MARCH 2025

METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY VOL. 22 ISSUE II MARCH 2025

Bridging

Nations

CACC DELEGATION

TO THE HOMELAND

ADVOCATES FOR

IRAQ’S CHRISTIAN

FUTURE

Featuring:

Voices of Power

Remembering the Unspoken

The Great Fast

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4 CHALDEAN NEWS MARCH 2025

METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY | MARCH 2025 | VOL. 22 ISSUE II

ON THE COVER

14 Bridging Nations

CACC’s advocacy in Iraq

By Sarah Kittle

16 Translation into Arabic

Translated by Dr. Adhid Miri

DEPARTMENTS

6 From the Editor

Powerful Leadership

By Sarah Kittle

10 Foundation Update

Tigris Tower, Hungary Helps, Celebrating

14 years

12 Noteworthy

New Bishop in Detroit, Chaldean lawyers

represent

20 Health & Wellness

Spring into healthy eating

By Jenna Abroo

36 Arts & Entertainment

Pomegranate from stage to screen

By CN Staff

38 In Memoriam

38 Obituary

Dr. Nathima Atchoo

40 Religion

The Great Fast

By Michael Antoon

42 Events

Portrait of a Community,

Bishop’s Dinner

42

42

14

FEATURES

8 Guest Column

Immigration under Trump

By N. Peter Antone

14 A Remarkable Journey

Iraq trip

By Mike Sarafa

18 Empowering Change

Women in power

By Sarah Kittle

22 Bishop Sarhad

Life and impact of a leader

By Sarah Kittle

24 Voices of Power

Women of worship

By Sarah Kittle

26 Lifetime of Dedication

and Service

Remembering Basem Bello

By Alaa Mansour

28 Demystifying AI

Harnessing the power

By Veronica Bark

30 Remembering the Unspoken

Genocide Gallery planned

By Dr. Adhid Miri

34 Creative Frontiers

Joseph Naman

By Paul Natinsky


FROM THE EDITOR

PUBLISHED BY

Chaldean News, LLC

Chaldean Community Foundation

Martin Manna

EDITORIAL

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Sarah Kittle

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jenna Abroo

Michael Antoon

Veronica Bark

Sarah Kittle

Alaa Mansour

Dr. Adhid Miri

Paul Natinsky

Mike Sarafa

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Powerful Leadership

As we turn the page to March, we are reminded

of the many women whose strength, resilience,

and courage continue to shape our

world. This month, we celebrate Women’s History

Month, a time to honor the powerful women who

lead, inspire, and advocate for change. In this special

issue, we spotlight some of these incredible voices.

Our cover story this month, “Bridging Nations,”

tells of a different kind of resilience and

courage. It takes us on a journey with the Chaldean

American Chamber of Commerce (CACC),

whose advocacy efforts on behalf of Iraq’s Christian communities

are making a global impact. From Washington, D.C., to

Iraq, CACC leadership has been working tirelessly to ensure

the protection and rights of the Christian population in Iraq,

pushing for much-needed reconstruction and policy change.

This powerful piece details their high-level meetings and the

historic steps taken to address these critical issues.

In keeping with the theme of powerful leadership, we

also celebrate the Chaldean women making their mark with

stories about their influence and determination. These unsung

heroines shape our community in ways that are often

invisible but no less vital. We explore their stories and the

impact they’ve made in both local and global arenas.

In “Empowering Change,” we highlight some women who

are taking on some pretty high positions of power. Often managing

behind the scenes, these women have risen through the

ranks. Our feature “Voices of Power” highlights Catholic Chaldean

women who use their voices to inspire and uplift, whether

they are singing in church or performing in other spaces. Their

music brings the community together and serves as a powerful

reminder of the strength of our cultural and religious identity.

As we move from advocacy and culture to personal wellbeing,

we also offer practical advice. From tips on eating

healthy to insights on how to observe Lent with intention,

this issue touches on both the body and soul. We also dive

into the topic of immigration under the Trump administration,

reflecting on the challenges and changes that have

shaped the journey of many within our community, and inform

our readers with “Demystifying AI.”

SARAH KITTLE

EDITOR

IN CHIEF

Two highly influential individuals within the

community are profiled in this issue: Bishop Sarhad,

who touched the hearts of many, and Basem Bello,

who accomplished many great things in his tenure

as mayor of Tillkeppe (Telkeppe) in Iraq. The passing

of these gentlemen leaves the world a poorer place.

Finally, we bring you a look at the Genocide Gallery

currently under construction at the new Chaldean

Community Foundation West. This important exhibit

will shed light on the atrocities faced by the Chaldean

people and serve as a powerful tool for education and

remembrance, ensuring that future generations never forget.

From Washington, D.C., to

Iraq, CACC leadership has been

working tirelessly to ensure

the protection and rights of the

Christian population in Iraq.

This issue is a testament to the strength and influence of

women and leaders within the Chaldean community, whose

advocacy, determination, and dedication are making a lasting

impact both locally and globally. From the courageous

efforts of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce in

advocating for Iraq’s Christian communities to the inspiring

stories of women who quietly lead from the shadows, we are

reminded that powerful leadership takes many forms.

As we reflect on these stories and the challenges we continue

to face, let us be inspired by their resilience and reminded

that each of us has the ability to shape the future.

Let us continue building bridges, fostering connections, and

lifting each other up as we honor the past, shape the present,

and look to a brighter, more unified future.

Warmly,

Sarah Kittle

Editor in Chief

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PUBLISHER'S CIRCLE

Join the

Publishers 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 past five years, the Chaldean News has

substantially increased its readership and social media

following, introduced new digital and website content, and

expanded storytelling with the help of small grant funding.

With the generous help of individuals and organizations,

together, we can ensure that this vital resource continues

to educate and connect the community, while evolving to

meet the needs of future generations.

We truly appreciate your support of our efforts to expand

and strengthen our coverage of the Chaldean community,

both locally and globally. We are excited about the

opportunities ahead, and your support will be essential

in helping us grow our digital presence, preserve our

cultural heritage, and tell even more compelling stories

about the Chaldean community.

You can take part in helping to preserve your

Chaldean heritage by joining the Publisher’s

Circle today. Together, we can continue to

ensure that the Chaldean News remains a

vital resource for generations to come.

To learn more, visit chaldeannews.com

or contact us at 248-851-8600

Let’s grow the circle.


GUEST COLUMN

Immigration Under Trump

N. PETER

ANTONE

SPECIAL TO

THE CHALDEAN

NEWS

I

have been practicing immigration

law for over

30 years, and I am consistently

puzzled by the

shortcomings of our system—shortcomings

that our

politicians have been unable

to address. First, we are an

aging nation. Without new

immigrants, our population

will shrink and age, threatening

our ability to innovate

and weakening our Social

Security system.

A vast number of intellectuals

and highly skilled professionals from

around the world want to come here

and contribute to our economy, yet our

bureaucratic system creates enormous

delays and red tape. Additionally, our

economy relies on both skilled and

unskilled workers to fill seasonal jobs

in construction, landscaping, agriculture,

and household work. These workers

are willing to take on these roles

for reasonable wages that still support

their families back home, all while providing

us with affordable labor. Lastly,

we must continue to uphold a family reunification

system that allows children,

parents, spouses, and other close relatives

to join their loved ones here.

Throughout my decades of practicing

immigration law, I’ve observed a

recurring pattern: when one party is

in power, the other assumes they will

push immigration policy to an extreme

and refuse to cooperate on finding common

ground. For example, when Republicans

are in control, Democrats assume

they will move to severely restrict

immigration. Conversely, when Democrats

hold power, Republicans believe

they will push for an open borders

policy and withhold any cooperation.

Even during times when one party had

filibuster-proof control, such as the first

two years of the Obama administration,

immigration reform was not addressed.

During the Biden administration,

millions of undocumented immigrants

were allowed into the country.

While one could argue that we are a

hospitable nation, this generous approach

backfired with the election of

President Trump. Even if we do need

millions of skilled and unskilled laborers,

there must be a more

structured system than openborder

entry. Additionally, in

hindsight, it’s unfair to bring

so many people in through

an executive order—one

that can be easily repealed

by the next president, as we

saw happen—rather than

through laws enacted by

Congress, as should be the

case. Laws passed by Congress

cannot be altered by

executive orders.

During his campaign, while Trump

strongly criticized undocumented immigration,

he made comments that

suggested he had some sensible ideas

about legal immigration. He proposed

that foreign students who excel in our

schools should have an easier path

to obtaining green cards. He also expressed

sympathy for “Dreamers”—

foreign nationals brought to the U.S. as

children through no fault of their own.

As the owner of several golf courses,

President Trump must be aware of the

critical need for landscape workers,

many of whom are brought from other

countries to work during the golf season.

Additionally, he appointed Elon

Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead

efforts to make our government more

efficient—both of whom are beneficiaries

of the U.S. immigration system’s

preference for highly qualified experts.

Could Trump be the president who

finally convinces Congress to enact

permanent changes to our immigration

system, making legal immigration

more reasonable while making

undocumented immigration more difficult?

History is filled with examples

of hardliners who, with political capital

and the trust of their side, were able

to negotiate compromises accepted by

both sides. Take Menachem Begin,

a hardliner who signed Israel’s first

treaty with an Arab country, or Yitzhak

Rabin, a former tough army commander,

who signed the Oslo Accords. Even

Richard Nixon, a hardline Republican,

opened relations with China. Whether

one likes or dislikes Trump, we can

only hope he can do what’s right for

our country on the critical issue of immigration.


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FOUNDATION UPDATE

Retail Opportunities

Available in Tigris Tower

The CCF’s new attainable housing project, Tigris Tower, is seeking

retail tenants on the first floor of the beautiful 4-story building

featuring 135 multi-family units, located on the busy north

Van Dyke corridor just south of Hall Road.

With future units planned along the neighboring parcels, this

is an opportunity to be one of the first businesses to service over

300+ customers under one roof. You can take a virtual tour at

tigristower.com and picture your business in this newly constructed

mixed-use masterpiece. Spaces range from 1,000 to 9,045 square feet.

For more information, contact leasing@chaldeanfoundation.org

or call KJ Commercial at 248-851-8900.

Tigris Tower Apartments is looking for retail vendors before opening later this year.

The group in attendance welcoming the Hungary Helps program.

Hungary Helps Iraq

Last month, the Chaldean Community

Foundation was honored to host Tristan

Azbej, State Secretary for Hungary Helps,

and Dr. Balazs Martonffy, Consul General

of Hungary (Chicago).

The delegation was warmly welcomed

by His Excellency, Bishop Francis Kalabat,

CCF President Martin Manna, and

Shenandoah Vice President Patrick Kattoo

at Shenandoah Country Club in West

Bloomfield.

Hungary has been a tremendous ally

to the Chaldean community and Christians

in Iraq, providing more aid than

any other country through their Hungary

Helps program. Through the program,

millions of dollars have been dedicated to

rebuilding Christian villages, schools, offering

agricultural education, and delivering

humanitarian aid to the displaced

in the Nineveh Plain.

The Chaldean Community

Foundation has been nominated

for Best Community

Organization and Fundraising

Gala for HOUR magazine’s

“Best of Detroit 2025.”

New Police Force

Established

Earlier this year, Iraq’s

Prime Minister approved

the creation of a new community

police force in the

Nineveh Plain that will be

comprised of locals living

in the region.

Prime Minister Sudani

also announced specific

projects to reconstruct

Christian villages that were

impacted by ISIS in the

Nineveh Plain. The Chaldean

Community Foundation

has coordinated these

efforts with the Chaldean,

Martin Manna pictured with Iraqi

Prime Minister Sudani.

Syriac, and Assyrian political parties and churches in the area.

A CCF delegation has traveled to Baghdad to meet Prime Minister

Sudani to discuss additional initiatives to aid the community.

CCF Celebrates 14 years of Service

From humble beginnings in a

1,200 square foot space with

a 10-member team, the Chaldean

Community Foundation

organization has grown

to a 30,000 square ft. building

with 80 dedicated team

members.

In 2024, the CCF proudly

served more than 48,000 individuals

from 70 different

countries, providing essential

services and support.

At the heart of its mission

is a commitment to improving

stability, health, and

wellness through advocacy,

acculturation, community

development, and cultural

preservation.

