MAY 2024

METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY VOL. 21 ISSUE IV MAY 2024 

PRIME 

TIME 

IRAQI PRIME MINISTER 

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Featuring: 

Rising Above Addiction 

What’s In a Name? 

Honoring Mom

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METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY | MAY 2024 | VOL. 21 ISSUE IV 

ON THE COVER 

18 Prime Time 

Entertaining the Iraqi prime minister 

By Sarah Kittle 

FEATURES 

22 Teaming Up to Fight Crime 

Detroit community business partnership 

By Cal Abbo 

25 Rising Above 

Addiction in the community 

By Cal Abbo 

28 May Memories 

May covers through the years 


30 Culture & History 

Middle Eastern Folklore 

By Dr. Adhid Miri & Sarah Kittle 

DEPARTMENTS 

7 From the Editor 

Welcome to Prime Time 


44 Sports 

Chaldean Hockey League 

By Steve Stein 

18 

What’s in a Name? 

By Dr. Adhid Miri 

40 Arts + Entertainment 

Omar Jarbo Music Man 

By Weam Namou 

Sister Cabrini 

By N. Peter Antone 

10 Guest Column 

Merchants to Entrepreneurs 

Caitlyn Hakim 

12 Foundation Update 

National Civics Bee, Summer Camp, 

Women’s Health 

14 Chaldean Digest 

Sylvan Learning, Statement of Faith 

16 Iraq Today 

Alqosh Bazaar 

By Hanan Qia 

46 Health + Wellness 

Heart Smart 

By Dr. Rena Daiza & Dr. Paul Nona 

48 In Memoriam 

48 Obituary 

Sabah Shaou Pattah 

50 From the Archives 

Honoring Mom 

25 


FROM THE EDITOR 

PUBLISHED BY 

Chaldean News, LLC 

Chaldean Community Foundation 

EDITORIAL 

EDITOR IN CHIEF 

Sarah Kittle 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

Cal Abbo 

N. Peter Antone 

Dr. Rena Daiza 

Caitlyn Hakim 

Sarah Kittle 

Dr. Adhid Miri 

Weam Namou 

Dr. Paul Nona 

Steve Stein 

Hanan Qia 

ART & PRODUCTION 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR 

Alex Lumelsky with SKY Creative 

GRAPHIC DESIGNER 

Zina Lumelsky with SKY Creative 

PHOTOGRAPHERS 

Brandon Abro 

Matthew Gordon 

Alex Lumelsky 

SALES 

Interlink Media 

Sana Navarrette 

CLASSIFIEDS 

Sana Navarrette 

Subscriptions: $35 per year 

CONTACT INFORMATION 

Story ideas: edit@chaldeannews.com 

Advertisements: ads@chaldeannews.com 

Subscription and all other inquiries: 

info@chaldeannews.com 

Chaldean News 

30095 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 101 

Farmington Hills, MI 48334 

www.chaldeannews.com 

Phone: (248) 851-8600 

Publication: The Chaldean News (P-6); 

Published monthly; Issue Date: May 2024 

Subscriptions: 12 months, $35. 

Publication Address: 

30095 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 101, 

Farmington Hills, MI 48334; 

Permit to mail at periodicals postage rates 

is on file at Farmington Hills Post Office 

Postmaster: Send address changes to 

“The Chaldean News 30095 Northwestern 

Hwy., Suite 101, Farmington Hills, MI 48334” 

Welcome to Prime Time 

SARAH KITTLE 

EDITOR 

IN CHIEF 

April has been a crazy month in the CN 

offices. The Iraqi Prime Minster’s visit included 

a whirlwind of pre-activity, planning, 

logistics, and protocol – all for a few hours 

of time spent with him. It was a historic visit, and 

we were lucky enough to have a front row seat. We 

hope you enjoy the photos and story. 

The community has been busy in other ways 

as well. Cal Abbo shares a few “feel good’ stories, 

one about a business partnership that the Chaldean 

American Chamber’s Sharkey Haddad is helping 

create between Detroit store owners and local 

police and community leaders, and another 

about a community member, Anthony Elia, who 

had a firsthand experience with addiction and is 

using what he has learned to help others. 

Again, we bring you all the cover stories 

from the month. It has been a learning experience 

for me to review these articles and they 

still hold so much value for the reader. If you 

have never read old issues, or if it has been a 

while since you read them, you may want to visit the archives 

on the Chaldean News website and browse through them. 

As part of the continuing Michigan Humanities Grant 

initiative, we are bringing you the history of Middle Eastern 

folklore and introducing you to modern day storytellers in 

the community. From the Epic of Gilgamesh, the oldest recorded 

saga in history, to “Sweet Dreams Habibi,” a modern 

bedtime story for all American immigrants, we are weaving a 

narrative to entertain and inspire future readers. 

In a second Culture + History feature, Dr. Miri explores 

the history of Chaldean names and surnames. Deriving from 

occupations, place names, religious names, and terms of endearment, 

the origin of these names is fascinating. 

In Arts + Entertainment, we bring you Omar Jarbo, zurna 

player extraordinaire, and his thoughts on music and music 

making. This is part of our Great Michigan Stories initiative, one 

that allows us to tell the community’s story to everyone else. 

A second Arts + Entertainment article is a review of the movie 

“Sister Cabrini.” In it, author N. Peter Antone shares his reaction 

and the feelings that the movie stirred in him. 

Our guest columnist, Caitlyn Hakim, introduces 

us to the Young Adult Committee (YAC) at Shenandoah 

Country Club and writes about a recent event 

with guest speakers who shared their “pearls of 

wisdom” with the event attendees. 

A returning event is highlighted in the Iraq 

Today section, with photos from the Old Alqosh 

Bazaar Festival submitted by Hanan Qia. The energy 

and excitement of the participants is conveyed 

through the photos. 

The Chaldean Chamber’s Sharkey 

Haddad is helping create a business 

partnership between Detroit store owners 

and local police and community leaders. 

Sportswriter Steve Stein interviewed the teams in the 

Chaldean Hockey League and covered their season, including 

the triumphant win of Team Gold, who skated away with 

the Telga Cup. 

Dr. Rena Daiza and Dr. Paul Nona have a conversation 

about heart health and share tips with us. If you think about 

it, heart health is about more than just diet and exercise. 

There are also new tests and screenings that indicate problems 

before symptoms even arise. 

And the beautiful historical photos featured in ‘From 

the Archive’ showcase our mothers, the ones who shaped 

us with their unconditional love and devotion. None of us 

would be here without Mom. 

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms among our readers! 

Sarah Kittle 

Editor in Chief 


PUBLISHER'S CIRCLE 

As the publication of record for 

Michigan’s Chaldean community, 

the mission of the Chaldean News 

is to preserve and archive Chaldean 

heritage and history, and to tell the 

ongoing story of Chaldean contributions to 

the communities in which we live and work – in 

Michigan and around the world. 

In the last 5 years the Chaldean News has 

substantially increased its readership and social 

media following, introduced new digital and website 

content and expanded storytelling and video offerings 

with the help of small grant funding. 

The Publisher’s Circle is a unique opportunity for community 

members to support the Chaldean News and its continuing 

mission to be a voice for the community, wherever they 

may be. With the warmhearted help of individual and 

organizational supporters we can ensure that this important 

resource remains to educate and connect the community 

while evolving to meet the needs of future generations. 

The Chaldean News has recently launched a CN app 

and will continue to expand into new media such 

as radio and TV, all with the goal of preserving our 

culture and telling the story of our people. You can 

take part in helping to preserve your Chaldean 

heritage by joining the Publisher’s Circle today. 

Jibran “Jim” Manna 

Martin and Tamara Manna 

We are grateful for the overwhelmingly 

generous support of our community. 

To learn more, visit chaldeannews.com 

or contact us at 248-851-8600 

Let’s grow the circle. 

APRIL MAY 2024 CHALDEAN NEWS 9

GUEST COLUMN 

From Merchants to Entrepreneurs 

Pearls of wisdom from prominent leaders of the Chaldean Community 

The Shenandoah Young 

Adult Committee (YAC) 

was established three 

years ago by the Shenandoah 

Executive Board, with Anthony 

Shallal serving as chairman 

for the first two years, 

alongside Annie Acho Tartoni 

and Nicholas Anton. 

Over time, the YAC has 

grown with additional volunteer 

members who organize 

professional development 

and networking events. These 

events aim to connect young adults and 

emerging leaders within the Chaldean 

community with seasoned entrepreneurs, 

paving the way for their success. 

The YAC kicked off the Spring season 

with a professional development 

and networking event held on the evening 

of Thursday, April 11, at Shenandoah 

Country Club. The event was 

moderated by the charming and witty 

Paul Jonna, a real estate and business 

attorney and former COO of the Chaldean 

Community Foundation. The 

panel was comprised of four successful 

leaders from the Chaldean community: 

Johny Kello (MatchRX), Ron Boji 

(Boji Group), Saber Ammori (Wireless 

Vision), and Zaid Elia (Elia Group). 

While their businesses differ, the 

same basic principles apply. These leaders 

all share the values of a strong work 

ethic, perseverance, and entrepreneurship 

that continue to be a staple in the 

upbringing of the Chaldeans today. A key 

takeaway is the importance of company 

CAITLYN NORMA 

HAKIM, MPA 

SPECIAL 

TO THE 

CHALDEAN 

NEWS 

culture, people and processes, 

and how entrepreneurs must 

keep their employees fulfilled 

so it can translate into higher 

retention and customer satisfaction. 

It is essential to be 

able to know where to apply 

the learnings as it is dependent 

on the circumstances; it’s not 

black and white. 

Back when Chaldeans first 

came to America, they had 

to build a foundation from 

ground zero. Over the years, 

technology has advanced at an exponential 

rate, resulting in the need for 

high adaptability to survive. Ron Boji 

emphasized that “times have changed” 

with younger generations now having 

a “choice” that didn’t exist in his youth. 

Saber Ammori emphasized the importance 

of young professionals maximizing 

accessible tools and resources 

for personal growth instead of relying 

solely on companies to train them. It’s 

predicted that artificial intelligence (AI) 

will dominate, particularly in certain industries 

such as Johny Kello’s MatchRX. 

Zaid Elia, who works in the entertainment 

industry, underscores the enduring 

value of face-to-face interaction. Social 

connection is a strong pillar of our 

overall culture and community. 

Overall, AI is reshaping the workforce 

by augmenting human capabilities 

and creating new job roles. 

Adaptation, upskilling, and ethical 

considerations are key in navigating 

this evolving landscape, allowing for 

further mental development. 

One common norm discussed among 

the panel was succession planning. 

Chaldean entrepreneurs, having built 

their companies from the ground up, 

emphasize strategies like politics, creating 

opportunities, and forging relationships, 

especially with banking institutions, 

all while cultivating an esteemed 

reputation. Their goal is for the younger 

generations to expand on what has been 

built and continue the legacy of success. 

Johny Kello encouraged younger 

generations to lead by focusing on their 

strengths and learning without feeling 

compelled to take the entrepreneurial 

route. Zaid Elia stressed the importance 

of leverage along with being focused on 

achieving the goal, not on the money, 

or else you’ll never win. The hard work 

and hurdles these entrepreneurs had 

to undergo are often overlooked; most 

only see you where you are. 

A key takeaway is never giving up, 

paired with the power of persistence 

and delivering value with the confidence 

that one day you will reach your 

goal. Leaders will always recognize employee 

commitment through consistent 

presence; the trend Elia’s witnessed has 

been higher growth for reliable middle 

performers versus the high performers. 

The entrepreneurs touched on their 

personal journeys and the mindset required 

to overcome the myriad challenges 

they encountered. Zaid Elia recounted 

a pivotal moment where he faced a 

seemingly insurmountable dilemma, 

showcasing his ability to navigate adversity 

and make decisions that transformed 

him into a respected role model. 

Saber Ammori expressed the importance 

of learning from failures, saying, 

“it’s only a mistake if it happens twice.” 

Paul Jonna highlighted how everyone 

can relate to the troubles of facing challenges 

with the panel sharing how a 

strong support system and partner serve 

as a substantial contribution to their 

ongoing success, making past sacrifices 

worthwhile and resulting in the freedom 

and flexibility to do “what you want 

when you want,” which is how Johny 

Kello and Zaid Elia define success. 

Zaid Elia emphasized that everyone 

has their own version of success and 

at the end of the day, it’s never about 

money. Ron Boji, with a touch of humor, 

articulated that it is not a “dictionary,” 

there is not one central formula 

to success. “Success is not based upon 

dollars generated or the generational 

wealth, success is based upon the 

team that you bring yourself around as 

a businessman and the happiness to 

come to work every day,” Ron Boji explained. 

Saber Ammori ended with the 

notion that it is rewarding when you’ve 

had enough experiences to share and 

foster growth in others while continuing 

to rise in your own endeavors. 

We are so very proud to have such 

inspiring leaders in our community 

who take part in sharing their expertise, 

mentoring others, and continuing 

to grow while being humble. 

As Zaid Elia said, “There’s always 

another mountain to climb.” 

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FOUNDATION UPDATE 

Preserving the 

Chaldean Culture 

The Chaldean Community Foundation and the Chaldean News 

are honored to be selected by the Library of Congress to preserve 

the Chaldean culture and contribute to the archival collections to 

be preserved at the American Folklife Center in Washington, DC. 

As the largest library in the world, the Library of Congress 

awarded ten grantees from across the U.S. to document cultural 

traditions, practices, and experiences, while enhancing the library’s 

holdings with materials featuring creativity and knowledge 

found at the local level. This work will ultimately be included 

in the library’s various permanent collections. 

A 12-month project called Chaldeans: Portrait of an Evolving 

Community will capture video footage, contributing photos, audio 

recordings and community interviews to be made publicly available 

for future documentary makers and story tellers to access. 

Local National Civics Bee winners pose with their big checks and the Civics Bee judges. 

Tomorrow’s Future Leaders 

On April 13, the CCF hosted its inaugural National Civics Bee local competition in Sterling Heights. 

Middle school students from around southeast Michigan showcased their civics knowledge in a 

groundbreaking competition. 

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel was the host of the event. CCF’s own Martin Manna, Sue 

Kattula, and Sterling Heights Police Department Chief Dale Dwojakowski served as judges. 

Twelve students, selected through insightful 500-word essays on civics-based ideas, competed 

in two rounds of multiple-choice questions. The top three finalists then faced a challenging Q&A 

session with our judges. A huge round of applause to our top 3 winners: Arkita D. from Baker Middle 

School (first place); Holdon K. from Wilkinson Middle School (second place); and Mariam K. from 

Davis Jr. High School (third place). 

Protecting 

Women’s Health 

The partnership with the Anthony L. 

Soave Family Mobile Mammography and 

Health Screening Center helps provide accessible 

breast health services for all women, 

regardless of their financial situation. 

The “Because We Care” program by 

Ascension, St. John Hospital is dedicated 

to supporting uninsured and underinsured 

individuals, ensuring no one is 

left behind in breast care. 

Driving Through Barriers 

The CCF’s H.E.A.L. (Hard of Hearing, E.S.L., American Sign 

Language, Life Skills) Project is hitting the road in a new 

direction. The first two participants in the Drivers’ Training 

program have passed both written and road tests, officially 

becoming licensed drivers in Michigan. 

Thanks to the generous support from Auto Club Group 

Foundation, our H.E.A.L. program is revolutionizing driver education 

with a cutting-edge driving simulator. The program participants 

undergo an 8-week training course, complete with incourse 

instruction and simulated driving practices, providing a 

safe and immersive experience before hitting the road. 

Nurses from the Anthony L. Soave Family Mobile 

Mammography and Health Screening Center visited 

the CCF on April 16 to provide breast cancer screenings 

to uninsured women. 

Girls volleyball camp starts July 29. 

CCF to Host Youth 

Summer Sports Camps 

The Chaldean Community Foundation will be hosting additional 

sports sampling camps for both boys and girls this summer. 

Camps include Boys and Girls Basketball, Boys and Girls Futsal, 

Boys and Girls Pickleball and Girls Volleyball. 

The camps are open to 6th and 7th grade students and participants 

can choose up to 2 sports upon registration. Registration 

for the program ends May 30, 2024. For more information, you 

can visit the CCF’s website or social media page. 

