete in the inaugural<br />
National Civics Bee national championship in Fall 2024.<br />
How To Enter: Any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student residing<br />
in Michigan with an idea about using civics to improve<br />
their community may review the rules and submit an essay<br />
application on this page: my.reviewr.com/NationalCivicsBee/<br />
site/MI/ChaldeanChamber. The application opens November<br />
13th, <strong>2023</strong>, and closes on January 8, 2024.<br />
Upcoming Events:<br />
2nd Annual Bet Nahrain Art Show<br />
Chaldean Community Foundation<br />
Friday, November 2nd 5:00pm-9:00pm<br />
Saturday, November 3rd 5:00pm-9:00pm<br />
Sunday, November 5th 2:00pm-7:00pm<br />
Oakland University Admissions & Financial Aid Night<br />
Chaldean Community Foundation<br />
November 15th 6:00pm-7:30pm<br />
Prime Minister of Iraq Mohammed Shi’a Alsudani and CCF President, Martin Manna.<br />
Caring for the Caregiver – MSU Nutrition<br />
Chaldean Community Foundation<br />
December 8th 12:00pm<br />
10 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
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<strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 11
NOTEWORTHY<br />
Civics Bee<br />
The Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce<br />
(CACC) and Chaldean Community Foundation are<br />
partners in this year’s third annual National Civics<br />
Bee. The CACC is one of 5 Michigan chambers that<br />
have been chosen to participate.<br />
The National Civics Bee is an annual competition<br />
that encourages young Americans to engage in civics<br />
and contribute to their communities. Contributing<br />
6th, 7th and 8th grade students flex their civics<br />
knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash<br />
prizes.<br />
Youth Baker Returns to the Food Network<br />
Now 12-years-old, Genevieve Kashat, featured on the<br />
cover of the March <strong>2023</strong> issue, has returned to the<br />
Food Network’s “Kids Baking Championship” for<br />
their Halloween baking special.<br />
Fittingly titled “Bloodcurdling Bakes,” four contestants<br />
returned to claim title of “Baking Champ”<br />
along with a $10,000 prize package, packed with<br />
baking implements. “She had her eyes on that blast<br />
chiller & stand mixer from the get-go,” said her mother,<br />
Evon Kashat.<br />
The special aired on September 25th, and Genevieve’s<br />
version of a fault line cake won over the tastebuds<br />
of Food Network hosts Duff Goldman and Sam<br />
Seneviratne.<br />
No stranger to the obstacles of a reality baking<br />
show, Genevieve said it was a challenge, and she<br />
tried to balance her creativity with the time and recipe<br />
constraints of the show, especially the renowned<br />
mid-show baking twist Food Network is famous for.<br />
“I’m really happy with the group I was against,”<br />
she said of the Halloween special. “We were competing,<br />
but we are all such great friends. It wasn’t like we<br />
were angry when someone else won.”<br />
While Genevieve said there aren’t currently any<br />
plans for her to return to “Kids Baking Championship,”<br />
she would be eager to go back if given the opportunity.<br />
In the meantime, she wants to keep on baking<br />
and encouraging others to try it out on their own.<br />
“I’d love it if I got another chance to be on the<br />
show again,” she said. “Never stop, even if you fail<br />
the first time. You will always have another chance<br />
to try it again.”<br />
The Civics Bee aims to positively impact and<br />
engage communities, improve understanding and<br />
involvement in civic life, change the conversation<br />
about how businesses thrive, and create solutions in<br />
communities.<br />
The third annual National Civics Bee will take<br />
place in 2024 in partnership with local and state<br />
chambers of commerce across the United States.<br />
There are opportunities for sponsorship. Contact the<br />
CACC at 248-851-1200 for more information.<br />
Crain’s Detroit Business 40 Under 40<br />
Two members of the Chaldean community made<br />
Crain’s “40 Under 40” list this year, joining a class of<br />
professionals that are at or near the top of their game<br />
and still rising. They are CEOs, presidents, franchisors,<br />
creators, developers, founders, judges, and community<br />
leaders. Each was nominated by colleagues or<br />
peers and selected through a rigorous review process<br />
by Crain’s editors and reporters. They will be celebrated<br />
on November 9 at the Gem Theatre in Detroit. Congratulations<br />
Brandon Hanna and Brian Shunia.<br />
Brandon Hanna is co-founder of West Bloomfield<br />
Township-based Encore Real Estate Investment Services,<br />
a brokerage house with about 40 investment<br />
sales brokers that pulled in nearly $1 billion in revenue<br />
last year. “We’re definitely a force,” says Hanna.<br />
Alongside his partners Deno Bistolarides and<br />
Ryan Vinco, Brandon oversees a team of seasoned<br />
Brandon Hanna<br />
Brian Shunia<br />
investment professionals that focus on advising clients<br />
in the acquisition and disposition of net leased<br />
and multi-tenant retail assets throughout the United<br />
States. Throughout his investment brokerage career,<br />
Brandon has broken price per square foot records<br />
and cap rate records in nearly every market.<br />
Prior to founding Encore Real Estate Investment<br />
Services, Brandon began his career at Marcus & Millichap,<br />
where he was able to exceed the multi-billiondollar<br />
level of total sales by age 29. This, combined<br />
with his experience working in the private sector, has<br />
added value to Brandon’s portfolio, bolstering his<br />
reputation in the national marketplace.<br />
Brian Shunia is co-founder of Wing Snob, a<br />
modern, quick-service, casual style restaurant serving<br />
made-to-order fresh chicken wings. Shunia and<br />
co-founder Jack Mashini, also a 40 Under 40 honoree,<br />
recently told Crain’s the company hopes to grow<br />
to 50 locations by year end.<br />
“We receive leads (on potential new locations) almost<br />
every day coming from not only the U.S.A. but different<br />
parts of the world,” Shunia said. “I know that our<br />
work is not going unseen.”<br />
For Shunia, simply establishing Wing Snob<br />
is his greatest achievement. Successful expansion,<br />
profitability and building a loyal customer base bring<br />
him great pride.<br />
12 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
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<strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 13
CHALDEAN DIGEST<br />
The Chaldean Church calls for an end to military<br />
operations in Palestine and the region<br />
Statement by Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako:<br />
We follow with pain and concern what is happening<br />
in the region, a fighting that ignores international<br />
law and targets the lives of innocent civilians,<br />
infrastructure, and even hospitals. These<br />
actions are shameful.<br />
Political officials in the region must realize that<br />
the solution is through courageous dialogue to<br />
achieve peace and justice, and not through weapons<br />
that destroy life and quarantine.<br />
As a church, we call on the international community<br />
to assume its responsibilities in halting<br />
military operations, sparing the countries of the<br />
region from sliding into all-out war, allowing the<br />
entry of food and medical supplies, creating safe<br />
passages for civilians, and striving seriously to revive<br />
the peace process and establish two peaceful<br />
neighboring states: Israel and Palestine.<br />
We join the call of His Holiness Pope Francis and<br />
all Christian and Muslim clergy and people of good<br />
will in the world, in prayer and hope to stop this devastating<br />
war and find a just solution for the Palestinian<br />
people.<br />
– Catholic News World<br />
According to a statement from the Patriarchate, “Pope Francis received Cardinal Louis Sako in a private audience at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican,” on<br />
Saturday, October 21, <strong>2023</strong>.<br />
Coptic Solidarity Leads Statement Urging Reinstatement of Chaldean Patriarch Sako<br />
At the end of September, Coptic Solidarity,<br />
a nonprofit dedicated to helping<br />
the world’s minorities published<br />
a public statement signed by 86 nonprofit<br />
organizations, former legislators,<br />
and myriad individual experts<br />
urging a reinstatement of Patriarch<br />
Sako as head of the Chaldean Church.<br />
Copts are particularly sensitive to<br />
this effort to undermine and sideline<br />
Patriarch Sako, having been through<br />
a similar situation with their previous<br />
Pope. In 1981, Egyptian President, Anwar<br />
Sadat, rescinded the presidential<br />
decree of 1971, which recognized Pope<br />
Shenouda III as the Pope of Alexandria.<br />
It was four years before he was<br />
reinstated after extensive pressure by<br />
the Copts and their supporters.<br />
Based on this experience, Coptic<br />
Solidarity believes it is vital that the<br />
international community speak out<br />
against President Rashid’s effort to further<br />
marginalize and remove the ancient<br />
Chaldean peoples of Iraq. The statement<br />
expresses a belief that “the Presidential<br />
decree and concomitant campaign<br />
are ultimately intimidation tactics employed<br />
against Iraqi Christians—designed<br />
to drive them into forced migration<br />
in order to seize their properties.”<br />
– Standard Newswire<br />
14 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
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<strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 15
RELIGION<br />
Better Know a Priest<br />
Meet Fr. John “Junior” Jwad<br />
BY MICHAEL ANTOON<br />
John “Junior” Jwad was born to a faithful and loving<br />
family on May 7, 1996. The youngest of three<br />
siblings, he was baptized and confirmed by the<br />
late Monsignor Suleiman Zia Denha. Junior attended<br />
St. Fabian Catholic School in Farmington Hills from<br />
kindergarten through eighth grade, taking his First<br />
Holy Communion there. He continued his education<br />
at Brother Rice High School in Bloomfield Hills, graduating<br />
in 2014.<br />
After two years of college, Jwad entered Sacred<br />
Heart Major Seminary in Detroit as a seminarian for<br />
the Chaldean Diocese of St. Thomas the Apostle,<br />
USA. After graduating with his bachelor’s degree in<br />
philosophy in 2019 from Sacred Heart, he went on a<br />
mission year to serve in Lebanon.<br />
Returning from Lebanon, he transferred to the<br />
Chaldean Diocese of Mar Addai in Canada, enrolling<br />
at St. Phillip’s Seminary in Toronto. It was there, at<br />
St. Philip’s, that he graduated with his master’s degree<br />
in theology in <strong>2023</strong>. He was ordained a subdeacon<br />
in October 2022 and a deacon in May <strong>2023</strong>.<br />
At the time of this interview, we await the ordination<br />
to the priesthood of Deacon John Jwad scheduled<br />
for November 1, <strong>2023</strong>. He is to be ordained at Holy Family<br />
Chaldean Church in Windsor, Ontario, through the<br />
laying of the hands and invocation of the Holy Spirit<br />
by His Excellency Mar Robert Saeed Jarjis, Bishop of<br />
Mar Addai Chaldean Catholic Eparchy in Canada.<br />
Faith Background<br />
Junior was blessed with faithful parents, Issam and<br />
Thikra Jwad, who ensured that he and his siblings<br />
attended Mass every Sunday as a family. Father John<br />
remembers praying in the car daily on the way to<br />
school. His mother taught (and still teaches) First<br />
Communion classes at St. Thomas.<br />
Being the youngest, Junior remembers tagging<br />
along with her weekly and sitting in on Sister<br />
Therese Shikwana’s lecture for parents while his<br />
mother taught her class. At such a young age, he<br />
could comprehend the content at the level of the<br />
adults Sister was teaching. Father John also fondly<br />
remembers Sister Therese telling him he was asking<br />
too many questions.<br />
After receiving First Communion, Junior began<br />
altar serving at St. Thomas Chaldean Church in West<br />
Bloomfield with Father Frank Kallabat (now Bishop<br />
Francis) and the late Father Emmanuel Rayes. When<br />
Father Rayes got sick, he remembers His Excellency<br />
Bishop Ibrahim Ibrahim coming to St. Thomas to celebrate<br />
the Chaldean Mass. Seeing these three holy<br />
priests encouraged Father John to live the same life<br />
of service and joy. Father John was a dedicated volunteer<br />
throughout his youth, teaching Catechism and<br />
First Communion and attending and subsequently<br />
leading the high school youth group at St. Thomas.<br />
Around the age of 10, Father John took an interest<br />
in learning to read and write Chaldean. On his 12th<br />
birthday, he read the Epistle (Shleeha) for the first time<br />
at Chaldean Mass. From then on, he began<br />
to serve all the other liturgies and<br />
became heavily involved with<br />
the subdeacons of the church,<br />
joining them in Rumsha<br />
(evening) and morning<br />
prayers and serving alongside<br />
them in the Mass. He<br />
greatly credits Shamasha<br />
(Deacon) Khairy Foumia<br />
and Shamasha Najib Ayar<br />
for helping him learn the<br />
language. He also appreciates<br />
them for giving him<br />
their places for readings<br />
and parts, encouraging him to<br />
learn more.<br />
Call to the Priesthood<br />
Growing up, Fr. John admits he<br />
was not a good student and was<br />
more of a troublemaker. He says<br />
he was rebellious and pulled many<br />
pranks. He stayed very close to the<br />
church and his faith throughout his<br />
life. Fr. John says he thanks God for<br />
the many experiences he was given in<br />
these years of living an everyday<br />
teenage life. He believes<br />
these experiences<br />
helped him understand his vocation and, more<br />
importantly, choose his vocation freely.<br />
Fr. John remembers his earliest childhood<br />
memory was that he did not just want to be but<br />
knew he would be a priest. Some power and force<br />
within him confirmed that God would call him to<br />
the priesthood one day. He also remembers that at<br />
a young age, though he didn’t<br />
know what this call<br />
PRIEST<br />
continued on<br />
page 18<br />
16 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
<strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 17
Left: Father John<br />
as a seminarian<br />
at St. George Church.<br />
He says Lebanon was a fantastic experience for<br />
him, being entirely away from home, in another<br />
country for the first time. This time was very freeing<br />
for him and is a time in his life that he constantly remembers<br />
and misses greatly. Fr. John says he learned<br />
many things about life and claims that one’s perspective<br />
on life changes when one sees actual suffering.<br />
He encountered many Chaldeans waiting in Lebanon<br />
after escaping from the Islamic State. These Chaldeans<br />
had been waiting there for five to six years for<br />
a chance to emigrate for a better life. Even through<br />
their suffering and pain, he remembers them to have<br />
been extraordinarily joyful, happy, and welcoming.<br />
He saw their love for the priests and the Church and<br />
their great faith and hope in God’s providence in<br />
their time of despair.<br />
PRIEST continued from page 16<br />
meant, as he matured, his understanding of the<br />
priesthood grew as well. The priesthood was not<br />
just wearing a cape and doing sacraments. He<br />
eventually realized it was also a life of service and<br />
giving up oneself for the good of the other, the<br />
good of the Church, and the good of all people.<br />
Regarding mentors, he says again that Bishop<br />
Ibrahim played a considerable role in his life and<br />
vocation. Fr. John says the bishop didn’t do anything<br />
to pressure him, it was simply the bishop’s joy<br />
and demeanor, the way he spoke, walked, and dealt<br />
with his people, that inspired him. As a little kid<br />
in the sacristy, an altar boy, Junior says the bishop<br />
was so humble and loving to him and all the young<br />
servers; how meaningful it was that he was bishop<br />
of the whole diocese and such a strong leader, but<br />
still, he opened himself to these children.<br />
He also says that anyone who told the bishop<br />
they had a test, for example, would be checked<br />
back on to see how their test went. “Bishop Ibrahim<br />
took great interest in our lives, even though<br />
we were just little children, and he truly cared and<br />
was a father figure to many people,” says Fr. John.<br />
Fr. John also acknowledges that many priests and<br />
deacons contributed to his formation, whether spiritually,<br />
pastorally, or liturgically. He says that in these past<br />
years, Bishop Jibrail Kassab taught him the meaning of<br />
discipleship after retiring and moving to Michigan; how<br />
a priest must be a faithful messenger of Jesus Christ. Especially<br />
seeing how Bishop Kassab visits and serves all<br />
people, without distinction, night or day, and has made<br />
himself available to all those in need, even after retiring.<br />
He is a great example, like Fr. John Jwad, of a<br />
servant leader.<br />
Community Involvements<br />
Fr. John mentioned that if God had not called him to<br />
be a priest, he would have most likely followed his<br />
aspiration to become a lawyer. He explained that he<br />
greatly loved law and public speaking in high school.<br />
Even today, Fr. John says he enjoyed history, philosophy,<br />
and canon law in seminary. Possibilities included<br />
becoming a teacher, professor, or writer – which is<br />
why he loved writing for the Chaldean News.<br />
After returning from the Holy Land on a pilgrimage<br />
in 2011, Junior Jwad decided to write an article on<br />
this first-of-its-kind pilgrimage for youth and submit<br />
it to the Chaldean News. He says they liked the article<br />
so much they asked him to continue writing. From<br />
then, every month for the next couple of years, you<br />
could find a religion-based article by Junior Jwad.<br />
Later, in 2015, he was approached by John Zia<br />