With a new community

The Chaldean Community Foundation celebrates

14 years in Sterling Heights on March 8.

center opening, and the completion

of Tigris Tower, the

future of the organization and

its impact on the community

is continually growing.

For more information about

the organization’s impact, visit

chaldeanfoundation.org.

View their annual report:


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The Archbishop of Detroit Allen H. Vigneron presides over Ash Wednesday

services at the St. Aloysius Parish, Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, in Detroit.

New Archbishop for the Catholic

Archdiocese of Detroit

The Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit

is transitioning leadership with the

retirement of Archbishop Allen Vigneron

after 16 years. Pope Francis

appointed Bishop Edward Weisenburger,

64, to succeed Vigneron as the

new archbishop, with his installation

set for March 18, 2025. Weisenburger,

who previously served as Bishop of

Tucson, has had extensive experience

in various dioceses, including

roles within the U.S. Conference of

Catholic Bishops and Catholic Rural

Life. He will oversee a vast region in

Southeast Michigan, home to nearly

a million Catholics. Weisenburger expressed

his humility in accepting the

position, acknowledging the archdiocese’s

rich history and vibrant ministries.

Vigneron, who has been with

the archdiocese for decades, concluded

his ministry as Archbishop Emeritus

following the announcement of

Weisenburger’s appointment.

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Chaldean

Employment

Lawyers

Represent

Chaldean employment lawyers attended

the State Bar of Michigan - Labor

& Employment Law Section (LELS)

Mid-Winter and Annual Meeting on

January 24, 2025 at the Detroit Athletic

Club. The educational Mid-Winter

Meeting was promptly followed by

the Council’s Annual Meeting. Outgoing

Chair Tad Roumayah welcomed

everyone to the event and provided a

state of the Section review, describing

a fantastic year of Council substantive,

educational and networking events.

Then Tad handed the reins over to incoming

Chair Mami Kato who outlined

her goals for the Section for the coming

year. New Council members were

approved - Frank Mamet, Plunkett

From left, former LELS

Councilmember Jennifer Lossia

McManus of Fagan McManus PC,

LELS Councilmember Jenna Sheena

Nakkash of Sommers Schwartz

PC, outgoing LELS Chair Tad T.

Roumayah of Sommers Schwartz

PC, and LELS Councilmember Haba

K. Yono of Honigman LLP.

Cooney; Lisa Harrison, UAW; Robert

Dare, Clark Hill; and John Gardiner,

Bodman. Additionally, the 2025 slate

of officers was approved: Chair Mami

Kato, Ogletree Deakins; Vice Chair Jim

Hermon, Dykema; Secretary Sarah

Prescott, Salvatore Prescott; and Treasurer

Haba Yono.



COVER STORY

The CACC delegation met with with Prime Minister Al-Sudani.

Bridging Nations

The CACC’s advocacy for Iraq’s Christian future

STORY BY SARAH KITTLE

PHOTOS BY WILSON SARKIS PHOTOGRAPHY

In 2023, the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce

(CACC) celebrated its 20th anniversary,

marking two decades of dedicated advocacy for

the Chaldean community in Michigan and worldwide.

Building on this significant milestone, the

CACC has expanded its efforts, placing a special focus

on the plight of Iraq’s Christian communities.

A pivotal moment came this February, when

CACC leadership—including President Martin Manna,

Executive Vice Chair Kevin Denha, Vice Chair

Kevin Jappaya, and Counsel Mike Sarafa—traveled to

Washington, D.C., to meet with key officials about the

challenges facing Christians in Iraq.

The trip was brief but impactful, with numerous

critical meetings packed into their time in the nation’s

capital. The delegation arrived at Ronald Reagan

Washington National Airport and checked in at

the iconic Waldorf Astoria on Pennsylvania Avenue,

just a stone’s throw from the White House.

Advocating for Iraq’s Christian Community

Their first meeting was with Congresswoman Lisa

McClain, who represents Michigan’s 9th District,

encompassing parts of Macomb and Oakland counties—home

to a significant Chaldean population.

Martin Manna with Judge Faiq Zaidan, president

of the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council.

McClain, who serves as the Chair of the House Republican

Conference, has consistently championed

Michigan’s interests, as well as broader policy issues

such as national defense, immigration, and veterans’

affairs. The CACC leadership used the opportunity

to speak with McClain about the challenges facing

Iraq’s Christian communities, advocating for more

support and attention from U.S. policymakers.

That evening, the CACC delegation attended a

dinner hosted by Ambassador Nazar Al Khairallah,

the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the United

States. The dinner allowed for further in-depth

discussions on the challenges and opportunities

for Iraq’s Christian communities, particularly in

relation to cultural exchange, education, and heritage

protection.

Day Two: More Advocacy and Key Meetings

Day two of the trip was equally packed, beginning

with a meeting with Matt Mowers, a former Senior

White House Advisor at the U.S. Department of State

and now President of Valcour, a global strategy firm.

Mowers has extensive experience in national security

and foreign diplomacy, having worked on major

international issues, including North Korea and

ISIS. Matt will be assisting the CCF and CACC in the

establishment of a Washington D.C. office, which

will be another milestone event in the Chamber’s

20-year history.

The delegation also met with Rep. Darin La-

Hood, a member of the powerful House Ways and

Means Committee. LaHood’s role in the committee,

which handles taxation, trade, and social security,

is pivotal in shaping key legislative actions that affect

both the U.S. and Iraq. Congressman LaHood

has played a crucial role in helping to shape U.S

policy towards Iraq with a focus on the challenges

facing Iraqi Christians.


A Remarkable

Journey

BY MIKE SARAFA

The CACC group met with the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq.

The CACC delegation participated in the National

Prayer Breakfast events that led to a private meeting

with Masoud Boulous, Advisor to President Trump

on Middle East Affairs. The meeting confirmed the

alignment of the Trump Administration on agenda

items pertaining to minority rights and allowed the

Michigan delegation an opportunity to discuss views

on the bilateral relationship between the United

States and the Republic of Iraq.

One of the most significant meetings of the day

was with Senator Elissa Slotkin, a former CIA analyst

and a key voice on national security matters. Slotkin’s

extensive experience in the U.S. government, particularly

her work in Iraq as well as Michigan, made her

an ideal ally in the mission to advocate for the Chaldean

community and other minorities in Iraq.

A Historic Meeting in Iraq

After they returned to Michigan, the delegation’s

advocacy efforts took them across the globe. In a

historic development, CACC leadership met with

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani in Iraq.

The Prime Minister issued a statement supporting

a new fund for the reconstruction of Sinjar and the

Nineveh Plain, as well as the creation of a committee

to review the implementation of Article 125, which

addresses the formation of new administrative units

for Iraq’s minority communities.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani acknowledged the challenges

posed by terrorism in Iraq but emphasized

that the Iraqi government is committed to addressing

the needs of all citizens, including Christians. He

highlighted several key measures, including support

for the return of Iraqis from the diaspora, the promotion

of coexistence in areas affected by terrorism, and

the creation of a fund to support the rebuilding of villages

in these regions.

Additionally, the delegation had the opportunity

to meet with Iraq’s President, who committed to supporting

the reversal of the alcohol ban in Iraq—a move

seen as significant for cultural and religious freedoms.

Supporting Education and Religious Freedom

The delegation’s next stop was a meeting with Dr.

Mulnix at the American University of Iraq-Baghdad.

During the visit, Mr. Manna highlighted the significant

presence of over 200,000 Chaldeans in the metro

Detroit area and their $18 billion contribution to the

economy. He emphasized the importance of fostering

diversity and inclusion within the university community

while advocating for the protection of Iraq’s

indigenous people. The University is located on the

site of the former palace of Saddam Hussein. It boasts

400 faculty members and thousands of students. Mr.

Manna presently serves on their Board of Directors.

At the home of the Saihood family, the founders

of the University, a pledge was made to sponsor

the education of ten Christian students, furthering

CACC’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities

for Iraq’s Christian youth.

In meetings with religious leaders, including Patriarch

Sako, the delegation reinforced their advocacy

for Iraq’s Christians. The security situation in Iraq, they

noted, had significantly improved, and while challenges

remain, the country is now considered much safer for

its citizens, including the Christian community.

From Baghdad, the delegation moved to Mosul

where they were greeted by the Governor of Nineveh

and a large gathering of media. A press conference

was held announcing the approval of six of the previously

submitted projects to help rebuild Christian

villages and improve the quality of life in that section

of Iraq. The Governor than accompanied the delegation

to several stops in Mosul including the sites of

many Christian churches—some open and others in

process of being rebuilt after having been destroyed

by ISIS. The tour included historic visits to Telkaif,

Batnaya, and Qaraqosh.

The CACC’s advocacy work in both Washington,

D.C. and Iraq represent an ongoing effort to address

the concerns of Iraq’s Christian communities and to

promote coexistence, religious freedom, and development

in the region. With these high-level meetings

and commitments, the CACC continues to bridge gaps

and bring attention to the plight of minority groups,

ensuring their voices are heard on the global stage.

A

delegation led by Martin Manna visited

Baghdad in mid-February for a series of

meetings that began with Prime Minister

Sudani and separately, the President of the Republic.

The focus of these meetings and many others

was to continue to push for the rights, dignity, and

full integration into society of Iraq’s indigenous

Christian community.

From the head of the National Security Agency

to the top Judiciary official, major political party figures,

and the interim US Ambassador in Baghdad,

Manna and others pressed for a lift o f t he a lcohol

ban, followed up on the previous commitment to

hire Christians into a local police force tied to the national

government, and pushed for more progress on

rebuilding the Christian villages in the north. Important

progress was made around the notion of implementing

Article 125 of the Iraqi Constitution to allow

certain administrative rights in the historical geography

of the Christian communities in northern Iraq.

To use a truly unique American analogy, the

meetings were a home run. Not a single Iraqi official

even attempted to defend the alcohol b an,

which was a parliamentary law pushed by the

most extreme elements of Iraqi society with undue

influence from outside forces in a place that

has manufactured, sold and consumed alcohol for

a thousand years. In fact, it was difficult to find a

bottle of beer anywhere in Baghdad. A black market

has sprung up which is as predictable of a consequence

as the ground being wet after rain.

The Prime Minister announced the approval

of six of the 11 projects previously submitted by

the Chaldean Community Foundation including

infrastructure, roads and the restoration of the

cemetery in Telkaif, which had been cruelly and

gratuitously bulldozed by ISIS.

The middle leg of the journey included a fivehour

drive to Mosul which has made great progress

for its residents, including approximately 70,000

Christians. The Governor of Nineveh accompanied

the delegation through several stops in Mosul before

heading to Telkaif, Batnaya and Quarakosh where

even more projects were announced, including the

removal of the vast amount of rubble in Batnaya.

Meetings with the religious leadership were

held throughout, including a great visit and

meet-ing with Patriarch Sako, and other faith

leaders in Mosul and the villages.

Two important observations: The security situation

throughout Iraq has been turned around in

a positive way. While challenges remain, Iraq is

safe. Second, each of the delegation members felt

a connection to the place. The ground under our

feet stirred our hearts in a way that can only occur

when one belongs to a place. Our history is here

and our connection to Iraq is interminable. Hopefully

too, this is the beginning of a brighter future

for Chaldeans in Iraq and we can once again

proudly proclaim Iraq as our homeland.



Top left: Patriarch

Louis Raphael Sako;

Top Middle: Sayyid

Ammar al-Hakim;

Top Right: National

Security Advisor

Qasim al-Araji;

Center, left: CACC group

poses with Judge Jassim

Al-Amiri, President of the

Federal Supreme Court;

3rd down, left: Delegation

with Deputy Prime

Minister of the Kurdistan

Region Qubad Talabani;

3rd down, right: Group

with U.S. Consul General

Erbil Steve Bitner;

Bottom left: President of

Kurdistan Region Masrour

Barzani; Bottom right:

The group met with

Bishop Basilio Yaldo.