Session Dates: 

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June 17 – July 2 

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Girls Basketball: 2 PM – 4 PM 

July 8 – July 25 

Boys Futsal (indoor soccer): 10 AM -12 PM 

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July 29 – August 15 

Boys & Girls Pickleball: 10 AM – 12 PM 

Girls Volleyball: 2 PM – 4 PM 

Register here: https://form.jotform.com/240843700043143 



CHALDEAN DIGEST 

Sylvan Learning Awards 13 Territories in Michigan 

Baltimore — 2024 — Sylvan Learning, 

the leading provider of supplemental 

and enrichment education for K–12 

students with more than 710 locations 

worldwide, awarded 10 new and three 

existing territories in the greater Detroit, 

Michigan area to new franchise 

owners and cousins Ed Bahoura and 

Natalie Yasso. 

Bahoura and Yasso have been business 

partners for almost three decades. 

They signed for 10 new territories with 

plans to open two centers every year 

over the next five years. The multi-unit 

deal, one of Sylvan’s largest to date, 

also includes an acquisition of three 

territories with four existing centers. 

“We’re proudly committed to introducing 

Sylvan to communities and 

school districts across the greater Detroit 

area,” said Yasso. “We see a desperate 

need for supplemental education resources, 

and there’s no brand better than 

Sylvan to meet that growing demand.” 

Ed has owned nearly 20 businesses 

over the last 40 years, including supermarkets, 

liquor stores, and video stores 

as well as being a licensed builder and 

Realtor. Ed is very active in his church 

and is a Fourth-Degree member of his 

local Knights of Columbus chapter. 

He has served as past chairman of the 

board of Gleaners Community Foodbank 

of Southeastern Michigan, one 

of the largest food banks in the country. 

He also supports many causes and 

organizations that support children, 

seniors, and veterans. 

“There is nothing more important 

than educating the next generation,” 

said Bahoura. “Sylvan is a great way 

to diversify our business portfolio and 

scale our operations, all while making 

a lasting impact in our community.” 

The new territories will be located 

across the Detroit metro area, with 

resale territories located in Dearborn, 

Livonia, and West Bloomfield. 

Sylvan Learning has produced 

proven results for over four decades 

and uses one of the most advanced 

technology-based curriculums that 

provides trackable progress. 

“Ed and Natalie are savvy businesspeople 

with caring hearts for their 

community,” said Jeff Stephenson, 

Vice President of Franchise Development 

at Sylvan. “Their strong partnership 

is a leading indicator that these 

centers will be successful, and we look 

forward to supporting them in their 

growth as franchise owners.” 

For more information on franchising 

with Sylvan Learning, visit 

SylvanFranchise.com. 

Statement of faith leaders following attack in Sydney 

After the attack on Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and 

others at Christ the Good Shepherd in Sydney Australia 

on April 15, more than 20 faith leaders across the 

area joined together to prepare a public statement, 

which was supported by Archbishop Amel Shamon 

Nona, head of Catholic Chaldeans in Australia. 

The statement reads: 

‘Places of worship are places of peace and prayer. 

The people who gather there should never feel 

threatened or unsafe, no matter what religion they 

follow. As faith leaders representing the diverse religious 

communities of New South Wales, we stand 

united against all forms of hate and violence. 

‘Our prayers are with the victims, and we call on 

our communities to extend our message of care and 

compassion to all. 

‘We have trust in our police and first responders 

and full confidence in their work. Police should 

never be attacked for keeping our communities safe. 

The scenes we witnessed after the attack are unacceptable 

to anyone, and especially to people of faith. 

‘For people of faith, religion is never a justification 

for violence. It has been a very difficult week, 

but we are a strong community in New South Wales. 

We call on everyone to act with kindness and respect 

for each other. Now is the time to show that we are a 

caring and united community.’ 

– The Echo 

Flowers sit on a fence outside the Christ the Good Shepherd Church in suburban Wakely in western 

Sydney, Australia, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. A 16-year-old has been arrested after reportedly stabbing 

Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, Father Isaac, and multiple churchgoers during a televised service in Sydney 

Monday, April 15, 2024. There were no reports of life-threatening injuries and all, including the Bishop, 

are expected to make a full recovery. 



IRAQ TODAY 

The Alqosh Bazaar brought crowds 

to the streets. 

Old Alqosh 

Bazaar 

Festival 

On March 27, the second edition of 

the Old Alqosh Bazaar Festival was 

inaugurated by the bishop and a group 

of residents in Alqosh. This festival’s 

mission is to uphold and preserve the 

rich traditions, culture, and ancient 

crafts of the region. Participants engage 

in traditional dances and patronize traditional 

food and handcrafted items, 

contributing to the rehabilitation efforts 

of this historic bazaar, once a vital 

commercial center in the area. 

Media coverage was also present 

at the latest festival, capturing the essence 

of the event, with some locals 

dressed in traditional garments. Bishop 

Thabit emphasized the significance 

of this festival to the Chaldean News 

reporters on hand. 


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COVER STORY 

PHOTOS BY ALEX LUMELSKY 

Prime Time 

Entertaining the Iraqi Prime Minister 

BY SARAH KITTLE 

The motorcade stretched a mile 

long down Walnut Lake Road to 

Shenandoah Country Club (SCC) 

on Thursday, April 18. Iraqi Prime Minister 

Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani was 

in town to speak with the Iraqi American 

community and its leaders, having 

first traveled to Houston to speak with 

Iraqi immigrants there and visiting the 

Islamic Institute in Dearborn before 

coming to West Bloomfield. 

The prime minister arrived at the 

country club around 9:45 pm and was 

received by a delegation including 

Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce 

(CACC) and Chaldean Community 

Foundation (CCF) president Martin 

Manna, Bishop Francis Kalabat, head of 

the Chaldean Church in Michigan, and 

Bishop Emmanuel Shaleta, head of the 

Chaldean Church in California, along 

with Iraqi American businessman Shakir 

Alkhafaji, Shenandoah Country Club 

president Neb Mekani, and former SCC 

president, Raad Kathawa. 

His arrival at Shenandoah was orchestrated 

with efficiency. Those waiting 

to greet him in the lobby were instructed 

where to stand and who could 

shake his hand. Bishop Francis Kalabat, 

the spiritual leader of the community, 

was permitted to greet the prime 

minister. The atmosphere was festive 

and reminiscent of a small-scale version 

of the Pope’s visit to Iraq. 

The Chaldean Community Foundation 

even had employees and volunteers 

dressed in historical Iraqi 

Chaldean village dress calling out the 

traditional halhole greeting, which Al 

Sudani seemed to enjoy. Security was 

so stringent that the girl who presented 

the prime minister with flowers, 

Caitlyn Hakim, had to use Manna as 

the go-between. 

Prime Minister Al Sudani had a 

quick tour of the Chaldean Cultural Center 

(30 seconds per exhibit) guided by 

CCC staff Mary Romaya, Weam Namou 

and Judy Jonna and aided by SCC board 

member Raad Kathawa. Some observers 

made note that the prime minster 

defied Islamic tradition and shook the 

hands of the three women who run the 

Cultural Center, showing them respect 

and even asking questions about the 

center’s exhibits to better understand 

the immigrant Chaldean Catholic community 

here in Michigan. 

Al Sudani is the most modern and 

secular prime minister Iraq has ever 

had, and it is the hope of many that he 

will be the one to bring Iraq into the 

21st century. He was instrumental in 

returning Cardinal Louis Sako, who 

had been exiled in Erbil following the 

stripping of his title by the Iraqi president, 

to Baghdad, and is known for his 

support and protection of Christians 

and other minority groups in Iraq. 

The prime minister received a 

very warm welcome when he finally 


entered the ballroom. The energy in 

the room was palpable as the crowd 

of hundreds rose for a standing ovation. 

They had waited for the prime 

minister for hours, parked in overflow 

parking, stood in long lines, passed 

through tight security involving metal 

detectors and a physical pat down, 

and surrendered their mobile phones 

to attend this dinner, which notably 

included no alcohol. 

This was an historic occasion and 

was seen as such, suggested by the 

fact that some people brought their 

children to witness it. Martin Manna 

welcomed the audience and thanked 

the prime minister for his consideration 

and the myriad planners for 

making the important visit happen. 

Manna then outlined the various 

points that the Chaldean Community 

Foundation has engaged with the 

prime minister about, including but 

not limited to the restoration of Cardinal 

Sako to his rightful position, the 

implementation of Article #125 of the 

Iraqi constitution, which upholds the 

rights of minorities, a call for the formation 

of a committee to investigate 

the illegal confiscation of Christian 

properties and land, a lift of the discriminatory 

alcohol ban, and efforts 

to resolve outstanding issues with the 

Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) 

and disputed territories. 

Bishop Francis Kalabat spoke following 

Manna and before introducing 

the prime minister, delivering a heartfelt 

speech in Arabic that focused on 

unity, faith, hope and loyalty to both 

Iraq and the United States of America. 

The Chaldean American community 

has thrived here because of the freedoms 

and rights bestowed upon them 

as US citizens. 

Al Sudani, for his part, expressed 

gratitude for the $30 million contribution 

from Iraqi Americans to retore villages 

in the Nineveh Plain and voiced 

his pride in Iraqi communities in the 

United States and worldwide. He 

stressed that Iraq is for all Iraqis and 

that the country needs the expertise, 

experience, opportunities and initiatives 

of Iraqi leaders in America, saying, 

“The Chaldeans and Iraqis outside 

Iraq are a precious fortune.” 

The prime minister mentioned his 

visit to Washington, DC, where he had 

previously met with Manna as well as 

with President Biden. He said that it 

comes at a time of “delicate and sensitive 

circumstance” indicating the situation 

in the region. He discussed the 

conditions with President Biden and 

the escalation of conflict as well as 

each other’s role in deflating the tensions 

and working to achieve stability 

for all countries involved and affected 

by the hostilities. 

Al Sudani stated that the objective 

of his visit was to “move relations with 

the United States to a new stage, which 

includes activating the provisions of 

the Strategic Framework Agreement.” 

According to the US Embassy website, 

“The Strategic Framework Agreement 

(SFA) for a Relationship of Friendship 

and Cooperation between the United 

States and the Republic of Iraq guides 

our overall political, economic, cultural, 

and security ties with Iraq. The SFA normalizes 

the US-Iraqi relationship with 

strong economic, diplomatic, cultural, 

and security cooperation and serves as 

the foundation for a long-term bilateral 

relationship based on mutual goals.” 

An additional aim was to review the 

work of the Supreme Military Committee 

between Iraq and the International 

Coalition and to set a timetable for actionable 

items. The prime minister’s 

calendar also included meetings with 

the US Secretary of State, the Secretary 

of Defense, the Secretary of Treasury, 

the National Security Advisor, the US 

Chamber of Commerce and senior officials 

in the oil and gas industry. 

Of course, his main priority is Iraq 

and Iraqis. Unlike his predecessors, Al 

Sudani was born and raised in Iraq. He 

is well educated, holding a bachelor’s 

degree in agricultural science and a 

master’s in project management from 

the University of Baghdad. He’s young 

for a leader (54), married, with four sons. 

His political journey began as the 

mayor of Amarah, an appointed position 

which provided him a close understanding 

of the myriad issues facing 

Iraqi leadership and from which 

he rose up the political ladder. His 

government’s agenda has prioritized 

delivery to ordinary citizens and has 

shown commitment to addressing critical 

issues with the KRG. 

That is why the event was so important 

to the people in that room. 

During dinner there was discussion, 

in which the prime minister noted 

the permanence of the Chaldean 

American community in Michigan as 

evidenced by the Chaldean Cultural 

Center and Shenandoah itself. 

After dinner, he met with highranking 

members of the community 

for a business roundtable. Al Sudani 

extended a personal invitation to community 

business owners and investors 

to visit Iraq and meet their counterparts. 

He stated that Iraq has a growing 

economy and cited projects in 

industries such as hotel/hospitality, 

housing, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, 

education and tourism. 

It was said that the hotels in Baghdad 

always operate at a 90% capacity 

and that there is a real opportunity for 

investors in the hospitality sector. With 

Raad Kathawa presents to Weam Namou, Prime Minister Al Sudani and others at the Chaldean Cultural Center. 

so many Chaldean American Chamber 

of Commerce members in the hospitality 

industry, investment in Iraq appears 

to be a unique prospect with the makings 

of becoming a mutually beneficial 

long-time arrangement. That was likely 

what the prime minister hoped for. 

Al Sudani expressed his admiration 

of the Chaldean community in 

Michigan and his desire to emulate the 

same framework in Iraq. He makes the 

claim that Iraq has the best investment 

law in the region and that they have reduced 

the amount of bureaucracy that 

has plagued government procedures 

PRIME MINISTER 

continued on page 20 



COVER STORY 

PRIME MINISTER 

continued from page 19 

for decades. He said that they had also 

refined the banking sector and were actively 

monitoring for corruption, making 

it safer and more reliable for investors 

and others to do business in Iraq. 

The prime minister had a warning 

as well, speaking about the untold billions 

that countries like Russia, China 

and Qatar are investing into the region. 

“We welcome partnership with US 

countries,” stated Al Sudani, “small 

and large and in all sectors.” 

After the prime minister was back 

home in Iraq, his press agents posted 

a video showing highlights of the 

Shenandoah event, incorrectly identifying 

The Chaldean Iraqi American 

Association of Michigan (Shenandoah) 

as the “Iraqi Chaldean Center in 

Detroit, Michigan, USA.” 

The event was sponsored and paid 

for by the Chaldean American Chamber 

of Commerce. 

Apr 19, 2024 

Statement from the 

Prime Minister’s Media Office 

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia 

Al-Sudani met at dawn on Friday 

(Baghdad time) with a number of 

members of the Iraqi community, 

who met at the Iraqi Chaldean 

Center in Detroit, Michigan, USA. 

His Excellency reiterated the 

government’s pride in all members 

of Iraqi communities everywhere, 

including their belonging 

to their homeland, Iraq in all their 

sects, and their initiatives in order 

to build the state, which pushes 

the government to communicate 

more with the community, especially 

as it carries a lot of competencies, 

capabilities and human 

potential, and in various scientific 

and humanitarian disciplines. 

Mr. Al-Sudani pointed out that 

the growth in Iraq continues to 

achieve the priorities identified by 

the Government in its program, 

many of which have been achieved 

during the year and a half of the 

Government’s life, in addition to adhering 

to the democratic system and 

the principles of freedoms and human 

rights that are protected by the 

Constitution in many of its articles. 


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FEATURE 

Teaming Up to Fight Crime 

Detroit Community Business Partnership 

BY CAL ABBO 

Above: Commander Starks exchanges her cell phone number 

with Chaldean retailers in Detroit. Right: Reva Mammole, Sharkey 

Haddad, Commander Starks, Fadi Ayar, Danny Denha. 

The Detroit Police Department’s 

10th precinct is partnering with 

the Chaldean American Chamber 

of Commerce to network with store 

owners and discuss new strategies to 

reduce crime, ethnic tension, and negative 

perceptions. 

The project involves lots of different 

people and organizations including 

officers from DPD, representatives 

from the CACC, individuals from 

Project Green Light, and store owners 

and employees located in the 10th precinct. 

Sharkey Haddad, who works on 

special projects for the CACC, hosted 

the initial meeting at Sahara Restaurant 

and Grill in Oak Park. 

The meeting, held on March 26, 

was well-attended by about a dozen 

store owners and another dozen police 

officers and representatives of Project 

Green Light. The two groups mingled 

and discussed how they can collaborate 

to keep Detroit and 

Chaldean businesses safe. 

Most notably, the 10th precinct’s 

new leader, Commander 

Shanda Starks attended the 

meeting and spoke to the group about 

her role and goals in the position. She 

also introduced each Neighborhood Police 

Officer (NPO) in her precinct as well 

as the areas they patrol. 

The NPO program was designed 

by the City of Detroit to divide and 

conquer each precinct by establishing 

long-term ties to the community and 

businesses in a certain area. Each NPO 

patrols their designated area with the 

goal of building relationships with the 

community and its businesses rather 

than simply finding and arresting 

criminals. 

Sharkey also spoke on the importance 

of Chaldean-owned businesses 

establishing connections with the 

police department as well as the local 

community. In his mind, this kind 

of relationship building is a relatively 

simple thing that can lead to lasting 

change in Detroit and prevent unnecessary 

violence between the community 

and the businesses that operate 

there. 

Finally, Green Light Program Managers 

Sheila Young and LaMonica Williams 

spoke about the program, its importance 

for the city, and how to join if 

a business is interested. 