Oram to begin a daily segment for the Chaldean radio<br />
program that he had sponsored. Then, a year later,<br />
he was asked by the Chaldean Voice Radio to give a<br />
weekly segment—a weekly lecture, which he is still<br />
doing to this day. Listen to 690 AM on Saturdays and<br />
you’ll be sure to hear Fr. (then Deacon) John provide<br />
insight on our faith, culture, and community topics.<br />
He reminds us of many traditions that our older generation<br />
remembers from their life in the village, such<br />
as traditions of the Chaldean Church, its teachings,<br />
and feasts, as well as current community events.<br />
Serving in Lebanon<br />
Throughout his spiritual year in Lebanon, Fr. John<br />
lived in a Maronite Seminary located next to the<br />
beautiful Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon,<br />
Harissa. While residing at the Maronite seminary,<br />
he spent much of his time doing humanitarian work<br />
with a Muslim convert priest, Fr. Majdi Allawi.<br />
Time in Canada<br />
A vocation to the priesthood requires sacrifice and dedication.<br />
In the same way husbands must give their lives<br />
to their wives, and wives to their husbands, the priest, a<br />
true representative of Christ on Earth, must give his life<br />
to the Church. According to Fr. John, the most significant<br />
sacrifice in going to seminary is being away from<br />
your structured life, family, friends, and home. However,<br />
he says that seminary is helpful for a man to be able<br />
to detach himself from things of this world and to be<br />
able to dedicate himself to a life of prayer and self-giving.<br />
The life of a priest requires a man to be flexible, and<br />
it needs one to be able to change his life for the good of<br />
the Church and the good of his people.<br />
Reflecting on his time at St. Philip’s Seminary in<br />
Toronto, Ontario, Fr. John feels that the formators<br />
and fathers of this seminary truly treated the seminarians<br />
as their children. They are guided with love<br />
and faith and are supported by these great fathers<br />
to succeed. He says that seeing this “fatherhood” in<br />
your life encourages you to give others this love.<br />
Regarding the Chaldean Church of Canada, he notes<br />
it was terrific to be in a place different from your home.<br />
Although very similar as a church, you’re in a different<br />
environment with people you meet for the first time.<br />
Learning about these other groups of people, he came<br />
across many newcomers, those who had come in the<br />
last 5-15 years. Hearing of their culture and way of life,<br />
he learned more about different villages and learned<br />
the history of the people of the church of Canada.<br />
Fr. John also says that the people of his diocese<br />
have a very traditional way of dealing with clergy, being<br />
so new to the country, and have a very humble<br />
and loving spirit towards their clergy.<br />
“When you realize you made a difference in the<br />
lives of many in the community, even helping one<br />
person overcome an obstacle, you receive a joy that<br />
cannot be compared to any other joy,” explains Fr.<br />
John. “It cannot even be compared to the pleasures of<br />
this world; no wealth, power, or popularity can equal<br />
this. To realize that God, through you, made a difference<br />
in someone’s life brings you true joy. You were<br />
able to help, to teach, to serve, and even just to be<br />
present.”<br />
18 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
<strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 19
IN MEMORIAM<br />
Badria Abbu Ashaka<br />
Jul 1, 1944 –<br />
Sep 20, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Isaac Shimon Toma<br />
Jul 1, 1948 –<br />
Sep 22, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Janan Abawi<br />
Feb 17, 1944 –<br />
Sep 22, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Buddy Habby Atchoo<br />
Sep 15, 1927 –<br />
Sep 25, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Basem Fuad Kandah<br />
May 3, 1946 –<br />
Sep 25, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Khana Khamo<br />
Jul 1, 1935 –<br />
Sep 27, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Sabah Oraha Khoshi<br />
Jul 1, 1937 –<br />
Sep 27, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Ibrahim (Grant)<br />
Yousif Rayess<br />
May 8, 1940 –<br />
Sep 27, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Wadee<br />
Gorges Delly<br />
Jul 1, 1942 –<br />
Sep 29, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Hasina<br />
Kiryakos Gorges<br />
Jul 1, 1942 –<br />
Sep 29, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Yousif Potrus<br />
Ablahad<br />
Jul 31, 1946 –<br />
Oct 1, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Luay Bahjat Hana Jr<br />
Hamama<br />
Jul 1, 1993 –<br />
Oct 1, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Virgeen Sinnawi<br />
Garmoo<br />
Oct 12, 1932 –<br />
Oct 1, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Riadh<br />
Khamoro Kana<br />
Jul 1, 1945 –<br />
Oct 1, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Noael Shoush<br />
Feb 10, 1941 –<br />
Oct 1, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Ramzi Tobia Manni<br />
Jan 17, 1939 –<br />
Oct 2, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Khalida Salman<br />
Murad Oraha<br />
Nov 29, 1938 –<br />
Oct 3, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Joseph Paul Istefo<br />
Jul 1, 1941 –<br />
Oct 4, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Sami Habib Rahimo<br />
Aug 19, 1930 –<br />
Oct 4, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Jaber Shuker<br />
Abbo Ashaka<br />
Jul 9, 1962 –<br />
Oct 6, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Muntasir<br />
Aboka Jarbo<br />
Aug 2, 1958 –<br />
Oct 6, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Luis Hanna Sheena<br />
Jul 1, 1943 –<br />
Oct 7, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Butrus Rofa Aqrawi<br />
Jul 1, 1935 –<br />
Oct 8, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Khairy Issa<br />
Yousif Bello<br />
Jun 4, 1947 –<br />
Oct 8, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Qaryaqos<br />
Oraha Habbo<br />
Jul 1, 1941 –<br />
Oct 8, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Wasif Shammamy<br />
May 14, 1945 –<br />
Oct 8, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Sameerah<br />
Fandaqli<br />
Jul 1, 1935 –<br />
Oct 10, <strong>2023</strong><br />
William Deselva<br />
Dec 4, 1941 –<br />
Oct 11, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Korial Esttaifo Yaqo<br />
Jul 1, 1943 –<br />
Oct 11, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Donald Delor Issa<br />
Jan 15, 1970 –<br />
Oct 12, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Samria Hano Saco<br />
Feb 20, 1937 –<br />
Oct 12, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Latif Gorgies Odesho<br />
Jul 1, 1948 -<br />
Oct 13, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Salima Kiryakoza<br />
Jan 1, 1927 –<br />
Oct 14, <strong>2023</strong><br />
20 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
OBITUARY<br />
Malik Yousif<br />
Mary<br />
Professor Malik Yousif Mansour Francis<br />
(Fransi) Gorgees Yousif Francis<br />
Mary was born in Baghdad, Iraq, on<br />
August 24, 1931. He passed peacefully<br />
at his home on October 3, <strong>2023</strong>, surrounded<br />
by his wife Amira, son Raed,<br />
daughters Raghad, Rand, and Rana,<br />
brother Adhid, and sister Suha.<br />
Malik was educated in England<br />
and the United States and received<br />
a master’s degree (MA) from Ohio<br />
State University. He had a long academic<br />
career and served as Professor<br />
of English Language and Literature<br />
at Al-Mustansiriyah University (1976-<br />
1999), Baghdad University (1964-<br />
1976) and the Department of Education<br />
in Iraq (1954-1960).<br />
Professor Mary lived a long life,<br />
completed many of his dreams, and<br />
will be remembered by the countless<br />
lives he touched, the minds he<br />
shaped, and the hearts he inspired.<br />
His legacy will carry forward the lessons<br />
he taught, the value of knowledge,<br />
the importance of kindness,<br />
and the significance of lifelong learning.<br />
His influence will continue to<br />
shape the world we live in through<br />
the knowledge he shared and the<br />
love he gave.<br />
Malik is survived by Amira, his<br />
wife of 58 years, so many family and<br />
friends who will cherish his memories<br />
as a historian, writer, poet,<br />
friend to many students, colleague<br />
of academics, and an extended<br />
Mary/Miri family including grandchildren<br />
Andrew, Isabelle, Natalie,<br />
Katherine, Allison, Zahary, Luca,<br />
Lawrence, and Jordan.<br />
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<strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 21
COVER STORY<br />
Tragedy<br />
in Bakhdida<br />
Friends and relatives attend a funeral<br />
for the victims who died in a fire during<br />
a wedding ceremony in Hamdaniya,<br />
Iraq, Friday, Sept. 29, <strong>2023</strong>.<br />
Seeking answers and healing<br />
after wedding hall fire<br />
BY CHRISTINA SALEM<br />
In the heart of the Nineveh Plain<br />
province, the close-knit town of<br />
Bakhdida (also known as Qaraqosh)<br />
grapples with a devastating tragedy that<br />
left them searching for answers and<br />
healing. The horrific fire that engulfed<br />
the Al-Haitham wedding hall during<br />
the bride and groom’s slow dance on<br />
September 26, <strong>2023</strong>, sent shockwaves<br />
through the town and beyond.<br />
More than one thousand people<br />
attended the celebration of love for<br />
Haneen and Revan, two Bakhdida natives.<br />
As fire rained down from the décor<br />
above, many scrambled to disperse<br />
from the venue. According to locals<br />
who witnessed the fire, The town only<br />
has one fire truck which arrived on the<br />
scene 30 minutes after the fire broke<br />
out. It ran out of water within seconds.<br />
There were no fire extinguishers<br />
in the building, no emergency fire escape,<br />
and no sprinkler system. “I hold<br />
the owner of the hall responsible for<br />
what happened at the party because<br />
there are no extinguishers or safety<br />
measures in the hall,” the father of the<br />
groom told CNN.<br />
According to the Associated Press<br />
as well as videos from the event, it<br />
has been stated that the fire occurred<br />
because of pyrotechnics that lit the<br />
ceiling of the venue, which was decorated<br />
with flowers, fabric, and hay.<br />
Iraqi authorities say that the owner of<br />
al-Haitham was aware of the safety issues<br />
in the hall and proceeded to move<br />
forward despite warnings. He attempted<br />
to flee but was arrested in Erbil.<br />
The entire town of Bakhdida is Christian.<br />
Before the ISIS invasion, the town<br />
boasted a population of 64,000. About<br />
half returned to the town, only to face<br />
this massive tragedy. Much of the Chaldean<br />
community in metro Detroit has<br />
family from or near Bakhdida, which is<br />
only a 35-minute drive to Mosul, an hour<br />
drive to Tel Keppe, and an hour and<br />
18-minute drive to Al Qosh. Chaldeans,<br />
Assyrians, and Syriacs alike perished<br />
in this tragedy; patriarchs from all five<br />
Christian churches in the community<br />
performed the funeral the day after.<br />
Mayor Issam Behnam Matti, a central<br />
figure beloved in Bakhdida, has<br />
shared his insights into the events<br />
that transpired on that fateful day. He<br />
highlighted the numerous challenges<br />
posed by a rushed investigation, the<br />
personal struggles he faced, and the<br />
pressing need for a thorough, scientific<br />
analysis of the incident.<br />
This catastrophic fire claimed the<br />
lives of over 128 individuals and left<br />
many others critically injured, according<br />
to a local Bakhdida native.<br />
An Assyrian Aid Society report, which<br />
confirmed a U.S. citizen as one of the<br />
victims, left the entire town speculating<br />
about the fire’s origins. Religious<br />
leaders in Bakhdida have joined the<br />
chorus of those who believe the fire<br />
may not have simply been an accident.<br />
The town’s residents remain resolute<br />
in their quest for answers.<br />
Questions That Linger<br />
Residents continue to wonder if there<br />
is a serious chance that the mayor will<br />
be removed from office due to the fire<br />
investigation’s focus on administrative<br />
protocol. The current investigation,<br />
shrouded in political pressure and<br />
time constraints, may not have been<br />
as thorough as the community desires.<br />
The mayor, facing immense pressure<br />
from both his personal losses<br />
and his official duties, pointed out the<br />
challenges he personally faced. He lost<br />
11 family members in the tragedy, and<br />
this emotional turmoil, coupled with<br />
sleep deprivation and lack of sustenance,<br />
made the investigation an even<br />
more daunting task.<br />
One of the critical issues that<br />
Mayor Issam highlights is the Iraqi<br />
government’s rush to close the case<br />
hurriedly, which is a common practice<br />
in Iraq. A desire to pin the blame<br />
on someone often results in a lack of<br />
comprehensive scientific analysis.<br />
This approach, while expedient, can<br />
leave unanswered questions and fuel<br />
further speculation.<br />
According to sources on the ground<br />
in Iraq, the investigation primarily focused<br />
on the administrative part of the<br />
22 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
fire, such as approvals and permissions,<br />
rather than delving into the scientific<br />
aspects. What caused the fire?<br />
Why were pyrotechnics used inside?<br />
What type of building materials were<br />
used and was there a proper fire suppression<br />
system? These are questions<br />
that have remained largely uninvestigated<br />
by officials.<br />
PHOTOS BY HADI MIZBAN/AP<br />
Protests and Calls for International<br />
Involvement<br />
In response to these concerns, the people<br />
of Bakhdida planned a demonstration<br />
to demand answers. They are still<br />
seeking the intervention of other national<br />
governments and the United States,<br />
or any external entity, to ensure an unbiased<br />
and transparent investigation.<br />
The community’s skepticism regarding<br />
the investigation’s thoroughness<br />
is made clear by videos of the<br />
townspeople’s protests on social media.<br />
The people of Bakhdida are not<br />
content with an investigation that<br />
appears to be veering toward hasty<br />
blame-shifting rather than a technical<br />
and scientific analysis.<br />
Furthermore, this tragedy extends<br />
beyond the borders of Bakhdida. The<br />
Chaldean/Assyrian/Syriac community<br />
in Arizona, led by Sam Darmoo, organized<br />
a gathering that united various<br />
political parties and churches. This<br />
event served as both a funeral and a<br />
show of support for the victims of the<br />
fire. The American that perished in<br />
tragedy was from Arizona and this has<br />
resonated with that state’s politicians,<br />
transcending political divides.<br />
A Path to Recovery<br />
Amid the turmoil and the quest for answers<br />
overshadowed by more recent<br />
events in the Middle East, the humanitarian<br />
aspect of the tragic fire’s aftermath<br />
cannot be overlooked. There are<br />
still burn victims in need of care and<br />
medication. Beyond these immediate<br />
needs, the community is grappling<br />
with the emotional, psychological,<br />
and political fallout.<br />
Mayor Issam believes that a committee<br />
or group of psychologists<br />
should be brought to Bakhdida to support<br />
the community’s long-term healing.<br />
The trauma inflicted by the fire is<br />
profound and enduring, and the residents<br />
require professional assistance<br />
to regain a sense of normalcy. Protesters<br />
have set ablaze the jailed hall<br />
An Iraqi woman reacts at the site of a fatal fire in the district of Hamdaniya.<br />
owner’s property out of frustration to a<br />
lack of response from the government.<br />
Moreover, the government needs to<br />
acknowledge its faults and ensure that<br />
measures will be taken to prevent such<br />
a tragedy in the future. The people and<br />
mayor of Bakhdida propose the formation<br />
of a committee dedicated to fostering<br />
peace and reconciliation. This<br />
committee, as Mayor Issam suggests,<br />
should be coordinated with the Iraqi<br />
government.<br />
Lessons Learned<br />
The owners of the wedding hall faced<br />
allegations of multiple safety violations.<br />
While these violations may not<br />
have directly contributed to the fire,<br />
they raise concerns about the standards<br />
and regulations that were in<br />
place. Violations such as an expired<br />
fire extinguisher and the use of flammable<br />
materials should have been addressed<br />
immediately.<br />
It’s important to note that these<br />
safety violations were not under the<br />
jurisdiction of Mayor Issam’s office,<br />
emphasizing the need for more rigorous<br />
oversight and enforcement of safety<br />
standards.<br />
Iraq has a history of safety violations.<br />
Recent examples include a<br />
ferry in Mosul that had a capacity of<br />
50 but exceeded nearly 200 passengers,<br />
leading to a capsize in 2019. In<br />
2021, during the onset of COVID, a fire<br />
occurred in Baghdad’s Ibn al-Khatib<br />
Hospital. The fire blazed through the<br />
hospital due to a lack of fire detection<br />
and suppression systems, according<br />
to the New York Times. Many died because<br />
they were taken off their ventilators<br />
to escape.<br />
Improving Emergency Response<br />
Reflecting on the tragic outcome,<br />
there’s a growing awareness of the<br />
importance of safety and evacuation<br />
training in Iraq. Inadequate education<br />
on how to respond during a fire emergency<br />
contributed to the high casualty<br />
count. The fire department showed up<br />
30 minutes after the fire was reported,<br />
and the lack of understanding and<br />
preparation among the venue’s staff<br />
and attendees resulted in chaos.<br />
After the owner of the venue cut<br />