قصة غالف العدد

بناء جسور التعاون بني الوطن واألمم -

جهود غرفة التجارة الكلدانية األمريكية يف الدعم واملنارصة وضامن مستقبل املسيحيني يف العراق

بقلم سارة كيتل

يف عام 2023، احتفلت غرفة التجارة الكلدانية

األمريكية مبناسبة الذكرى العرشين لتأسيسها،‏

كام تزامن ذلك عىل مرور عقدين من جهود

الدعم واملنارصة ألعضاء املجتمع الكلداين يف والية

ميشيغان ويف العراق وجميع أنحاء العامل.‏ وبناءً‏ عىل

هذا اإلنجاز املهم،‏ وسّ‏ عت غرفة التجارة الكلدانية

األمريكية جهودها،‏ مع الرتكيز بشكل خاص عىل

محنة املجتمعات املسيحية يف العراق.‏ وجاءت فرصة

محورية يف فرباير 2025، عندما قررت مجموعة

من اعضاء غرفة التجارة الكلدانية األمريكية السفر

اىل العاصمة واشنطن للقاء مسؤولني رئيسيني

لغرض اطالعهم عن أخر املستجدات والتحديات

والصعوبات التي يالقيها املسيحيون يف العراق.‏

شمل الوفد الرئيس مارتن منّا،‏ ومعه نائب الرئيس

التنفيذي كيفن دنحا،‏ ونائب الرئيس كيفن جبايا،‏

واملستشار القانوين مايك رصافة.‏

كانت الرحلة قصرية،‏ ولكنها مؤثرة حيث وصل

الوفد إىل مطار رونالد ريغان الوطني يف واشنطن

وسجل وصوله يف فندق ‏)والدورف أستوريا(‏ الشهري

يف شارع بنسلفانيا،‏ عىل مرمى حجر من البيت

األبيض،‏ حيث عقدوا العديد من االجتامعات

الحاسمة يف عاصمة البالد واشنطن.‏

اليوم األول:‏ الدفاع عن املجتمع

املسيحي يف العراق

كان أول لقاء للوفد مع عضوة الكونجرس األمرييك

‏)ليزا ماكلني(،‏ التي متثل الدائرة التاسعة يف

ميشيغان،‏ التي تضم أجزاء من مقاطعتي ماكومب

وأوكالند – وهام مركز سكني مهم ألكرب عدد من

السكان الكلدان يف الوالية.‏ وتشغل ليزا ماكلني،‏

منصب رئيسة مؤمتر الجمهوريني يف مجلس النواب،‏

وتدافع باستمرار وارصارعن مصالح والية ميشيغان،‏

فضالً‏ عن قضايا السياسة األوسع نطاقًا مثل الدفاع

الوطني والهجرة وشؤون املحاربني القدامى.‏

استغل أعضاء وفد غرفة التجارة الفرصة للتحدث

مع ماكلني حول التحديات التي تواجه املجتمعات

املسيحية األصيلة يف العراق،‏ والدعوة إىل املزيد

من الدعم واالهتامم من صناع السياسات يف

الواليات املتحدة لدعم حقوق املكونات الصغرية

واملسيحيون يف عموم العراق.‏

ويف نفس املساء استضاف السفري ‏)نزار الخري الله(،‏

سفري جمهورية العراق لدى الواليات املتحدة أعضاء

الوفد يف مأدبة عشاء،‏ تناول خاللها املجتمعني

مزيد من املناقشات املتعمقة حول التحديات

التي تعانيها األقليات والفرص املتاحة للمجتمعات

املسيحية يف العراق،‏ وخاصة فيام يتعلق بالتبادل

الثقايف،‏ والتعليم وحامية الرتاث والحقوق.‏

اليوم الثاين:‏ املزيد من املنارصة

واالجتامعات الرئيسية

كان اليوم الثاين من الرحلة حافالً‏ بعدد من

اللقاءات،‏ بدأت باجتامع مهم مع ‏)مات مويرز(،‏

املستشار السابق للبيت األبيض يف وزارة الخارجية

األمريكية ورئيس رشكة فالكور،‏ وهي رشكة

اسرتاتيجية عاملية.‏ يتمتع مويرز بخربة واسعة يف

األمن القومي والدبلوماسية الخارجية،‏ حيث عمل

عىل قضايا دولية وبرامج رئيسية،‏ مبا يف ذلك كوريا

الشاملية وتنظيم الدولة اإلسالمية،‏ وسوف يُساعد

غرفة التجارة الكلدانية األمريكية يف إنشاء مكتب

لها يف واشنطن العاصمة،‏ الذي سيكون حدثًا بارزًا

آخراً‏ يف سجل تاريخ إنجازات الغرفة الكلدانية

الذي ميتد لعرشين عامًا.‏

كام التقى الوفد بالنائب ‏)دارين لحود(،‏ عضو لجنة

الوسائل والطرق القوية واملؤثرة يف مجلس النواب

األمرييك التي تتعامل مع الرضائب والتجارة والضامن

االجتامعي،‏ سيام وإن دور لحود يف اللجنة محوري

ومهم جداً‏ عند تشكيل اإلجراءات الترشيعية الرئيسية

التي تؤثر عىل كل من الواليات املتحدة والعراق.‏

مخطوطة قدمية تم إنقاذها من داعش

كام ويلعب النائب لحود دورًا حاسامً‏ يف املساعدة

وتشكيل السياسة األمريكية تجاه العراق مع الرتكيز

عىل التحديات التي يواجهها املسيحيون العراقيون.‏

شارك الوفد ايضاً‏ يف فعاليات يوم ‏)إفطار الصالة

الوطني(‏ الذي شمل وأدى إىل اجتامع خاص مع

‏)مسعود بولس(،‏ مستشار الرئيس ترامب لشؤون

الرشق األوسط،‏ حيث برشّ‏ االجتامع توافق إدارة

الرئيس األمرييك ترامب بشأن بنود جدول األعامل

املتعلقة بحقوق األقليات وأتاح لوفد ميشيغان

فرصة مثينة ملناقشة وجهات النظر حول العالقة

الثنائية بني الواليات املتحدة وجمهورية العراق.‏

وكان وأحد من أهم االجتامعات يف ذلك اليوم هو

لقاء السناتورة ‏)اليسا سلوتكني(،‏ املحللة السابقة

يف وكالة املخابرات املركزية والتي لها دور كبري

وصوت رئييس يف مسائل األمن القومي.‏ وتأيت الخربة

الواسعة التي تتمتع بها سلوتكني يف الحكومة

األمريكية،‏ وخاصة عملها يف العراق بعد 2003

وكذلك ميشيغان،‏ ما يجعلها حليفًا مثاليًا يف مهمة

الدفاع عن حقوق املجتمع الكلداين واألقليات

واملكونات األخرى يف العراق.‏

لقاء تاريخي يف العراق

بعد العودة إىل والية ميشيغان،‏ أخذ الوفد جهوده

يف املنارصة والدعم التي بذلها مع املسؤولني يف

العاصمة واشنطن صوب العراق،‏ ويف حدث مهم

وتطور تاريخي،‏ سافر وفد من أعضاء غرفة التجارة

والجالية اىل العراق يف 18 فرباير 2025 بدعوة من

رئيس الوزراء محمد شياع السوداين.‏ وبعد لقاء

الوفد أصدر دولة رئيس الوزراء السوداين بيانًا يدعم

فيه إنشاء صندوق جديد إلعادة إعامر سنجار

وسهل نينوى،‏ فضالً‏ عن إنشاء لجنة ملراجعة تنفيذ

املادة 125 التي تتناول تشكيل وحدات إدارية

جديدة للمجتمعات واألقليات يف العراق.‏

كام وبنيّ‏ رئيس الوزراء السوداين معرفته بالتحديات

التي يفرضها اإلرهاب يف العراق،‏ ولكنه أكد عىل أن

الحكومة العراقية ملتزمة بتلبية احتياجات جميع

املواطنني،‏ مبا يف ذلك املسيحيني.‏ وسلط األضواء عىل

العديد من التدابري الرئيسية،‏ تدعم عودة العراقيني

من الشتات،‏ وتعزيز التعايش يف املناطق املترضرة

من اإلرهاب،‏ وإنشاء صندوق لدعم إعادة بناء

القرى والبلدات يف هذه املناطق.‏

وباإلضافة إىل ذلك اللقاء وغريه،‏ أتيحت للوفد الفرصة

للوفد للقاء رئيس جمهورية العراق ‏)عبد اللطيف

رشيد(،‏ الذي تعهد بدعم إلغاء قانون حظر الكحول

يف العراق - وهي الخطوة التي يُنظر إليها بأهمية

كبرية لحفظ الحريات الثقافية والدينية واملجتمعية.‏

دعم التعليم والحريات الدينية

كانت املحطة التالية للوفد لقاء مع ‏)الدكتور مايكل

مولنيكس(‏ يف بناية الجامعة األمريكية يف العراق -

بغداد.‏ وخالل الزيارة،‏ سلط السيد مارتن منّا الضوء

عىل الوجود الكبري ألكرث من 200 ألف كلداين عراقي

يف منطقة مرتو ديرتويت ومساهامتهم البالغة

18 مليار دوالر يف دعم االقتصاد املحيل والتجاري

لوالية ميشيغان،‏ وأكد منّا عىل أهمية تعزيز التنوع

والشمول داخل مجتمع الجامعة مع الدعوة لحامية

السكان األصليني يف العراق.‏

تقع بنايات الجامعة يف أحد مواقع وقصور

الرئيس السابق صدام حسني يف منطقة الرضوانية،‏

وتضم 400 عضو هيئة تدريس وآالف الطالب،‏

ويخدم السيد مارتن منّا حاليًا كعضو يف مجلس

إدارتها.‏ ويف منزل عائلة ‏)السيد سعدي وهيّب

صيهود(‏ مؤسس الجامعة الذي تعهد برعاية تعليم

عرشة طالب مسيحيني،‏ وااللتزام بتعزيز الفرص

التعليمية للشباب املسيحي يف العراق.‏

ويف اجتامعات أخرى مع الزعامء الدينيني،‏ مبا يف

ذلك زيارة ‏)غبطة البطريرك مار لويس ساكو(‏

يف مقره ببغداد،‏ عزز الوفد تعهداتهم ومتابعة

جهود منارصتهم ودعمهم للمسيحيني يف العراق.‏

وأشار الوفد إىل أن الوضع األمني يف العراق قد

تحسن بشكل ملحوظ،‏ ورغم ان هناك ما تزال

بعض التحديات قامئة،‏ إال أن البالد تُعترب اآلن أكرث

أمانًا ملواطنيها،‏ مبا يف ذلك استقرار عوائل املجتمع

املسيحي يف البالد.‏

من بغداد،‏ انتقل الوفد إىل املوصل حيث

استقبلهم محافظ نينوى وحشد كبري من وسائل

اإلعالم،‏ وتم عقد مؤمتر صحفي لإلعالن عن

املوافقة لست مشاريع مقرتحة ومقدمة سابقًا

للمساعدة يف إعادة بناء القرى املسيحية وتحسني

نوعية الحياة واالقتصاد يف ذلك الجزء من العراق.‏

بعدها رافق املحافظ أعضاء الوفد يف جولة إىل

عدة أماكن يف مدينة املوصل مبا يف ذلك مواقع

العديد من الكنائس املسيحية - بعضها كانت

مفتوحة وجاهزة للزيارات واآلخرى مازالت

قيد الرتميم وهي تحت اعامل إعادة البناء بعد

تدمريها من قبل عصابات ومجرمي داعش.‏

كام وشملت الجولة زيارات تاريخية إىل بلدات

تلكيف،‏ وباطنايا،‏ وقراقوش.‏

ميُ‏ ثل عمل غرفة التجارة الكلدانية األمريكية الذي

تقوم به يف كلٍ‏ من العاصمة واشنطن والعراق سعياً‏

ايجابياً‏ وجهدًا مستمرًا ملعالجة مخاوف املجتمعات

املسيحية يف العراق وتعزيز أدوار التعايش ودعم

الحرية الدينية وضامن التنمية يف املنطقة.‏ ومن

خالل هذه االجتامعات وااللتزامات رفيعة املستوى

مع املسؤولني وأصحاب القرار،‏ تواصل الغرفة

سد الفجوات ولفت االنتباه إىل محن األقليات

واملكونات،‏ وتعزز اهدافها واسرتاتيجيتها ومساعيها

يف ضامن بيان حجم معاناة املسيحيني وإعالء

أصوات املكونات األصيلة وسامع حقوقهم الوطنية

يف العراق وعىل الساحة العاملية.‏


FEATURE

Empowering Change

The role of Chaldean women in shaping their community

BY SARAH KITTLE

“

The universal characteristic of a Chaldean

woman is that she possesses strength

because she is likely influenced by her

mother and grandmother,” says Diane D’ Agostini,

an influential Chaldean woman and first judge in

the community. “These quiet leaders implement

their vision and guide others. They appreciate that

things did not come easy.”