Project Green Light began in 2016 

when a group of Chaldean store owners 

met with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan 

to find a way to make the community 

safer and reduce crime in their 

businesses. The city came up with 

Project Green Light, which established 

a protocol for participating businesses 

to install cameras and share live video 

feed to the Detroit Police’s Real-Time 

Crime Center. 

When it began, the program had 

only eight gas stations signed up. Today, 

900 businesses participate in the 

program, and the unmistakable green 

light shines throughout Detroit, alerting 

potential criminals to police surveillance 

and allowing the Detroit Police 

an unprecedented response time 

at locations that use Green Light. 

The program has ballooned tremendously 

and has also added new 

technology. All the video footage is 

embedded with License Plate Recognition 

(LPR), which helps officers track 

criminals. Even if they can’t be caught 

in the act, the license plate 

goes into the police system 

and the vehicle can be identified 

and pulled over later. 

In addition, the Detroit Police 

has an entire team dedicated 

to live-monitoring the 

Green Light cameras. Since 

there are 900 participating 

businesses, each with several 

cameras, it’s impossible to 

monitor everything at once. 

Instead, officers conduct 

“virtual patrols” and look for 

suspicious or criminal activity. 

Now that there are so many participants, 

officers can watch entire blocks 

at a time. 

While the city does not charge for 

the program directly, businesses are 

responsible for buying or leasing cameras 

from an approved vendor list, 

installing them, and then purchasing 

and installing the famous flashing 

green light and signage indicating 

the business’ participation in the program. 

The CACC, the Chaldean community, 

and the City of Detroit will continue 

to strengthen their partnership and 

connect with one another to improve 

crime and ethnic tensions, and cultural 

understanding within the city. 


chaldeans 

a portrait of the 

community 

EXPLORE 

THE CULTURE 

THROUGH 

MUSIC, 

TRADITIONAL 

DANCE, 

STORYTELLING, 

Featuring: 

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Plus, On-Site 

BREAD BAKING 

FOOD, 

AND MORE! 

THURSDAY, 

MAY 9, 2024 

6:00 PM 

CHALDEAN 

COMMUNITY 

FOUNDATION 

3601 15 MILE ROAD 

STERLING HEIGHTS MI 48310 

There is no cost to 

attend, please register at 

chaldeannews.com/celebration 

FREE 

EVENT! 

This free event is made possible with generous support from 

Michigan Stories, a Michigan Humanities Grants initiative. 


FEATURE 


Rising Above 

Addiction in the Chaldean Community 

BY CAL ABBO 

For Anthony Elia, it all started 

as a teenager in school. Around 

certain friends, he began to 

drink alcohol and party until it became 

something he did every day. 

Once Elia graduated, he worked 

hard to support his family. It was this 

goal that led to his downfall. He was 

introduced to Adderall, which he 

used to stay awake and alert through 

his long days at school and multiple 

jobs. “That’s what our culture is, we 

work hard and try to help each other 

and support one another,” Elia said 

about the Chaldean community. “I did 

not realize that I would chase that one 

high for so long.” 

Immediately, he said, he was 

hooked on the endorphins the drug 

was releasing in his body. It allowed 

him to work, go to school, and continue 

spending time with his friends with 

minimal sleep. “For a while, nobody 

noticed what was going on,” he said, 

addressing one of many difficulties for 

his parents since they weren’t from the 

United States. 

Elia moved on to more dangerous 

drugs as a result of his Adderall use. 

When you’re awake for a long time and 

constantly dehydrated, he said, you feel 

pain all over. Elia started taking opiates 

to address the problem. Before long, 

he was taking 40-60 pills per day, even 

while functioning as a normal adult. 

“Things started to get out of control 

soon after that,” Elia said. “The price tag 

of these substances started to really hurt 

my pocket. Then I started doing things 

like stealing or writing bad checks.” 

Elia described his experience as doing 

whatever he could to feel normal, 

which for him meant using substances. 

Finally, he started using cheaper 

drugs, and his life spiraled out of control. 

He went from being a successful 

and reliable person who worked hard 

for his career and his family’s sake to 

being non-functional. 

Substance Use Disorder (SUD), 

the name for Elia’s condition, is fairly 

common across the world. Many are 

susceptible to it if they are exposed to 

the wrong substances. It’s technically 

defined by an uncontrolled use of a 

substance despite the harmful consequences 

and to the point where the person’s 

ability to function in day-to-day 

life is impaired. The substance could be 

tobacco, alcohol, or any illicit drug. 

Dunya Kilano works as the Director 

of Operations for Families Against 

Narcotics (FAN), a community-based 

organization that helps those struggling 

with substance abuse as well as 

their families. “FAN seeks to change 

the face of addiction, dispel the stigma 

of addiction, and educate the community,” 

according to its website. 

Kilano, who grew up in the metro 

Detroit Chaldean community and 

speaks Sureth, has seen firsthand in 

both her work and her own family the 

difficulty and damage that SUD can 

cause for individuals and their families. 

Her work with FAN assists thousands 

of people every year with getting 

help in their journey to conquer SUD. 

In 2017, the same year she graduated 

from Oakland University, according 

to Kilano, the community experienced 

a serious increase in overdoses. “A few 

people in our community lost some of 

their children,” she said, adding that 

these families were open about what 

happened to their loved ones. “That 

summer, it started to hit our community 

in a different way.” 

What’s different about the Chaldean 

community? It’s something 

Kilano thinks about a lot in her work, 

and she identified both positive and 

negative aspects. 

“In the Chaldean community, we 

have a lot of protective factors,” she 

said. “Most of us are lucky to have 

family in some form who really care 

about us. It’s a value in our culture, 

that sense of family.” 

This family care can help tremendously 

in someone’s recovery journey, 

but for many suffering from substance 

use disorder, it’s also a challenge to 

overcome in the beginning, as Chaldeans 

feel a strong sense of pride in 

themselves as well as their families 

and don’t want to let them down by 

admitting they have a problem. This 

can also have a positive effect by preventing 

potential users from ever trying 

narcotics in the first place. 

Kilano contrasts this attitude with 

the traditionally American values of 

individualism and independence. “In 

the Chaldean culture, you represent 

your family,” she said. “Sometimes, 

you can’t meet their expectations, and 

it’s hard to ask for help.” 

In her experience, however, whenever 

someone does go to their family 

for help, they were loved and supported. 

FAN has numerous programs to 

help counsel families, teaching them 

about substance use disorder and how 

they can best help their loved one. 

In a different way, it can be just as 

hard on them as on the individual who’s 

using. “Families can also feel very isolated 

when they find out a loved one has an 

issue with substances,” Kilano said. “A 

lot of times, family members can present 

with very similar symptoms as the person 

with addiction. They’re addicted to 

getting that person better, which can be 

equally as chaotic.” 

Elia can testify from his own experience 

how difficult it is for families to 

understand SUD without proper counseling. 

“My parents were terrified, and 

Families can feel very isolated when they find out a loved one has an 

issue with substances. A lot of times, family members can present 

with very similar symptoms as the person with addiction. They’re addicted 

to getting that person better, which can be equally chaotic.” 

they didn’t know what to do,” he said. 

“We had a lot of sit-down conversations 

and they tried to detox me at home.” 

For about six months, Elia was 

mostly sober, with members of his family 

supervising him around the clock. He 

soon found a way to bypass them and 

start using again by having people drop 

things off outside the house. “That’s 

what substance abuse does to you,” he 

said. “By any means possible, I’m going 

to find what I need to feel okay.” 

At that point, Elia ran away from 

home. For the first time, he truly experienced 

homelessness, albeit by 

choice, and ended up sleeping mostly 

on friends’ couches. When he returned 

home, his family welcomed him back, 

trying the same strategy as before: 

24/7 supervision. 

ADDICTION continued on page 26 


FEATURE 

ADDICTION continued from page 25 

Eventually, his family realized he 

was lying to them and stealing their 

jewelry to fund his addiction. This led 

them to approach the problem with 

tough love, and they removed Elia 

from the family home. This was his 

second experience of homelessness as 

a result of SUD. 

These years of substance use are often 

a blur for Elia. There are many more 

parts to his story, including an extremely 

close overdose, Narcan injection, 

cardiac arrest and flatline. “They had 

to bring me back to life,” he said. “Even 

through that, I was still using.” 

Finally, after a brief 7-hour stint at 

a treatment center, it was Michigan’s 

weather that brought Elia back to us. 

“There was a winter storm outside,” he 

said, “and I had no idea where to turn. 

I had nowhere to stay. I had burnt every 

bridge, become so destructive and 

such a nuisance to be around. I could 

either freeze and die or call a friend 

and hope they get me into treatment.” 

At this moment, Elia went back 

to the same center he was in a few 

months prior, completed the program, 

and took his recovery very seriously. 

“You think to yourself, is there a way 

back from the shame and guilt and all 

of the chaos I’ve caused in my family’s 

life? It was like a tornado, the mess I 

have to clean up,” he said. “How do I 

deal with these feelings and my poor 

mother crying every single day.” 

Elia believes prayer is what got him 

out. God heard his family’s prayers, he 

said, and brought him all the way back 

to the light. “I found my faith again 

and got back my relationship with my 

parents,” he said. “Now that I’ve been 

through all this, I was able to explain 

what substance abuse is and how addiction 

isn’t a choice.” 

While Elia’s parents invited him 

back into their home, he refused the 

help and decided to go his own way, 

working and getting his own apartment. 

Elia went through the whole 

program, and after one year of sobriety, 

went to work as a behavioral technician 

at the center that treated him. 

“I supported and helped guide the 

people who were there seeking recovery,” 

he said. “I gave them advice from 

the perspective of someone in recovery. 

I held small groups and would 

teach them about addiction and what 

it does to our body. It’s very powerful 

Anthony Elia at work. 

when we educate ourselves and offer 

hope, a light at the end of the tunnel.” 

For many narcotics users, getting 

help is a touchy subject, often because 

they don’t know where to turn. Going to 

the police in particular feels daunting 

when someone is using and in possession 

of illegal narcotics. Users have a 

legitimate fear that there will be repercussions 

if they go to a police station. 

Commander Jason Abro works at 

the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office 

and was the first Chaldean-American 

hired there when he began his career 

in 2001. He shared his perspective on 

addiction and his desire to see that everyone 

who needs help gets it. 

“Everyone in the community 

knows someone who’s suffering from 

some type of substance abuse,” Abro 

said. “There’s nothing to be embarrassed 

about. It’s something to get in 

front of and prevent.” 

Looking back in history, Abro said, 

families would try to keep things quiet. 

Now, he suggests being open about 

the situation with family and friends 

as well as educating your kids on the 

issue before any situation arises. 

“Sometimes it’s difficult in the 

Chaldean community because the parents 

are working long hours,” Abro 

said. “We always say to look at your 

kids, their phones, their social media, 

and who they spend time with. Meet 

the parents of their friends. Have open 

communication and talk about things 

that are right and wrong.” 

Police officers themselves are 

learning and evolving to accommodate 

new issues in the modern world. Their 

perspectives, according to Abro, have 

changed to understand mental health 

issues in a deeper way. The Macomb 

County Jail, for example, is building 

its new Central Intake and Assessment 

Center, which will focus on addressing 

the mental health needs of inmates 

who come through the system. 

Abro added that there are plenty 

of programs for people who come to 

the police looking for help. Many police 

and sheriff offices in Michigan are 

partnered with FAN as a part of their 

Hope Not Handcuffs program, which 

provides a good alternative for substance 

users who want treatment but 

end up at a police station. 

FAN started in 2007 in the basement 

of a church, according to Kilano. 

“A few families in Fraser recognized 

that something was happening in their 

community and young people were 

dying,” she said. “It was kind of the 

peak of the opioid epidemic, when you 

started to see the overprescribing of 

opioids and increased access to them 

in the community.” 

Since that fateful meeting, FAN has 

expanded exponentially. In total the 

organization has about 60 employees 

and 70 contractual employees working 

to help people with SUD. Importantly, 

FAN serves the entire state of Michigan 

and can offer treatment options no 

matter where someone lives. 

FAN is funded by the State of Michigan 

as well as the Federal government 

through various grant programs. 

“There’s a myth and a barrier for 

some people because they think they 

don’t have options,” Kilano said, referring 

to the cost and hassle of going 

into treatment. “There are treatment 


options that are free for people with or 

without insurance. There are ways to 

get services. There are options for inpatient 

treatment or others that aren’t 

so uprooted, depending on someone’s 

commitment and life situation.” 

At the same time as Elia worked at 

his old treatment center, he also started 

volunteering for FAN, specifically 

with the Hope Not Handcuffs program. 

When someone goes to a police station 

and asks to get into treatment, they 

station would call Elia to take care of 

them, explain their options, and find 

the right treatment plan. 

“People saw I was active and I was 

offered an opportunity to work in the 

call center at FAN,” Elia said. “Now, I 

help coordinate care for people that 

are looking for treatment or connecting 

them with other community resources.” 

Since it began in 2017, Hope Not 

Handcuffs has helped connect more 

than 12,000 active users with treatment. 

Elia estimates he’s helped many 

hundreds of people get connected to 

a treatment plan even in the 3.5 years 

that he’s been sober. In total, FAN’s 

call center receives close to 3,000 calls 

per month, which underscores just 

how big the issue is. 

Elia also noted some important 

factors about the Chaldean community 

that helped him in his journey. “I 

had tremendous family support and 

prayer,” he said. “They catered to me 

through this entire journey. I’m very 

blessed and a lot of people don’t have 

what I have.” 

It wasn’t only Elia’s immediate 

family who reached out and tried to 

help him at various points in his journey. 

His cousins also made an effort to 

help him. In one particular instance, 

he remembers feeling annoyed and 

irritated when his cousin, whom he 

hadn’t talked with in a while, reached 

out, but grateful at the same time that 

someone still wanted to help him. 

If Elia could change one thing 

about how the community looks at 

SUD, it would be to eliminate secrecy 

and shame surrounding the disorder. 

“Talk about it, seek advice, and know 

that there are resources. Please reach 

out for help,” he said. “To the families, 

be supportive for that loved one who’s 

struggling. Be supportive in the best 

way you know how to and try not to 

look at it through an angry lens.” 


CITIZENSHIP PREPARATION 

NOW ENROLLING FOR SPRING WINTER CLASSES 

JANUARY APRIL 9, 2024 9 – JUNE MARCH 13 21, 2024 

Tuesdays and Thursdays 

MORNING SESSIONS 

9:30am – 12:00pm 11:30 

am 

OR 

EVENING SESSIONS 

5:00pm – 7:30pm 7:00 REGISTRATION WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 

To register please call CCF at 586-722-7253 

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$40 registration fee 

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NOVEMBER 

MAY 

2023 

2024 NEWS 33 27 

CHALDEAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 3601 15 MILE ROAD, STERLING HEIGHTS, MI 48310 586-722-7253 CHALDEANFOUNDATION.ORG

May Memories 

BY SARAH KITTLE 

May is a favorite month for 

many people. The weather 

is warming, everything is 

green, flower shoots are peeping out of 

the ground and tree buds are popping 

out all around us. It is the month of 

hope, of promise, of new beginnings. 

Let’s look back at May cover stories 

over the last two decades. 

The very first May cover, in 2004, 

celebrated Mother’s Day by covering 

the many changes that having a child 

makes in one’s life. Featuring a new 

mom in her forties, a mother of two 

kids in diapers, and a work-from-home 

mom of three who was juggling it all, 

the focus of the story was family. You 

don’t have to be perfect to be a mom, 

you just have to do your best. The rest, 

as my mom used to say, “will come out 

in the wash.” 

The cover of May 2005 featured the 

new Pope, Benedict XVI, who brought 

a fresh perspective to the papacy. He 

certainly had some forward-thinking 

views, including allowing the clergy to 

marry and women to be ordained, that 

had us “Pondering the Future” as the 

title told. 

The 2006 cover story, “How We 

Mourn” addressed changes to Chaldean 

funeral customs proposed by 

Chaldean clergy and community leaders. 

New guidelines were drawn up 

that outlined the changes, including 

eliminating the funeral procession, 

limiting visitation at the funeral home 

to one day only, and doing away with 

luncheons after the funeral Mass. The 

aim was to free up the clergy’s time 

to serve the community better and 

remove any undue strain on the deceased’s 

family. 

In May of 2007, the community celebrated 

a Silver Anniversary of Bishop 

Ibrahim Ibrahim’s life in the Church. 

The first bishop of the Chaldean Catholic 

Diocese in the United States, Ibrahim 

was only 14 when he went to seminary. 