the lights out when the fire began,<br />
hundreds of people panicked and<br />
trampled one another to escape the<br />
deadly blaze. Efforts to educate businesses<br />
and the community about<br />
safety protocols and evacuation procedures<br />
are crucial to preventing such a<br />
tragedy in the future.<br />
Bakhdida’s Resilience<br />
Bakhdida has faced its fair share of<br />
challenges, including the invasion of<br />
ISIS in 2014. Although the town was<br />
liberated in 2017, it sustained heavy<br />
damage and resulted in massive relocation.<br />
According to the Syriac Press,<br />
more than 32% of homes and civil centers<br />
were burned down.<br />
Furthermore, ongoing political disputes<br />
for the coveted area of land in<br />
the Nineveh Plain province affect the<br />
of the lives of the townspeople. Ongoing<br />
political clashes, security instability,<br />
and land disputes with neighboring<br />
communities continue to hamper the<br />
progress of recovery for the Christian<br />
community in Iraq. The tragic fire at<br />
the wedding hall is yet another blow<br />
to the town that witnessed a mass exodus<br />
of its residents just 9 years ago.<br />
Mayor Issam acknowledges that<br />
the cumulative effect of these events<br />
has left the community somewhat<br />
numb to the constant turmoil. Every<br />
new incident reinforces the idea that<br />
leaving the area is a logical response<br />
to crisis. While the fire’s impact on<br />
Bakhdida’s momentum remains uncertain<br />
due to the lack of basic mental<br />
health and governmental resources,<br />
the community faces a difficult road to<br />
recovery.<br />
The challenges facing Bakhdida<br />
are immense, but the strength of its<br />
people endures. As they seek answers,<br />
healing, and justice, the world barely<br />
watches. Those that are paying attention<br />
are hopeful that this resilient<br />
community will find the peace and<br />
stability it deserves as it remains overshadowed<br />
by higher-priority western<br />
political issues. The tragedies of the<br />
past should not define Bakhdida’s future,<br />
and through unity, understanding,<br />
and comprehensive investigations,<br />
there is a path forward for this<br />
close-knit community.<br />
<strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 23
FEATURE<br />
the native language becomes less useful<br />
in everyday life. Chaldeans tend to<br />
focus on English because it’s useful in<br />
all contexts and with all Americans,<br />
not just Chaldean ones. Today, many<br />
Chaldeans born outside of villages do<br />
not speak their native tongue.<br />
The Schøyen Collection MS 577, Oslo and London. Syriac Sertâ book script. Mt. Sinai, Egypt, ca. 11th c.<br />
From the Monastery of St Catherine, Mt Sinai. Credit: Elizabeth G. Sørenssen & Jingru Høivik.<br />
Why Language Matters<br />
Saving Sureth<br />
BY CAL ABBO<br />
In the heart of metro Detroit, the<br />
Chaldean community stands as a<br />
testament to the enduring spirit of<br />
an ancient people relocated. Rooted in<br />
the cradle of civilization, the Chaldean<br />
story is one of resilience, migration, and<br />
cultural preservation. Central to this<br />
narrative, and one that grants the Chaldean<br />
story its importance, is the Aramaic<br />
language—a linguistic bridge connecting<br />
modern Chaldeans to their storied past.<br />
The Aramaic language, known today<br />
in its many names and dialects like<br />
Chaldean, Assyrian, Syriac, or Sureth,<br />
was once the lingua franca of vast<br />
swathes of the Middle East and served<br />
as the voice of culture and thought<br />
for many people in the region. This<br />
language, although it experienced a<br />
significant decline since that time, has<br />
become a defining feature of the Chaldean<br />
identity, especially as waves of<br />
Chaldeans migrated to new lands in<br />
search of opportunity and safety.<br />
A Unique Voice in Detroit<br />
When they arrived in Michigan, Chaldeans<br />
lived among a mosaic of immigrant<br />
groups. Each community<br />
brought its unique language and culture,<br />
although almost all were European.<br />
While there were some Middle<br />
Eastern immigrants who came to<br />
Detroit starting in the 1870s, many of<br />
them spoke Arabic, and most Chaldeans<br />
coming from villages could not<br />
easily communicate with them despite<br />
the cultural proximity.<br />
The Chaldean community stood<br />
out, not just because of its distinct<br />
Middle Eastern heritage, but because<br />
of its ancient Aramaic dialect. European<br />
and Middle Eastern immigrants<br />
could communicate with one another,<br />
respectively; a Polish immigrant,<br />
for example, could find other Polish<br />
people in the area and create a community<br />
there. An Arabic speaker could<br />
find others that speak their language<br />
too. Chaldeans, on the other hand,<br />
maintained a small circle of Aramaic<br />
speakers, most of whom they knew<br />
from back home, and learned to rely<br />
on one another.<br />
This linguistic distinction played a<br />
pivotal role in preserving the community’s<br />
identity. While many immigrant<br />
groups faced pressures to assimilate<br />
and abandon their native tongues, the<br />
Chaldean community’s commitment<br />
to its language became a beacon of<br />
cultural preservation, as Chaldeans<br />
most often learned their native tongue<br />
at home. This closeness of language<br />
and community helped spur Chaldeans<br />
to the forefront of business and<br />
culture in Michigan.<br />
Over time, however, the commitment<br />
to language in the diaspora has<br />
faded. As the community grows larger,<br />
and more generations of Chaldeans<br />
are born in the United States, relationships<br />
with non-Chaldeans grow, and<br />
A Language to Share<br />
Language is about more than words.<br />
It’s a vessel for stories, traditions, and<br />
values. For the Chaldean community,<br />
Aramaic is more than a means of communication;<br />
it’s a lasting inheritance<br />
from their ancient homeland, a tool for<br />
imparting wisdom to younger generations,<br />
and a symbol of their enduring<br />
presence. As the modern world continues<br />
to evolve, the Aramaic language<br />
serves as a poignant reminder of the<br />
timeless bond between ancestors and<br />
the generations that follow.<br />
The Chaldean community’s influence<br />
in Metro Detroit extends beyond<br />
its language. Their entrepreneurial<br />
spirit has left an indelible mark on<br />
the region’s business landscape and<br />
Chaldeans have a profound impact in<br />
the world of culture. Festivals, music,<br />
and culinary traditions have enriched<br />
the cultural tapestry of Michigan. Frequently,<br />
Chaldean words seep into<br />
the linguistic repertoire of Detroit and<br />
Michigan at large.<br />
Why does the language matter today,<br />
though? Since Chaldeans have<br />
assimilated and acculturated to Detroit<br />
and many use English as their<br />
first language, it might seem a trivial<br />
issue. Through this process, however,<br />
the community is prone to losing the<br />
very thing that shapes its identity and<br />
made it successful.<br />
Instead of letting our identity fade<br />
into obscure history, many Chaldeans<br />
choose to fight against full acculturation<br />
to American life and seek to reestablish<br />
Aramaic as a legitimate and<br />
useful language. As of right now, it<br />
faces a harsh reality of nonexistence.<br />
According to the United Nations<br />
Educational, Scientific, and Cultural<br />
Organization, otherwise known as<br />
UNESCO, the Aramaic language spoken<br />
by Chaldeans is “definitely endangered.”<br />
This is a simultaneous result of<br />
years of oppression and war plaguing<br />
the community in the Middle East<br />
combined with the reality of assimilation<br />
in the diaspora. Some families<br />
24 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
encourage their children to learn<br />
English rather than their heritage<br />
language so they can advance further<br />
in the English-speaking world. Other<br />
parents keep the native language to<br />
themselves so they can talk with one<br />
another privately. These efforts exacerbate<br />
the negative effects of the assimilation<br />
process and discourage a<br />
continuation of the Chaldean cultural<br />
identity.<br />
How to Revive a Language<br />
Throughout history, languages rise,<br />
fall, and change immeasurably. Linguists<br />
trace the languages we use today<br />
and connect them with ancient<br />
languages of the past. In modern<br />
times, Aramaic goes by many names,<br />
including Sureth, Chaldean, Syriac,<br />
Assyrian, and more.<br />
Chris Salem founded the charity<br />
Nineveh Rising to send aid to the<br />
homeland and is involved in various<br />
efforts to rekindle the use of Sureth in<br />
everyday life. He claims that the community<br />
of Aramaic speakers worldwide<br />
can inspire a movement like the<br />
Hebrew revival to keep the language<br />
intact and in use. Indeed, there are<br />
some striking similarities between the<br />
Jewish and Chaldean histories.<br />
Few languages and linguistic communities<br />
have experienced a mass<br />
revival comparable to Hebrew and<br />
the Jewish community. Throughout<br />
their well-documented history, Jews<br />
have been persecuted, enslaved, conquered,<br />
and displaced; yet they maintained<br />
a crucial link to their cultural<br />
identity and religion that carried them<br />
into the modern age and afforded<br />
them the opportunity to resettle their<br />
ancient homeland.<br />
Around 130 AD, Judea revolted<br />
against the Roman Empire, but was<br />
defeated after a large war that lasted<br />
a few years. The population was massacred,<br />
the land of Judea was divided<br />
into three provinces, and many of the<br />
remaining Jews were forced to leave<br />
and resettle elsewhere in the empire.<br />
Historians tend to regard this event<br />
as the virtual death of Hebrew as a<br />
vernacular language. Most Jews left<br />
in Israel spoke Aramaic. Hebrew was<br />
maintained, however, among the religious<br />
order and as a liturgical language.<br />
Over the last 150 years, Hebrew<br />
has experienced an extraordinary resurgence<br />
from its near-death. A strong<br />
Jewish nationalist ideology called<br />
Zionism took root among displaced<br />
Jews and inspired them to resettle<br />
Israel in a movement called Aliyah.<br />
Even before the beginning of WWII,<br />
more than 400,000 Jews had resettled<br />
Israel. Shortly after the war’s end,<br />
once the state of Israel was founded,<br />
Jewish immigration exploded, and<br />
nearly 800,000 people returned. Holocaust<br />
survivors made their way to<br />
the Holy Land.<br />
In 1890, only 43,000 Jews lived<br />
in the area that would later become<br />
Israel. Today, because of the Zionist<br />
movement, more than 7 million Jews<br />
live in Israel and nearly all of them<br />
speak Hebrew. Jews in the diaspora<br />
were spread throughout Europe and<br />
the Middle East, and over hundreds<br />
and thousands of years, began to<br />
speak the local language instead of<br />
their native tongue. They needed a<br />
language in common to understand<br />
their compatriots in their new country,<br />
and many Jews knew Hebrew<br />
from religious rituals.<br />
The revival didn’t begin, however,<br />
until the establishment of schools in<br />
Jewish settlements that taught Hebrew<br />
to children and adults. Since the<br />
language was used exclusively in religious<br />
tradition, however, it was incomplete<br />
and insufficient for everyday use.<br />
The shapers of the Hebrew revival borrowed<br />
words from other languages like<br />
Arabic, Aramaic, and many others. As<br />
time passed, Jews made concerted ef-<br />
LANGUAGE continued on page 53<br />
CHALDEAN<br />
STORY<br />
This report is made possible with generous support from<br />
Michigan Stories, a Michigan Humanities Grants initiative.<br />
<strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 25
FEATURE<br />
Origins of the Written Word:<br />
Cuneiform<br />
BY ADHID MIRI, PHD<br />
Mesopotamia, located in what<br />
is now Iraq, is considered<br />
the birthplace of writing and<br />
with it, recorded history. Its people<br />
also built the world’s first cities and<br />
developed the oldest known political<br />
and administrative systems and drafted<br />
the first known letter. The very idea<br />
of philosophy was introduced in the<br />
Epic of Gilgamesh.<br />
The earliest known writing was<br />
invented there around 3,400 B.C. in<br />
an area called Sumer near the Persian<br />
Gulf. The development of Sumerian<br />
script was influenced by local materials,<br />
clay for tablets and reeds for styluses.<br />
At about the same time, or a little<br />
later, the Egyptians were inventing<br />
their own form of hieroglyphic writing.<br />
Writing (visible signs of ideas, words,<br />
and symbols) emerged in many different<br />
cultures in the Bronze Age. Archaeological<br />
discoveries in ancient Mesopotamia<br />
show the initial power and purpose of<br />
writing, from administrative and legal<br />
functions to poetry and literature. Scholars<br />
generally agree that the earliest form<br />
of writing appeared almost 5,500 years<br />
ago in ancient Sumer and spread over<br />
the world from there via a process of cultural<br />
diffusion.<br />
Even after Sumerian died out as a<br />
spoken language around 2,000 B.C., it<br />
survived as a scholarly language and<br />
script. Other people within and near<br />
Mesopotamia—from Turkey, Syria, and<br />
from Egypt to Iran—adopted the later<br />
version of this script developed by the<br />
Akkadians (the first recognizable Semitic<br />
people), who succeeded the Sumerians<br />
as rulers of Mesopotamia. In Babylonia<br />
itself, the script survived for two more<br />
millennia until its demise around 70 C.E.<br />
Before the Written Word<br />
For thousands of years, long before the<br />
invention of the true written word, people<br />
used symbols to keep essential records.<br />
The earliest form of notetaking known in<br />
the Middle East, the “tally bone,” dates<br />
back 30,000 years. The bones recorded<br />
lunar months, which governed the ritual<br />
cycles observed by hunter gatherers.<br />
A mud brick bearing a cuneiform inscription is seen during excavation at<br />
the ancient Sumerian city of Girsu, now known as Tello, in Iraq’s al-Shatrah<br />
district of the southern Dhi Qar province on November 14, 2021.<br />
From 9000-3000 BC, people in the<br />
Middle East used clay tokens to record<br />
commercial transactions, sealing them<br />
into clay envelopes called bullae. A token’s<br />
shape symbolized either goods<br />
(animals, grain, trees) or specific large<br />
numbers. At around the same time, the<br />
seal, (a detail-engraved image identifying<br />
the sender of the message) was<br />
developed. The seal was pressed on<br />
wet clay by stamping, or in the case of<br />
cylinder seals, by rolling.<br />
Every human community possesses<br />
language, a feature regarded as a defining<br />
condition of mankind. However,<br />
the development of writing systems,<br />
and their partial supplantation of traditional<br />
oral systems of communication,<br />
have been sporadic, uneven, and<br />
slow. Once established, writing systems<br />
on the whole change more slowly than<br />
their spoken counterparts, and often<br />
preserve features and expressions<br />
which are no longer current in the spoken<br />
language. A great benefit of writing<br />
is that it provides a persistent record of<br />
information expressed in a language,<br />
which can be retrieved at a future date.<br />
Cuneiform<br />
Cuneiform is the earliest known writing<br />
system invented around 3400<br />
B.C. Scribes used symbols built from<br />
wedge-shaped impressions pressed<br />
into clay or carved into stone. Many<br />
languages and civilizations used cuneiform,<br />
from Sumerian to Persian. The<br />
rise, fall, and rediscovery of cuneiform<br />
tells the story of the written word.<br />
The invention of writing is considered<br />
the most important event in the<br />
intellectual history of humankind. It<br />
separates the prehistoric stage from<br />
subsequent historical stages. In this<br />
context, we must point out that while<br />
we believe cuneiform writing to be the<br />
oldest writing in the history of mankind,<br />
history must include Egyptian<br />
writing, which the Greek called hieroglyphics.<br />
It appeared in the same period<br />
but unlike the Sumerian writing,<br />
hieroglyphics depicted pictures rather<br />
than letters.<br />
The emergence of writing in each<br />
area is usually followed by several<br />
centuries of fragmentary inscriptions.<br />
Historians mark the “historicity” of<br />
a culture by the presence of coherent<br />
texts in the culture’s writing system(s).<br />
The four Mesopotamian civilizations—Sumer,<br />
Babylon, Akkad, and<br />
Assyria—were centers of science and<br />
PHOTO BY ASAAD NIAZI/AFP<br />
knowledge. The Sumerian cuneiform<br />
script was adapted for the writing of<br />
the Akkadian, Elamite, Hittite (and<br />
Luwian), Hurrian (and Urartian) languages,<br />
and it inspired the old Persian<br />
and Ugaritic national alphabets.<br />
Although it then disappeared when<br />
these cultures faded and new scripts<br />
(such as the Phoenician alphabet) developed,<br />
numerous clay tablets and<br />
stelae (such as those upon which the<br />
Code of Hammurabi is written) remained<br />
in use.<br />
While the cuneiform writing system<br />
was created and used at first only<br />
by the Sumerians, it did not take long<br />
before neighboring groups adopted it<br />
for their own use. By about 2500 BC,<br />
the Akkadians, a Semitic-speaking<br />
people that dwelled north of the Sumerians,<br />
starting using cuneiform to<br />
write their own language. However, it<br />
was the ascendency of the Akkadian<br />
dynasty in 2300 BC that positioned Akkadian<br />
over Sumerian as the primary<br />
language of Mesopotamia.<br />
While Sumerian did enjoy a quick<br />
revival, it eventually became a dead<br />