Chaldean women, while not seeking the limelight

or recognition, are quietly shaping the future

of their community. “They persist and prioritize impact

over personal recognition,” D’Agostini notes,

“but others are watching and learning.”

Sandy Eisho is one of those women rising in

the ranks. Eisho, Senior Vice President and Chief

of Staff at NAI Farbman/Farbman Group, says her

biggest inspiration has been her mother, who embodies

strength, compassion, and the importance

of helping others.

“She is the foundation of our family and a role

model for me as a woman,” Eisho says. “Through

her example, I’ve learned that leadership is not

about recognition, but about impact and service.”

Her mother also taught her the value of humility,

which Eisho carries into her professional

life. “While much of my work is done behind the

scenes,” she explains, “my goal is to make meaningful

contributions that uplift our community and

drive positive change.”

Over the last two decades, the role of women in

the Chaldean community has evolved significantly.

D’Agostini points to the rise in female entrepreneurship,

with women stepping into roles and

industries that once seemed out of reach. “They

are starting new businesses and taking risks

in areas that traditionally did not encourage

female leadership,” she says, “Most importantly,

they are strong examples for young

girls.”

Eisho is a shining example of this

new wave of leadership. She is incredibly

grateful for the opportunities Farbman

Group has provided her to grow

professionally and break through traditional

gender barriers. “The company

has cultivated an environment where I’ve

been able to showcase that effective leadership

transcends gender,” says Eisho,

“focusing instead on vision, strategy, and

a commitment to both the company’s and

the community’s success.”

Eisho’s perspective on leadership emphasizes

humility, influence, and service—values

deeply embedded in the Chaldean community’s

cultural fabric. “My focus has always been on bringing

our community’s needs to the forefront, whether

through social responsibility initiatives, advocating

for women’s empowerment, or supporting local

church programs,” she explains.

She believes the Chaldean community has had

a great impact on her worldview. “The cultural

emphasis on community and the religious values

of service, humility, and charity deeply influence

how I approach my work,” Eisho says. “I lead with a

strong sense of duty to others and a commitment to

uplifting those in need.”

Eisho also focuses on building strong relationships

with colleagues and mentors, learning from

their experiences while sharing her own insights to

contribute to the success of the team. “The trust and

responsibility I’ve received from Farbman Group

have been instrumental in overcoming challenges

and pushing me to new heights,” she

shares.

Haley Jonna is co-owner of Pillar Construction

Company, having honed her

skills as a developer and project manager

for Jonna Properties. Haley

has used her interpersonal skills

to advance her career and

gives back by serving on the

board at the Chaldean American

Chamber of Commerce,

among other organizations.

“The benefit of a strong

community is that there

are not any challenges

Sandy Eisho,

Senior Vice

President and

Chief of Staff

at NAI Farbman/Farbman

Group.


you will face that you won’t have the support to

overcome,” shares Jonna. “It is important to identify

strong mentors, so when challenges do arise, they

can assist you with your next move.”

One of the most important changes seen in the

Chaldean community over the years is the increasing

focus on preserving and celebrating their cultural

heritage, while also fostering growth and success

in modern society. “The community has made

great strides in integrating cultural programs, such

as music and arts courses, and organizing annual

exhibitions that honor our traditions and bring us

together,” states Eisho. “These efforts have not only

helped to preserve our Chaldean identity but also

create opportunities for our younger generations

to connect with their roots. I feel deeply committed

to upholding these values. I’m proud to be part of

a movement where I’ve actively contributed to supporting

and expanding initiatives that both celebrate

our cultural heritage and address the evolving needs

of our community.”

“The biggest change I’ve seen in the Chaldean

community over the years is growing emphasis on

higher education,” says Jonna. “Each year there are

more and more women who are graduating as physicians,

attorneys, dentists, and so on. As these numbers

trend upward, it will motivate others to accomplish

the same.

“I consistently meet extraordinary Chaldean female

entrepreneurs who have achieved a ton, not

only in their education and careers, but also in their

home lives as well,” says Jonna. “They hold down the

fort at home and at work and continue to give back

to the community while they’re at it. Many of these

women will also be very reluctant to take any credit

for all they have achieved, even though it is definitely

well-deserved.”

For Eisho, D’Agostini, and Jonna, leadership is

deeply intertwined with faith, family, and cultural

values. Eisho hopes her legacy will inspire other

young women. “I hope my legacy will be one of empowerment,

inspiration, and faith — showing young

women that leadership is about passion, perseverance,

and service,” she shares. “I want them to understand

that leadership is about making a difference

in the lives of others, regardless of how visible or celebrated

that work may be.”

D’Agostini, too, sees the importance of investing

in the next generation. “I thank God that He put me

in a position where I might have the ability to influence

young people,” she says. Her efforts over the

past 33 years, whether through personal mentorship

or simply providing words of encouragement, have

helped countless individuals see the possibilities

within themselves.

“I have met with thousands of young people to

encourage them to go to college, study the law or

make responsible choices regarding alcohol and

drugs,” states D’Agostini. “Encouragement involves

conversations, a personal note, a field trip to court,

a letter of recommendation, an internship or any way

“I have met with thousands of young people to

encourage them to go to college, study the law or

make responsible choices… Encouragement involves

conversations, a personal note, a field trip to court, a

letter of recommendation, an internship or any way

that I can help. It just starts with a conversation.”

– Judge Diane D’Agostini

The Honorable Diane D’Agostini, of the 48th District in Michigan.

that I can help. It just starts with a conversation.”

Together, these women represent a new era of

Chaldean women who are breaking barriers, leading

with integrity, and creating a lasting impact on

their community. As Eisho so eloquently puts it,

“Chaldean women are powerful catalysts for change,

bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas in

every space they’re in.”

Their work, though often behind the scenes, is

transforming not just the present, but the future.

“We’ll continue to be leaders in all spheres of society,”

says Eisho, “inspiring future generations to

pursue their passions, break barriers, and lead with

confidence, faith, and integrity.”


HEALTH & WELLNESS

Spring into Wellness with Healthy Eating

BY JENNA ABROO

One of the only guarantees in

life is that we all must eat!

Food is our energy source and

our sustenance. But food has never

been just fuel. We use food to express

culture and emotions, and as a bridge

to connect with one another.

In today’s fast-paced world, we often

find ourselves trading convenience for

health. We buy fast food from a drivethrough

on the way home from work,

prepare boxed meals from the grocery

store for our families, and even get junk

food from the local gas station when we

feel the need for a pick-me-up. It’s no secret

that all these things add up. We all

tell ourselves that we’ll start our diets

next week or the week after. With spring

right around the corner, the new beginning,

the season of rebirth, sounds like

the perfect time to implement healthier

lifestyle choices surrounding food. But

where does one begin?

Local registered dietitian and

business owner of Tap Into Nutrition,

Samantha Barash, gave us some insight

from her professional expertise.

Barash says that eating “healthy” is

subjective and individualized. “What

might be ‘healthy eating’ for one person

could be unhealthy for another,”

says Barash. “As a dietitian, I encourage

my clients to reframe ‘healthy’ to

other languages such as, ‘nutritious,’

or ‘well balanced.’”

When asked if she follows any

specific recipes in her routine, Barash

mentions that she has each food group

on her plate. “Emphasizing a grain,

fruit or vegetable, and protein and remembering

that all are important in a

nutritious diet,” she explains. This is

a habit that almost anyone can follow

and while simple, is effective.

When asked about how to approach

eating healthy when out at a

restaurant, Barash offers the advice,

“Calories don’t automatically equate to

‘unhealthy.’ Focus on what you can add

to your meal while dining out. Is there

a vegetable component? Could I add

a protein? Remember that one meal

doesn’t make or break your health!”

Barash summarizes by saying,

“Nutrition should be fun and enjoyable.

The more we restrict something,

PHOTO BY SAMANTHA BARASH

From left: Samantha Barash of Tap Into Nutrition. Karen

Akouri’s Drench Dressing and Marinades are inspired by

Greek, Asian, Mediterranean, Italian, and Mexican menus.

the more likely we are to want to eat it!

Eating healthy doesn’t always have ‘a

look’. Bodies are healthy in many different

sizes and if we focus on eating a

certain way just to lose weight, it can often

backfire into having a complicated

relationship with food and our bodies.”

Many parents want to feed their

families healthy and nutritious meals,

and it is not always easy to do. Owner

of Drench Dressing and Marinades,

Karen Binno Akouri, recalled that one

day she was making what she thought

was a healthy salad for her family to

eat. She had run out of their usual

store-bought dressing and was astounded

when she read the nutrition

label on the back trying to recreate

it. It contained what she humorously

calls a “science project of ingredients.”

The anger she felt about unknowingly

feeding this to her family inspired

her to create Drench Dressing in 2019,

and the rest is history. Drench’s mission

statement is that they are “dedicated to

creating clean, natural dressings and

marinades with ingredients you can

trust. Free from seed oils and anything

artificial, our dressings are so delicious,

they are good enough to drink.”

The dressings are Kosher and non-

GMO-Project verified. Akouri mentions

that she loves our culture’s traditional

Chaldean food. “Our Drench Mediterranean

Lemon and Fattoush are the

perfect dressings for our Chaldean

salads. I love them on tabbouleh, fattoush,

and cabbage salads.”

The website drenchitclean.com

includes a variety of delicious and

nutritious salad recipes to go with the

dressings. The line includes 9 different

dressings in a variety of flavors.

Drench is sold online and in more than

3,500 stores nationwide including Meijer,

Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Fresh

Thyme. Finding a company that provides

the utmost quality products is a

wonderful way to incorporate healthier

habits into your lifestyle.

Local small business Health with

Hope is owned by Certified Holistic

Nutritionist Hope Sheena. Sheena

offers her clients weekly meal prep,

made (and door-delivered) with clean,

organic ingredients and nutritional

counseling.

Sheena defines healthy eating as,

“eating in a way that nourishes your

body, specific to your body.” She acknowledges

the struggle of how busy

our lives can be, and that it can be a

huge barrier to eating healthy. She recommends

spending a little extra on

pre-washed and chopped salad ingredients.

“After a long day,” says Sheena,

“the last thing I want to do is wash and

chop a bunch of ingredients!”

Sheena also sticks to a strict fourtime

a week exercise schedule but

reiterates that any movement is movement.

She mentions that she likes to,

“eat the rainbow,” which includes including

a lot of variety in her meals.

Sheena cites the dish Rizza Maraca as,

“a perfect mix of healthy anti-inflammatory

spices, good carbs, protein, fiber,

and fats all in one bowl.”

Sheena also emphasizes how

beneficial it is to eat non-GMO and

organic ingredients. While this is not

financially feasible for everyone, she

says the benefit of eating a diet rich in

plants and whole foods outweighs the

importance of whether it is organic or

not, if one is not able to exclusively

eat non-GMO/organic food. Sheena

concludes by saying that while these

habits are important for our overall

health and wellness, “Life is short,

and we do deserve to enjoy certain

foods and splurge every once in a

while, for celebrations.”

It is well-known that eating healthy

consistently is not the easiest thing to

do. It helps to be realistic with yourself,

and to also stick to a variety of

foods to represent all the food groups

when you are cooking. While it is rare

to eat “perfectly” every time we are at

the dining room table, being mindful

of how we nourish our bodies instead

of focusing on a strict diet is a more

sustainable way of eating better and

taking care of ourselves.


22ND ANNUAL

Awards Dinner

HONORING

Ron Acho

CUMMINGS, MCCLOREY, DAVIS & ACHO, P.L.C.

BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR

THURSDAY,

MAY 1, 2025

SIX O’CLOCK IN THE EVENING

SUPPORTED BY


FEATURE

Bishop Sarhad

The life and impact of a Chaldean Church leader

BY SARAH KITTLE

Bishop Sarhad Yawsip Sarhad,

who passed away on February

4 of this year at the age of 83,

leaves behind a profound legacy that

has touched countless lives within the

Chaldean community and beyond.

Mention his name to just about anyone

who knew him, and they immediately

light up and start telling stories about

him and his great love for humanity.

Born in Baghdad on March 14,

1941, Sarhad entered into a world full

of strife and gearing up for war. His

life was likely difficult as a Christian in

an Arab world, compounded by world

events. At the tender age of 17, he went

to Rome where he obtained master’s

degrees in theology and philosophy

at the Pontifical Urban University. He

later earned a Doctor of Philosophy in

Eastern Ecclesiastical Studies with a

dissertation titled The Structure of the

Chaldean Mass.