The next year, May 2008, must 

have been a busy month as it featured 

several events, including a fundraiser 

for refugees organized by Steve Acho. 

In 2009, Chaldean Town businesses 

were singing the “Seven Mile Blues;” 

families were moving up and out of 

town and businesses were struggling. 

The Chaldean News covered it then and 

more recently covered the “last man 

standing” in the area. Interestingly, 

the Michigan Historical Commission 

has granted the neighborhood historical 

status, and a marker will soon be 

erected in honor of the people and businesses 

that put the area on the map. 

(Seriously, it’s still on Google Maps and 

in Trulia’s Neighborhood Guide). 

In 2010, we were covering both national 

and local politics in the cover 

story, “Where Will It Lead? US National 

Health Care Act & Michigan Smoking 

Ban.” Who knew we’d be talking about 

legal marijuana in less than a decade? 

“Soaring to New Heights” in 2011 

celebrated the organizations that uplift 

the community such as the Chaldean 

Community Foundation, the 

Chaldean Cultural Center, Chaldean 

American Ladies of Charity, Chaldean 

Federation of America, and Chaldean 

Outreach and Community Hope. Many 

of these organizations still exist and 

still serve the community. 

In 2012, “The Ultimate Gift,” we 

told the story of Vivian Yaldo, who donated 

one of her kidneys to daughter 

Lorraina and gave again the gift of life. 

May being Spring, and Spring being 

a time of rebirth, a few stories over the 

decades focused on health and wellness, 

including 2013’s “Resizing their 

Lives” which followed three individuals 

on their weight loss journey, 2015’s 

“Spring into Shape” featuring Knevyr 

Kathawa, a personal trainer in San Diego, 

and 2019’s “Guide to Good Health.” 

Other health-related issues include 

2020’s “Healthcare Heroes” highlighting 

the everyday heroes in the healthcare 

industry and 2021’s “A Good Shot in the 

Arm,” about the newly developed and 

controversial COVID vaccine. 

2014 had us “Remembering Mar 

Delly” and in 2016, we were “Checking 

in with Bishop Yaldo” in Baghdad. In 

2017, we were worrying about family 

members being deported with “Deportation 

Fears” and in 2018, we interviewed 

mothers who had faced the ultimate 

fear – losing their children – in 

“Surviving Loss.” 

May 2022 was a contentious cover 

as we featured a photo essay of Akitu, 

the Assyrian New Year. Historically, 

the festival served to establish harmony 

with nature, upon which the people 

were dependent, and to re-establish 

the bond between the king and his 

subjects. 

Last year, May of 2023, we wrote 

about “Building for the Future” and 

the new Chaldean center being built, 

referred to as the West Side Campus, 

CCF West, or Chaldean Town 2.0. I am 

happy to report that construction is underway, 

and the project is on time to be 

completed in late 2024 or early 2025. 


ARE YOU 

HIRING? 

PLEASE CONSIDER INVESTING IN ONE 

OF OUR NEW AMERICANS. 

WHAT WE DO 

The Career Services Department at the Chaldean Community Foundation offers one-on-one assistance to help 

clients identify goals and develop careers. 

• Career Fairs 

• Employer Referrals 

• Job Application Completion 

• Training Opportunities 

• Resume Building 

• Mock Interviews 

• Cover Letter Writing 

• FAFSA Completion 

To inquire about adding your open positions to our job bank and hiring one of our 

clients, please call or email Elias at 586.722.7253 

or elias.kattoula@chaldeanfoundation.org 

Chaldean Community Foundation | 3601 15 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48310 


CULTURE & HISTORY 

Weaving a Narrative 

The Rich Complexity of Middle Eastern Folklore 

BY DR. ADHID MIRI & SARAH KITTLE 

“ 

Forget death and seek life!” 

With these encouraging 

words, Gilgamesh, the star 

of the 4,000-year-old epic poem, coins 

the world’s first heroic catchphrase. 

Dating back to ancient Mesopotamia, 

the Epic of Gilgamesh stands 

as one of the oldest known works of 

literature in human history. This epic 

poem, written on clay tablets in cuneiform 

script, tells the story of Gilgamesh, 

the legendary half-god king 

of Uruk, and his quest for immortality. 

Through its portrayal of heroic deeds, 

friendship, and the inevitability of 

mortality, the Epic of Gilgamesh reflects 

the concerns and values of society 

in ancient Mesopotamia. 

At the heart of the epic lies the 

friendship between Gilgamesh and 

Enkidu, a wild man created by the god 

Aruru to challenge Gilgamesh’s tyranny, 

which was reported by his own 

subjects. The bond between Gilgamesh 

and Enkidu transcends the boundaries 

of social status and power, offering 

a reflective exploration of companionship 

and human experience. 

As Gilgamesh embarks on his journey 

to seek eternal life, he encounters 

obstacles that force him to confront the 

limits of his own mortality. Ultimately, 

he learns that true immortality lies not 

in physical longevity, but in the legacy 

one leaves behind. 

The ancient cuneiform tablet 

known as the Gilgamesh Dream Tablet 

is one of the world’s oldest surviving 

works of literature and one of the oldest 

religious texts. It was found in 1853 

as part of a 12-tablet collection in the 

rubble of the library of Assyrian King 

Assur Banipal. 

The Gilgamesh Dream Tablet was 

looted from an Iraqi museum during 

the Gulf War in 1991. The tablet reappeared 

in the UK in 2001. An American 

art dealer bought it from a Londonbased 

Jordanian family in 2003 before 

sending the piece to the US without 

declaring its true nature to customs. 

It was then sold to antique dealers 

in 2007 for $50,000, under a false certificate 

of origin. The tablet was sold 

once again in 2014 for $1.67 million to 

the owners of Hobby Lobby, the Green 

family, conservative Christians who 

wanted to display it at their Museum 

of the Bible in Washington. 

On September 23, 2021, the rare 

Sumerian poem on cuneiform tablet 

was returned to its rightful owners and 

country of origin, Iraq. 

Storytelling throughout history 

Middle Eastern folklore is a treasure 

trove of tales that have been 

passed down through generations, 

often orally, weaving together history, 

culture, and imagination. However, 

within this vast expanse of stories, 

Iraqi folklore holds a unique position, 

offering insights into the country’s 

rich and diverse heritage and the enduring 

spirit of its people. 

Moving forward in time, we encounter 

another cornerstone of Middle 

Eastern folklore: One Thousand and 

One Nights, also known as Arabian 

Nights. This collection of tales, framed 

within the narrative of Scheherazade, 

a clever storyteller who captivates 

King Shahryar with her stories to save 

her own life, offers a kaleidoscopic 

Top of page: A carving of Gilgamesh conquering the lion. Above: CCF staff and volunteers dressed in traditional 

village folk dress. 

view of the cultural mosaic of the Islamic 

Golden Age. From the adventures 

of Aladdin and Sinbad to the 

moral fables of animals and jinn, One 

Thousand and One Nights showcases 

the creativity and ingenuity of Middle 

Eastern storytelling. 

Iraqi tales occupy a distinctive 

place, reflecting the country’s rich history 

and diverse cultural heritage. The 

folklore encompasses a wide array of 

stories, legends, and myths that have 

been passed down orally from generation 

to generation. These tales often 

blend elements of ancient Mesopotamian 

mythology with influences from 

Islamic, Persian, and Kurdish traditions, 

resulting in a tapestry of narratives 

that is uniquely Iraqi. 

Western audiences have grown 

used to the marauding heroes of Arabic 

folklore. Characters like Sinbad the 

Sailor and Ali Baba instantly conjure 

images of hidden treasure and desperate 

sword fights. But in the Middle 

East itself, many people prefer a more 

down-to-earth figure: Juha, a wise old 

fool, and his long-suffering donkey. 

Whether outwitting his adversaries 

or offering sage advice in the guise of 

folly, Juha represents the wisdom of 

the common people and the resilience 

of the human spirit in the face of adversity. 

Another prominent figure in Iraqi 

folklore is the legendary Abu Zayd al- 

Hilali, whose adventures have been 

immortalized in poetry and folk songs. 

Known for his courage, wit, and chivalry, 

Abu Zayd embodies the ideals of 

honor and bravery that resonate deeply 

within Iraqi culture. His exploits, 

which often involve encounters with 

supernatural beings and epic battles, 

serve as a source of inspiration and 

pride for Iraqis across generations. 

FOLKLORE continued on page 32 


YOUR 

Therapy can be a big step toward being the 

healthiest version of yourself and living the best 

life possible — our licensed, professional therapists 

are here for you to access. Through therapy, you 

can change self-destructive behaviors and habits, 

resolve painful feelings, improve your relationships, 

and share your feelings and experiences. Individuals 

often seek therapy for help with issues that may be 

hard to face alone. 

CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY: The CCF and Project Light is 

committed to your privacy and confidentiality and are sensitive to 

the stigma and stress that come with seeking mental health support. 

Therefore, all counseling records are kept strictly confidential. 

Information is not shared without client’s written consent. Exceptions 

to confidentiality are rare and include persons who threaten safety of 

themselves others or in circumstances of a court order. 

In therapy your therapist will help you to establish 

person centered goals and determine the steps you 

will take to reach those goals. Your relationship 

with your therapist is confidential and our common 

therapeutic goal for those we engage is to inspire 

healthy change to improve quality of life — no 

matter the challenge. 

We invite you seek out the Light of Project Light! 

Serving individuals ages 13 years and up. Please call 

to request a Project Light Intake at (586) 722-7253. 

Looking for a great opportunity to make a difference? 

NOW HIRING Behavioral Health Professional Therapists. 

— Apply at www.chaldeanfoundation.org 

Chaldean Community Foundation 

3601 15 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48310 


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FOLKLORE continued from page 30 

Iraqi folklore also encompasses 

a rich tradition of mystical tales and 

legends, such as the story of the Seven 

Sleepers of Ephesus, which has roots 

in Christian, Islamic, and Jewish mythology. 

This tale, which tells of seven 

Christian youths who miraculously 

slept for centuries in a cave, reflects 

the varied nature of Iraqi culture and 

its ability to assimilate diverse religious 

influences. 

Modern day storytellers 

Honoring the enduring legacy of 

the past while embracing the diversity 

and creativity of the present, modern 

day Iraqi American story tellers use 

new formats to reach their audience. 

Jacquelyn Santo, author of the children’s 

book, “Sweet Dreams, Habibi,” 

said, “It has been wonderful to be able 

to use social media to connect with 

other moms and see photos of children 

enjoying the book.” She added, “Being 

able to share snippets of the book has 

been a great way to allow parents to 

get a little preview before buying.” 

Assyrian Chaldean author Christina 

Salem shared a story about her trip 

to Iraq and encounter with a sculpture 

of the popular mythical creature, 

the Lamassu. She explained how the 

creature was a symbol of the Assyrian 

kings’ power and was meant to protect 

it. “I captured a photo in a landmark 

home in Erbil and accompanied it with 

this as the caption [the definition from 

Britannica].” Salem goes on to say, 

“Many westerners were visiting at the 

time, and I feel this inspired and set 

the tone for many to capture the same 

moment I saw echoed on social media 

during my stay there.” 

Weam Namou, author and executive 

director of the Chaldean Cultural 

Center, says, “I integrate words, foods, 

traditions, real-life characters, and 

even songs to tell modern Chaldean 

stories.” She explains further, “Using 

contemporary language that is concise 

and relatable allows readers from diverse 

backgrounds to connect with and 

immerse themselves in the narratives.” 

Namou, an award-winning author of 

ten books, says she was influenced by 

her homeland’s folklore including the 

Epic of Gilgamesh, which has a flood 

story like that of Noah in the Bible, and 

the story of Sargon the Great, whose account 

mirrors that of the biblical Moses. 

She shows how she uses tradition 

to create new stories, such as that of 

Pomegranate, her novel that was made 

into a feature film. “The main character, 

Niran, is a poet who channels 

Enheduanna, King Sargon’s daughter 

and the first credited writer in history.” 

She explains, “By immersing herself in 

Enheduanna’s poetry, Niran breathes 

life into her spirit, making her an active 

participant in the film. 

“My storytelling predominantly revolves 

around nonfiction and memoir 

genres. It incorporates a rich tapestry 

of history, culture and heritage. Even 

within my novels, I often interweave 

true stories that provide readers with 

a profound understanding of the Chaldean 

people, their contemporary challenges, 

and their way of life.” 

Christina Salem, an activist who selfpublished 

a book called “#TGIMITB - the 

girl I met in the bathroom,” says, “When 

storytelling I try to incorporate as many 

layers that attribute to the story as I can 

in whatever portrayal I’m using.” She 

explains, “I enjoy putting together as 

many pieces of art in various forms into 

every masterpiece I create.” 

Santo says, “Throughout the book 

[“Sweet Dreams, Habibi”], I include 

many traditional elements. For example, 

on the first page, I have Assyrian 

inspired art in the background and 


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Middle Eastern food represented on 

another page. 

“I also wanted to celebrate the diversity 

of Iraq.” She goes on. “On one 

of my favorite pages, all the adults are 

sitting around a table playing cards 

and drinking chai. One of the women 

has a hajib on.” 

Honoring the diversity and creativeness 

of their people, Chaldean 

storytelling not only preserves the past 

but also serves as a guiding light for 

future generations, imparting invaluable 

lessons of resilience, wisdom, 

and interconnectedness. 

As the world continues to evolve, 

the tales of the Chaldean people remain 

a source of inspiration, reminding 

us of the profound impact that 

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What’s in a Name? 

Chaldean family names contain nuggets of history 

BY ADHID MIRI, PhD 

There certainly are a lot of important 

names in history. Have you 

ever wondered where all these 

names came from? How did you get 

yours? It may have come from your parents. 

But where did they get it from? 

People haven’t always had last 

names. China was one of the earliest civilizations 

to use surnames. People there 

reportedly took on family names over 

three thousand years ago to help improve 

their census. For many years, surnames 

were passed down by mothers. Today, 

though, in much of the world most children 

take their father’s last name. 

Surnames may have originated from 

personal characteristics, locations, 

events, or family associations. The 

use of surnames was not common in 

Europe before the Middle Ages. As cities 

became larger and more populous, 

additional names were added to make 

them stylish, or to help people specify 

which “Tom” was being talked about. 

Surnames sometimes changed within 

a person’s lifespan or were sometimes 

imposed by other people or by law. 

For historical Chaldeans, choosing 

a name for a newborn in the villages 

was influenced by religion; it was always 

derived from the Aramaic language. 

Some babies were named after 

a famous or influential person, some 

after an elder family member, and others 

followed whatever was in style. 

However, certain names are perpetually 

popular, regardless of trends. 

This article is meant to inform the 

readers about Chaldean and Christian 

family names. It is not an exhaustive 

list of everything in the Chaldean 

Church’s libraries, catalogs, records, 

or birth records, but it prompts a call 

for further research. 

The Chaldean names collected here 

may contain modern Arabic names, 

followed mostly by Aramaic or biblical 

names such as the name of the author of 

this article (Adhid Yousif Mansour Franci 

Yousif Francis Gorgees Mary/Miri). 

Note that you may find some duplicate 

names because there are many ways to 

write, spell, or translate the same name. 

Names and Cultures 

The most common last names in the 

world vary by region and culture. It is 

important to note that the popularity 

of last names can change over time 

due to factors like migration and cultural 

shifts. 

Names and naming practices in 

other cultural areas show a strong 

similarity in basic trends. Among 

the ancient Babylonians and Assyrians, 

names are theophoric designations 

(having the name of a god embedded 

in something, such as a name) 

such as Nebuchadrezzar of the Bible, 

translated as “Nabu (a god) protected 

the estate.” And Ashurbanipal, meaning 

“Ashur (a god) created a son (heir).” 

Christianity gave the Middle East 

a host of Aramaic names, well beyond 

the area where Arabic is spoken. The 

last name of Arabic families either refers 

to the name of the tribe the person 

belongs to, or to the region, city, or 

town he/she originates from as a representation 

of the purity of blood and to 

show the pride one has for his ancestry. 

Al- means “the.” It often prefixes 

Arabic proper nouns, especially place 

names; an example is Al-Jazīrah (Arabic: 

“The Island”). Family names can 

relate to places, like al-Mousli (“from 

Mosul”) jobs, such as Haddad (“blacksmith”), 

or tribes, like al-Timmimi 

(“from the Timmimi tribe”). They usually 

end with i, e, or y such as Anni, 

Rawi, Rubaie, Shakarchi, Pachachi, 

Janabbi, Hillawy, and Dewany. 