language used only in literary contexts,<br />
whereas Akkadian would continue<br />
to be spoken for the next two<br />
millennium and evolved into later<br />
(more famous) forms known as Babylonian<br />
and Assyrian.<br />
Writing Tools<br />
Writing was very important in maintaining<br />
the Egyptian empire, and literacy<br />
was concentrated among an<br />
educated elite of scribes. Only people<br />
from certain backgrounds were allowed<br />
to train as scribes, in the service<br />
of temple, pharisaic, and military authorities.<br />
The hieroglyph system was<br />
difficult to learn, but in later centuries<br />
may have been intentionally made<br />
even more difficult, as this preserved<br />
the scribes’ position.<br />
The development of the Sumerian<br />
script was influenced by local materials:<br />
clay for tablets and reeds for styluses<br />
(writing tools). They wrote on<br />
clay, on stone, on silver, on gold on<br />
papyrus and on deerskin, in cuneiform<br />
and with the alphabet in Akkadian<br />
and Aramaic. They never stopped<br />
writing. In times of peace and in times<br />
of war. Through famine and in times of<br />
tribulation. No other ancient civilization<br />
has bequeathed to the world so<br />
vast a corpus of documents. There are<br />
26 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
IRAQ MUSEUM / FACEBOOK<br />
PINTEREST.COM PINTEREST.COM<br />
Clockwise from above: Cuneiform inscriptions on the aqueduct at Jerwan; The artwork of Iraqi calligrapher Hisham Elbaghdadi; A ring with a cylinder seal from<br />
Mesopotamia set with rubies.<br />
about 130,000 mud slabs of Mesopotamia<br />
in the British Museum.<br />
Cuneiform writing continued for a<br />
few centuries BC and was adapted to<br />
write in at least fifteen different languages.<br />
The last dated cuneiform text<br />
has a date corresponding to A.D. 75,<br />
although the script probably continued<br />
in use over the next two centuries<br />
and was replaced by the Levant alphabetic<br />
writing that began to spread with<br />
the spread of the Aramaic language,<br />
especially during the reign of the last<br />
(South Chaldean) dynasty.<br />
The original Sumerian writing<br />
system derives from a system of clay<br />
tokens used to represent commodities.<br />
By the end of the 4th millennium<br />
BC, this had evolved into a method<br />
of keeping accounts, using a roundshaped<br />
stylus impressed into soft clay<br />
at different angles for recording numbers.<br />
This was gradually augmented<br />
with pictographic writing using a<br />
sharp stylus to indicate what was being<br />
counted.<br />
Round-stylus and sharp-stylus<br />
writing were gradually replaced<br />
around 2700-2500 BC by writing using<br />
a wedge-shaped stylus (hence the term<br />
cuneiform), at first only for logograms,<br />
but developed to include phonetic elements<br />
by the 29th century BC. About<br />
2600 BC cuneiform began to represent<br />
syllables of the Sumerian language.<br />
Finally, cuneiform writing became<br />
a general-purpose writing system for<br />
logograms, syllables, and numbers.<br />
From the 26th century BC, this script<br />
was adapted to the Akkadian language,<br />
and from there to others such as Hurrian<br />
and Hittite. Scripts similar in appearance<br />
to this writing system include<br />
those for Ugaritic and Old Persian.<br />
Nabu<br />
In the time of Hammurabi of Babylon<br />
(1792-1750 BC), the God Nabu (a<br />
divine patron of scribes) received the<br />
Sumerian Goddess Nisaba’s attributes<br />
and became the patron of writing and<br />
scribes. Nisaba was still venerated and<br />
didn’t disappear from the pantheon,<br />
but from that moment on, she was<br />
known as Nabu’s wife. Nabu was very<br />
important for the Babylonians and<br />
was adopted by the Assyrians as the<br />
son of their supreme god, Ashur.<br />
In the 1800s and 1900s, archaeological<br />
excavations revealed thousands<br />
of cuneiform documents, and the variations<br />
of the script across languages and<br />
time were slowly deciphered.<br />
While we can read cuneiform documents<br />
today, the majority—many hundreds<br />
of thousands—still survive unread,<br />
and the few hundred cuneiform<br />
experts worldwide face an impossible<br />
task. Fortunately, machine learning<br />
and artificial intelligence offers potential<br />
assistance. Scholars at many institutions<br />
are compiling databases and<br />
training machines to read and fill in<br />
gaps in these ancient texts.<br />
Calligraphy<br />
Arabic calligraphy is the artistic practice<br />
of handwriting Arabic script in<br />
a fluid manner to convey harmony,<br />
grace, and beauty. It was primarily<br />
developed as a way of delivering the<br />
Word of God through the holy scripture<br />
of the Qur’an and is considered<br />
the quintessential art form of the Islamic<br />
world. Arabic letters decorate<br />
objects ranging from mosques to palaces,<br />
carpets, and paintings.<br />
The practice, which can be passed<br />
down through formal and informal education,<br />
uses the twenty-eight letters of<br />
the Arabic alphabet, written in cursive,<br />
from right to left. Originally intended<br />
to make writing clear and legible, it<br />
gradually became an Islamic Arab art<br />
for traditional and modern works.<br />
Arabic consists of 17 characters,<br />
which, with the addition of dots placed<br />
above or below certain of them, provide<br />
the 28 letters of the Arabic alphabet.<br />
Arabic calligraphy is the artistic<br />
practice of handwriting based on the<br />
Arabic alphabet. It is known in Arabic<br />
as Khatt and the calligrapher as Khattat.<br />
Calligraphers are highly regarded<br />
in the Islamic culture.<br />
The art of calligraphy has universal<br />
appeal, and that is why it developed<br />
so quickly and became so sought-after<br />
from the Middle Ages onwards. Its<br />
beautiful proportions and exquisite luminosity<br />
are something that everyone<br />
can appreciate.<br />
An Arabic calligrapher employs<br />
a reed pen, called a Qalam, with the<br />
working point cut on an angle. This<br />
feature produces a thick downstroke<br />
and a thin upstroke with an infinity<br />
of gradation in between. The nice<br />
balance between the vertical above<br />
and the open curve below the middle<br />
register induces a sense of harmony.<br />
The peculiarity that certain letters<br />
cannot be joined to their neighbors<br />
provides articulation. The line traced<br />
by a skilled calligrapher is a true marvel<br />
of fluidity and sensitive inflection,<br />
communicating the very action of the<br />
master’s hand.<br />
In the early centuries of Islam,<br />
Arabic not only was the official language<br />
of administration but also was<br />
and has remained the language of religion<br />
and learning. The Arabic alphabet<br />
has been adapted to the Islamic<br />
peoples’ vernaculars just as the Latin<br />
alphabet has been in the Christianinfluenced<br />
West.<br />
The evolution of writing is a collection<br />
of significant events in the alphabet’s<br />
history accented by the civilizations,<br />
cultures and people who made it<br />
happen and correlated with world affairs.<br />
Our Chaldean News stories seek<br />
to breathe life into what is considered<br />
by many to be antiquated and old subjects;<br />
however, our themes constantly<br />
change, and we remain steadfast in<br />
our commitment to revisit history and<br />
revive our culture with articles, insight,<br />
and words.<br />
Sources: Iraqi Museum, Encyclopedia<br />
Britanica, Musée du Louvre, Sjur<br />
Cappelen Papazian, Shelby Brown,<br />
Christie’s Online, Andre Parrot (The<br />
Arts of Assyria).<br />
<strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 27
FEATURE<br />
George Matti on the job<br />
as Boatswains Mate.<br />
Thank You for Your Service<br />
A Salute to Chaldean American Veterans<br />
BY SARAH KITTLE<br />
In the rich tapestry of American diversity,<br />
the Chaldean community<br />
stands out as a vibrant example<br />
of immigrants who have not only embraced<br />
the American dream but have<br />
also contributed significantly to the<br />
country’s defense. With a deep sense of<br />
patriotism and a commitment to safeguarding<br />
the freedoms they’ve come<br />
to know, Chaldean Americans in every<br />
generation have a proud tradition of<br />
serving in the United States military.<br />
Hundreds of men and women have<br />
joined the effort to protect and serve.<br />
In 2002, the Chaldean American<br />
Ladies of Charity (CALC) arranged a<br />
tribute booklet and ceremony for Chaldean<br />
Americans that have served or<br />
are serving in the US military. When<br />
many Chaldeans immigrated to the<br />
United States seeking refuge and opportunity,<br />
they brought with them<br />
a strong work ethic and a profound<br />
sense of gratitude for their new homeland.<br />
Many served in the Army, and a<br />
great many were decorated war heroes<br />
in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.<br />
Chaldeans Americans have served<br />
their adopted country in conflicts from<br />
WWII to the Iraq War of 2014-2017.<br />
They helped liberate concentration<br />
camps in Germany and Austria and<br />
paid witness to the Cuban Missile Crisis<br />
from ships offshore. They served<br />
as interpreters and cultural advisors<br />
in the Middle East. Their stories<br />
are unique and incredible and have<br />
helped shaped the history of the United<br />
States of America.<br />
John Hakim was drafted to serve in<br />
World War II. Not an American citizen<br />
at the time, he earned his citizenship<br />
while overseas. John Cassa was 14<br />
when he joined; he misrepresented his<br />
age to serve and was injured during<br />
maneuvers, ultimately sharing a hospital<br />
room with future Vice President<br />
(and self-titled “inventor of the internet”)<br />
Al Gore. Michael Denja provided<br />
security for former President George<br />
H.W. Bush. At least two Chaldean<br />
American soldiers served alongside<br />
the legendary Elvis, one shipping out<br />
with him and one served in training<br />
with the historic “King of Rock and<br />
Roll.”<br />
Military from this community tend to<br />
be highly decorated as well. Jose P. Denja<br />
was recommended for the Congressional<br />
Medal of Honor and received the<br />
Purple Heart, Silver Star, and Bronze Legion<br />
of Merit for his service in Korea. Joseph<br />
Essa had served his time in World<br />
War II, was wounded several times, and<br />
won a Purple Heart. He was eligible for<br />
honorable discharge but elected to reenlist<br />
and was killed in action in 1945.<br />
Peter Essa, who fought on the beaches<br />
of Normandy, was awarded the Bronze<br />
Star and the Combat Infantry Badge as<br />
well as the European-African-Middle-<br />
Eastern Campaign Medal. An article<br />
featuring his story was published in the<br />
Chaldean News in November of 2020,<br />
when Peter was 95 years old.<br />
The Chaldean community in southeastern<br />
Michigan was nourished in the<br />
20th century by two fundamental factors:<br />
the sacrificial love of family and<br />
friends and the generous support of the<br />
local Church. Both would factor heavily<br />
during wartime. Chaldean people also<br />
have a history of enduring adversity and<br />
persevering through turbulent times,<br />
and they understand the concept of sacrifice.<br />
The Yelda Family had 6 brothers<br />
who all served in World War II. A women<br />
named Rosemary Yelda, family connection<br />
unconfirmed, served in Korea.<br />
This reporter had the distinct honor<br />
of sitting down and talking with a few<br />
Chaldean American veterans. Tom<br />
George, who was drafted into the Army<br />
when he was 19, remains grateful for<br />
the training. Although he remained<br />
stateside and never saw combat, the<br />
discipline of boot camp stayed with him<br />
his whole life. Many of his friends were<br />
sent to Vietnam, and Tom remembers<br />
them with affection, especially each<br />
year on Veteran’s Day which “keeps the<br />
experience of service close to mind.”<br />
One thing most veterans will agree<br />
on is that they appreciate their family<br />
so much more when they return from<br />
VETERANS continued on page 30<br />
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US Army Oath:<br />
I solemnly swear that I will support<br />
and defend the Constitution<br />
of the United States against all<br />
enemies, foreign and domestic;<br />
that I will bear true faith and allegiance<br />
to the same; and that I will<br />
obey the orders of the President<br />
of the United States and the orders<br />
of the officers appointed over<br />
me, according to regulations and<br />
the Uniform Code of Military Justice.<br />
So help me God. (Title 10, US<br />
Code; Act of 5 May 1960 replacing<br />
the wording first adopted in 1789,<br />
with amendment effective 5 October<br />
1962).<br />
Warrior Ethos:<br />
Fred Najor in the Michigan National Guard; Peter Essa served in World War II.<br />
I will always place the mission<br />
first. I will never accept defeat. I<br />
will never quit. I will never leave a<br />
fallen comrade.<br />
VETERANS continued from page 28<br />
service. For Tom, who lost 32 pounds<br />
on Army chow, homemade meals were<br />
one of the things he missed the most.<br />
Army rations are “definitely not like<br />
Chaldean food,” he asserts.<br />
“The saddest and most confusing<br />
part of serving in the Vietnam era,” says<br />
Tom, “was our homeland [America] calling<br />
it a ‘worthless war’” when he personally<br />
knew so many who had sacrificed<br />
their lives. Present-day calls for “defunding<br />
the police and villainizing the military,”<br />
Tom says, “are hard to witness.”<br />
Tom supports Hire Heroes USA, a<br />
nonprofit organization that moves veterans<br />
into the corporate world. His transition<br />
to civilian life was a little easier than<br />
most, as he returned the family business,<br />
which, according to Tom, “took<br />
care of that without any thought.”<br />
How can civilians show their support<br />
for veterans? For Tom, a simple,<br />
“Thank you for your service” suffices.<br />
It fills him with great pride and honor<br />
that he served his time.<br />
George Matti joined the US Navy<br />
in 1966. Previously, his brother had<br />
joined the Marines. “It was either join<br />
for 4 years and pick the branch or get<br />
drafted and spend two years in the<br />
Army,” George explained to those who<br />
asked. (And many did.)<br />
“I’m glad I went when I did,” says<br />
George, “but I wouldn’t go back.”<br />
He was stationed on an LST ship,<br />
delivering supplies to combat soldiers<br />
in Vietnam. One of his worst wartime<br />
memories was running aground on a<br />
small boat with his captain on a river<br />
in Danang. Always a target for enemy<br />
fire, it was a harrowing wait before a<br />
tugboat rescued them from the sandbar<br />
they were stuck on.<br />
Another clear memory of George’s<br />
is laying looking up at the stars in a<br />
Vietnamese sky and asking himself,<br />
“What am I doing?” It was a mind-expanding<br />
experience.<br />
“When you go, you’re like a kid,”<br />
remembers George. “You grow up real<br />
fast.”<br />
What was he doing? “A Chaldean<br />
kid from Baghdad,” George says, “A<br />
thousand miles from home.” A kid in<br />
combat.<br />
Nevertheless, he persevered. He<br />
met a Lebanese guy from Toledo who<br />
spoke Arabic. George spoke Sureth,<br />
but they managed to communicate<br />
and became fast friends. Any familiarity<br />
goes a long way while overseas.<br />
What don’t people understand<br />
about veterans? “They don’t get it<br />
unless they have a family member or<br />
know someone in the service,” says<br />
George. “They think we’re all Rambo.”<br />
CHALDEAN<br />
STORY<br />
George believes that every young<br />
person should do one year of compulsory<br />
military service. It would greatly<br />
benefit most of them, he thinks, especially<br />
with developing self-discipline.<br />
“The military has a lot of rules,” he<br />
says. “Obey them.”<br />
Fred Najor’s was a poor family raising<br />
nine kids supported by the family<br />
store when Vietnam escalated. The socalled<br />
“Living Room War” was the first<br />
time that images from a still-active war<br />
were brought into the family purview<br />
by the magic of television.<br />
Classified as A-1, Fred was next in<br />
line to be drafted when he joined the<br />
Michigan National Guard. “I’ve got<br />
no beef with anyone,” he said, so he<br />
opted for a 6-year stint stateside rather<br />
than get shipped to a far-off Asian<br />
country to kill strangers. At that time,<br />
Walter Cronkite’s newscast showed<br />
rows of body bags every evening.<br />
“It’s always somebody else’s war,”<br />
Fred says. “Old people start wars, and<br />
young people have to fight them.”<br />
For a Chaldean American, Fred<br />
got a great gig; he was placed in food<br />
service. The National Guard trained<br />
This report is made possible with generous support from<br />
Michigan Stories, a Michigan Humanities Grants initiative.<br />
him how to cook in quantity. He was<br />
at Camp Grayling when they received a<br />
call that “half of Detroit was burning.”<br />
His group hustled back to the 8 Mile<br />
Armory and prepared to service the<br />
folks fighting to keep peace in the city.<br />
On a run to drop off deliveries at<br />
Central High School, Fred’s convoy<br />
came under fire. Another truck in the<br />
line had a machine gun which retaliated<br />
by taking the top off the building<br />
that the hostile was shooting from.<br />
The hostility lasted for days, and several<br />
people were killed. Fred’s family<br />
store was firebombed while he was at<br />
Camp Grayling, but they were able to<br />
stay open, unlike most of the stores in<br />
Detroit.<br />
Talking with his fellow veterans,<br />
Fred says, “When we look back on it, we<br />
were fortunate America opened its doors<br />
for us.” He attributes the welcome to the<br />
fact that they were Christian. Ironically,<br />
that fact is what put them under attack<br />
in Iraq. “If we had stayed there,” Fred<br />