Sarhad was ordained a priest in

1964 and later named pastor of St. John

the Baptist Parish in Baghdad, serving

there from 1969 to1974. In Dora, a suburb

of Baghdad, a teenaged girl named

Fiona Hermiz was in the youth group.

As he came to know her, he thought

she would be a wonderful partner for

his brother, and so he encouraged

young Fiona to write to his brother in

the United States.

Bishop Sarhad’s niece Dora Hermiz

Sokolowski (Fiona’s daughter) remembers

him dearly as Ammu: “Long before

we ever realized he was a priest,”

she recalls, “he was our beloved, funloving

and trusted uncle.

“Ammu would come over every

Sunday after church (at a minimum),

full of laughter and energy, carrying

us in his arms, chasing us around and

sharing stories that lifted our spirits,”

remembers Dora. Her sister Renée

Hermiz Suriano says she remembers,

“dancing around and with him, being

carried and lifted with his legs as

if they were teeter-totters, as a child,

every Sunday after church.”

As time went on and they grew

older, those visits grew much deeper

in terms of philosophical discussions

and problem-solving opportunities.

In college, “I had to write a report

answering whether God exists, and I

needed ‘proof’ for the assignment,”

explains Dora. “He patiently took time

to not only explain it to me, but completely

reinforced in my soul exactly

how God reveals Himself in this world

and my life.”

Dora’s Ammu equipped her with

the most basic and thoughtful ways

to speak to others who struggle with

faith, sharing biblical and historical

examples of truth that still ring true

through changing times. “Ammu not

only delivered all Holy Sacraments

Clockwise from lower left: Bishop Sarhad as a young man, possibly taken in

Rome; Bishop Sarhad with his niece Valerie Hermiz Clark; Bishop Sarhad with

his nephew in-law Pasquale Suriano, and his nieces Renée Hermiz Suriano

and Dora Hermiz Sokolowski in his home chapel in San Diego; Bishop Sarhad

in his home chapel with his best friend and shadow, his beloved dog Nimra.

to me,” said Dora, “but would spend

hours on end answering my endless

questions on the mysteries of faith.”

He was a great teacher, having

taught at the University of Notre Dame,

the Pontifical Oriental Institute in

Rome, and the Catholic University of

America in Washington, D.C.

“When our dad died in 1991, I was

the oldest of 5 girls at 15, and our baby

sister was 3,” recalls Dora. “Ammu

drew even closer to us, and always

honoring our father’s memory, Ammu

was a constant source of comfort and

presence in our lives - through the

most difficult and hardest moments.”

Renée remembers, “His giant

laughter and big kisses, boisterously

calling us by nicknames he’d given.”

Dora says, “I know when I see him

again in eternity, I can count on him

to run to me with open arms and an

excited holler of ‘Habbabbeee Dorina

Doracha!!!’”

Renée fondly recalls having tea

and conversations with him about

philosophy and religion. “As well-read

as he was, he never made us feel inadequate.”

Instead, he imparted his

vast knowledge on whoever would

listen so they could learn and discover

for themselves. “He made faith fun,”

says Renée, “as joyous and vibrant as I

imagine God to be.”

“He also took me and Renée on

our first roller coaster ride during one

of the church trips to Cedar Point,”

remembers Dora, “and was beyond

giddy and delighted during the drop

while I screamed in fright - such a

thrill-seeking adventurer he was!”

Renée added, “He adored sitting in

the front car at Cedar Point!”

Extremely proud and passionate

about his heritage, Bishop Sarhad

worked to preserve the ancient Chaldean

language and history, demonstrating

his commitment by the many

books he authored, lectures he delivered,

and actions he took to address

unique problems facing the Chaldean

people and his Church.

He didn’t discriminate when sharing

his faith. He was one of the first

priests to introduce female altar servers.

“We were equal,” says Renée.

“That influence on our community

was stupendous.”

In 2014, Bishop Sarhad traveled to

Washington D.C. to meet with political

leaders including a congressman who

introduced a bill to grant asylum for


Bishop Sarhad with his niece, Dora Hermiz Sokolowski, and his two brothers

(from left to right) Sarmad Hermiz and Ramzi Hermiz at Valerie Hermiz Clark’s

engagement party.

religious minorities persecuted by ISIS

in Iraq. He also worked to raise the cap

on refugees from that region to come to

the United States.

Following 38 years as a priest, he

was elevated to the episcopate by

the then Patriarch of Babylon of the

Chaldeans, Mar Raphael I Bidawid. In

2002, Pope John Paul II created a second

Chaldean diocese in the U.S. and

appointed Sarhad to preside over the

Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle, which

spans across nineteen states of the

western United States.

He led the diocese through challenging

times. In 2010, he led a prayer

vigil in El Cajon, California for Chaldeans,

including priests massacred

in a Baghdad church by terrorists. At

that time, El Cajon was home to some

40,000 Iraqi Chaldeans.

As the bishop of the Eparchy of St.

Peter the Apostle for the western U.S.

for nearly a decade and a half, he led

with strength, wisdom, and empathy,

navigating his community through

some of the most challenging times

in recent history, including the devastation

of war and the persecution

of Chaldean Christians. He retired in

May 2016.

When asked about some special

memories of her beloved Ammu,

Renée said, “He laughed like Ernie

from Sesame Street. He rode a motorcycle

around Europe and got speeding

tickets in the U.S. because he had a

lead foot!”

And his homilies? Dora says,

“Ammu gave such passionate homilies

after the Gospel that one second,

he could be heard outside the church

with the walls trembling while he delivered

the message, and the next moment

— a pause — he would bring it

down to a whisper, a slow, tender and

clear whisper, to make the moral of the

story… That is what I will cherish most.

Ammu gave Jesus a voice forever in our

hearts.”

Adds Renée, “He made you feel

like the most important person in the

room.”

Sarhad also championed reconciliation

within the Church and ecclesiastical

renewal. After the Vatican approved

a liturgical reform, the St. Peter

diocese became the first to implement

the reformed Mass. Bishop Sarhad

was also an author and historian who

wrote numerous books and other publications

on Chaldean Catholic history,

language and liturgy.

Bishop Sarhad’s passing marks the

end of an era for the Chaldean community,

yet his legacy is indelible.

Through his scholarly work, dedication

to his faith, and unyielding support

for his people, he has left an imprint

that will resonate for years to

come.

Whether guiding his diocese

through the aftermath of tragedy,

championing the rights of religious

minorities, or fostering a spirit of reconciliation

within the Church, Bishop

Sarhad exemplified what it means to

be a true servant of God. As the community

mourns his loss, it also celebrates

the enduring impact of his

life—one defined by love, sacrifice,

and a commitment to humanity. May

his memory continue to inspire those

who were fortunate enough to know

him and carry on the work he started.

Renée expresses, “I hope and believe

that ultimately, he will be seen as

a visionary well ahead of his time.”

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FEATURE

Voices of Power: Women of Worship

BY SARAH KITTLE

In the chancel of Chaldean Catholic

churches, the voices of angelic

choirs echo. At church, home, or

studio, for Chaldeans, singing is not

simply an act of worship; it’s a bridge

between generations, a link to cultural

identity, and a source of spiritual connection.

Music has always been important

to the Catholic Church, which invented

the first form of staff writing so that

music could be communicated without

memorization. The Second Vatican

Ecumenical Council, also known as

Vatican II, declared that music was essential

to the liturgy, making it “more

beautiful and fitting for praising God.”

We spoke to several women who

offer more than just beautiful melodies—they

provide a sense of unity,

continuity, and inspiration for their

communities. Through their voices,

they strengthen the bonds of faith, uphold

traditions, and enrich the lives of

those around them.

Singing is a powerful and ancient

form of worship because it engages

both the heart and the mind, allowing

individuals to express their deepest

reverence and devotion.

Jenelle Faranso, a local singer, explains

it like this: “Singing has always

been a part of me, and I’ll forever be

grateful for those early moments that

made me realize how much joy music

can bring. I even remember feeling the

Holy Spirit at such a young age…”

Jenelle admits she gets chills when

chanting in church.

Sheren Deza singing in church. She often sings at weddings.

Sing, Choirs of Angels

Through music, worshipers can lift

their voices in unity, creating a communal

bond that transcends words

alone. “Being a Christian Iraqi has instilled

not just the faith,” shares Jenelle,

“but the ability to share my voice

with the community and the ability to

sing Chaldean chants through church,

which are ancient chants from biblical

times.” The act of singing invites participants

into a deeper emotional connection

with their faith, as melodies

and harmonies carry spiritual truths

and messages in a way that spoken

language often can’t.

Sheren Deza sings at weddings and

funerals and is inspired by the other

singers in the community. She sang

with the St. Joseph choir 20 years ago,

having joined because she was “so

moved by their voices.”

The rhythm and cadence of song

can also help to focus the mind and

elevate the spirit, fostering a sense of

awe and reverence. In this way, singing

becomes a form of prayer, offering

praise, thanksgiving, and supplication

in a language that speaks directly to

the soul, going beyond time, culture,

and personal circumstance. Through

song, worshipers offer not just their

voices, but their whole selves in surrender

and adoration.

“Catholics in particular have an

astonishingly noble history in music,”

writes Jeffrey Tucker, managing editor

of Sacred Music and author of Sing

Like a Catholic. “It is the Church’s tradition

that formed the basis of Western

music with Gregorian chant in the first

millennium.”

Silvana Koja Mezo, Choir Director

(Chaldean Mass) at Mother of God Cathedral,

says her primary language is

Chaldean. “I hold a deep admiration

for it,” she says, “and consider myself

fortunate to be proficient in it, enabling

me to participate in traditional

Chaldean hymns.”

Silvana’s father is a deacon, and

she frequently observed him singing

Chaldean daily prayers as well as specific

prayers that corresponded to the

Chaldean liturgical calendar. It affected

her greatly. “My family has instilled

in me the importance of serving the

church wholeheartedly… At the age of

six, I observed my older sisters actively

participating in musical performances

and various service activities within

the church.”

Amy Brikho, like most of the others


From left: Amy Brikho; Silvana Mezo singing in church. She heads the Chaldean choir at Mother of God; Jenelle Faranso in the studio recording a cover of Into the West.

interviewed, found her love of music

early. She currently heads the English

choir at Holy Martyrs Church, which is

fitting because church is where she fell

in love with music.

“When a couple of my siblings and

I moved to the states from Iraq in 1992,

we started attending Saint Peter Catholic

Church in San Diego. I was only

7 years old,” Amy recalls. “My sister

joined choir with Sister Nada, and I attended

with her. I fell in love with music

and singing. I started to learn all the

Arabic and Sureth hymns.”

Amy has moved several times since

then, and wherever she goes, she always

finds her choir.

Sheren was in 5th grade when someone

asked her to sing in the school talent

show. “I always thought everyone

could sing,” she says. After she sang

Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love

You,” and the feedback started coming

in, she thought, “Wow, maybe I do

sound different than everyone else.”

Sheren was often called upon to

sing and dance to traditional music at

family functions. “I was such a shy kid,

but once the music played it gave me

confidence to get up and move,” she

shares. “Chaldean music was the first

kind of music I ever listened to and is

the foundation of my love for music.”

Chaldean Language and Hymns

The women who sing in Chaldean

churches are more than performers—

they are the guardians of tradition, the

voices of faith, and the pillars of community.

Through their music, they not only

honor their spiritual and cultural heritage

but also contribute to the emotional

and social fabric of their communities.

Silvana has observed that music is especially

moving at weddings and at Mass.

“It not only aids in facilitating prayer but

also enhances the spiritual atmosphere

of these occasions,” she says.

And it helps the younger generation

stay in touch with their history.

“The translation of Chaldean hymns

into English and their subsequent performance

holds substantial potential

to benefit the younger generation,”

states Silvana. “Particularly for those

individuals who lack proficiency in the

Chaldean language.”

Sheren adds, “Our Chaldean

churches do a wonderful job keeping

the music alive, from our beautiful

chants and hymns in church to

the great job the summer camps do in

teaching the children to dance the traditional

line dances (Baggiya being a

definite favorite among the kids).”

Amy shares, “I love our Chaldean

heritage, the culture and traditions.