In most Middle Eastern countries, 

people are called by their first names. 

In official documents, they always 

have three- or four-part names (i.e. 

first name, father’s name, grandfather’s 

name, and surname). 

In the countries that still maintain 

tribal structures, such as Yemen, Jordan, 

and the Gulf States, surnames are always 

used. In the early seventies in Iraq, the 

last names were removed by the Baath 

regime. This was part of a movement decreed 

by the socialist-Ba’athist party at 

the time aimed at treating people equally, 

stating no one should be preferred 

or privileged based on their tribal roots. 

The real reason was to camouflage the 

fact that most prominent Ba’athist officials 

had names like Al-Tikriti, Al-Douri, 

and Al-Sammarai. 

Origins of Chaldean names 

The study of the history and origin of 

family names in the village of Tilkepe 

was comprehensively documented by 

Father Michael Jajjo Bazzi in his book, 

“Tilkepe Past & Present,” published 

in 1969. His investigation included 

baptismal records from the Church of 

Tilkepe dating to the year 1790. 

The last names in Chaldean villages 

can be traced to the Middle Ages. At 

that time, they lived in small villages 

separated by large areas of farmland. 

People rarely met those from other areas. 

Everyone knew all the others who 

lived in their village, so there wasn’t a 

need for last names. 

Over time, though, these villages 

and populations grew. People traveled 

more. They traded with other places. 

Soon, they needed a way to tell the difference 

between people with the same 

name. Last names served to separate 

one “Jajjo” from another “Jajjo.” 

Christians and Chaldeans started to 

use Arabic names at the beginning of the 

20th century. Many of the Arabic names 

adopted by Chaldeans have meanings as 

ordinary adjectives and nouns. For example, 

the Arabic name Azziz means “dear,” 

Habib means “beloved,” Saeed means 

NAMES continued on page 36 


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NAMES continued from page 34 

“happy,” Khalid means “immortal,” and 

Essa is a variation of “Yasuo,” or Christ. 

Some Chaldean names have religious 

associations. For example, Putrus 

(Peter), Hanna (John), Mikha (Michael), 

Toma (Thomas), Matti (Matta, 

Matthew), Tobia (Tobias), etc. The most 

common Chaldean names are perhaps 

Mikha or Jajjo because of St. Mikhael 

and St. Gorgies, the patron saints of 

several Nineveh Plain villages. 

Over time, Chaldean surnames 

were derived from a few different attributes 

or characteristics, including 

occupation, nickname, place name, or 

religious sources. 

One way to distinguish between 

individuals was to specify their occupation. 

This gave rise to names like 

Kathawa (writer), Naggara (carpenter), 

Qassawa (butcher), Qinaya or Kinaya 

(goldsmith), Hakim (physician or wise 

man), and Hallaq (barber). 

Some surnames are nicknames 

that reflect careers, physical traits, or 

places that may have been imposed by 

friends or foes, including names like 

Asmar, Bahhora, Qarana, Hannona, 

Kharsa, Miskayna, Marzoq, Sulaqa, 

Yatooma, and Yono. 

People were also named after place 

names like Aaqrawi, Zibari, and Batnawi. 

Then there are clergy and compound 

names such as Abbona, Qasha, Qas- 

Korkies, Qas Mikha, Qas Youhanna, 

Qas Maroogi, Shamasha- Kacho, Al-Qas 

Matti, Al-Qas Oddish, Al-Qas Maroogi, 

Al- Qas Paulis, Al-Qas Shamoun, and Al- 

Qas Mikha, for example. 

Short Names 

Shortened names are the trend of all 

cultures and times. We find that Arabic 

names are replaced by other names; 

Abdullah is called “Aboudi,” Zainab is 

called “Zizi,” Khadija is called “Didi,” 

Shaker, they call him “Shoshu,” Hickmat 

is called “Hakommi,” and so on. 

This phenomenon is not limited to 

our Middle Eastern societies. Rather, 

we find in the West those who call 

someone named Robert “Bob,” and 

use “Pat” for Patricia. 

A similar pattern occurs with Chaldean/Aramaic 

names but with an Akkadian 

twist. Calling people by names 

other than their legal name is common 

among Chaldeans. For men, Azziz becomes 

“Azzo,” Elias becomes “Allo,” 

Fouad is “Fa’aoo,” Safa Is “Safo,” and 

Luay becomes “LuLu.” In the case of 

women’s names, Afaf becomes “Affo,” 

Hanaa is “Hanno,” Rand is “Ranno,” 

Regina is “Rajjo,” and Habboba becomes 

“Habbo.” The list goes on. 

Digital Family Tree Project 

Onomastics (the study of the history 

and origin of proper names) can 

be a very useful tool in genealogical 

research as it is one of many ways to 

build family trees and provide insight 

into the identities of one’s ancestors. 

The Chaldean News and Chaldean 

Cultural Center plan to research and 

document information into the Chaldean 

Community Digital Family Tree 

project. The idea is to include the 

ancestry of Chaldean families in the 

US and elsewhere in the diaspora by 

using documentation such as correspondence, 

photos, and personal interviews. 

The project will include family-name 

studies to locate and organize 

information about everyone who has 

had a specific Chaldean family name 

as far back in time as possible. 

Comprehensive, accurate, updated 

research and careful tracking is needed 

to learn where specific name elements 

came from, and to identify specific 

sources, double-check the work to verify 

spellings, also expand the descriptions 

of the various name elements and 

illustrations of common name forms 

with actual period examples of each. 

As a result, rigorous research is 

needed to complete this article. The 

names list in this article consists of 

names from the church records of 

one village, Tilkepe only. To help our 

research, please message any family 

name information or family tree data 

to edit@chaldeannews.com. 

Together, we can grow the family 

tree for future generations to study 

and learn where they came from. 

Common Tilkepe 

Family Names 

(In Surath) 

Abbaso, Abbo, Abro, Abs’so, 

Acho, Arabo, Asso, Atto, Attu, 

Babbo, Bachou, Baho, Bajjo, 

Bakaloo, Bakkaio, Bashou, Batto, 

Bazido, Becho, Beebu, Besto, 

Binno, Bodo, Brikho 

Dadoo, Dakko, Dallou, Danno, 

Darboo, Dawiethko, Da’ako, 

Deeko, Dikho, Duddo, 

Eesso 

Fajjo, Faranso, Faroo, 

Gaggo, Gammo, Gamsho, Gannou, 

Garmo, Gasso, Gatho, 

Gathro, Gathrou, Gatto, Genju, 

Gidoo, Gishou, Goro 

Habboo, Habso, Haddou, Haido, 

Hailo, Halabu, Hammo, Hanko, 

Hasseno, Hasyno, Hatanou, 

Haydo, Hayoo, Hilanto, Hindo 

Jaboro, Jalabo, Jallou, Jammo, 

Jarango, Jarbo, Jibbo, Jiddou, 

Jindou 

Kako, Kalasho, Kamanno, Kametto, 

Kammo, Kandro, Kanounu, 

Karcho, Karmo, Kashjo, Kasho, 

Katcho, Katto, Khamirko, Khamoro, 

Khoshko, Kilano, Killo, 

Kinno, Kitto, Kriko 

Mahoo, Makhoo, Mammo, Manjo, 

Margo, Mayzo, Ma’ano, Minio, 

Mio, Mizo, Mukhito, Mukko 

Nafsu, Nano, Na’alo, Na’amo 

Odesho, Oodo, Oro, Osmano, 

Osso, Oujjo 

Patto 

Qarcho, Qatto, Qesto, Qieppo, 

Qijbou, Qiracho, Qiryo, Qiyo, 

Qourino 

Rashoo 

Saco, Saffo, Salmou, Salmou, 

Shaffou, Shammo, Shango, 

Sheeto, Sheikho, Shinno, Sir- 

Kindo, Sitto, Sivi- Mammo, Somo, 

Soro, Sotta-Mikko, Stanithou 

Tamtemo 

Yaldoo, Yasso, Yono 

Zakko, Zetto 

SOURCES: FATHER MICHAEL JAJJO BAZZI‘S “TILKEPE 

PAST & PRESENT” PUBLISHED IN 1969; DIRECTORY 

OF CHALDEAN IRAQI ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN 

C.I.A.A.M.; THE HISTORY OF THE IRAQI COMMUNITY 

IN AMERICA BY DEACON SHAMOUN (SAM) DABISH; 

WIKIPEDIA; AND ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA. 




تجعل العديد من هذه األسامء ذات أصول آرامية 

وأكادية وكلدانية مشرتكة ، وهذا نجده شائع بني 

أألسامء الكلدانية واألشورية واليزيدية يف منطقة 

سهل نينوى وشامل العراق فقط وليس يف محافظات 

الجنوب واألهوار.‏ 

أصل األسامء الكلدانية 

ميكن إرجاع األسامء األخرية يف القرى الكلدانية إىل 

العصور الوسطى.‏ إذ يف ذلك الوقت،‏ كانوا مزارعني 

يعيشون يف قرى صغرية تفصلها مساحات واسعة من 

األرايض الزراعية ونادرا ما يلتقى الناس بأشخاص من 

مناطق أخرى،‏ وكان الجميع يعرفون اآلخرين الذين 

يعيشون يف قريتهم،‏ لذلك مل تكن هناك حاجة ألسامء 

العائلة،‏ وإمنا فقط أسامء املحالت التي ينتمون اليها.‏ 

ومع مرور الوقت،‏ منت هذه القرى والسكان،‏ 

وانتقل ورحل وسافر واندمج الناس وتواصلوا مع 

أماكن أخرى،‏ ورسعان ما احتاجوا إىل طريقة لتعريف 

األشخاص الذين يحملون نفس االسم األول،‏ وبدأت 

األسامء األخرية كوسيلة لفصل ‏“ججو”‏ عن ‏“ججو”‏ 

آخر.‏ 

وتعتمد األسامء الكلدانية والعربية تقليديًا عىل 

نظام تسمية طويل.‏ عىل عكس األسامء األمريكية،‏ 

عىل سبيل املثال،‏ ميكن أن تتكون األسامء العربية من 

أربعة أسامء أو أكرث،‏ تحدد اسم الشخص،‏ واسم األب،‏ 

واسم الجد،‏ وأخريا اسم العائلة كام يف ‏)كامل بطرس 

منصور مريي(.‏ 

بدأ املسيحيون والكلدانيون باستخدام األسامء 

العربية يف بداية القرن العرشين،‏ والعديد من األسامء 

العربية التي اعتمدها الكلدانيون لها معاين كصفات 

وأسامء أو ارتباطات دينية،‏ عىل سبيل املثال،‏ بيرت 

‏)بطرس(،‏ حنا ‏)يوحنا(،‏ ميخا ‏)مايكل(،‏ توما ‏)توماس(،‏ 

متي ‏)متا،‏ ماثيو(،‏ طوبيا ‏)توبياس(،‏ إلخ.‏ وتعترب بعض 

األسامء الكلدانية األكرث شيوعًا مثل ‏)ميخا(‏ أو ‏)ججو(‏ 

بسبب القديسني ميخائيل أو كوركيس شفيعي عدة 

قرى يف سهل نينوى.‏ 

ومع مرور الوقت،‏ تم اشتقاق األلقاب الكلدانية 

من السامت أو الخصائص التالية:‏ 

املهنة - إحدى الطرق للتمييز بني األفراد هي 

تحديد مهنتهم.‏ أدى هذا إىل ظهور أسامء مثل:‏ كثاوا 

‏)كاتب(،‏ نكًارا ‏)نجار(،‏ قصاوة ‏)جزار(،‏ قينايا ‏)صائغ(،‏ 

حكيم ‏)طبيب أو مفكر(،‏ وغريها.‏ 

ألسامت-‏ مثل:‏ ‏)أسمر،‏ قرانه،‏ حنونة،‏ خرسا،‏ 

مسكينة،‏ يتوما(.‏ 

أسامء األماكن أو املواقع الجغرافية – يتم 

تسمية األشخاص عىل اسم األماكن التي أتوا منها مثل 

‏)عقراوي،‏ زيباري،‏ بطناوي(.‏ 

أسامء امرأة:‏ ديل،‏ داليل،‏ زيتو،‏ حاممة،‏ رشو،‏ شفو،‏ 

زيتونة.‏ 

أسامء دينية:‏ أبونا،‏ قاشا،‏ قس كًوركًيس،‏ قس 

ميخا،‏ قس يوحنا،‏ قس مرويًكً‏ ، شامشا-‏ كجو،‏ شامشا-‏ 

بيش.‏ 

أسامء عوائل سورثية ‏-كلدانية شهرية 

تم توثيق أصول ودراسة تاريخ وأصل أسامء العائالت 

لقرية تلكيف بشكل شامل من قبل األب ميخائيل 

ججو بزي يف كتابه ‏“بلدة تلكيف ماضيها وحارضها 

“ الصادر عام 1969” وأعتمد يف مصادره واسانيده 

ومعلوماته اىل سجالت العامذ من كنيسة تلكيف لعام 

1901 ومنها يعود إىل عام 1790. 