says, “we would be dead.”<br />
The U.S. military is a fine institution,<br />
says Fred, but the powers that<br />
be take advantage of their troops and<br />
do not put them first. A better system<br />
is required, and the point should be<br />
peace rather than winning. He’s frustrated<br />
by the fact that we as a species<br />
are still fighting over land. “We’re so<br />
smart,” he says, and should put our<br />
power toward peace, not war.<br />
“We helped America stay strong,”<br />
says Fred. “I love America. Why<br />
wouldn’t I?”<br />
30 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
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<strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 31
FEATURE<br />
PIXABAY<br />
Spicing Up Michigan<br />
Chaldean cuisine becomes mainstream<br />
Spices are<br />
at the heart<br />
of Chaldean<br />
cuisine.<br />
BY CAL ABBO<br />
The culinary traditions of the<br />
Chaldean community are as<br />
rich and diverse as our ancient<br />
history. Originating from the cradle of<br />
civilization, Chaldean cuisine boasts<br />
a plethora of flavors that narrate our<br />
cultural heritage. As the Chaldeans<br />
found a new home in Detroit, Michigan,<br />
we brought along our cherished<br />
recipes, crafting a unique food narrative<br />
that melds ancient traditions with<br />
the modern-day food landscape of the<br />
Motor City.<br />
Food Culture<br />
The culture and format of serving<br />
meals is just as important as the ingredients<br />
and taste. In the villages, many<br />
Chaldeans were farmers and raised<br />
animals. Religious Chaldeans saw the<br />
creation and consumption of food as<br />
a spiritual act. The food you received<br />
was passed down from God unto you,<br />
so as to nourish your body and continue<br />
the cycle of life. Food was a sacred<br />
community item, too, and was offered<br />
as a gesture of good faith to visitors<br />
and at festivals and celebrations.<br />
Cooking food was most often considered<br />
a woman’s right and privilege.<br />
Her knowledge and skills in the arts of<br />
Chaldean cuisine were tested against<br />
other families in fierce-but-friendly<br />
competition. In essence, each house<br />
had its own kitchen, and individual traditions<br />
were passed down through the<br />
generations. Small changes in each individual’s<br />
recipe and methods evolved<br />
our food over thousands of years.<br />
Chaldean women have a sense of<br />
pride when it comes to cooking their<br />
own food and feeding their families.<br />
Like anyone, they want to cook great<br />
food and impress their family and<br />
guests. While they might share recipes<br />
with close friends and family, especially<br />
daughters, many Chaldeans<br />
gatekeep their exact secrets like professional<br />
chefs.<br />
As the community soon found out,<br />
life in the United States is much different<br />
than living in a village. Within<br />
a few generations, assimilation and<br />
the geographical reality of living apart<br />
changed the food culture invariably. Individual<br />
households maintained their<br />
own food traditions and collaborated<br />
less and less over time. Americans were<br />
introduced to Chaldean food with invitation-only<br />
family dinners.<br />
Commercial Chaldean restaurants<br />
and pre-made food at grocery stores<br />
slowly popped up and commodified<br />
the rich food tradition into dishes for<br />
sale. While this greatly expanded the<br />
influence of Chaldean food across<br />
metro Detroit and pushed Michigan<br />
cuisine to new heights, over time, it<br />
also contaminated the relationship<br />
between families and food and allowed<br />
Chaldeans to purchase our traditional<br />
food rather than rely on their<br />
family’s cooking. Recipes and dishes<br />
were standardized and replicated to<br />
emphasize what was popular, what<br />
the masses enjoyed, and what made<br />
the most money. Some Chaldean food<br />
became so similar to food in other Middle<br />
Eastern restaurants that it is now<br />
indistinguishable.<br />
Traditional Chaldean Dishes<br />
Chaldean cuisine draws many similarities<br />
to other Middle Eastern food,<br />
but its unique flavors and preparation<br />
offer a unique Chaldean twist. Here are<br />
some dishes that Chaldeans helped<br />
popularize in the Detroit area.<br />
Kabobs and Grilled Meats: The<br />
preparation of kabobs begins with highquality<br />
meat, commonly beef, lamb,<br />
or chicken, which are cut into uniform<br />
pieces to ensure even cooking. The meat<br />
is marinated with a blend of traditional<br />
spices, garlic, and lemon. Skewering the<br />
meat requires a precise hand to ensure<br />
that the pieces are secure. On the grill,<br />
the chef must achieve the perfect level<br />
of char while retaining the meat’s juiciness.<br />
The result is tender and flavorful<br />
meat with a smoky aroma.<br />
Kubba: To make Kubba, the chef<br />
SPICING UP continued on page 34<br />
32 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
<strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 33
FEATURE<br />
PIXABAY<br />
Tikka and kabob platters are a popular choice at Detroit’s Middle Eastern restaurants.<br />
SPICING UP continued from page 32<br />
uses bulgur wheat to cultivate a<br />
smooth dough which is then filled<br />
with a seasoned mixture of ground<br />
meat, usually beef or lamb. Each piece<br />
is carefully shaped into a disc or oval<br />
and cooked until golden and crispy.<br />
The result is a savory, textured dish<br />
enjoyed by many as a staple in Chaldean<br />
cuisine, and is often paired with<br />
a tomato and vegetable broth.<br />
Pacha: Preparing Pacha is a timehonored<br />
tradition and involves the<br />
careful cleaning and preparation of<br />
sheep’s head, trotters, and stomach.<br />
The ingredients are simmered with a<br />
blend of aromatic spices until tender.<br />
This dish requires a skilled hand to ensure<br />
the flavors are balanced and the<br />
texture is perfect, delivering a unique<br />
taste experience hard to find in the<br />
Western world.<br />
Guss: The making of Guss involves<br />
marinating choice cuts of meat in a<br />
blend of spices, garlic, and lemon,<br />
similar to kabobs. The meat is then<br />
roasted to achieve a perfect char, enhancing<br />
its flavors, in a stack of meat<br />
that is seen in Shawarma restaurants.<br />
The result is a succulent dish with a<br />
rich, smoky aroma, often enjoyed with<br />
flatbread and pickled vegetables.<br />
Dolma: Dolma involves stuffing<br />
grape leaves with a mixture of rice,<br />
meat, and various herbs. Each leaf is<br />
carefully wrapped around the filling<br />
and cooked until tender. The resulting<br />
dish is a medley of textures and flavors.<br />
Preparing this dish is tedious and<br />
time-consuming, making it one of the<br />
most extravagant; it is often reserved<br />
for special occasions. In addition to<br />
grape leaves, you can use onions or<br />
cabbage as a wrap.<br />
Biryani: Biryani preparation begins<br />
with the marination of meat in a<br />
blend of spices, followed by layering<br />
with partially cooked rice. The dish<br />
is then slow-cooked to allow the flavors<br />
to meld together. Achieving the<br />
right balance of spices and a perfect<br />
layering technique is crucial for this<br />
beloved aromatic dish that is famous<br />
across many parts of Asia.<br />
Falafel: The preparation of Falafel<br />
involves soaking chickpeas, then<br />
grinding them into a coarse mixture<br />
with herbs and spices. The mixture is<br />
shaped into small patties or balls and<br />
deep-fried until crispy. The result is a<br />
flavorful, crunchy exterior with a soft<br />
interior, often enjoyed in sandwiches<br />
or with tahini sauce.<br />
Bamia: Preparing Bamia begins<br />
with simmering okra with a mixture of<br />
tomatoes, garlic, and traditional spices.<br />
The process requires a gentle simmer<br />
to ensure the okra becomes tender<br />
without losing its shape. The result is<br />
a comforting stew, often enjoyed with<br />
rice and bread.<br />
Harisa: The preparation of Harisa<br />
involves slow-cooking wheat with<br />
meat, often chicken or lamb, until it<br />
reaches a porridge-like consistency.<br />
The dish is stirred continuously to prevent<br />
lumps and achieve a smooth texture.<br />
Harissa is a hearty and nutritious<br />
dish, often associated with religious observances<br />
and community gatherings.<br />
Masgouf: Masgouf is a traditional<br />
Iraqi fish dish that begins with the selection<br />
of a fresh, high-quality carp.<br />
The fish is seasoned with a blend of olive<br />
oil, tamarind, and a mix of spices,<br />
then skewered and slow-grilled over<br />
an open flame. The grilling process is<br />
crucial to achieving a crispy exterior<br />
while maintaining a tender, flaky interior.<br />
The result is a smoky, tangy dish<br />
enjoyed with traditional accompaniments<br />
like flatbreads and veggies.<br />
Tekratha: To make Tekratha, first<br />
craft your dough from high-quality<br />
flour, which is then rolled out into thin<br />
discs. A seasoned mixture of ground<br />
meat, typically beef or lamb, is spread<br />
over the dough before being baked until<br />
golden and crispy. The careful balancing<br />
of spices in the meat and the<br />
precise baking process results in a flavorful,<br />
textured dish that is a beloved<br />
part of Chaldean cuisine. It’s easy to<br />
stuff these delicious snacks with anything<br />
from cheese to sweets.<br />
Shawarma: The preparation of<br />
Shawarma involves marinating slices<br />
of meat, commonly beef or chicken, in<br />
a blend of aromatic spices, garlic, and<br />
yogurt. The meat is then stacked on<br />
a vertical rotisserie, where it is slow-<br />
SPICING UP continued on page 36<br />
34 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
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<strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 35
FEATURE<br />
SPICING UP continued from page 34<br />
cooked as it turns on the spit. Slicing<br />
the meat thinly off the spit requires a<br />
skilled hand, ensuring tender, flavorful<br />
slices ready to be wrapped in flatbreads<br />
and enjoyed with a variety of<br />
accompaniments like tahini or garlic<br />
sauce and pickled vegetables.<br />
Mana’eesh (Za’atar Bread): The<br />
preparation of Za’atar Bread begins<br />
with crafting a soft dough from highquality<br />
flour, which is then rolled out<br />
into small discs. A mixture of za’atar<br />
spice blend and olive oil is generously<br />
spread over the dough before being<br />
baked until golden and slightly crispy.<br />
The herbaceous za’atar blend paired<br />
with the richness of olive oil creates<br />
a flavorful and aromatic bread, often<br />
enjoyed as a breakfast item or a snack<br />
within the Chaldean community. Other<br />
types of Mana’eesh have different<br />
toppings, such as cheese.<br />
Kleicha: Kleicha preparation starts<br />
with creating a soft, pliable dough<br />
which is then filled with a sweet mixture<br />
of dates and nuts. Each piece is<br />
carefully shaped and adorned with a<br />
sprinkle of sesame seeds before being<br />
baked until golden brown. The result<br />
is a sweet, tender pastry with a filling<br />
that’s both chewy and flavorful,<br />
embodying a traditional taste. This is<br />
great for a post-meal sweet snack.<br />
Torshi: The making of Torshi involves<br />
pickling a variety of vegetables<br />
like cucumbers, carrots, cabbage, and<br />
cauliflower in a vinegar and spice mixture.<br />
The process requires a careful<br />
balance of vinegar, salt, and traditional<br />
spices to achieve the desired tanginess<br />
and flavor. Over time, the vegetables<br />
absorb the flavors of the brine,<br />
resulting in a crunchy, tangy accompaniment<br />
to many Chaldean dishes.<br />
Geymar with Date Syrup: The<br />
preparation of Geymar involves gently<br />
simmering heavy cream to achieve a<br />
thick, clotted consistency. Once prepared,<br />
Geymar is traditionally served<br />
with a generous drizzling of date syrup.<br />
The sweetness of the date syrup<br />
complements the rich, creamy texture<br />
of Geymar, creating a simple yet indulgent<br />
dish often enjoyed as a part of a<br />
traditional Chaldean breakfast.<br />
Tabouleh: Tabouleh consists of<br />
finely chopped fresh parsley, mint, and<br />
tomatoes, which are then mixed with<br />
soaked bulgur wheat. A dressing of olive<br />
oil, lemon juice, and a dash of salt is<br />
Sahara Restaurant is among the influential Metro Detroit restaurants<br />
popularizing Middle Eastern and Chaldean cuisine. Under the guidance<br />
of Zeana (pictured) and Saad Attisha, Sahara has opened additional<br />
locations, with the latest in The District Detroit.<br />
added to bring all the flavors together.<br />
The result is a refreshing, herbaceous<br />
salad with a citrusy zing, enjoyed as a<br />
light and nutritious accompaniment to<br />
many Chaldean meals.<br />
These recipes and many others can<br />
be found in greater detail and direction<br />
in cookbooks like Ma Baseema,<br />
Babylonian Cuisine, or Awafi.<br />
Chaldean Restaurants in Michigan<br />
The voyage of Chaldean cuisine to<br />
Michigan has resulted not only in the<br />
spreading of Chaldean dishes into the<br />
home kitchens of Michigan residents,<br />
but also the commercialization of the<br />
food. One of the community’s oldest<br />
and most famous restaurants, Sullaf,<br />
is located on 7 Mile Road in Detroit, in<br />
historic Chaldean Town. It serves basic<br />
CHALDEAN<br />
STORY<br />
Arabic and Chaldean dishes, including<br />
different meats and fish. Since it<br />
opened, many other Chaldean restaurants<br />
have served excellent food and<br />
become quite popular.<br />
Smaller Shawarma outfits operated<br />
by Chaldeans are commonplace<br />
throughout the suburbs of Detroit in<br />
cities like West Bloomfield, Sterling<br />
Heights, Southfield, and Farmington.<br />
Dozens of Chaldean bakeries, some<br />
that began informally out of someone’s<br />
home, can be found in these towns as<br />
well. Larger restaurants like Sahara,<br />
which just opened its newest location<br />
in The District Detroit, serve a wide variety<br />
of options for diners and also cater<br />
large parties for Chaldeans. Chaldean<br />
grocery stores are common in places<br />
where a lot of us live, which provide<br />
This report is made possible with generous support from<br />
Michigan Stories, a Michigan Humanities Grants initiative.<br />
fresh ready-to-eat food as well as the<br />
ingredients for making it yourself.<br />
The Chaldean News has a special<br />
series called “Chaldean Kitchen” which<br />
aims to preserve our culinary history.<br />
The series posts articles about the history<br />
of someone’s dish as well as the<br />
full recipe so you can make it at home.<br />
Even better, the article is accompanied<br />
by a short video showing exactly how<br />
it’s made, which can be found on You-<br />
Tube or the website chaldeannews.<br />
com. Even further, the new Chaldean<br />
Community Foundation center located<br />
in West Bloomfield, when completed,<br />
will include a demonstration kitchen<br />
so we can better share our delicious<br />
recipes with the world.<br />
The Chaldean community has successfully<br />
preserved and shared its culinary<br />
heritage by enriching Michigan’s<br />
food scene with a blend of ancient flavors<br />
and modern adaptations. The story<br />
of Chaldean cuisine in Michigan is a<br />
flavorful journey of tradition, adaptation,<br />
and entrepreneurial spirit, contributing<br />
to the culinary and cultural<br />
diversity that provides the foundation<br />
of the Great Lakes State.<br />
36 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
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<strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 37
CULTURE & HISTORY<br />
First Tango with Mango:<br />
Iraqi Amba<br />
BY ADHID MIRI, PHD<br />
In the world of culinary delights,<br />
few things can match the mouthwatering<br />
tang and flavor offered<br />
by a good old-fashioned Iraqi mango<br />
pickle (amba).<br />
To tell the story of amba, or as it<br />
is popularly known in India, Aam ka<br />
Achar, we must begin with the story<br />
of Indian Ocean trade and the longstanding<br />
historical network of merchants<br />
who traversed this massive<br />
body of water for millennia bringing<br />
spices, people, and ideas to Basra-Iraq<br />
from all directions.<br />
Iraqis traditionally do not use curry<br />
and hot peppers in their cooking. Amba<br />
sauce was transferred from the Indian<br />
peninsula to Basra-Iraq by Iraqi Jewish<br />
merchants in Bombay. The product<br />
found its way to the Souq Hanoon and<br />
Shorja markets in Baghdad at the beginning<br />
of the twentieth century where<br />
it was modified and popularized to fit<br />
the mild taste of Iraqi cuisine.<br />
In this article, we delve into the<br />
rich history of amba in Iraq, exploring<br />
its journey from a humble homemade<br />
delight to a beloved condiment that<br />
can be enjoyed with many traditional<br />
Iraqi dishes, adding a burst of freshness<br />
and a tangy twist to many meals.<br />
Pickling<br />
Pickling was one of the very limited<br />
number of ways to preserve food before<br />
the invention of canning (about<br />
200 years ago) and modern refrigeration.<br />
This process has been an<br />
integral part of civilizations and an<br />
ancient practice to preserve food for<br />
long journeys. Almost anything can<br />
be preserved through pickling—fruits,<br />
vegetables, berries, leaves, roots, and<br />
even some meats.<br />
Vegetables and fruits get spoiled<br />
due to the presence of moisture in<br />
them. One of the ways to preserve<br />
some of these items for a longer period<br />
is the pickling process. Mangoes<br />
get spoiled in a few days, but a mango<br />
pickle lasts for several months.<br />
The true history of pickles remains<br />
somewhat a mystery. They were introduced<br />
so far back in the mists of history<br />
that no one knows exactly when,<br />
although some believe they date back<br />
to India some 4,030 years ago. Pickles<br />