Music is big in our community. Our

songs (secular songs) have meaning…

they tell stories. But when you hear a

Chaldean hymn—wow, it speaks passion,

love and sacrifice of Jesus. They

are so powerful!”

Their songs, resonating with devotion,

transcend the walls of the church,

reaching into the hearts of all who hear

them. In a world that often overlooks

the quiet strength of women, these

singers stand as vital figures who give

their voices to something much larger

than themselves—keeping the spirit of

faith alive for future generations.

“Even though the Mass that we

serve at Holy Martyrs is in English,

we do include quite a few Chaldean

hymns because of how powerful they

are,” says Amy. “I also lead the Christmas

play and have been able to teach

younger generations the Christmas

hymns in the Chaldean language, and

it has been a fruitful thing to witness in

our community.”

Praise & Worship

St. Augustine said that to sing is to pray

twice. For centuries, Chaldean music

has been a medium through which

the people have expressed joy, sorrow,

faith, and resilience. Jenelle shares,

“Through melodies, rhythms, and lyrics,

we connect deeply with our shared

history, especially as a diaspora, preserving

the essence of our identity despite

the challenges of migration and

displacement.”

“Every culture has special music

connected to it,” says Amy. “We have

some amazing instruments and music

tones that are so special to our Chaldean

culture. Our music brings people

together with so much joy and love... It

makes my heart so happy to be singing

for Jesus and about Jesus.”

Amy and her choir include some

contemporary praise and worship music

during Mass, to connect with the

younger parishioners. “We make them

very prayerful,” she explains, “and

when the younger generations sitting

in Mass hear them, they recognize them

from the radio or their favorite Christian

singer.”

“For younger generations, I see music

as a powerful tool for inspiration

and empowerment,” shares Jenelle.

“Many of us, especially those growing

up in a diaspora, may sometimes

feel torn between two cultures—our

ancestral roots and the new world we

navigate daily. By blending traditional

Chaldean sounds with contemporary

styles, I hope to bridge that gap and

show that our culture is not just something

from the past, but something vibrant

and alive that can evolve with the

times…Music is universal in its ability

to uplift, heal, and connect, and I want

my singing and music to be a reminder

to the younger generation that they are

capable of achieving greatness, regardless

of the challenges they face.”

Jenelle goes on to say, “The Chaldean

language, with its rich, ancient

roots, provides a unique rhythm and

cadence that shape the lyrical flow of

my music. Singing in Chaldean allows

me to connect with my heritage and express

emotions in a way that feels authentic

and personal. It also allows me

to share the beauty of my culture with

others, preserving a language that carries

centuries of history.

“Chaldean music is more than just

sound; it’s an expression of our heritage,

our religion, and our community.

Traditional instruments like the oud,

tambourine, and they carry the weight

of generations before us, echoing the

cultural richness that has shaped who

we are.”

“I am deeply grateful to my parents

for encouraging me to follow a dream

that wasn’t guaranteed,” says Jenelle,

“but one I pursued with my heart, driven

by the feeling of the Holy Spirit every

time I sang. That feeling was, and still

is, my true motivation.”

Amy gets inspiration from the congregation:

“When my choir sings for Mass,

the people sing with us! It brings so many

emotions to my heart when I hear the

people sing along with us…all I want, is

for people to hear Jesus in my singing.”

Sheren sums it up nicely when she

says, “I’m just one of God’s musical instruments.”


FEATURE

A Life of Dedication and Service

Remembering Basem Bello

BY ALAN MANSOUR

In the heart of Alqosh, a town

known for its deep historical roots

and cultural significance, Basem

Yaqo Bello was born in 1963. From

humble beginnings, he rose to become

a respected leader, dedicated public

servant, and a man of unwavering

integrity. His passing leaves behind a

legacy of service, resilience, and devotion

to his community.

Mayor Bello is third from the right in this photo of a Chaldean Chamber visit to Washington, D.C. in 2023.

A Life of Commitment

and Leadership

Basem Bello’s journey began in

Alqosh, where he completed his primary

and secondary education before

pursuing a bachelor’s degree in civil

engineering from Mosul. His passion

for construction and development led

him to work in both the private sector

and agriculture, contributing to the

family’s land while shaping the region’s

infrastructure.

His leadership skills and commitment

to his people became evident

when he joined the Assyrian

Democratic Movement in 2003. His

relentless efforts in national service

propelled him to prominence within

the organization. In 2011, internal

disputes within the movement led to

the formation of a new political party,

Abnaa Al-Nahrain (Sons of Mesopotamia),

of which Basem was a founding

member. Recognizing his dedication

and leadership, he was elected to chair

the organization in 2022. However, his

ultimate goal remained unity among

his people. By 2024, responding to the

demands of supporters and the broader

community, he played a vital role in

reintegrating Abnaa Al-Nahrain back

into the Assyrian Democratic Movement,

ensuring a unified front for the

political representation of his people.

In 2004, he successfully ran for the

position of Tillkeppe District Mayor,

where he served until his retirement in

2023. During his tenure, Basem navigated

the district through challenging

times, earning the trust of its people

across all communities. His ability to

balance governance with fairness, wisdom,

and strategic planning made him

a beacon of hope for those he served.

Achievements as Mayor of Tillkeppe

Basem Bello’s tenure as mayor was

marked by transformative progress in

the region. He believed in involving the

local population in decision-making,

ensuring that infrastructure and service

improvements reflected the true needs

of the people. One of his earliest initiatives

was renaming the city quarters of

Tillkeppe, replacing the names imposed

by the Ba’ath regime with ones that honored

the indigenous heritage of the residents,

such as Babel, Ashur, and Salam.

His commitment to preserving the district’s

cultural identity extended to protecting

its security and stability.

In 2008, he worked tirelessly to

establish a local security and police

force to protect the Nineveh Plain and

integrate it into the Iraqi security force.

Over 600 individuals were recruited

for this effort. However, due to ongoing

disputes between the central government

and the Kurdistan Regional

Government (KRG), the Nineveh Plain

was labeled a “disputed area,” leading

to the downgrading of the security

force to church security before it was

eventually dismantled.

Additionally, in collaboration with

local organizations and residents, he

successfully campaigned for the removal

of a prison in Tillkeppe that

housed ISIS members. The facility

was a source of ongoing tension and

distress for the community, and its closure

greatly improved the residents’

sense of security and well-being.

Known for his honesty, Basem Bello

gained the respect of officials and citizens

alike, leading to his recognition as

the Iraq Best Mayor of 2021. In the aftermath

of ISIS’s destruction, he played

a crucial role in rebuilding Tillkeppe’s

district government, educational, and

healthcare institutions, securing international

funding for vital projects.

His leadership extended to women’s

empowerment, as he actively

worked with organizations to provide

professional training programs, fostering

gender inclusivity in the workforce.

Additionally, he was deeply

committed to preserving the cultural

and land rights of the district’s communities,

taking legal and administrative

measures to prevent demographic

changes and protect Christian lands

from unauthorized expropriation.

A Lasting Legacy

Despite the hardships he faced,

Basem Bello remained steadfast in

his mission to serve his people. His

leadership was not just about policies

and governance; it was about

compassion, unity, and creating a

better future for generations to come.

Basem’s memory will live on in

the hearts of his family—his wife

Reem Hormuz Qasha, and their

children Nisha, Nashra, and Shalama—as

well as in the hearts of the

countless individuals whose lives he

touched. His dedication to justice,

equality, and progress has left an

indelible mark on Tillkeppe and beyond.

As we remember engineer Basem

Bello, we honor not just the leader

but the man—a devoted family member,

a committed patriot, and a true

servant of his people. His legacy will

continue to inspire those who strive

for a better and more just world.

To celebrate his contributions and

ensure that future generations remember

his dedication, I propose a monument

should be erected in Alqosh, his

beloved hometown, or in Tillkeppe,

the city he served with unwavering

loyalty. Such a monument would

stand as a testament to his lifelong

commitment to his people and their

historical land, preserving his memory

for generations to come.


Building

Business

Advocacy

Building

Community

Networking

Building

Relationships

Economic

Development

JOIN THE STATE’S LARGEST ETHNIC CHAMBER!

CALL SANA AT 248.851.1200 OR VISIT

CHALDEANCHAMBER.COM TO JOIN TODAY!

Affiliates

METRO

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TO MORE

THAN

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CHALDEANS

WHO

CONTRIBUTE

NEARLY

$

18 BILLION

ANNUALLY

TO THE

MICHIGAN

ECONOMY

48,000+

Individuals Served in 2024

18,000+

The Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce serves

1,000+ MEMBERS

Representing

5,000+ BUSINESSES

Website Visitors per Month

CN SOCIAL MEDIA REACH

1.6M+

Followers Reached

18.5K+

Including

166 CORPORATE

MEMBERS

30 %

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www.chaldeanchamber.com • info@chaldeanchamber.com • 248.851.1200

2075 Walnut Lake Road • West Bloomfield, MI 48323


FEATURE

Demystifying AI

How to harness the power of smart technology

BY VERONICA BARK

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no

longer the stuff of science fiction.

It’s here, and it’s transforming

how we work, communicate,

and innovate. Yet, for many, AI remains

a black box: fascinating but

mystifying. How does it actually work?

What can it do? And, perhaps most importantly,

how do we use it effectively

without falling into common traps?

How large language models work

Large language models, or LLMs, are

the engines behind many popular AI

tools, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok,

etc. At their core, these models are

trained on vast datasets of text—from

books and articles to websites and

more. Using complex algorithms, they

analyze patterns in this data and learn

to predict the most likely next word in

a sequence.

Despite their impressive outputs,

it’s essential to remember that LLMs

don’t “understand” language the way

humans do. They don’t have thoughts,

opinions, or a sense of meaning. Instead,

they rely on probabilities and

patterns. This distinction is critical

when considering how to use AI responsibly.

What can AI do for you?

AI’s applications are vast and growing

every day. Here are just a few of the

ways people are using LLMs:

Content Creation: AI can draft blog

posts, marketing copy, social media

updates, and even creative writing.

While human editing is still essential,

AI can save time by providing a solid

starting point.

Data Analysis: AI excels at processing

large datasets quickly, summarizing

information, and identifying

trends. This makes it invaluable for

tasks like market research or financial

reporting.

Idea Generation: Stuck on a project?

AI can help brainstorm names,

topics, or solutions.

Personal Assistance: From scheduling

appointments to composing

emails, AI can take care of everyday

tasks, giving you more time to focus

on what matters.

Best Practices for Crafting AI

Prompts

To get the most out of AI, you need to

know how to communicate with it effectively.

A prompt is the instruction or

question you give to an AI tool, and the

quality of the output depends heavily

on how well you frame that prompt.

Here are some tips for crafting effective

prompts:

Be Specific: General prompts like

“Write about AI” will produce generic

results. Instead, narrow your focus.

For example, “Write a 500-word article

about the history of AI in healthcare”

gives the model a clear direction.

Provide Context: If your prompt

lacks context, the AI may not understand

what you’re looking for. For instance,

if you ask, “What’s the best

way to organize a team?,” specify

whether you’re talking about a sports

team, a corporate team, or a volunteer

group.

Use Step-by-Step Instructions: For

complex tasks, break your request into

smaller steps. Instead of asking for a

full report, start with “Create an outline

for a report on renewable energy,”

then build from there.

Iterate and Refine: Don’t hesitate

to adjust your prompt if the first result

isn’t quite right. Experimentation is

part of the process.

Set the Tone: If you want the output

to match a specific style or tone,

make that clear in your prompt. For

example, “Write a friendly and conversational

guide to planting a vegetable

garden.”

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

While AI is a powerful tool, it’s not

without its limitations. Being aware

of these potential pitfalls can help you

use AI more effectively and responsibly.

Over-Reliance: AI can save time,

but it’s not a substitute for human

expertise. Use it as a collaborator, not

a replacement. Critical thinking and

creativity remain uniquely human

strengths.

Hallucinations: AI sometimes generates

information that sounds plausible

but is entirely false. Most LLM’s are

built in a way to please people rather

than objectivity. Always verify facts

and data before relying on AI-generated

content.

Bias: Because AI models are

trained on existing text, they can inherit

biases present in their training

data. Be vigilant about identifying and

addressing these biases in AI outputs.

Lack of Originality: AI excels at

synthesizing existing information

but struggles with true innovation.