وبالتأكيد هناك حاجة إىل مزيد من اإلضافات 

والبحث الدقيق إلكامل هذه املقالة،‏ من الصعب تذكر 

الكثري من التواريخ وكل بلدات وسجالت بلداتنا وكنائسنا 

وكل ما ورد من أسامء هو من سجالت الكنيسة لقرية 

واحدة فقط ‏)تلكيف(‏ وبالطبع هذا غري كافٍ‏ . وليس 

من الصدفة أن نجد فيام بينها مجموعة كبرية من أسامء 

العوائل التي جرى تسجيلها ومتثل أغلبية سكان البلدة 

وتنتهي بحرف الواو كام يف أدناه:‏ 

‏)أودو،‏ أورو،‏ أوسامنو،‏ أسو،‏ أوديشو،‏ أوجو(‏ 

- ‏)بابو،‏ بجو،‏ بحو،‏ باجو،‏ باكالو،‏ باكايو،‏ بشو،‏ بتو،‏ 

بازيدو،‏ بكو،‏ بيبو،‏ بيستو،‏ بنو،‏ بودو،‏ بريخو(‏ - ‏)دادو،‏ 

دكو،‏ دلو،‏ دانو،‏ داربو،‏ داويثكو،‏ ديكو،‏ دخو،‏ دودو(‏ 

- ‏)جابرو،‏ جاالبو،‏ جلو،‏ جمو،‏ جارنجو،‏ جربو،‏ جبو،‏ 

جدو،‏ جندو،‏ جينجو،‏ جيدو(‏ ‏-)خمورو،‏ خمركو،‏ 

خوشو ) - ‏)حبو،‏ حبصو،‏ حدو،‏ حيدو،‏ حلبو ، حمو،‏ 

حنكو،‏ حسينو،‏ حسانو،‏ حيو(‏ - ‏)همو،‏ هيلو،‏ هيالنتو،‏ 

هندو(‏ ‏-)كاكو،‏ كًسو ‏،كلشو،‏ كلو،،‏ كمنو،‏ كاميتو،‏ كمو،‏ 

كندرو،‏ كانونو،‏ كًرمو،‏ كشجو،‏ ، كجو،‏ كاتو ، كيالنو،‏ 

كَنو،‏ كِتو،‏ كركو(‏ – ‏)كًكًو،‏ كًمو،‏ كًمشو،‏ كًنو،‏ كًسو،‏ 

كًاثو،‏ كًاثرو،‏ جاثرو،‏ كًاتو،‏ كًشو،‏ كًورو(‏ ‏-)فجو،‏ فرانسو،‏ 

فرو(‏ - ‏)محو،‏ مخو،‏ ممو،‏ منجو،‏ مركًو،‏ ميزو،‏ معنّو،‏ 

مينو،‏ ميو،‏ ميزو،‏ موخيتو،‏ مكو(‏ - ‏)نانو،‏ نفسو،‏ نعلو،‏ 

نعمو(‏ - ‏)عبو،‏ عربو،‏ عباسو،‏ عبسو،‏ عجو،‏ عربو،‏ عتو،‏ 

عطّو،‏ عيسو(‏ - ‏)صبو،‏ صفو،‏ صومو،‏ صورو(‏ - ‏)ساكو،‏ 

سلمو،‏ ستو،‏ رس كندو،‏ سيفي ممو ، سوتا مكو،‏ 

سطانيثو(‏ - ‏)شفو،‏ شمو،‏ شنكًو،‏ شيتو،‏ شيخو،‏ شينو(‏ - 

‏)قاطو،‏ قجبو،‏ قرجو ، قريو،‏ قسطو،‏ قيبو،‏ قيو،‏ قرياجو،‏ 

قورينو(‏ - ‏)رشو،‏ رمو(–‏ ( زكو،‏ زيتو(‏ -- ‏)متتيمو(‏ - 

‏)يلدو،‏ يسو،‏ يونو(.‏ 

املرشوع الرقمي لشجرة 

العائلة الكلدانية 

ميكن أن يكون لعلم التسميات ‏)دراسة تاريخ وأصل 

أسامء األعالم(‏ أداة مفيدة جدًا يف أبحاث األنساب ألنه 

أحد الطرق العديدة لبناء شجرة العائلة،‏ وتوفري طرق 

لاللتفاف حول املوانع التقليدية وتوفري نظرة ثاقبة 

لهويات أسالف الفرد والعائلة.‏ 

وهناك حاجة ماسة بني افراد الجيل الجديد وسط 

جاليتنا النامية ملعرفة الروابط العائلية واصول اباءهم 

وأمهاتهم خاصة يف مناسبات التعارف والزواج وهذا 

يتطلب بحث شامل ودقيق وتحديثات دورية ملعرفة 

مصادر املعلومات والتأكد من مقاربات تهجئة وترجمة 

األسامء التي نجدها تكتب بثالثة أنواع أو اكرث ، 

وكذلك توسيع أوصاف عنارص االسم املختلفة،‏ والرسوم 

التوضيحية لنامذج األسامء الشائعة مع أمثلة الفرتة 

الزمنية لكل منهام.‏ 

ومن اجل ذلك تخطط مجلة أخبار الكلدان 

‏)كالديان نيوز(‏ واملركز الثقايف الكلداين يف بناية الجالية 

الجديدة يف مدينة ويست بلومفيلد ‏)تقاطع شارعي 

إنكسرت وامليل السادس عش ‏-وولنت ليك روود(‏ لدعم 

وبحث وتوثيق املرشوع الرقمي للمجتمع الكلداين 

الذي سيشمل أشجار العائالت للعائالت الكلدانية 

يف الواليات املتحدة األمريكية وأماكن أخرى.‏ يهدف 

املرشوع إىل إنشاء دراسات حول أسامء العائلة لتحديد 

وتنظيم املعلومات،‏ ونتطلع مشاركة كل من لديه 

شجرة العائلة ومعلومات عن األسامء من اجل إمتام 

وانجاح الربنامج قدر اإلمكان.‏ 

وتأسيساً‏ عىل ذلك،‏ إذا كنتم تحبون الدراسات 

االجتامعية واملشاركة الطوعية ، فان تعلّم املايض ميكن 

أن يكون ممتعًا للغاية وإنه ألمر رائع أن نتعلم أين 

كنا وأين أصبحنا وكيف يجوهر املايض صيغة الحارض 

واملستقبل.‏ 

وللمساعدة يف بحوثنا ومساعينا يرجى منكم 

إرسال أملعلومات عن اسامء أو بيانات شجرة العائلة 

إىل العنوان التايل:‏ edit@chaldeannews.com 

املصادر:‏ كتاب بلدة تلكيف ماضيها وحارضها 

لألب ميخائيل ججو بزي الصادر عام 1969. دليل 

الجمعية الكلدانية العراقية يف ميشيغان لعام 2002، 

كتاب تاريخ الجالية العراقية يف امريكا بقلم الشامس 

شمعون ‏)سام(‏ دابش الصادر عام 1975 وويكيبيديا 

املوسوعة الربيطانية.‏ 



أصول أسامء العائالت الكلدانية 

بقلم د عضيد مريي،‏ 

مقدمة 

من املؤكد أن هناك الكثري من األسامء التأريخية 

والقاب شهرية لعامة الناس للعوائل يف العراق وعادةً‏ 

ما يتم مترير االسم األخري،‏ واملعروف أيضً‏ ا باسم العائلة 

أو اللقب من جيل إىل جيل.‏ ولكن هل تساءلتم يوما 

من أين جاءت كل هذه األسامء؟ وكيف حصلتم عىل 

اسم ولقب عائلتكم؟ رمبا التسمية جاءت من والديك،‏ 

ولكن من أين حصلوا عليه؟ 

ميكن أن توفر األلقاب نظرة ثاقبة ألصل الشخص 

أو خلفيته الثقافية أو أصله الجغرايف،‏ وميكن اشتقاق 

األسامء األخرية من املهن عىل سبيل املثال،‏ ‏)النجار(،‏ 

أو املوقع ‏)عقراوي(،‏ أو الخصائص الشخصية ‏)قصري(،‏ 

أو النسب األبوي عىل سبيل املثال،‏ ‏)ابن سينا(‏ ومع 

مرور الوقت تطورت مامرسات التسمية هذه وتأثرت 

بالعوامل التاريخية،‏ والثقافية،‏ واللغوية،‏ وقد تكون 

األلقاب قد نشأت من الخصائص الشخصية،‏ أو املواقع 

الجغرافية،‏ أو األحداث،‏ أو االرتباطات العائلية.‏ 

مل يكن استخدام األلقاب شائعًا يف أوروبا قبل 

العصور الوسطى،‏ ولكن بعدما أصبحت املدن أكرب 

وأكرث اكتظاظا بالسكان،‏ متت إضافة أسامء إضافية 

لجعلها أنيقة،‏ أو ملساعدة الناس عىل تحديد الشخص 

الذي يتم الحديث عنه.‏ كام وقد تتغري األلقاب يف 

بعض األحيان خالل عمر الشخص أو يتم فرضها يف 

بعض األحيان من قبل أشخاص آخرين أو مبوجب 

تغيريات يف قوانني البالد.‏ 

تهدف هذه املقالة إىل تعريف القراء بأسامء العائالت 

الكلدانية واملسيحية،‏ وهي ليست شاملة لكل ما هو 

مدرج يف مكتبات الكنائس الكلدانية،‏ واألديرة أو الفهارس،‏ 

أو سجالت الوالدات،‏ ولكنها اجتهاد معريف ودعوة إلجراء 

املزيد من البحث األكادميي واللغوي والتأريخي.‏ 

وقد تحتوي األسامء الكلدانية املُجمعة عىل أسامء 

عربية حديثة،‏ تليها يف الغالب أسامء آرامية أو كلدانية 

كام يف مثل اسم كاتب هذا املقالة ‏)عضيد يوسف 

منصور فرنيس يوسف فرنسيس كًوركًيس من أل مريي/‏ 

ماري(،‏ واملالحظ أن بعض األسامء املكررة لها أكرث من 

طريقة لكتابة االسم أو تهجئته أو ترجمته.‏ 

األسامء والثقافات 

تختلف األسامء األخرية واألكرث شيوعًا يف العامل حسب 

املنطقة والثقافة.‏ ومن املهم مالحظة أن شعبية 

األسامء األخرية ميكن أن تتغري مبرور الوقت بسبب 

عوامل مثل الهجرة والتحوالت الثقافية والرتجمة من 

لغة اىل أخرى بل وحتى املرتجم.‏ 

يف البدء مل يكن لدى الناس دامئًا أسامء أخرية 

ولسنوات عديدة،‏ كان يتم تناقل األلقاب من األمهات،‏ 

ولكن اليوم،‏ يأخذ معظم األطفال يف معظم أنحاء 

العامل االسم األخري لوالدهم.‏ وتعترب الصني واحدة من 

أقدم الحضارات التي استخدمت األلقاب واخذ الناس 

هناك أسامء عائالتهم منذ أكرث من ثالثة آالف عام 

للمساعدة يف تحسني تعدادهم السكاين.‏ 

ويف أوروبا،‏ نشأ استخدام أسامء العائالت يف األرس 

األرستقراطية ويف املدن الكربى أوالً،‏ حيث تطورت من 

األلقاب الفردية األصلية ثم أصبحت األخرية وراثية 

وأكرث شيوعًا خالل العصور الوسطى مع منو السكان 

وحاجة األفراد إىل مُعرفات إضافية لغرض التمييز . 

ويف العراق،‏ تعترب الديانة املسيحية واألديان 

األخرى أحد العوامل املحفزة الكبريةعند اختيار األسم.‏ 

فعندما يكون لديك ديانات كبرية ذات تقاليد كتابية 

قوية غالبًا ما يختار الناس أسامء من هذه الكتب 

املقدسة.‏ ففي عامل األرسة الكلدانية قديم الزمان كان 

اختيار اسم املولود الجديد يف القرى يتأثر بالدين،‏ أي 

أنه يكون مشتقا من اسم قديس او قديسة ‏)مثل ميخا 

وحنا ومريم وحنة(،‏ أو يتبع اسم شخص مشهور أو 

مؤثر ‏)أيزن ‏-الرئيس أيزنهاور(‏ أو ‏)ريجينة/‏ رجو - كام 

يف لقب ملكة إنكلرتا اليزابيث ريجينا(،‏ أو عىل اسم 

أحد أفراد األرسة األكرب سنا،‏ والبعض اآلخر يتبع ما هو 

عىل املوضة الحديثة.‏ ومع ذلك،‏ فإن بعض األسامء 

تحظى بشعبية دامئة،‏ بغض النظر عن االتجاهات 

الدينية والحراك االجتامعي.‏ 

أعطت املسيحية الرشق األوسط مجموعة من 

األسامء اآلرامية أبعد بكثري من املنطقة التي يتحدث 

بها السكان باللغة العربية،‏ حيث يشري االسم األخري 

للعائالت العربية إما إىل اسم القبيلة التي ينتمي إليها 

الشخص،‏ أو املنطقة،‏ أو املدينة،‏ أو البلدة التي نشأ 

منها،‏ وذلك متثيالً‏ لنقاء الدم وإظهار الفخر الذي يكنه 

املرء لوطنه.‏ 

وتُظهر األسامء ومامرسات التسمية يف الثقافات 

والحضارات القدمية يف بالد الرافدين تشابهًا قويًا 

يف االتجاهات األساسية واملعتقدات الدينية،‏ فعند 

البابليني واآلشوريني القدماء،‏ كانت األسامء هي 

تسميات ثيوفورية ‏)أي مرُكبّة وتحمل اسم إله 

مُدمجًا يف يشء اخر كمثل االسم نبوخذ نُرّصّ‏ يف 

الكتاب املقدس(،‏ ‏“نابو”‏ تعني إله الحكمة والكتابة 

و ‏“إله يحمي الرتكة”‏ وخذنُرّصّ‏ ‏“حامي الحدود”‏ 

وهناك بعض االلقاب امللكية كالذي حملها امللك 

اشور بانيبال فيكون معنى االسم ‏)االله اشور خالق 

االبن(‏ او ‏)االله اشور خالق االبن الوريث(.‏ وهناك 

أيضً‏ ا أسامء غري ثيوفورية مثل اللقب اآلرامي للصياد 

سيمون/‏ كيبا،‏ وتعني ‏“الحجر او الصخرة”،‏ وقد 

اشتهر يف العهد الجديد باسم بيرتوس ‏)بطرس(‏ من 

الرتجمة اليونانية لالسم ‏)برتا ‏“صخرة،‏ حجر”(.‏ 

ترتيب االسم 

يف معظم دول الرشق األوسط،‏ يتم استدعاء األشخاص 

بأسامئهم األوىل.‏ ويف الوثائق الرسمية،‏ يكون لديهم 

دامئًا أسامء مكونة من ثالثة أو أربعة أجزاء،‏ أي االسم 

األول واسم األب واسم الجد واللقب بالعربية.‏ ويف 

البلدان التي ال تزال تحافظ عىل الهياكل القبلية،‏ مثل 

اليمن واألردن ودول الخليج،‏ يتم استخدام األلقاب 

دامئًا.‏ 

ويف أوائل السبعينيات أزال نظام البعث األلقاب يف 

العراق ، وكان ذلك جزءًا من حركة أصدرها الحزب البعثي 

االشرتايًك يف ذلك الوقت بهدف معاملة الناس عىل قدم 

املساواة،‏ أي ال ينبغي تفضيل أو امتياز أحد عىل أساس 

جذوره القبلية.‏ ولكن السبب الحقيقي كان لغرض التمويه 

عىل أسامء أبرز املسؤولني البعثيني يحملون أسامء مثل 

التكريتي والدوري والسامرايئ والشاوي.‏ 

أل التعريف 

تستخدم اللفظة ‏)آل(‏ يف اللغة العربية للداللة عىل 

أسامء العلم،‏ ويف حالة االسم،‏ تستخدم للداللة 

عىل ساللة أو عائلة معروفة.‏ و)آل(‏ غالباً‏ ما تسبق 

أسامء األعالم العربية،‏ وخاصة أسامء األماكن،‏ عىل 

سبيل املثال ‏)الجزيرة،‏ العربية(،‏ أو األسامء التي 

تتعلق بأماكن العائلة املوصيل ‏)من املوصل(،‏ الحيل 

‏)من الحلة(،‏ العاين ‏)من عانه(‏ او الوظيفة ‏)الحداد،‏ 

القصاب،‏ الكاتب(،‏ او القبيلة والعشرية ‏)التميمي،‏ 

الربيعي،‏ الجبوري(.‏ وعادة ما تنتهي بحرف الياء ‏)ي(‏ 

مثل ‏)الراوي،‏ القييس،‏ الشكرجي،‏ الباجةجي،‏ الجنايب(.‏ 

االتصال باللغة األكادية 

األكادية،‏ لغة قدمية استخدمت يف الدبلوماسية 

والتجارة يف أواخر العرّص الربونزي،‏ وهي لغة كان 

من املمكن أن يعرفها أي عضو يف الحضارات القدمية 

والشعوب السامية.‏ واألكدية كانت مكتوبة بالخط 

املسامري الذي تم تطويره من الخط السنسكريتي 

السومري،‏ ويحتوي عىل حوايل 600 كلمة ومقطع 

لفظي.‏ وتفرعت منه فيام بعد السامية ‏)رشق وغرب(‏ 

ثم إىل اآلرامية )22 أبجدية(‏ ثم البابلية،‏ الكلدانية 

،)22( اآلشورية ،)22( العربية ،)22( النبطية ،)22( 

املندائية )22(، والكنعانية )22( والعربية )28(. 

وكانت اللغة اآلرامية هي لغة الشعب اآلرامي،‏ 

الذي استوطن حوايل عام 1000 قبل امليالد يف شامل 

الهالل الخصيب،‏ بني سوريا وبالد ما بني النهرين.‏ 

وخالل الفرتة اآلشورية الجديدة )911-605 قبل 

امليالد(‏ وتحت التأثري السيايس،‏ أصبحت اآلرامية لغة 

الطبقات الرائدة وانترشت يف جميع أنحاء بالد الشام،‏ 

مع وجود متغريات محلية يف اللفظ والكتابة.‏ 

وتعترب لغتنا الكلدانية املحكية ‏)سورث(‏ من 

لغات بالد ما بني النهرين وتأيت أصولها من سومر وأكد 

وبابل ووطن الكلدان،‏ حيث بنى الكلدانيون حضارة 

إمرباطورية ولغة ذات تأثري عاملي،‏ أبجديتها أكرث 

حداثة من الحروف اآلرامية الكالسيكية.‏ 

حرف الواو 

واجهت اآلرامية والسورثية تحوالت لغوية حدثت 

للسكان املسيحيني عندما كانوا مشتتني يف جميع أنحاء 

الرشق األوسط،‏ فالكلدان الذين عاشوا يف وقت مبكر بني 

العرب والفرس وجدوا أن اللغات املضيفة حلت محلها 

احياناً‏ الحروف الخاصة بهم.‏ وهذا أدى مع مرور الوقت 

إىل تعديل ونطق كثري من الحروف ومنها حرف الواو.‏ 

فالواو هو حرف العلة الطويل،‏ وهو الحرف 

السابع والعرشون من األبجدية.‏ وهو أيضً‏ ا الحرف 

السادس يف الرتتيب األبجدي التقليدي ‏)أبجد هوز(‏ 

الذي يستخدم بدالً‏ من األرقام للرتقيم.‏ وعندما يتم 

استخدام الواو لتمثيل حرف العلة الطويل،‏ يظهر 

ك)ضمة(‏ فوق الحروف.‏ 

وحرف الواو من الحروف املهمة يف اللغات 

السامية،‏ ويوجد عادة يف نهاية الكلامت األكدية،‏ وهو 

مثري لالهتامم بشكل خاص،‏ حيث ميكن مالحظة تأثري 

اللغتني اآلرامية واألكادية عىل اللهجات وأسامء الناس 

يف بلدات سهل نينوى.‏ إذ كان األكاديون يختمون 

كالمهم واسامءهم ‏)بالضمة – واو صغرية(.‏ وهو نفس 

اليشء باللغة العربية والسورثية.‏ مثال ذلك)‏ إنكيدو،‏ 

حمو ، حاتو،‏ نبشتو،‏ أور-نامو،‏ آنو،‏ نبو ) وغريها.‏ وإلن 

املرتجمني من األكادية إىل اإلنجليزية واللغات الالتينية 

األخرى ليس لديهم ‏)ضمه(‏ يف لغاتهم،‏ فهم يكتبونها 

‏)واو(‏ أو ‏)يو(‏ أو ‏)دبليو(.‏ 

O/U/W 

األسامء القصرية 

األسامء القصرية املحببة والتي تشري اىل الدالل هي 

سائدة يف جميع الثقافات واألزمنة.‏ ولذلك نجد أن 

األسامء العربية الصلبة يتم استبدالها بأسامء أخرى،‏ 

فمثالً‏ عبد الله يصبح ‏“عبودي”،‏ وزينب ‏“زيزي او 

زوزو”،‏ وسهام ‏“سوسو”،‏ ونبيل ‏“نونو”،‏ وليث ‏“لولو”‏ 

وحكمت ‏“حكومي”،‏ وسمري ‏“سموري”‏ وهكذا.‏ وال 

تقترّص هذه الظاهرة عىل مجتمعاتنا العربية،‏ بل 

نجدها يف الغرب ومن يطلق عىل شخص اسمه روبرت 

‏“بوب”،‏ ويصبح جون ‏“جاك”‏ ، وريتشارد ‏“دك”،‏ 

وباتريك ‏“بات”‏ . 