are mentioned in the Bible, in the Old<br />
Testament books Numbers and Isaiah.<br />
Cleopatra attributed some of her<br />
beauty to pickles, Aristotle claimed<br />
that pickled cucumbers had healing<br />
properties, Napolean valued the pickle’s<br />
health benefits for his army, and<br />
reportedly, George Washington had<br />
a collection of 476 different kinds of<br />
pickles. (I wonder if he ate them all.)<br />
What is Amba?<br />
Amba is a liquid sauce with a hot spicy<br />
taste that is widely used in Iraqi food.<br />
It is typically made of pickled green<br />
mangoes, vinegar, salt, turmeric, chili,<br />
and fenugreek. The Iraqi amba may<br />
have been derived from a type of pickle<br />
spread in India and the Arabian Gulf<br />
called green mango chutney.<br />
Amba is available in the market<br />
either in the form of a prepared liquid<br />
in a glass bottle with a wide mouth to<br />
allow the flow of liquid and the mango<br />
fruit pickled in it, or in the form<br />
of a powder from which the dough<br />
is prepared by adding water and vinegar<br />
to it.<br />
To Iraqis, opening a bottle of amba<br />
is a universally enjoyable experience.<br />
The aroma of spices takes us back to<br />
our childhood, and the fiery peppers<br />
and colorful fruits in the mixture are a<br />
sight to behold.<br />
Amba is eaten alone or added to<br />
falafel, shawarma sandwiches, boiled<br />
eggs, eggplant, or fried potatoes and<br />
is considered one of the best ingredients<br />
in Iraqi food. Amba is best when<br />
paired with Hyderabadi biryani, one of<br />
the most popular rice dishes. It is also<br />
the basic material for preparing certain<br />
types of Iraqi Turshi.<br />
One of the amba’s primary purposes<br />
is related to its ability to mask whatever<br />
else you’re eating. Tangy, spicy,<br />
and tropical, amba is a storm of flavors<br />
that adds brightness and complexity<br />
to the simplest of meals. The Baghdadis<br />
developed this taste further and<br />
Amba was associated with the famous<br />
wood-grilled Masghouf (Tigris trout)<br />
on Abou Al-Nawas Street.<br />
The quintessential street food has<br />
evolved to be served in Mediterraneanstyle<br />
restaurants around the world.<br />
With its deep fermented flavors and<br />
spice, amba adds an exciting element<br />
that you’ll be tempted to spread on everything<br />
and anything.<br />
The First Tango with Mango<br />
The Jews of Iraq claim that they were<br />
the first to import amba to Basra from<br />
Bombay, India, and then spread it to<br />
Baghdad and the rest of the country. It<br />
is said that the Sasson family invented<br />
the amba sauce, as we know it in Iraq.<br />
Beginning in the 17th century,<br />
groups of Iraqi Jewish merchants from<br />
Baghdad moved to the Persian Gulf<br />
port of Basra and from there onward<br />
to Mughal India, where they set up settlements<br />
in towns like Bombay, Pune,<br />
and Calcutta. Over time, other Jewish<br />
Arabs from Aleppo and Yemen also often<br />
joined these communities.<br />
In Bombay, the Iraqi Jewish merchants<br />
imported dates and Arabian<br />
horses from Iraq and exported Indian<br />
spices to Basra. They had learned to<br />
eat pickled foods with curry and exported<br />
several barrels of pickled mangoes<br />
seasoned with salt, pepper, and<br />
concentrated curry, to the famed Jewish<br />
community market (Souq Hanoun)<br />
Hanoun market in central Baghdad.<br />
Along with spices, textiles, and luxury<br />
goods, recipes also made their way<br />
back to Iraq from India. One of these<br />
was amba, a delicious and tangy mango<br />
pickle that is at both spicy, sweet, and<br />
sour, and which became a phenomenal<br />
hit across Iraq (and in southwestern Iranian<br />
cities like Ahwaz as well).<br />
By the mid-20th century, amba<br />
was everywhere; Iraqi Jewish novelist<br />
Somekh Sassoon, for example,<br />
describes growing up with it on the<br />
AMBA continued on page 40<br />
38 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
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<strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 39
CULTURE & HISTORY<br />
AMBA continued from page 38<br />
streets of Baghdad in his autobiography,<br />
Baghdad Yesterday.<br />
Baghdadi Jewish cuisine reflects<br />
the long impact of the Indian Ocean<br />
trade. Amba shares space with dishes<br />
like biryani, chicken curry, and<br />
parathas as Baghdadi Jewish favorites.<br />
They were not alone in adopting the<br />
foods of the lands they settled.<br />
The influence of amba on Iraqi cuisine<br />
is undeniable. Ingredients in their<br />
purest forms were handed over to people<br />
to work with, resulting in a unique<br />
identity and culinary delight. Iraqi amba<br />
pickles are truly different and have become<br />
significant part of our palate.<br />
Over time, regional variations of<br />
the Iraqi mango amba<br />
emerged, each infused<br />
with its unique blend of<br />
spices and flavors, reflecting<br />
the culinary diversity<br />
of the product.<br />
erated for weeks, months, and in some<br />
cases, years. The quantities and types<br />
of the ingredients used determine the<br />
final texture and taste.<br />
In India, mango is the main ingredient;<br />
however, Iraqis add other<br />
ingredients such as boiled turnips or<br />
cooked baby carrots, boiled potatoes,<br />
peaches, yellow zucchini, okra, and<br />
red and orange peppers to add taste<br />
and thickness.<br />
One of the benefits of making amba<br />
at home is the ability to personalize it<br />
with different seasonings. Traditional<br />
Indian versions of the sauce use fenu-<br />
like that of making pita bread.<br />
Samoon was not known in the<br />
early part of the last century. Iraqis<br />
first knew Al-Samoon after the fall of<br />
the Ottoman Empire and during the<br />
British occupation of Iraq in the 1920s.<br />
The type of bread moved to Iraq from<br />
Georgia when Armenians immigrated<br />
to Iraq at the end of World War I and<br />
an Armenian by the name of Simon<br />
opened his shop in the western district<br />
of Bab Al-Agha in Baghdad.<br />
Iraqis were used to the traditional<br />
homemade khubuz and started wondering<br />
about this new product and its<br />
The seller cart contained a wooden<br />
barrel full of the yellow sauce and a<br />
basket of samoon. He slit the bread and<br />
spooned amba inside the bread pocket.<br />
The price was 10 fils (10 US cents).<br />
This quintessential street food has<br />
evolved to be served in Mediterraneanstyle<br />
restaurants around the world.<br />
Amba is eaten alone in the form of sandwiches,<br />
which the people call amba<br />
and samoon; sometimes it is added to<br />
falafel sandwiches or shawarma.<br />
Last tango with mango<br />
Ship brand is the most popular<br />
amba among the Iraqis. The preference<br />
Here, There, and<br />
Everywhere<br />
In recent years, with the<br />
rise of globalization and<br />
increased cultural exchange,<br />
Iraqi amba has<br />
transcended geographical<br />
boundaries and captivated<br />
taste buds worldwide.<br />
With its rich history<br />
and diverse flavors, amba<br />
has stood the test of time.<br />
From its humble origins as a homemade<br />
condiment to its present-day accessibility<br />
through platforms and shops worldwide,<br />
it delights generations of food enthusiasts<br />
all over the Middle East.<br />
Just as the Iraqi Jews took amba<br />
to Israel, we, the expatriate sons of<br />
Iraq took amba to Michigan, California,<br />
London, Paris, and around the<br />
world. It has become commonplace to<br />
see the mango amba in oriental food<br />
shops in Europe and the United States.<br />
Making Amba<br />
The beauty of pickle making lies in the<br />
forgiving nature of the time-tested process,<br />
making it accessible even to beginners.<br />
The ingredients of Iraqi amba<br />
are mango slices, salt, vinegar, lemon<br />
salt, turmeric, hot peppers, ground<br />
fenugreek, dried coriander, curry, and<br />
ground spice.<br />
Almost all these items can be<br />
stored in airtight containers and refrig-<br />
greek, turmeric, chili, and mustard<br />
seeds. Some cooks prefer to elevate<br />
the flavors by incorporating tanginess,<br />
usually through the addition of vinegar<br />
and sour sumac. Garlic and cumin<br />
are sometimes used when savory flavors<br />
are preferred. Alternative textures<br />
can also be achieved — ranging from<br />
a smooth mango puree to a chunky,<br />
tender mango salsa-like consistency,<br />
depending on your taste.<br />
Samoon<br />
Samoon is an Iraqi name for a type of<br />
bread. Its name in other Arab countries<br />
is aish, khubuz or loaf. It is one<br />
of the favorite foods in Iraq, especially<br />
at breakfast. It is baked in traditional<br />
stone ovens, like pizza, and<br />
is one of the most widespread breads<br />
in Iraq. The process of making it is<br />
maker. Unable to pronounce “Simon,”<br />
they diluted the word and modified it<br />
to “Samoon;” that coined the word in<br />
the Iraqi vocabulary.<br />
Simon, an Armenian Christian,<br />
concealed his religious beliefs in the<br />
new Moslem setting and expressed his<br />
Christian faith by shaping his product<br />
like a fish, an historical Christian symbol.<br />
Ottomans, Lebanese, Syrians, and<br />
others made the bread round. Simon’s<br />
“samoon” takes the shape of diamond,<br />
boat, or fish.<br />
Amba and samoon was one of the<br />
popular and inexpensive food pairings<br />
that were common in the good days in<br />
Baghdad among children and young<br />
adults. Kids would go out the school<br />
gates and straight to the street cart<br />
vendors selling this combination of<br />
delicious and filling delight.<br />
for Ship indicates how late nineteenthcentury<br />
Basra-Bombay trade routes<br />
continue to define the post-colonial<br />
Iraqi citizen—whether in Iraq, the United<br />
States, or across the diaspora.<br />
Iraqi amba is a great example of<br />
how important history, culture, and<br />
taste are to the food we eat. It is something<br />
special that travels with Iraqis<br />
all over the world. The next time you<br />
want to enjoy mango pickles, whether<br />
at your favorite Iraqi market, restaurant,<br />
or in your own kitchen, let your<br />
imagination run wild and create your<br />
own unique pickling masterpiece. I am<br />
certain that tasting amba will not be<br />
your last tango with mango.<br />
Sources: Khaled al-Qashtini, Ali Kash,<br />
Raed Jaffar, Mutta Haaretz, Marefa.<br />
org, and Alex Shems.<br />
40 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
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<strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 41
FEATURE<br />
Arabian Knights<br />
Depka group<br />
performs at<br />
the Gala.<br />
Celebrating 20 Years<br />
The Chaldean Cultural Center Founders Gala<br />
BY WEAM NAMOU<br />
The Chaldean Cultural Center<br />
(CCC) celebrated its 20th Anniversary<br />
Founders Gala on Friday,<br />
October 20 at Shenandoah Country<br />
Club. It was a night reminiscent<br />
of an ethnic bazaar, with a Chaldean<br />
bread lady, music, and other entertainment<br />
along with a stroll through<br />
the museum, a short documentary and<br />
commemoration.<br />
Led by zurna player Omar Jarbo,<br />
guests were escorted inside the banquet<br />
hall where dancing ensued. Then,<br />
the Arabian Knights, a folk dancing<br />
depka group founded by Hassan Khatter<br />
over 16 years ago, did a performance<br />
and later invited guests to join.<br />
Vanessa Denha Garmo, the Master of<br />
Ceremonies, shared a delightful story<br />
of when she asked her older sister to<br />
borrow her Toyota Subaru. Her sister<br />
said, “Absolutely not!” and as they<br />
quibbled, their father, shaking his<br />
head, said, “You girls are so ungrateful.<br />
When I was your age, I had to<br />
share my donkey with Amo Thomas.”<br />
Another story was of a Chaldean<br />
woman who came to America through<br />
Ellis Island. She had an eye problem<br />
which had to be cured for her to complete<br />
her journey to Michigan. Eventually,<br />
she was cured, giving glory to the<br />
Virgin Mary statue (AKA the Statue of<br />
Liberty), whom she prayed to every day.<br />
Judy Jonna, event chairperson,<br />
handed out the CCC founder plaques<br />
made by renowned artist Sabah Selou<br />
Wazi. The founders include the late<br />
Rosemary Antone, Virjean Arabo,<br />
Francis Boji, Raad Kathawa, Mary Romaya,<br />
Josephine Sarafa, Victor Saroki,<br />
and Hanna Shina.<br />
The Founders’ Stories<br />
Born in Telkaif (Telkeppe) in 1941,<br />
Rosemary Antone came to the United<br />
States in 1950 when she was 9 years old.<br />
She was featured in the documentary<br />
Chaldeans in America: Our Story where<br />
she said, “We want our pioneers to be<br />
proud of what they did and where they<br />
brought us. We want future generations<br />
and our American neighbors and<br />
From left: Vanessa Denha Garmo,<br />
Kashat Spices representative and<br />
Vevean Hababa.<br />
friends to know who Chaldeans are.”<br />
Sadly, Antone passed away in 2009.<br />
Virjean Arabo was born in Samawah,<br />
a city in southern Iraq, to parents<br />
who were both teachers. She went<br />
to college in Iraq, majoring in economics<br />
and political science. In 1967, she<br />
married Faisal and came to the United<br />
States with books packed in her bags.<br />
Her dream was to continue studying,<br />
but she had five children in ten years,<br />
now all grown. “They continued<br />
studying in my place,” she said.<br />
Arabo, an artist, was invited by Josephine<br />
Sarafa to attend a meeting at<br />
Southfield Manor. Though she didn’t<br />
know what the meeting was about, she<br />
went. “There were many people, and<br />
the next meeting, less people, and the<br />
meeting after that, even less people than<br />
that,” she said. “I was one of the ones<br />
who ended up staying until the end.”<br />
Francis Boji’s father, a builder,<br />
came and worked in the United Stated<br />
from 1929 to 1935, then returned to<br />
Iraq. Francis was born in Telkaif in<br />
1942. He studied engineering and at<br />
age 21, taught at the Faculty of Engineering.<br />
He came to America with his<br />
wife and children in 1980. “There is an<br />
Iraqi museum, and there are other museums<br />
that dedicate parts to the Chaldeans,”<br />
he said, “but this museum is<br />
100% Chaldean, and for Chaldeans,<br />
and it is authentically Chaldean.”<br />
Raad Kathawa was born in Telkaif<br />
and came to the United States in 1969.<br />
He bought his first store in 1973 and<br />
worked in the supermarket business<br />
for 49 years. In the 1980s, he began<br />
working with organizations such<br />
as the AFD (Associated Food Dealers<br />
of Michigan). “We should teach our<br />
children and grandchildren who we<br />
are, and where we are from, so that<br />
they become interested not only in<br />
this museum, but in the history of the<br />
Chaldeans in general,” he said.<br />
Mary Romaya is a retired teacher<br />
and former Executive Director of the<br />
CCC. Born in Detroit, she graduated<br />
from the University of Detroit with a<br />
B.A. in History and received an M.A.<br />
Degree in School Administration from<br />
Eastern Michigan University. She<br />
worked for 45 years as a professional<br />
educator with Warren Woods Public<br />
Schools, leaving the district in Janu-<br />
PHOTOS BY STEVEN ATTISHA<br />
42 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
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ary 2011. “Shenandoah gave us just a<br />
little over 2,000 square feet with the<br />
idea that maybe one day we would put<br />
a museum in here,” she said.<br />
Josephine Sarafa was born in Detroit,<br />
Michigan and grew up speaking<br />
only Chaldean. “I didn’t know there<br />
were other languages in the world,”<br />
she said. She started working at her<br />
father’s store at age 12 and was reportedly<br />
the first Chaldean girl to go<br />
to college in the United States, to the<br />
University of Detroit, which was two<br />
miles from her home. “I took the 7 Mile<br />
bus and then the Livernois bus to get<br />
to college,” she said. She had a double<br />
major – Psychology and Education<br />
– and graduated in 1960. She started<br />
teaching in Detroit, and later in her<br />
life, taught at the Birmingham schools.<br />
The youngest of 5 children, Victor<br />
Saroki was born in 1957 in Detroit. He<br />
is the president of Saroki Architecture,<br />
a multi award-winning architecture<br />
and interiors firm in Birmingham,<br />
Michigan, since 1983. Victor graduated<br />
from the College of Architecture<br />
& Design at Lawrence Technological<br />
University. He designed Shenandoah<br />
Country Club, the museum, and he’ll<br />
be designing the new Chaldean Community<br />
Center West Campus.<br />
“Mike George and other Chaldeans<br />
bought Shenandoah to be the<br />
next home for Chaldeans beyond<br />
what Southfield Manor was,” he said.<br />
“They interviewed many prominent<br />
architects, and fortunately, we were<br />
selected. That was a tribute for us and<br />
an important project because it was<br />
for the community and the legacy for<br />
what the Chaldeans have done in the<br />
Detroit area.”<br />
In his youth, Hanna Shina, born in<br />
Telkaif, received several trophies for<br />
his participation in sports. When he<br />
came to the United States, he opened<br />
a store, coffee shop, and a restaurant<br />
in the 7 Mile area. “I went to Iraq and<br />
brought the founders whatever they<br />
wanted from me,” he said.<br />
Other Work<br />
While the museum is the “crown jewel,”<br />
the CCC encompasses much more<br />
than that. As executive director of the<br />
Center, I had the opportunity to speak<br />
after the award ceremony about the<br />
impact of our programs, one of which<br />
is Digital Storytelling. I was able to<br />
thank videographers Fadi Attisha and<br />
Michael Nafso for their hard work and<br />
commitment to the Digital Storytelling<br />
program and introduce Vevean Hababa,<br />
a participant.<br />
Vevean lives in the senior home<br />
adjacent to Holy Martyrs Chaldean<br />