If you’re looking for groundbreaking

ideas, AI might not be the best source.

Misuse of Personal Data: When

using AI tools, especially in business

contexts, be mindful of privacy and

data security. Avoid inputting sensitive

or confidential information into AI

systems.

By approaching AI with a clear understanding

of its capabilities and limitations,

you can maximize its benefits

while minimizing risks.

The Importance of Best Practices

Using AI effectively isn’t just about

knowing what it can do, it’s also about

using it responsibly. Best practices ensure

that AI remains a tool for good—

enhancing productivity and creativity

without causing harm.

Artificial intelligence is a gamechanger,

but it’s also a learning curve.

By understanding how LLMs work,

exploring their potential applications,

and following best practices, you can

unlock new possibilities while avoiding

common pitfalls.

AI is here to stay, and the more we

learn about it, the better equipped

we’ll be to navigate the future it’s

shaping. Whether you’re an individual

looking to streamline your workflow or

a business aiming to innovate, AI offers

tools and opportunities that are as

exciting as they are transformative.

Veronica Bark is Director of SEO

for Geek Town USA (GTU), a digital

marketing and web design and

development company founded in

2011 by technology geeks who come

from professional backgrounds in

broadcasting, IT, sales and marketing.


AYDA SAGMAN

Administrative Support

MARYANA SHABO

Behavioral Health Therapist

MARIAM ABDALLA


JACKIE RAXTER

Behavioral Health Program Manager

Emotional wellness is the ability to understand your

emotions and adapt to difficulties, stress, or changes in

life. Emotional wellness is important for overall health and

can lead to better physical health, stronger relationships,

and emotional resilience.

Project Light trilingual (Arabic, Chaldean, English) licensed,

professional therapists are here for you and your best

health. Through the process of therapy, you can change selfdestructive

behaviors and habits, resolve painful emotions,

improve relationships, and explore issues that may be hard

to face alone.

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 is to improve the quality

of life, no matter the challenge.

We invite you to seek out the Light of Project Light!

Serving Michigan residents ages 13 years and up. Please call

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

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.

Chaldean Community Foundation

3601 15 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48310


FEATURE

Mandeans, were also targeted for destruction

based on their ethnic, religious,

and national identities.

The museum’s mission is to spread

awareness about this unparalleled

tragedy, encourage reflection on moral

and spiritual questions raised by the

events, and inspire visitors to take

responsibility for preventing future

genocides.

Remembering the Unspoken

Genocide gallery to open in the new Cultural Center

BY ADHID MIRI, PHD

The Chaldean Community Foundation

(CCF) is expanding to

reach across Woodward and

establish a presence with the Chaldean

American Chamber of Commerce

(CACC) on Oakland County’s west

side. Formerly known as The Corners,

the property at Walnut Lake and Inkster

Roads next to Market Square is

being transformed into the new Chaldean

Community Center, housing the

CACC and administrative offices for

the Foundation. Chamber staff has

been calling it “CCF West” for a while.

The new center will serve as a hub

for a comprehensive range of community

resources, including a business

incubator, a gymnasium, television

and radio studio, classrooms, a demonstration

kitchen, the Bishop Ibrahim

Library (housing a treasure trove

of cultural archives), a theater for educational

forums and events, and an

expanded Chaldean Cultural Center,

which will grow as a museum for the

Chaldean people.

• Village Life

• Genocide

• Journey to North America

• Chaldeans Today

A major focus will be the genocide

stories of the past century, particularly

the 21st century, with a spotlight on

the post-2003 ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and militia

atrocities. A critical part of this

endeavor is securing original artifacts

from Iraq to tell the genocide story in

an authentic and impactful way.

The genocide section will commemorate

and chronicle the tragic

events of the ISIS years, highlighting

the persecution and martyrdom of

Christians in Iraq. This part of the museum

is dedicated to educating visitors

about the genocidal crimes against

humanity that threaten the survival of

Iraq’s Christian minority.

Mission Statement

Museums serve as crucial tools for societies

confronting the aftermath of genocide.

They combine educational narratives

with memory to teach vital lessons

about the past. The Genocide Gallery

aims to document, study, and interpret

the ISIS genocide of the 21st century,

preserving the memory of the hundreds

of thousands of Christians displaced,

killed, or forced to flee Iraq since 2003.

Other minorities, such as Yazidis and

Genocide: A Dark Chapter in History

Genocide is one of humanity’s gravest

crimes. Defined as mass extermination

of a group based on race, ethnicity, religion,

or nationality, it is distinguished

by the intention to destroy a group entirely.

The term “genocide” was coined

in 1944 and has since been used to describe

atrocities like those committed

by ISIS against Christians, Yazidis, and

Mandeans in Iraq and Syria. In 2016,

the U.S. accused ISIS of carrying out

genocide against these groups.

Our museum will draw attention to

ISIS’s campaign of terror from 2014 to

2017, when vast atrocities were committed

against minority groups in Iraq.

The exhibit will explore the devastation

of towns, the destruction of communities,

and the human toll of this

genocidal campaign.

Why a Genocide Museum?

The museum’s primary goal is to

broaden public understanding of the

ISIS genocide through exhibitions,

research, and preservation of artifacts.

It will also host annual Days of

Remembrance, distribute educational

materials, and engage the public with

programming aimed at preventing future

atrocities. The museum will be a

The Chaldean Cultural Center:

Expanding Horizons

The Chaldean Cultural Center, currently

at Shenandoah Country Club, will

move to the new facility and expand in

both size and scope. The museum will

consist of six galleries:

• Ancient Mesopotamia

• Faith and Church

Caption


key player in ensuring that the lessons

of the past are not forgotten and that

the atrocities are not repeated.

Education: A Path to Reconciliation

Memorial museums are vital for societies

addressing genocide. They

foster dialogue, counter genocide

denial, and promote reconciliation.

The Genocide Gallery will educate the

public about the ISIS genocide and its

continuing impact. Visitors will learn

about the culture and life of the victims,

the communities affected, and

the continuing consequences of the

atrocities.

The Continuing Threat

Christianity in Iraq, along with other

religious minorities, faces the threat

of extinction, with the roots of Christianity

in Iraq dating back to the earliest

days of the faith. The violence and

persecution committed by ISIS have

contributed to the world’s largest refugee

crisis since World War II and the

Holocaust. The museum’s mission is to

highlight the ongoing struggle and to

advocate for a comprehensive plan to

study and address the persecution of

Iraq’s Christian communities.

Martyrs Memorial Wall

The Chaldean Catholic Church is famously

called, “The Church of the

Martyrs,” because so many of their

members have been killed for their

faith. The Martyrs Memorial Wall will

honor those who perished during

the ISIS genocide. It will include the

names, photos, and artifacts of the

victims. The wall will serve as a powerful

reminder of the lives lost and the

legacy of the Chaldean people.

Proposed Exhibits

The museum will feature several permanent

exhibits, including:

• Iraqi Minorities and the Genocide

• Path to Genocide

• First-Hand Witnesses

• Stories to Remember

• Images of Destroyed Towns and

Churches

These exhibits will be enhanced

with original artifacts from the

Nineveh Plain region and will include

multimedia elements such as video

footage, touchscreen platforms, and

interactive displays.

Obtaining Artifacts and

Original Material

Artifacts for the genocide exhibit will

be sourced from the Nineveh Plain

region, including churches, villages,

and museums. Key partners include

the Chaldean Bishop of Mosul and

representatives from the Iraqi government,

as well as international organizations.

Obtaining approval from the Iraqi

government, local bishops, and the

Ministry of Antiquities is essential

for shipping artifacts from Iraq to the

United States. This process will require

collaboration with key local and international

partners.

In-Country Partners

• Chaldean Bishop of Mosul & Aqra,

Michael Najib Michael

• Syriac Orthodox Bishop Mor

Nicodemus Matti Sharaf

• Chaldean Archbishop of Erbil,

Bashar Warda

• Mayors of Tel Kaif, Qaraqosh,

Ankawa, and Alqoush

Challenges and Support

Key challenges in this project include

securing ISIS artifacts, navigating legal

and logistical hurdles, and ensuring

the preservation of historical sites

in Iraq. Overcoming these obstacles requires

cooperation from governments,

local communities, and international

organizations.

Funding for the museum will be

sourced through donations, grants,

and other forms of support. The project

will also involve detailed cost planning

for the acquisition, shipment,

and installation of artifacts.

Final Words

We need your help. The genocide

section of the museum is in its early

stages, and we are seeking contributions

from survivors, witnesses, and

community members. If you have stories,

material, or artifacts that can help

preserve the history of the genocide,

we encourage you to share them with

us. Your contributions are vital to the

success of this project, and together,

we can ensure that the memory of the

victims lives on.

To share your stories or learn more

about the museum, visit our social

media pages or email edit@chaldeannews.com.

Chaldean

culture is

unique.

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with your

community,

by supporting

its publication

of record,

since 2004.

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أهمية التثقيف والتعليم:‏ الطريق