ولدينا منط مامثل مع األسامء الكلدانية/اآلرامية،‏ 

ولكن مع ملسة أكادية،‏ إذ تسمية األشخاص بأسامء 

أخرى غري أسامئهم القانونية أمر شائع،‏ فعند الرجال 

عزيز يصبح ‏)عزو(،‏ إلياس ‏)آللو(،‏ يوسف ‏)أسو(،‏ 

فؤاد ‏)فاؤو(،‏ صفاء ‏)صفو(،‏ وجورج/جرجيس ‏)ججو(.‏ 

ويف حالة النساء/اإلناث،‏ هناء ‏)هنو(،‏ وعفاف ‏)عفو(،‏ 

ووفاء ‏)وفو(،‏ ورند ‏)رنوودة او رندو(،‏ وتغريد ‏)تغو 

او توتو(،‏ وريجينا ‏)رجو(،‏ وحبوبا ‏)حبو(‏ ومارثا / 

مروشة ‏)مرو(،‏ إلخ.‏ 

فالروابط الجغرافية والتاريخية والدينية واللغوية 


ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT 

Omar Jarbo 

Music man 

BY WEAM NAMOU 

At the young age of four, Omar 

Jarbo began playing the zurna, 

following in his father’s footsteps. 

It’s a woodwind instrument with a double 

reed, just like an oboe. Different versions 

of it are widely played in the Middle East, 

Central Asia, and the Balkans. 

When Jarbo was only eleven years old, 

he entertained audiences in Tel Keppe 

during events, even at weddings that went 

on for two to three days. “We would travel 

from store to store, home to home, playing 

music,” he explained with emotion. “Life 

there was absolutely beautiful.” 

The zurna and tubel (davul) are often 

played in unison, with the tubel acting as 

a prominent bass drum. The traditional 

ensemble of zurna and tubel is commonly 

seen in celebrations, festivals, and folk 

performances in these regions. The zurna 

player brings lively melodies and ornamentations, 

while the tubel player provides 

rhythmic accompaniment with the drum. 

Jarbo’s family made the decision to 

leave Iraq due to the political and religious 

environment, but he couldn’t accompany 

them initially. His enrollment 

in the army made any attempt to leave 

raise suspicion of fleeing to America. By a 

stroke of luck, he narrowly avoided being 

part of the Iraq-Iraq war due to his birth 

year, 1955. It took years, but he finally 

made it to America on December 24, 1981. 

“Since the day I set foot in America 

with three zurnas from Iraq,” he said, “I 

have never taken a break from playing the 

zurna, not even for a single day.” 

Jabro loved playing the zurna despite 

his mother’s disapproval. Concerned 

about his health, she believed that playing 

the zurna could be detrimental to his 

lungs, particularly when she observed him holding 

his breath for extended periods. 

“I can play for two hours,” he said. “It’s my passion.” 

It is a passion that Jarbo turned into a career. He 

has received invitations to perform at various celebrations 

worldwide. He wanted to learn how to read 

music in college, but he never had the chance. Hussam 

Al Rassam, the renowned Iraqi singer, expressed 

admiration for his talent and commented, “You could 

have achieved greater success if you had learned to 

read notes.” 

“I didn’t read notes or get lessons or anything 

Celebrating Chaldean Culture 

with a Free Community Event 

The Chaldean News has been awarded a grant to tell “Great Michigan Stories” 

through the Michigan Humanities Grants Initiative. As part of that grant, we 

are telling the story of the Chaldean community here in Michigan, through 

informative articles, personal interviews, and events highlighting culture. 

On Thursday, May 9, one such event will take place at the Chaldean Community 

Foundation in Sterling Heights. DJ Joe Sesi will spin traditional music 

and the event will also feature a Zeffa by Omar Jarbo, music by singer Danny 

Butrus and keyboardist Tony Barkho, traditional dance, food, storytelling 

and more. Register for this free event at chaldeannews.com/celebrate. 

like that,” said Jabro. “I just picked up the zurna and 

played. I’m self-taught.” 

He had simply picked up the instrument and 

played to his heart’s delight. Through practice, he 

became a master of the instrument. 

“In the U.S., singers depend more on written 

music, while in Iraq, musicians develop their skills 

through practice and an oral tradition,” he explained. 

The zurna has a long-standing connection with folk 

music, specifically during festive occasions like weddings, 

religious ceremonies, and community gatherings. 

Its loud and vibrant sound can easily be heard in 

outdoor settings, making it perfect for such occasions. 

Above and left: Omar playing the zurna. 

When they appear at the bride’s house, 

they play a crucial role in weddings, escorting 

her and her entourage. In previous 

times, in towns of northern Iraq, she would 

be ceremoniously paraded around, though 

this tradition is less common now. In the 

U.S., she heads towards the vehicle that 

will drive her to the church. In some cases, 

the groom wants to walk about to the beat 

of the zurna as well. Apart from that, they 

are primarily recognized for their grand entrances 

and the chobia dances. 

Even after getting married and having 

four boys, Jarbo kept playing the zurna. 

He’s saddened that he lost his wife seven 

years ago and finds it challenging to take 

care of their beautiful spacious home in 

Birmingham. But he keeps his spirits up 

through music, cooking elaborate Middle 

Eastern foods and spending time with 

family and friends. He is thrilled that his 

eldest son is a DJ. They have played together 

at parties and are now set to perform 

at a wedding in Cancun. Already, his 

baby grandson can play this instrument. 

“The ones made from apricot bark are 

considered the best zurnas,” Jarbo stated. 

Ancient Mesopotamia is believed to 

be the birthplace of zurnas, which eventually 

spread to surrounding areas. Depictions 

of the instrument can be found 

in Sumerian art, and it is also mentioned 

in ancient texts. Through the years, the 

zurna went through transformations and 

acquired various names in different cultures. In Turkey, 

for example, it is known as the zurna, while 

in Armenia it is called the duduk. In Azerbaijan, it 

is known as the balaban, and in the Balkans, it is 

called the zurla or zurlashka. Each location has its 

individual playing style and collection of songs. 

The zurna holds a significant place in Chaldean folk 

music, serving as an integral part of the musical traditions 

and cultural heritage. The zurna and tubel combination 

create a lively and vibrant musical tradition, 

and their collaboration adds a distinctive and energetic 

element to the folk music of Chaldean communities. 



“Since the day I set 

foot in America with 

three zurnas from 

Iraq, I have never 

taken a break from 

playing the zurna, not 

even for a single day.” 

– Omar Jarbo 

CHALDEAN 

STORY 

This report is made possible with generous support from 



ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT 

What Sister Cabrini Can Teach Us 

BY N. PETER ANTONE 

Until I watched the movie “Sister 

Cabrini,” I never thought a 

story could capture the issues 

of humanity and immigration so well 

as to rank among the best movies I 

have watched in my lifetime. 

The movie is the true story of a 

girl, Cabrini, living in the 19th century 

with poor health, envisioning missionary 

work to open orphanages, hospitals, 

and accommodations for the 

poor world-wide, long before anyone 

thought of social services. 

Cabrini was so frail in her youth 

that her first application to be a nun 

was denied as being too weak to withstand 

the pressure of a nun’s life. 

Eventually, after she convinced the 

order to accept her, she founded an orphanage 

in Italy that was so successful 

it attracted the attention of the Pope at 

the time. From there, she repeatedly 

applied for permission to start a missionary 

in China but was denied. 

Sr. Cabrini finally insisted on seeing 

Pope Leo XIII and convinced him, 

against the advice of his cardinals, to 

allow her to start missionary work outside 

Italy. However, he asked her to do 

so in the U.S., where new Italian immigrants 

were suffering. Upon her arrival 

to New York, she encountered an 

immigrant community consumed by 

disease, poverty, crime, and discrimination 

by the public. 

Despite incredible odds against 

her, Sr. Cabrini was able to open orphanages, 

hospitals, and accommodation 

centers for poor immigrants not 

only in New York, but throughout the 

entire United States. After her death, 

her mission was expanded worldwide 

until it reached China. She was canonized, 

making her the first American 

saint (the Patron Saint of Immigrants). 

At its core, Sr. Cabrini is a story of 

determination to do good against all 

odds and succeed beyond any imagination. 

But it is also a story of immigrants, 

not too different from our Chaldean immigration 

story. Ultimately, it is a story 

of the potential good in mankind as reflected 

in our American experience. 

The movie brings to life the suffering 

of new Italian immigrants in the 

last nineteenth century, not unlike the 

suffering of new Chaldeans who immigrated 

here in early twentieth century. 

Like the first Italian immigrants, 

the first Chaldean refugees lacked U.S. 

education, language, and connection 

to the networks of power. However, 

Chaldeans—through hard work, family 

love, persistence, and unwavering 

ambition—were able to establish small 

businesses. Now, their second-generation 

floods U.S. universities and occupies 

many professions in the business 

world with ever-expanding success. 

The Sister Cabrini story is also a testament 

to the many benefits of accepting 

immigrants, from humanitarian 

gestures to economic benefits, cultural 

enrichment and economic vitality, as 

evidenced by the huge contributions 

made to our American society by Italian 

immigrants who were shunned by 

locals when they first arrived. 

Her story is also one of compassion, 

inclusion and acceptance. It 

inspires immigrants and native-born 

Americans to work together towards 

creating a more inclusive and peaceful 

society of people from all backgrounds. 

America is a story of melting 

pot, where diverse cultures accept, integrate, 

and interconnect with people 

from different backgrounds. 

I often wonder how communities 

that arrive poor and hopeless to the 

U.S. can thrive within a generation, 

while many of those left in the old 

country are still embroiled in the same 

stagnant cycle of life their ancestors 

experienced many years ago. What is 

it in the U.S. that motivates people to 

create genius from the ashes of a history 

of impoverishment? 

The world ought to be inspired by 

the U.S. experience. Here, communities 

of different cultures, backgrounds, 

languages, and experiences live and 

prosper in peace. I believe that the 

American experiment can be a universal 

reflection of the goodness in the 

human soul enabling different people 

to co-exist in peace together. 

While Sister Cabrini’s story is that 

of a courageous nun helping others, 

her bigger story is an example to the 

world of how we can all enrich our 

small planet with love to each other 

regardless of who our neighbor is or 

where they came from. 

A TTORNEYS & C O UNSELORS AT LAW 


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SPORTS 

PHOTOS BY BRANDON ABRO 

Worth the Wait 

Team Gold skates away 

with the Telga Cup 

BY STEVE STEIN 

Each Chaldean Hockey League season concludes 

with the crowning of the league champion 

and produces a treasure trove of interesting 

personal stories. One of the major story lines this 

season in the six-team league was written by Team 

Gold star and captain Andrew Roye. 

Playing in his first Telga Cup championship series, 

Roye led Team Gold to the title and was named 

the Most Valuable Player of the playoffs. He had five 

goals and four assists in six playoff games. 

Roye, 29, played in the CHL for two years when 

he was a teenager. He left the league while he played 

junior hockey for teams across the country and pursued 

his dream to play hockey at the Division I collegiate 

level. 

He received offers to walk on at Division I collegiate 

programs on the East Coast after he reached the 

age limit for junior hockey, but he decided against 

it because of concerns about playing time and went 

into the work world. The Orchard Lake resident is 

now a commercial real estate broker. 

Roye returned to the CHL in the 2019-20 season as 

the Team Gold captain. He led the team to the Telga 

Cup championship series against Team Black, but before 

the series started, the COVID-19 pandemic shut 

down the league and ended the season. 

Four years later, still as the Team Gold captain, 

Roye finally was back in the Telga Cup championship 

series, and he took full advantage of the opportunity. 

Roye was on the Birmingham Brother Rice High 

School hockey team that won the Division 2 state championship 

in 2012. He played top-level junior hockey. 

How do those accomplishments rank with winning the 

Telga Cup? “It’s right up there,” he said. “This isn’t just 

another beer league. It’s very competitive and everyone 

gives 110% on the ice, but we hang out together afterwards. 

We’re all close. You play with and against family 

members, friends, guys you go to church with ...” 

Team Gold finished in first place and Team Green 

finished in second place this year in the CHL’s regular-season 

standings. Each team earned a coveted 

first-round bye in the playoffs. The other four league 

teams needed to play a tense first-round win-or-else 

playoff game. No. 3 seed Team Red beat No. 6 seed 

Team White 4-1 and No. 5 seed Team Blue beat No. 4 

seed Team Black 5-4 in overtime. It was Team Gold vs. 

Team Blue in a best-of-three semifinal series. 

Kyle Kassa’s goal in the first minute of overtime 

gave Team Gold a 5-4 win in Game 1. Team Blue won 

the second game 7-4. Team Gold’s 5-1 win in Game 3 

sent it into the Telga Cup championship series. 

Team Green and Team Red met in the other bestof-three 

semifinal series in a rematch of last year’s 

Telga Cup championship series, won by Team Red. 

Team Red won the opener of this year’s series 5-4, 

scoring four unanswered goals in the third period to 

Clockwise from top left: Team Gold gathers after 

winning the Chaldean Hockey League playoff 

championship; Andrew Najor (left), who scored the 

winning goal for Team Gold in the Chaldean Hockey 

League playoff championship game, and Team Gold 

captain Andrew Roye hold the Telga Cup; Team 

Gold goalie Alec Roye celebrates with the Telga 

Cup; Team Gold assistant captain Kyle Kassa (left) 

and captain Andrew Roye hoist the Telga Cup 

tie the game before Daniel Kassab’s game-winner in 

overtime. Team Green, the 2022 Telga Cup champion, 

won 3-0 in Game 2. Team Red bounced back with a 

4-2 win in Game 3. 

It was Team Gold vs. Team Red for the Telga Cup. 

It was Team Red’s second straight appearance in the 

best-of-three league championship series. Team Gold 


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Fax (248) 737-1868 

Email MortgageGabe@aol.com 

Angela Kakos 

Producing Branch Manager - VP of Mortgage Lending 

o: (248) 622-0704 

rate.com/angelakakos 

angela.kakos@rate.com 

2456 Metropolitan Parkway, Sterling Heights, MI 48310 

Guaranteed Rate Inc.; NMLS #2611; For licensing information visit 

nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Equal Housing Lender. Conditions may apply • Angela Kakos 

NMLS ID: 166374 

Experience • Knowledge • Personal Service 

Experience • Knowledge • Personal Service 

TOP 1% OF REALTORS 

2015 REAL ESTATE 

TOP IN OAKLAND 

ALL STAR - 

TOP 1% 1% OF OF REALTORS REALTORS IN 

2015 2023 REAL ESTATE 

OAKLAND COUNTY COUNTY 1993 – 2015 - 2023 

HOUR MEDIA ALL STARS – 

IN OAKLAND 

ALL STAR - 

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COUNTY 1993 – 2015 

Proudly servingHOUR Birmingham, MEDIA 

Bloomfield, Proudly Farmington serving Birmingham, Hills, Bloomfield, 

Each office Each office is independently 

is independently 

West Farmington Bloomfield, Hills, the Lakes West Bloomfield, the 

Proudly serving Birmingham, 

Owned Owned and Operated and Operated Brian S. Yaldoo and surrounding Lakes and areas. surrounding areas. 

Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, 

Associated Broker 

Each office is independently 

West Bloomfield, the Lakes 

Office (248)737-6800 Brian • S. Mobile Yaldoo 

Owned and Operated 

(248)752-4010 

Toll Associated Brian Free (866) S. 762-3960 Yaldoo and surrounding areas. 

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Email: brianyaldoo@remax.com Associated Websites: Broker www.brianyaldoo.com 

Office (248) www.BuyingOrSellingRealEstate.com 

Office 737-6800 (248)737-6800 • Mobile (248)752-4010 (248) 752-4010 

Email: Toll brianyaldoo@remax.net 

Free (866) 762-3960 

Email: brianyaldoo@remax.com www.BuyingOrSellingRealEstate.com 

Websites: www.brianyaldoo.com 

www.BuyingOrSellingRealEstate.com 

Paul M. Al-Attar, M.D. 

Orthopedic Spine Surgery 

Auburn Hills 

3100 Cross Creek Pkwy 

Suite 150 

248-475-0502 

Warren 

11012 E. 13 Mile Rd 

Suite 201 

586-582-0760 

www.msspc.org 

855-450-2020 

Advertise 

JACQUELINE RAXTER, LMSW, LPC 

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 

PROGRAM MANAGER 

in our business directory section! 

for As little As $ 85 

to place your ad, contact us today! 3601 15 Mile Road 

Sterling Heights, MI 48310 

TEL: (586) 722-7253 

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phone: 248-851-8600 fax: 248-851-1348 

jacqueline.raxter@chaldeanfoundation.org 

30095 Northwestern Highway, Suite 101 

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CAREER SERVICES MANAGER 

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MARIAM ABDALLA 

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH STACY THERAPIST BAHRI 

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES MANAGER 

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won 5-3 in Game 1. Team Red benefitted from the return 

of star defenseman Joseph Shina in Game 2 and 

won 5-1. That set up what every sports fan wants to 

see, a game to decide a league championship. Game 3 

for the CHL championship did not disappoint. 

Roye put Team Gold in front with a goal early in 

the first period, but Josh Garmo, the 2023 playoffs 

Most Valuable Player, scored on a breakaway for 

Team Red in the final seconds of the second period. 

Andrew Najor scored the winning goal in the third 

period, giving Team Gold a 2-1 win and the Telga Cup. 

Team Gold’s roster included forwards Roye, Najor, 

Tommy Bagnasso, Brian Kassa, PJ Jonna, Ben Yono, 

Hunter Atchoo and Liam Hansen, defensemen Kyle 

Kassa, Nick Seman, Kyle Azzo and Donny MacIntyre 

and goalie Alec Roye. For Kyle Kassa and Atchoo, it 

was their third Telga Cup championship in four years. 

Team Red’s roster included forwards Jacob Garmo, 

Jonathan Kello, Shina, Anthony Hakim, Josh 

Garmo, Daniel Kassab and Michael Yaldoo, defensemen 

Joey Sheena, Dom Kassab, Brandon Kassab, Jon 

Kouza and Kenny Kouza and goalie Isaac Garmo. 

Here are the top five scorers in the playoffs: Kyle Kassa 

(Team Gold) 1 goal and 10 assists for 11 points; Josh 

Garmo (Team Red) 6 goals and 4 assists for 10 points; 

Roye (Team Gold) 5 goals and 4 assists for 9 points; Najor 

(Team Gold) 6 goals and 3 assists for 9 points; and 

Kello (Team Red) 6 goals and 3 assists for 9 points. 

The playoffs took place mostly at the Detroit Skating 

Club in Bloomfield Hills on Sunday nights. 

The league’s 10th annual charity fundraiser night 

was held during the February 24 playoffs at Orchard 

Lake St. Mary’s Ice Arena. The night included an 

open skating session for family, friends and fans. 

League commissioner Kyle Kassa said about 250 to 

300 people attended the event, which raised $14,956 

for the Help Iraq Foundation. “A ton of businesses 

donated food, money, and items to raffle,” he said. 

Regular-season league games were played on 

Sunday mornings at the Novi Ice Arena. 

Here are the final regular-season standings (winslosses-overtime 

losses): 1. Team Gold 11-3-2 for 24 

points; 2. Team Green 11-4-1 for 23 points; 3. Team Red 

10-5-1 for 21 points; 4. Team Black 8-7-1 for 17 points; 

5. Team Blue 4-10-2 for 10 points; and Team White 

4-11-1 for 9 points. 

The regular-season statistical leaders were Roye 

(Team Gold) 41 points and 28 goals; Jack Abbo (Team 

Black) 18 assists; Drake Danou (Team Green) 2.77 

goal-against average and 11 goalie wins; and Isaac 

Garmo (Team Red) 3 shutouts. 


HEALTH & WELLNESS 

Heart Smart 

Navigating preventive medicine for a stronger, healthier heart 

BY DR. RENA DAIZA & DR. PAUL NONA 

Heart disease has consistently 

been the leading cause of death 

in the United States for several 

decades. As a primary care physician 

deeply invested in patient well-being, 

I’ve seen the toll it takes on patients. 

But here is the good news: preventive 

measures can truly make a difference. 

In this article, I’ll be chatting with cardiologist 

Dr. Paul Nona to discuss why 

preventing heart disease matters and 

share some easy strategies for keeping 

our hearts healthy. Join us as we explain 

how looking after our hearts can 

lead to a happier and longer life. 

Dr. Daiza: What is preventive cardiology, 

and why is it crucial for heart health? 

Dr. Nona: Preventive cardiology focuses 

on spotting and tackling heart disease 

risks before they become serious issues. 

By making lifestyle changes and 

catching problems early, we aim to keep 

hearts healthier for longer and provide 

patients with a better quality of life. 

Dr. Daiza: How do lifestyle factors such 

as diet and exercise impact heart health? 

Dr. Nona: Diet and exercise are key 

for heart health. A balanced diet low 

in saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium, 

and high in fruits, vegetables, 

whole grains, and lean proteins and 

regular aerobic exercise can help 

maintain healthy cholesterol levels, 

blood pressure, and weight, all of 

which are crucial for a healthy heart. 

Dr. Daiza: What are the primary risk 

factors for heart disease, and how can 

individuals manage them? 

Dr. Nona: To keep your heart in good 

shape, it’s important to manage risk 

factors like high blood pressure, high 

cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, 

and an unhealthy diet. Lifestyle 

changes, like eating well and staying 

active, can make a big difference. 

As a cardiologist, I work closely 

with my patients to develop personalized 

treatment plans that not only 

target their cardiovascular health but 

also support their overall well-being. 

Dr. Daiza: What role do screenings 

and tests play in assessing heart 

health, and when should individuals 

consider them? 

Dr. Nona: Screenings and tests are vital 

components in assessing heart health. 

These assessments encompass a range 

of procedures, including blood pressure 

measurement, cholesterol level checks, 

electrocardiograms (ECG), stress tests, 

and various imaging studies such as 

echocardiograms or CT scans. 

One particularly important screening 

method is coronary calcium scoring, 

which evaluates the amount of calcium 

buildup in the coronary arteries. This 

test helps identify individuals at higher 

risk of coronary artery disease and can 

guide preventive measures and treatment 

strategies. Individuals should 

consider undergoing these screenings 

and tests as part of their routine health 

check-ups, particularly if they have risk 

factors for heart disease. 

Dr. Daiza: What are some key warning 

signs of heart problems, and when 

should someone seek medical attention? 

Dr. Nona: Warning signs of heart issues 

include chest pain on exertion, 

shortness of breath, and fatigue. Swelling 

in the legs and difficulty lying flat 

can suggest a weak heart. If you experience 

these symptoms, it’s important 

to seek medical help immediately. 

Dr. Daiza: How does stress affect heart 

health, and what are some effective 

stress management techniques? 

Dr. Nona: Chronic stress can elevate 

blood pressure, putting additional 

strain on the heart. Prolonged stress 

triggers the release of stress hormones 

which can lead to arterial stiffness, 

worsening blood pressure. 

Additionally, chronic stress promotes 

inflammation throughout the 

body, including within the walls of 

blood vessels. Persistent inflammation 

contributes to the development of 

the buildup of plaque in the arteries, 

which can ultimately lead to heart attacks 

and strokes. 

Dr. Daiza: Are there any medications 

or supplements that can help prevent 

heart disease? 

Dr. Nona: Several medications can 

help prevent heart disease, including 

statins to lower cholesterol, antihypertensive 

drugs to control blood 

pressure, anti-platelet medications to 

prevent blood clots, and medications 

to manage diabetes. Some supplements, 

such as omega-3 fatty acids 

and certain vitamins like vitamin D, 

may also have cardiovascular benefits, 

but individuals should consult with 

their healthcare provider before starting 

any supplement regimen. 

One particularly 

important screening 

method is coronary 

calcium scoring, 

which evaluates the 

amount of calcium 

buildup in the 

coronary arteries. 

Dr. Daiza: What advice do you have for 

individuals looking to proactively protect 

their heart health, especially those 

with a family history of heart disease? 

Dr. Nona: The key to good cardiac 

health is mainly in establishing regular 

care with a primary care provider 

or cardiologist you trust. By having 

regular check-ups and open communication 

with your doctor, you can take 

steps to protect your heart. 

Many of my patients express concerns 

about their own heart health 

based on their relatives’ experiences. 

In such cases, we conduct comprehensive 

tests to assess their risk factors. 

The goal is to provide a thorough assessment 

and personalized care to help 

patients manage their overall health. 

Dr. Daiza: What are some other ways 

to prevent heart disease? 

Dr. Nona: If you’re at risk for heart disease, 

prioritizing immediate lifestyle 

changes is essential. These changes 

should focus on adopting a healthier 

diet and increasing physical activity 

each week. Reduce intake of red meat, 

carbohydrates, and processed foods, 

opting instead for lean protein sources 

like chicken and fish, along with plenty 

of fresh fruits and vegetables. Additionally, 

quitting tobacco products is 

crucial, especially if you currently use 

them. Whether it’s cigarettes, vapes, or 

any other form, these products significantly 

increase the risk of heart disease. 

Shockingly, 25 percent of cardiovascular 

disease-related deaths are directly 

linked to smoking. Tobacco use poses 

a substantial threat not only to overall 

health but particularly to heart health. 

Dr. Daiza: Is there anything else you’d 

like patients to know? 

Dr. Nona: As I always say, it’s easier 

to be proactive than reactive, because 

there are times when you can’t even react 

until something bad happens. Having 

a reliable physician is crucial not 

only for longevity but also for maintaining 

optimal health. 

Understanding and addressing 

heart disease and its risk factors early 

is essential for our well-being. By 

prioritizing preventive measures and 

making healthy choices now, we empower 

ourselves to protect our hearts 

and enjoy longer, healthier lives. 

Dr. Paul Nona is a board-certified cardiologist 

who manages a diverse range 

of cardiac and vascular conditions. 

With an emphasis on preventive care, 

he is dedicated to treating existing cardiac 

issues while proactively addressing 

and mitigating potential health 

risks. Dr. Nona sees patients in both 

Livonia and Brighton and is affiliated 

with Trinity Health, a mission-driven 

innovative health organization committed 

to serving communities guided by 

the spirit of the Gospel. 



IN MEMORIAM 

OBITUARY 

Najma Hirmiz Balyous 

Jul 1, 1940 – 

Mar 22, 2024 

Victoria Aziz 

Kada Dabool 

Jul 1, 1929 – 


Bernadette Dabish 

Cholagh 

Jul 5, 1949 – 


Bahnam Toma 

Hirmiz 

Jul 1, 1947 – 


Julia Zia Abbo Najor 

Sep 5, 1941 – 


Sabah Shaou Pattah 

Mary 

Mansour Oram 

May 4, 1929 – 


Arkan Mekha Karana 

Oct 16, 1973 – 


Nazhat Challangoe 

Mar 1, 1932 – 


Kalila Alisho 

Jul 1, 1943 – 


Koria (Gillu) 

Khammo Mattia 

Jul 1, 1929 – 


Wadia Azzo Konja 

Sep 5, 1943 – 


Mary Jo Al-Maleh 

Jul 12, 1949 – 


Jessica T. Hanna 

Mar 8, 1983 – 


Auny Aziz 

Iskander Kejbo 

Jul 1, 1937 – 


Sabriya Jamil 

Jul 1, 1933 – 


Sabah Shaou Pattah was born in 1938 

and passed on March 30, 2024. Sabah 

was the loving son of the late Shaou 

and Hannia Pattah, and the beloved 

husband of Haifa Pattah. He was the 

cherished brother of the late Tawitha 

(the late Mikhail) Hami, Sam (Bushra) 

Pattah, Sabiha Pattah, Mark (Shatha) 

Pattah, and Jerry (Niran) Pattah. Sabah 

was a devoted father to Sudad (Salam) 

Hami, Kais (Linda) Pattah, Layla 

(Amil) Yono, the late Zuhair Pattah, 

Lana Pattah, and Anthony Pattah and 

the humble grandfather of Michael, 

Michelle, Ashley, Felicity, Antonio, 

Marcus, Faith, Alexa, Angel, Miranda, 

Adriana, and Ashton. 

Mari Jabro Khamis 

Jul 1, 1936 – 


Nafa Saleem Barash 

Nov 30, 1963 – 


Sanaa Butrus 

Shamoon Deesha 

Feb 23, 1963 – 


Wardi Khames Towma 

Jul 1, 1938 – 


Mikheel 

Shamoun Dado 

Jul 1, 1943 – 


Salem Rouel 

Khemmoro 

Sep 25, 1948 – 


Josephine 

Marie Sliwa 

May 13, 1986 – 


Yalda Yonan 

Daneel 

Jul 1, 1945 – 


Ghassan “Gary” 

Zaia Shango 

Sep14, 1957 – 


Habiba 

Khader Azir 

Jul 1, 1946 – 


Mushreq 

Naseer Salim 

Dec 17, 1996 – 


Khairiya 

Shaou Sitto 

Apr 1, 1941 – 


Badie Toma 

Shaouni 

Mar 16, 1940 – 


Faik Hanna Marogy 

Boady 

Jul 1, 1939 – 



Right to Life - LIFESPAN 

Celebration of Life Dinner & 

Silent Auction 2024 

Tuesday, May 7, 2024 

San Marino Club in Troy 

Auction Opens at 5:30 pm 

Dinner Begins after 7:00 pm 

GUEST SPEAKER: 

FRANK PAVONE 

National Director, Priests for Life & 

Pastoral Director, Rachel’s Vineyard & 

Silent No More 

There is no charge for this event, but please remember that this fundraising dinner marks 

a milestone of our efforts to protect all human life. Please join us in this effort. 

Visit miLIFESPAN.org/Events 

for more information and 

Call 248-816-1546 to register. 

Photos/Video may be taken at this event and may be 

used on the web, in publications and/or other media. 

If you would prefer that your image not be included, 

please contact the Main Office at 734-524-0162. 


FROM THE ARCHIVE 

PHOTO COURTESY OF NADINE RABBAN 

Honoring Mom 

We believe that mothers should be honored every day. In these archival 

photos provided by the Chaldean Cultural Center, we celebrate the 

countless moments of tenderness, sacrifice, and resilience that define 

the journey of motherhood. In every look etched upon their faces 

and every wrinkle that tells a story, we find an unwavering source of 

strength and inspiration. This May, let us pause to honor the extraordinary 

women who shape our lives with their unconditional love and 

unwavering devotion – our beloved mothers. 

Clockwise from top left: Women and children from an unidentified 

Iraqi village; The Matti family, location unknown; 

Shamamta Dickow with her daughter, Christine, in Detroit, 

1950; Hanah and grandchildren making bread. 

The Chaldean Cultural Center and Museum owns a collection of 

captivating images from our vibrant community that we are delighted to 

share with the Chaldean News. If you have photographs that you would 

like us to incorporate into our archive, kindly reach out to us at 

info@chaldeanculturalcenter.org or call 248-681-5050.

MAY 2024

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