Church. A retired teacher, she was visiting<br />
the United States in 2014 when<br />
ISIS attacked her birthplace and destroyed<br />
her beautiful home and everything<br />
in it, including a manuscript of<br />
poems she’d been writing since she<br />
was in fifth grade. A fitting tribute to<br />
the tenacity of the community, at the<br />
end of the ceremony, Hababa sang “I<br />
Have a Dream,” a song she shared with<br />
her students who have remained in<br />
contact with her, to remember whenever<br />
they feel despair.<br />
<strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 43
LIFE SKILLS<br />
Health Insurance<br />
Navigating the maddening maze<br />
BY PAUL NATINSKY<br />
Obtaining health insurance and using the coverage<br />
once insured is complicated even for<br />
English speakers who were born in the United<br />
States. It gets more confusing for non-English speakers,<br />
and still more puzzling for those new to the country.<br />
Most U.S. citizens, and legal immigrants working<br />
for U.S. companies, have health insurance through<br />
their employers. These plans differ significantly in<br />
what services are covered and how much the patient<br />
has to pay.<br />
How it works<br />
Several terms are important to know here.<br />
The premium is the amount of money patients<br />
and their employers pay each month for coverage.<br />
This amount varies depending on the types of services<br />
covered by the plan. Typically, the employer pays<br />
all or most of the premium. If employees are required<br />
to pay a portion of the premium, usually it is deducted<br />
from their paycheck.<br />
Once employees are enrolled and issued an insurance<br />
card they may make appointments with doctors,<br />
visit the hospital if necessary, and receive other<br />
services. At this point, patients will encounter three<br />
new terms: co-pay, deductible and out-of-pocket<br />
maximum. These terms go together because they are<br />
part of the same equation.<br />
The co-pay is pretty simple. It is the part of the<br />
medical bill that the patient pays, typically a percentage.<br />
So, for example if a doctor’s bill is $100 and the<br />
co-pay is 20%, the insurance plan pays $80 and the<br />
patient pays $20.<br />
Looking at the next term—deductible—is where<br />
things begin to get complicated. In many plans, patients<br />
are required to pay 100% of medical bills until<br />
the total of their bills adds up to a certain amount,<br />
often several thousand dollars. Once the patient has<br />
“satisfied” the deductible, say it’s $4,000, then the<br />
insurance company begins paying 80% and the patient<br />
the remaining 20%.<br />
This brings us to the out-of-pocket maximum, an<br />
amount significantly higher than the deductible. After<br />
a patient spends a certain amount of money, let’s<br />
say $7,500 on health services, including copays, services<br />
are covered 100%.<br />
As if things are not complicated enough, every<br />
plan is different. The details of insurance plans are<br />
the results of negotiations between the employer and<br />
the insurance company. So, plans through the same<br />
insurance company for two different employers are<br />
likely to have different co-pays, deductibles, and outof-pocket<br />
maximums—and cover different services.<br />
Dental and Vision<br />
In many cases, the health insurance plan does not<br />
cover dental care or vision/eyeglasses. Those services<br />
are covered under separate plans…and they generally<br />
don’t operate like health coverage.<br />
Routine care such as checkups, dental cleanings,<br />
and eye exams is greatly discounted for patients.<br />
Significant dental work, such as fillings and<br />
crowns and eyeglasses, are typically covered with<br />
a co-pay up to a certain amount. Once that limit is<br />
reached, patients are usually responsible for any<br />
additional dental services or eyeglass costs until the<br />
next coverage year begins.<br />
So, health care costs are usually limited for patients,<br />
while dental and vision coverage give patients<br />
an allowance with any additional costs going<br />
to the patient.<br />
Confused? Don’t feel bad. Most people are perplexed<br />
by this puzzle. The bad news is that things get<br />
more complicated.<br />
Networks<br />
Health care, dental, and vision services are subject<br />
to “networks,” which are groups of doctors, dentists,<br />
eye care centers, and other professionals who<br />
agree to receive a discounted fee from the insurance<br />
company in exchange for the volume of patients the<br />
health care professional receives from being part of<br />
the network.<br />
The insurance company passes on a portion of this<br />
discount to the patient. So, patients pay a lower fee<br />
when they use “in-network” professionals.<br />
Most people in the United States have employersponsored<br />
insurance. But what about people who<br />
don’t work or whose employer doesn’t offer health insurance?<br />
People in these situations can receive coverage<br />
from a number of different sources.<br />
Government Programs<br />
Those who are below a certain income level or who<br />
have a disability can get coverage from Medicaid, a<br />
cooperative state and federal program administered<br />
by individual states. That’s right, more complexity.<br />
Each state has its own Medicaid program with different<br />
rules and coverages.<br />
People who work for employers that don’t offer<br />
insurance can get federally subsidized plans through<br />
healthcare.gov. These plans operate a lot like private<br />
insurance, but are less expensive because the federal<br />
government pays most of the cost. Healthcare.gov<br />
plans are subject to income limits and the unavailability<br />
of employer-sponsored options.<br />
For people older than 65, the federal government<br />
offers a comprehensive plan under the Medicare<br />
program. The patient portion of the premium is low<br />
and most services are covered. Inexpensive “supplemental”<br />
plans offered by private insurers cover what<br />
Medicare doesn’t.<br />
For these public programs, there is a crazy quilt<br />
of regulations about eligibility, coverages, and other<br />
aspects.<br />
For those who have refugee status, are undocumented<br />
immigrants, or have other special circumstances,<br />
non-profit organizations, immigration<br />
lawyers, and other resources are available to help<br />
navigate this intricate maze.<br />
The system is complicated and in need of reform<br />
to make it easier for patients and able to cover more<br />
people. Until that day everyone will continue to try<br />
and keep pace.<br />
44 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
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<strong>2023</strong> NEWS 45
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT<br />
Chaldean Filmmakers<br />
Hear the Call: Sam Sako<br />
BY WEAM NAMOU<br />
A<br />
foreign language coach in<br />
Hollywood, Chaldean American<br />
Sam Sako is often called<br />
on by producers to coach some of the<br />
world’s best known on-screen talent,<br />
including Leonardo DiCaprio, Omar<br />
Sharif, Mark Strong, Russell Crowe,<br />
Oscar Isaac, Brad Dourif, Tim Roth,<br />
Scott Glenn, Danny Trejo, and Freddy<br />
Rodriguez.<br />
“To me, working with major actors<br />
has become a job,” says Sako.<br />
Sako recently produced Pomegranate,<br />
the first Iraqi American feature<br />
film led by women talent (yours<br />
truly). The film began circulating festivals<br />
earlier this year and so far, it<br />
has earned awards, nominations, and<br />
official selections from over a dozen<br />
international film festivals, including<br />
New York International Women Festival,<br />
Santa Barbara International Movie<br />
Awards, La Femme Independent<br />
Film Festival (Paris, France), Luleå<br />
International Film Festival (Sweden),<br />
Rome Prisma Film Awards (Rome,<br />
Italy), Birsamunda International Film<br />
Awards (India), and Amsterdam Movie<br />
Fest, among others.<br />
“The awards that Pomegranate has<br />
won is just the beginning,” said Sako.<br />
“There’s more to come.”<br />
Once he committed to this project,<br />
Sam made sure to see it through even<br />
though it took years of hard work. “If I<br />
believe in something, I always go the<br />
extra mile and I don’t back down until<br />
I get the job done,” he said.<br />
Sam’s nickname (“Sam of All<br />
Trades”) comes from his broad knowledge<br />
of the industry resulting from<br />
over four decades of work in Hollywood<br />
as an actor, casting director,<br />
voiceover artist, Middle East cultural<br />
consultant, dialect coach, ADR performer,<br />
cinematographer, editor, producer,<br />
and director.<br />
He’s worked extensively on independent<br />
and major studio domestic<br />
and foreign releases, particularly<br />
those for Middle East markets. His<br />
best- known films include Body of<br />
Lies, Green Zone, Hidalgo, The Passion<br />
of the Christ, Iron Man, Mad Max:<br />
Fury Road, Beverly Hills Cop II, and<br />
RoboCop. Major television projects include<br />
Over There, Touch, NCIS, Weeds,<br />
Homeland, and Lethal Weapon.<br />
Knowing Chaldean families expected<br />
their children to become engineers,<br />
doctors, and lawyers, Sako initially<br />
studied engineering, but he didn’t continue<br />
that path. “It wasn’t my thing,” he<br />
said. “I was always fascinated by Hollywood<br />
and American films.”<br />
Born in Baghdad, Sako left Iraq<br />
shortly before the Iran-Iraq war. As a<br />
young man, he lived in different places<br />
throughout the Middle East where he<br />
learned many languages and some Arabic<br />
dialects including Egyptian, Khaliji,<br />
Yemeni, Lebanese, Moroccan, Saudi,<br />
Farsi and Dari/Pashtune. Soon after<br />
his high school graduation, his family<br />
moved to Greece. There, he learned a<br />
new culture and language, and soon<br />
moved to the United States. He lived in<br />
Detroit for two years, where he received<br />
an A.A. degree in Liberal Arts from<br />
Wayne County Community College.<br />
“I couldn’t stand the cold in Michigan,<br />
so I moved to California and never<br />
looked back,” he said.<br />
In California, he earned a B.A. in<br />
Motion Picture and Television Production<br />
from California State University<br />
Northridge. He also continued studies<br />
in cinema at UCLA.<br />
After 9/11, movies shifted to those<br />
with Middle Eastern themes. Sako’s<br />
background, his travels, and his<br />
knowledge of the film industry had<br />
many Hollywood directors and producers<br />
reach out to him for jobs. For<br />
decades, Sako advocated for Arab/<br />
Middle Eastern films with positive<br />
messaging.<br />
“Hollywood films tend to portray<br />
Arabs and Middle Easterners as bad<br />
people and don’t even give them a<br />
name,” he explained. “Their characters<br />
in the credits are ‘Terrorist #1,’<br />
‘Terrorist #2,’ ‘Woman #1,’ ‘Man #2.’<br />
Enough of that! It’s time we give them<br />
names in the films to show who we<br />
are, whether Christian, Muslim, Jew,<br />
or anyone else.”<br />
One of the reasons he got involved<br />
with Pomegranate is that “It showed<br />
the good side of Arabs and Middle<br />
Easterners.” Another reason was that<br />
the film was being directed by a woman<br />
of Middle Eastern descent. (Again,<br />
yours truly.)<br />
“I always had great respect for<br />
women, a deep respect which increased<br />
after the birth of my son,” he<br />
said, “I have a wife and two daughters<br />
in the medical field. I believe in Arab<br />
women, especially the Iraqis who carry<br />
a great load on their shoulders. So,<br />
when Weam called me about her film,<br />
I thought, she’s not only from the Arab<br />
Clockwise from top left: Sam with Tom<br />
Hanks in 1985 on the set of the Man<br />
with One Red Shoe; on the set of Sheik<br />
in Dubai; Sam with Weam Namou on<br />
the set of Pomegranate.<br />
PHOTOS COURTESY SAM SAKO<br />
community, but she’s from my blood.<br />
How can I not support her?”<br />
Made by the community it represents,<br />
Pomegranate’s script was selected<br />
as a quarterfinalist by Francis Coppola’s<br />
Zoetrope. Buffalo 8 Productions<br />
(in Santa Monica, California) then<br />
partnered with me during the development<br />
stage. Later, one of Hollywood’s<br />
most successful independent producers,<br />
Scott Rosenfelt, known for box<br />
office hits such as Home Alone and<br />
Mystic Pizza, signed on as the film’s<br />
executive producer.<br />
Sam understood the value of what<br />
we were doing and was incredibly supportive.<br />
Pomegranate follows the life journey<br />
of Niran, a young Muslim woman<br />
coming of age in Metro Detroit after emigrating<br />
from Iraq. She lives in Sterling<br />
Heights, nicknamed “Little Baghdad,”<br />
for its large population of Chaldeans.<br />
Niran walks a fine line between ancestral<br />
norms and the freedoms of a new<br />
generation. Inspired by her idol Enheduanna<br />
of ancient Mesopotamia, the<br />
first writer in recorded history, she navigates<br />
societal challenges, fights against<br />
cultural stereotypes, and aims to make<br />
her voice heard by all those around her.<br />
Through the magic of storytelling,<br />
we are shattering stereotypes and<br />
nurturing new ways of thinking. It’s a<br />
significant undertaking, especially for<br />
women who, in our society, tend to live<br />
in the shadows.<br />
Sako, who’s working on his own<br />
feature film Sea of Chaldea, added, “I<br />
think it’s time for us to make our own<br />
films and show people who we are. We<br />
have the power. We have the knowledge.<br />
We know how to make films.”<br />
For more information on Pomegranate,<br />
visit pomegranatemovie.com.<br />
46 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
<strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 47
FAMILY TIME<br />
Beyond the Turkey<br />
New Thanksgiving traditions to try this year<br />
BY VALENE AYAR<br />
Now that we have packed away<br />
our Halloween decorations,<br />
it is time to turn our focus to<br />
Thanksgiving and the holiday season.<br />
This is the perfect time of year to<br />
focus on family and loved ones with<br />
some classic (and new) traditions!<br />
Below is a list of ideas to incorporate<br />
this coming “Turkey Day.”<br />
While turkey is usually the main<br />
event at any Thanksgiving feast, it is<br />
also a good idea to branch out. Why<br />
not call relatives and friends and ask<br />
them for their best recipes with other<br />
dishes? Even better if the new recipe<br />
happens to be a spin on a traditional<br />
Chaldean dish! After the holiday is<br />
done, you will have a new recipe you<br />
can make whenever you want. It is the<br />
gift that keeps on giving.<br />
A fun way to get everyone involved<br />
while bringing more food into the<br />
mix, have your (willing) guests make<br />
a small pot of dolma to bring with<br />
them. Assign each one a number and<br />
let everyone try the different dishes to<br />
decide whose is best. This is a fun way<br />
to get the adults involved and in the<br />
competitive spirit.<br />
Thanksgiving is a beautiful day to<br />
reflect on all we have to be grateful<br />
for and to help those less fortunate.<br />
While shelters and soup kitchens are<br />
typically overrun with volunteers on<br />
this day, that doesn’t mean you can’t<br />
find other ways to give back. Why not<br />
volunteer at an animal shelter or go<br />
around the neighborhood and collect<br />
canned food to donate? You can even<br />
ask your guests to bring some canned<br />
goods to your holiday dinner along<br />
with any side dishes. It doesn’t cost<br />
much and is a great way to teach your<br />
children the importance of charity and<br />
compassion.<br />
We’ve already established that<br />
Thanksgiving Day is a day of reflection<br />
for all that we are grateful for, so why<br />
not also set gratitude intentions for the<br />
coming year? Have everyone make a list<br />
of future things to be grateful for and<br />
save the list for next year to see how<br />
those things have come to fruition. You<br />
may think of it as a Gratitude List/New<br />
Year’s Resolution hybrid. Be sure to express<br />
your intentions in present tense,<br />
as if they have already happened.<br />
Studies show that setting intentions/<br />
affirmations in the present rewires the<br />
subconscious mind to get to work on<br />
making those intentions come true.<br />
While the turkey usually holds center<br />
stage on Thanksgiving, there is no<br />
reason you can’t introduce some nice<br />
decor to bolster the main star! Why<br />
not keep the kids busy creating crafts<br />
while you finish up cooking? (We’ve all<br />
seen those handprint turkeys.) You can<br />
make it even more fun by introducing<br />
some friendly competition into the mix.<br />
Offer a treat or reward for whoever creates<br />
the nicest centerpiece.<br />
Another way to entertain the kids is<br />
by introducing some fun and games to<br />
the holiday. It doesn’t just have to be the<br />
kids; everyone can have fun with this<br />
one. Play “Turkey Trivia” or break out<br />
photos from Thanksgivings past and<br />
make a game of identifying the photo<br />
subjects. Scavenger hunts and Bingo<br />
games are always fun and are easy to<br />
modify for any holiday. How about hosting<br />
your own neighborhood Thanksgiving<br />
Day Parade? It can be on foot, on<br />
A TTORNEYS & C O UNSELORS AT LAW<br />
bikes, on scooters, or your choice.<br />
Whatever you do to make your<br />
holiday more festive, remember it’s<br />
the effort that counts. Have a Happy<br />
Thanksgiving!<br />
Who doesn’t love making a wish<br />
with a wishbone? But it is typically a<br />
challenge to decide who gets to split<br />
it. Why not hide it somewhere in the<br />
house and have everyone split into<br />
teams of two to find it. Whichever duo<br />
finds it gets to break it!<br />
Football is great but in between the<br />
endless stream of games all day, it is<br />
nice to break it up with a Christmas<br />
Movie so everyone can enjoy. This is<br />
great for after dinner when the food is<br />
digesting and making everyone sleepy.<br />
With so many streaming platforms,<br />
you will have no problem finding a<br />
movie everyone will love! Home Alone<br />
has always been a personal favorite!<br />
Hopefully this list has provided<br />
you with some fun new ways to enjoy<br />
the holiday and bond with your loved<br />
ones. What are some of your favorites<br />
not on this list?<br />
48 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
YOUR<br />
Therapy can be a big step toward being the<br />
healthiest version of yourself and living the<br />
best life possible — our licensed, professional<br />
therapists are here for you to access. Through<br />
therapy, you can change self-destructive behaviors<br />
and habits, resolve painful feelings, improve<br />
your relationships, and share your feelings and<br />
experiences. Individuals often seek therapy for<br />
help with issues that may be hard to face alone.<br />
CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY: The CCF and Project Light is<br />
committed to your privacy and confidentiality and are sensitive to<br />
the stigma and stress that come with seeking mental health support.<br />
Therefore, all counseling records are kept strictly confidential.<br />
Information is not shared without client’s written consent. Exceptions<br />
to confidentiality are rare and include persons who threaten safety of<br />
themselves others or in circumstances of a court order.<br />
In therapy your therapist will help you to establish<br />
person centered goals and determine the steps you<br />
will take to reach those goals. Your relationship<br />
with your therapist is confidential and our common<br />
therapeutic goal for those we engage is to inspire<br />
healthy change to improve quality of life — no<br />
matter the challenge.<br />
We invite you seek out the Light of Project Light!<br />
Serving individuals ages 13 years and up. Please call<br />
to request a Project Light Intake at (586) 722-7253.<br />
Looking for a great opportunity to make a difference?<br />
NOW HIRING Behavioral Health Professional Therapists.<br />
— Apply at www.chaldeanfoundation.org<br />
Chaldean Community Foundation<br />
3601 15 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48310<br />
<strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 49
SPORTS<br />
Chaldeans and Golf<br />
BY MIKEY LOSSIA<br />
As we approach the end of fall,<br />
Danny Shaba, Nick Hermiz,<br />
and I reflect on another season<br />
of golf, full of intense competition,<br />
thrilling finishes, and memorable<br />
moments. This was a golf season<br />
that included winning, losing, and<br />
most importantly, creating experiences—experiences<br />
that we try to build<br />
on every year within the Chaldean<br />
community. For Chaldeans, that was<br />
not always the case.<br />
When I was a child, my father,<br />
Richie Lossia, was one of the few<br />
within the Chaldean community that<br />
pushed golf as a family recreation. My<br />
two older sisters, my older brother,<br />
and I grew up playing competitive golf<br />
throughout our childhoods and into<br />
high school. My brother played in college<br />
for the University of Michigan.<br />
During that time, even though<br />
golf has been a part of many cultures<br />
throughout the world, it was a foreign<br />
language for most Chaldean families.<br />
However, over the years, especially in<br />
the last ten years or so, we as a community<br />
have finally begun to embrace golf<br />
and its many longstanding traditions,<br />
traditions that our future Chaldean<br />
generations can embrace, expand on,<br />
and be proud of as a community.<br />
Tournaments<br />
As part of building legacies and traditions,<br />
we started three non-handicap<br />
team tournaments geared toward the<br />
top players in the Chaldean community:<br />
the Middle East Cup, the Chaldean<br />
Cup, and the East-West Cup.<br />
The Middle East Cup is a two-day<br />
team tournament, one day at Knollwood<br />
Country Club and one day at Wabeek<br />
Country Club. Team rosters are<br />
comprised of twelve of the top golfers<br />
in the Jewish community versus twelve<br />
of the top golfers in the Chaldean community.<br />
Although Team Chaldean has<br />
been the underdog on paper all three<br />
years, we are 3-0. Our name was permanently<br />
engraved on the trophy each<br />
of those years, something we as a team<br />
take a lot of pride in, not just for ourselves,<br />
but for the entire community.<br />
We started the Chaldean Cup three<br />
years ago and it has grown to fortyfour<br />
players this year. There are two<br />
teams, Team Black and Team White.<br />
This is a three-day team tournament<br />
each September with an opening dinner<br />
after day one’s matches. Rounds<br />
are held at Shenandoah Country Club<br />
and Wabeek Country Club. The tournament<br />
is full of back-and-forth matches,<br />
ups and downs, joy and sorrow. Above<br />
all, it is a weekend full of non-stop fun.<br />
The players bond with both teammates<br />
and opponents and grow relationships<br />
with other fellow Chaldeans that otherwise<br />
would not have existed.<br />
The third tournament, the East-<br />
West Cup, began last year. We traveled<br />
to San Diego to play some of the top<br />
Chaldean players living in California.<br />
We (Team Michigan) were victorious<br />
in year one, but one of the bigger accomplishments<br />
was expanding relationships<br />
in the Chaldean golfing community<br />
from Michigan all the way to<br />
California and building a foundation<br />
together in a cross-country tournament<br />
that will carry on as the years<br />
pass.<br />
Next year, the plan is to add a<br />
fourth tournament and commence<br />
the first-ever Chaldean Championship<br />
to crown the best male Chaldean<br />
golfer every year. It will be open to any<br />
Chaldean golfer with an index of 12 or<br />
below. The tournament will be played<br />
over three days gross stroke play, with<br />
a cut line after day 2. The courses have<br />
yet to be determined.<br />
PHOTOS COURTESY MIKEY LOSSIA<br />
Clockwise from top left: <strong>2023</strong> Chaldean<br />
Cup champions Team Black;<br />
<strong>2023</strong> Middle East Cup champions<br />
Team Chaldean; <strong>2023</strong> East West<br />
Cup champions Team Michigan; and<br />
<strong>2023</strong> East West Team Michigan and<br />
Team California.<br />
Creating Traditions<br />
We created and organized these tournaments<br />
to build on the golfing enthusiasm<br />
and momentum within our community<br />
and to create new traditions,<br />
especially for our children. Golf is a<br />
vehicle that allows traditions to grow,<br />
that live on for future generations, and<br />
a sport that our youth can aim to compete<br />
at high levels of competition. It<br />
is a sport that we as a community can<br />
achieve success at and be proud of.<br />
As a community, we should continue<br />
to encourage our youth to strive<br />
to excel, not only for continuing and<br />
creating new traditions for our children,<br />
but also for their personal ambitions.<br />
As more Chaldeans start playing<br />
golf at younger ages, the number<br />
of great players we have in the community<br />
will grow.<br />
The tournaments we have created<br />
reward mostly the top current Chaldean<br />
players; as we get older, it will be<br />
the next generation of younger Chaldean<br />
golfers that will take our place.<br />
For most of us, being one of the best<br />
players in the community and being<br />
part of Team Chaldean or being the<br />
Chaldean Championship winner is a<br />
great achievement, but for the younger<br />
golfing generations, I hope they grow<br />
to aspire not to just be part of Team<br />
Chaldean or the Chaldean Champion<br />
and one of the best players in our community,<br />
but one of the best in the sport<br />
amongst all cultures.<br />
Starting tournaments like we have<br />
will only fuel the motivation and determination<br />
amongst the future generations<br />
of Chaldean golfers and I<br />
strongly believe that golf, if started<br />
young enough, is the one sport that<br />
many future Chaldeans can compete<br />
at the highest level of competition.<br />
As a small community, Chaldean<br />
Americans have many accomplishments<br />
to be proud of, but we now have<br />
the momentum to incorporate golf as<br />
a fixture of our culture. Hopefully, we<br />
continue to embrace the sport of golf<br />
and maybe one day we will see our first<br />
Chaldean male playing in the Masters<br />
on a Sunday evening in April walking<br />
down the 18th fairway at Augusta or<br />
our first Chaldean female playing in<br />
the Women’s US Open.<br />
Editor’s Note: The Chaldean<br />
Community Foundation hosts an<br />
annual golf outing and has been doing<br />
it for two decades. The Chaldean<br />
American Chamber of Commerce<br />
added its own outing in 2020.<br />
50 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
CHALDEAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION<br />
Educational programs<br />
Registration now open!<br />
Please call for an appointment.<br />
All Nationalities Welcome!<br />
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE<br />
GED (HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY DEGREE)<br />
Provides individuals English instruction<br />
at basic/beginner and intermediate/<br />
advanced levels<br />
Small group instruction for<br />
individuals working towards their<br />
GED<br />
Sept. 11, <strong>2023</strong>-Jan. 26, 2024<br />
Sept. 11, <strong>2023</strong>-Jan. 26, 2024<br />
LITTLE SCHOLARS PRESCHOOL<br />
Prepares children for kindergarten<br />
through a variety of emergent<br />
literacy, early learning and<br />
development opportunities<br />
CITIZENSHIP PREPARATION<br />
Offers instruction and training for<br />
successful completion of the U.S.<br />
Citizenship and Immigration Services<br />
(USCIS) Naturalization interview<br />
Sept. 11, <strong>2023</strong> – June 28, 2024 Oct. 3, <strong>2023</strong> – Dec. 14, <strong>2023</strong><br />
We can’t wait to see you!<br />
Want to learn more? Please contact Rachel Rose at<br />
Rachel.rose@chaldeanfoundation.org or call (586) 722-7253<br />
3601 15 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48310<br />
<strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 51
EVENT<br />
1. MotorCity Sound Board<br />
was packed for this<br />
annual business event.<br />
2. Detroit Mayor Mike<br />
Duggan took questions<br />
from the audience.<br />
3. Detroit Councilmember<br />
Coleman A. Young<br />
II presented CACC<br />
president Martin Manna<br />
with a Spirit of Detroit<br />
Award, for the Chamber’s<br />
20-year anniversary<br />
and for “not leaving the<br />
city when every other<br />
business did.”<br />
4. Attendees had the opportunity<br />
to win prizes;<br />
First State Bank offered<br />
cash and lottery tickets!<br />
5. Attendees were treated<br />
to an exciting 5-minute<br />
video of the Chaldean<br />
Community Foundation’s<br />
year in review.<br />
1<br />
2 3<br />
4<br />
17th Annual CACC<br />
Business Luncheon<br />
PHOTOS BY DANY ASHAKA<br />
The Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce<br />
hosted the 17th Annual Business Luncheon on Friday,<br />
October 13 with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan as<br />
the keynote speaker. Approximately 300 attendees<br />
from the Chamber’s member businesses as well as<br />
invited dignitaries and elected officials enjoyed the<br />
opportunity to network and even ask questions of<br />
the mayor at the event at MotorCity Casino’s Sound<br />
Board Theater. During the program, Detroit City<br />
Councilman Coleman A. Young Jr. presented Chamber<br />
president Martin Manna with a Spirit of Detroit<br />
Award, acknowledging the Chamber’s 20-year anniversary<br />
and thanking the Chaldean community for<br />
keeping Detroit in groceries after most businesses<br />
fled the city following the 1967 riots.<br />
5<br />
52 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS<br />
Authorized Agent for:<br />
Phone: (248) 851-2227<br />
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Fax: (248) 851-2215<br />
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ROCKY H. HUSAYNU<br />
Professional Insurance Planners<br />
Individual & Group Health Plans<br />
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Office (248) 737-9500<br />
Direct (248) 939-1985<br />
Fax (248) 737-1868<br />
Email MortgageGabe@aol.com<br />
Angela Kakos<br />
Producing Branch Manager - VP of Mortgage Lending<br />
o: (248) 622-0704<br />
rate.com/angelakakos<br />
angela.kakos@rate.com<br />
2456 Metropolitan Parkway, Sterling Heights, MI 48310<br />
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ELIAS KATTOULA<br />
CAREER SERVICES MANAGER<br />
Advertise<br />
JACQUELINE RAXTER, LMSW, LPC<br />
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH<br />
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TEL: (586) 722-7253<br />
FAX: (586) 722-7257<br />
phone: 248-851-8600 fax: 248-851-1348<br />
jacqueline.raxter@chaldeanfoundation.org<br />
30095 Northwestern Highway, Suite 101<br />
www.chaldeanfoundation.org<br />
Farmington Hills, MI 48334<br />
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CHALDEAN<br />
AMERICAN<br />
CHAMBER OF<br />
COMMERCE<br />
CHALDEAN COMMUNITY<br />
FOUNDATION<br />
CHALDEAN<br />
AMERICAN<br />
CHAMBER OF<br />
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SANA NAVARRETTE<br />
DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT<br />
30095 Northwestern Highway, Suite 101<br />
Farmington Hills, MI 48334<br />
CELL (248) 925-7773<br />
TEL (248) 851-1200<br />
FAX (248) 851-1348<br />
snavarrette@chaldeanchamber.com<br />
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www.chaldeanfoundation.org<br />
3601 15 Mile Road<br />
Sterling Heights, MI 48310<br />
TEL: (586) 722-7253<br />
FAX: (586) 722-7257<br />
elias.kattoula@chaldeanfoundation.org<br />
www.chaldeanfoundation.org<br />
MARIAM ABDALLA<br />
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH STACY THERAPIST BAHRI<br />
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES MANAGER<br />
3601 3601 15 15 Mile Mile Road Road<br />
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FAX:<br />
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mariam.abdalla@chaldeanfoundation.org<br />
stacy.bahri@chaldeanfoundation.org<br />
www.chaldeanfoundation.org<br />
www.chaldeanfoundation.org<br />
LANGUAGE continued from page 25<br />
forts to use Hebrew in meetings and<br />
public activities; finally, people began<br />
to use it for general purposes, and it<br />
grew exponentially from there. Jews<br />
around the world learn Hebrew to stay<br />
connected to their culture.<br />
The Jewish example offers a roadmap<br />
for reviving a language, but there<br />
are some important differences between<br />
our communities. The Jewish<br />
diaspora began thousands of years<br />
ago, but the Chaldean diaspora is less<br />
than 200 years old. Zionism called<br />
Jews back to Israel after they were<br />
persecuted in other lands. This is not<br />
SANA NAVARRETTE<br />
DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT<br />
30095 Northwestern Highway, Suite 101<br />
Farmington Hills, MI 48334<br />
CELL (248) 925-7773<br />
TEL (248) 851-1200<br />
an option for Chaldeans, FAX (248) 851-1348 as our plight<br />
is reversed; snavarrette@chaldeanchamber.com<br />
we struggle with violence<br />
www.chaldeanchamber.com<br />
and persecution www.chaldeanfoundation.org<br />
in our homeland,<br />
but Chaldeans are generally accepted<br />
and prosperous in the places we have<br />
moved to since leaving Iraq. Our traditional<br />
Catholic religion is well-suited<br />
for the western world compared to<br />
the vast differences between Judaism<br />
and western Christianity. In addition,<br />
Israel was granted statehood, autonomy,<br />
and legitimacy by the global<br />
community, but a state or province for<br />
Chaldeans in northern Iraq and eastern<br />
Turkey has been denied time and<br />
time again.<br />
Many Chaldeans recognize the patterns<br />
and are dedicated to changing<br />
them by making life easier for Sureth<br />
speakers. Just this year, the Assyrian<br />
community in Chicago reached<br />
a historic win by implementing a basic<br />
Sureth course, which students<br />
can take for credit, in their local high<br />
school. In Detroit, the Chaldean Community<br />
Foundation is developing a<br />
language assessment that bilingual<br />
high school students can take for a<br />
language credit.<br />
Other efforts aim to fully reestablish<br />
the use of Sureth in our community.<br />
Among the clergy, knowledge<br />
of Sureth is required, and Chaldean<br />
Mass in our native language happens<br />
weekly. Throughout Detroit, many organizations<br />
put on Sureth language<br />
classes, including the University of<br />
Detroit Mercy, the Chaldean Cultural<br />
Center, and St. Thomas Chaldean<br />
Catholic Church. When the Chaldean<br />
Community Foundation completes its<br />
facility in West Bloomfield, it plans to<br />
hold Sureth classes as well.<br />
“Our parents’ generation is a dying<br />
breed,” according to Chris. “Once<br />
they’re gone, they’re gone. It’s not like<br />
we have a massive influx of people<br />
coming into our community. All roads<br />
lead to Sureth in terms of community,<br />
unity, building bonds, and cultural<br />
significance.”<br />
<strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 53
$500<br />
$1,000<br />
$250<br />
$500<br />
$125<br />
$250<br />
https://www.chaldeanfoundation.org/national-civics-bee/<br />
State Finalists who advance<br />
to the national competition<br />
will compete for prizes worth<br />
more than $50,000.<br />
Chaldean Community Foundation<br />
3601 15 Mile Rd<br />
Sterling Heights, MI 48310<br />
info@chaldeanfoundationg.org<br />
EST<br />
The National Civics Bee is presented by the Chaldean Community<br />
Foundation and the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce with<br />
support from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.<br />
54 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
<strong>NOVEMBER</strong> <strong>2023</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 55