نحو املصالحة

تعترب املتاحف التذكارية مباين حيوية للمجتمعات

وتعرض تأريخ وحارض املجتمع وتنري أدوار

املؤثرين وتعزز الحوار،‏ وتعزز املصالحة وتذكّر

وتقاوم إنكار فكر اإلبادة الجامعية،‏ وسوف

يعمل الجناح عىل تثقيف الجمهور بِشأن الجرائم

وتأثريها املجتمعي املستمر،‏ وسوف يطّلع الزوار

عىل قصص الشهداء ومآيس الضحايا واملجتمعات

املترضرة والعواقب املستمرة للفظائع،‏ وتتضمن

أوىل األولويات التثقيفية اآلمور والعالجات

الدستورية والقانونية والسياسية واالجتامعية

واملالية ومستقبل املسيحية يف املنطقة.‏

التهديد املستمر

تواجه املسيحية يف العراق،‏ إىل جانب األقليات الدينية

األخرى،‏ خطر االنقراض،‏ إذ ترجع جذور املسيحية

يف العراق إىل األيام األوىل لإلميان قبل الفي عام.‏ وقد

ساهمت أعامل العنف واالضطهاد التي ارتكبها تنظيم

داعش يف أكرب أزمة نزوج وطرد وهجرة ولجوء يف

العامل منذ الحرب العاملية الثانية ومحرقة الهولوكوست.‏

وعليه فإن واحدة من مهامت متحف اإلبادة هي دعم

املكونات ومواصلة العمل والتوعية املستدامة والدعوة

إىل وضع خطط شاملة لدراسة ومعالجة اضطهاد

املجتمعات املسيحية واملكونات يف العراق.‏

ويأيت يف ضمن هذه املساعي تطوير اقرتاحات

وأولويات الناس لتصبح خطة عمل محتملة تشمل

إعادة التوطني واالستقرار،‏ وإعادة اإلعامر،‏ والتنمية

االقتصادية،‏ وبناء قطاعي التعليم والصحة،‏ والعناية

بالتحديات التي تواجه الشباب والجيل الصاعد،‏

وتسوية النزاعات عىل األرايض واملمتلكات،‏ وحفظ

األمن والقانون،‏ وتوضيح مستقبل سهل نينوى،‏

والتغيريات الدميوغرافية والجغرافية واإلدارية وفرص

تأسيس مبادئ اإلدارة الذاتية ومن قبل اهل املنطقة

والخدمات واملساءلة وأمور أخرى مبا يف ذلك

العقبات التي تحول دون العودة الطوعية واآلمنة

للمسيحيني واألقليات األخرى إىل مدنهم وموطن

أجدادهم وضامن مستقبلهم عىل املدى الطويل.‏

جدار النصب التذكاري للشهداء

تشتهر الكنيسة الكلدانية الكاثوليكية باسم

‏“كنيسة الشهداء”،‏ وذلك ألن العديد من أعضائها

قُتلوا بسبب عدم انكارهم إميانهم.‏ وسيُكرِّم

جدار النصب التذكاري للشهداء الذي سيتصدر

أحد جدران واروقة البناية الجديدة بعض من

أولئك الشهداء الذين لقوا حتفهم خالل اإلبادة

التي ارتكبها تنظيم داعش وقبل ذلك من قبل

الشوفينني والعنرصيني واملُكفرين.‏ وسيتضمن

الجدار أسامء الضحايا وصورهم ومقتنياتهم،‏

وسيعمل كتذكري قوي بأرواح الشهداء األبرياء التي

أزهقت غدراً‏ وكلها باقية كذكريات إلرث واميان

وشجاعة ابناء الشعب الكلداين.‏

املعارض املقرتحة

سيضم املتحف العديد من املعارض الدامئة،‏ مبا يف

ذلك:‏

1. األقليات العراقية واإلبادة الجامعية

2. الطريق إىل اإلبادة الجامعية

3. شهود عيان

4. قصص ال تُنىس

5. صور املدن والكنائس املدمرة

سيتم تعزيز هذه املعروضات بالقطع األثرية

األصلية من منطقة سهل نينوى وستتضمن وسائط

العرض املتعددة أحدث وأحسن التقنيات املتاحة

ولقطات فيديو،‏ ومنصات للشاشات تعمل باللمس

والتطبيقات التفاعلية الذكية وغريها من وسائل

التواصل والعرض الحديثة.‏

الحصول عىل القطع األثرية األصلية

ستأيت القطع األثرية التي ستُعرض يف معرض

اإلبادة الجامعية من منطقة سهل نينوى،‏ مبا يف

ذلك الكنائس والقرى واملتاحف والناس،‏ ومن

بني الرشكاء الرئيسيني الذين سيساعدون يف

مهمة جمع القطع أسقف املوصل،‏ واملسؤولني

يف البلدات،‏ ومتحف املوصل واملتاحف املحلية

والكنائس واألديرة وممثلني عن الحكومة العراقية،‏

فضالً‏ عن املنظامت الدولية التي ساهمت بإعادة

اإلعامر مثل الحكومة الهنغارية ‏)املجر(.‏

إن امر الحصول عىل موافقة الحكومة العراقية

واألساقفة املحليني ووزارة الثقافة واآلثار أمر رضوري

لشحن القطع األثرية بصورة قانونية من العراق إىل

الواليات املتحدة،‏ وسيتطلب ذلك التعاون مع الرشكاء

املحليني والدوليني الرئيسيني وسيتطلب هذا الجهد

الصعب التعاون من جانب الحكومة والوزارات

ومسؤويل اإلدارات واملدن املحلية.‏

التحديات اللوجستية والدعم

تتضمن التحديات الرئيسية يف هذا املرشوع تأمني

القطع األثرية األصلية لإلبادة والتغلب عىل العقبات

القانونية واللوجستية،‏ وضامن الحفاظ عىل املواقع

التاريخية املدمرة مثل املقابر والبيوت والكنائس يف

العراق.‏ وسيتم متويل املتحف من خالل التربعات

واملنح وأشكال الدعم األخرى.‏ كام سيتضمن

املرشوع تخطيطًا تفصيليًا للتكاليف الالزمة القتناء

القطع األثرية،‏ وشحنها وتركيبها وعرضها.‏

كلمة أخرية ومتنيات

لقد مر وقت طويل لتنفيذ هذا الحلم وتحقيق

الرغبات وبناء املركز الجديد كمرشوع تأريخي

يؤرش صوب مستقبل زاهر،‏ إذ سيكون املوقع

الجديد مبثابة مركز كامل ملجموعة شاملة من

احتياجات املجتمع ونشاطات الجالية،‏ وميُ‏ ثل رمزاً‏

حضاريا وإنجازاً‏ تاريخيا ملا متثله مؤسسة الجالية

الكلدانية وغرفة التجارة الكلدانية األمريكية

يف الحرية الثقافية ويعكس طموحات أبناء

الجالية وتقدمهم يف كافة املجاالت ورغباتهم يف

الحداثة وتنمية االحتياجات الحالية واالسرتاتيجية

واملستقبلية ونحن جميعاً‏ متحمسني لرؤية هذا

املرشوع يؤيت مثاره ويعلوا بتأثريهُ.‏ وليس هذا

املرشوع سوى متهيد لعملٍ‏ أكرب ورضوري من

اجل نرش رسالة السالم واحرتام التنوع وحامية

الهوية املسيحية بحكمة وصياغة عالقة الدولة مع

املكونات لكيال تنقلب السياسات اىل مامرسات

العنف والكراهية واالضطهاد واإلبادة ابداً.‏

املتوقع أن يكتمل البناء واالحتفال بافتتاح قص

رشيط البناية واملركز يف مطلع شهر أيار عام 2025

وبدورنا نحتاج إىل مساعدتكم،‏ وأن قسم

اإلبادة الجامعية يف املتحف ما يزال يف مراحله

األوىل،‏ وعليه نحن نسعى للحصول عىل

مساهامت من الناجني والشهود وأفراد املجتمع

الذين عارصوا فصول هذه املأساة يف العراق.‏ فإذا

كانت لديكم قصص،‏ أو صور،‏ أو افالم،‏ أو وثائق،‏

أو قطع أثرية ميكنها أن تساعدنا يف تسجيل

وحفظ تأريخ اإلبادة الجامعية،‏ فنحن نشجعكم

عىل مشاركتها معنا،‏ سيام وأن مساهامتكم

الثمينة حيوية إلنجاح هذا املرشوع،‏ وبالتعاون

معاً‏ ميكننا ضامن استمرار العمل الجاد والتذكري

بالشهداء والضحايا ومأساة املسيحيني والتصدي

ملحاوالت تهجريهم من وطنهم العراق.‏

للمشاركة ومعرفة املزيد عن تفاصيل املتحف،‏

تفضلوا بزيارة صفحاتنا عىل وسائل التواصل

االجتامعي أو مراسلتنا عىل الربيد اإللكرتوين:‏

edit@chaldeannews.com


موضوع مميز

لِكَيْال نَنىَسَ‏ اإلبادة وليك نُذّكر األجيال بجرائم داعش

مرشوع افتتاح جناح اإلبادة الجامعية يف املركز الثقايف الجديد يف مدينة ويست بلومفيلد

بقلم د عضيد مريي

التأريخ الحديث،‏ وتشجيع التأمل يف األسئلة

األخالقية والروحية والوطنية التي أثارتها األحداث،‏

وإلهام الباحثني والكتاب والزوار يف تحمل

املسؤولية اإلنسانية والعمل عىل منع اإلبادات

واالضطهاد والكراهية واالنتقام يف املستقبل.‏

اإلبادة:‏ فصل مظلم يف التاريخ

اإلبادة تعترب واحدة من أخطر جرائم البرشية.‏

تُعرَّف بأنها إبادة جامعية ملجموعة من الناس عىل

أساس العرق،‏ أو اإلثنية،‏ أو الدين،‏ أو الجنسية،‏

وتتميز بالنية السادية التي تنوي تدمري مجموعة

بالكامل.‏ تم صياغة مصطلح ‏“اإلبادة الجامعية”‏ يف

عام 1944 ومنذ ذلك الحني تم استخدامه لوصف

الفظائع كمثل تلك التي ارتكبها تنظيم داعش

ضد املسيحيني واليزيدين واملندائيني يف العراق

وسوريا،‏ ويف عام 2016، اتهمت الواليات املتحدة

تنظيم داعش بارتكاب إبادة جامعية ضد هذه

املجموعات.‏

تواصل مؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية نرش رسالتها

املجتمعية وتنفيذ خطط مشاريعها التوسعية

وخدماتها وتثبيت اركان وجودها وتؤسس

حضورًا مهامً‏ مع غرفة التجارة الكلدانية

األمريكية من خالل توسعها وعبورها الجانب

الغريب لشارع وودوارد وتأسيس وجود لها يف

مقاطعة أوكالند.‏

إذ بعد أن أكملت مؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية

خطواتها يف رشاء بناية املدرسة القدمية املسامة

ب ‏)كورنرز(‏ الواقعة عىل شارع ‏)ولنت ليك

رود بالقرب من غرب شارع انكسرت يف مدينة

ويست بلومفيلد(‏ بدأت مساعي التحديث

والبناء ليصبح للجالية مركزا اخراً‏ للمؤسسة عىل

الجانب الشاميل الغريب ملدينة مرتو ديرتويت.‏

وستضم البناية الجديدة املكاتب اإلدارية

للمؤسسة ولغرفة التجارة الكلدانية األمريكية،‏

وسيكون املوقع الجديد مبثابة مركز ملجموعة

شاملة من الخدمات واملوارد املجتمعية،‏ مبا يف

ذلك حاضنة لألعامل،‏ وصالة لأللعاب الرياضية،‏

واستوديو تلفزيوين وإذاعي،‏ وفصول دراسية،‏

ومطبخ تجريبي،‏ ومكتبة األسقف إبراهيم ‏)التي

تضم كنزًا من األرشيفات الثقافية(،‏ ومرسحًا

للمنتديات واألحداث التعليمية،‏ واملركز الرتايث

الكلداين الذي سينمو كمتحف للجالية يف املهجر

وسيحوي جزء من األرشيف الثقايف الكلداين

وإذاعة صوت الكلدان،‏ ومكتب مجلة اخبار

الكلدان ‏)كالديان نيوز(،‏ وروضة أطفال،‏ ، وستة

قاعات عرض جديدة واسعة ملقتنيات املتحف

الثقايف الرتايث الكلداين الذي سينتقل من موقعه

الحايل يف نادي شانندوا العائيل.‏

أفاق جديدة وتطلّعات مستقبلية

سوف ينتقل املركز الثقايف الرتايث الكلداين املوجود

حالياً‏ يف نادي شانندوا،‏ إىل املنشأة الجديدة وسيجري

توسيع اركانه من حيث املساحة اىل )3200 قدم

مربع(‏ واألجنحة )6( واملحتويات واملعروضات

وسيتكون املتحف من ست صاالت عرض تشمل:‏

1 بالد ما بني النهرين القدمية

2 اإلميان والكنيسة

3 الحياة يف البلدات والقرية

4 اإلبادة الجامعية

5 الرحلة إىل أمريكا الشاملية

6 الكلدانيون اليوم

سريكز املتحف بشكل رئييس عىل جمع وتوثيق

ورسد قصص اإلبادة الجامعية واالستشهاد يف القرن

املايض،‏ وخاصة يف القرن الحادي والعرشين،‏ مع

التوثيق والتذكري بحجم الجرائم التي ارتكبتها

عصابات داعش والقاعدة وامليليشيات ضد

املكونات األصيلة بعد غزو العراق عام 2003.

وسيشكل تأمني القطع األثرية األصلية لإلبادة

وجلبها من العراق جزءًا مهامً‏ وصعباً‏ من هذا

املسعى التاريخي من اجل حفظ وتسجيل فصول

الترشيد والتهجري والنزوح ورسد قصة اإلبادة

الجامعية بطريقة أكادميية ومؤثرة.‏

كام وسيحيي الجناح وسيسجل قسم اإلبادة

الجامعية األحداث املأساوية التي وقعت يف

بلدات سهل نينوى وتسليط األضواء عىل اضطهاد

واستشهاد املسيحيني يف العراق،‏ وتثقيف زوار

املتحف بشأن كل ما حصل من جرائم اإلبادة

الجامعية ضد اإلنسانية التي تهدد بقاء األقلية

املسيحية واملكونات األصيلة يف العراق.‏

رسالة جناح اإلبادة

تعمل املتاحف يف كافة ارجاء العامل كمواقع

حضارية ومراكز تثقيفية وتعد من الرضورات

األساسية لحفظ ذاكرة املجتمعات وتؤمن عرض

شامل ملراحل تطورها وتاريخها والتذكري باملايض،‏

وتجمع يف أركانها اثار ومعروضات من اجل نرش

التعليم والتثقيف ومصادر اكادميية معتمدة

للدراسات والجامعات واملدارس وهدفها جذب

الزوار ونرش املعرفة.‏

كام وان الهدف من إضافة جناح اإلبادة

الجامعية وضمن بناية املتحف الرتايث الكلداين

الجديد يف أمريكا ووالية ميشيغان بالذات،‏ جاء

كرضورة حتمية للتوثيق وللتذكري ولتفسري عقلية

اإلبادة التي مارستها عصابات تنظيم الدولة

اإلسالمية يف مطلع القرن الحادي والعرشين ولكيال

ننىس حجم الدمار والرتهيب والترشيد والهجرة

والنزوح لسكان بلدات سهل نينوى،‏ وكذلك من

اجل تنوير األجيال القادمة مبا فاتهم من قسوة

وسجالت املآيس والصمت املخزي والتجنب املر

ومحاولة النسيان من جميع الصامتني والالمباليني

من السياسيني واملسؤولني ومن دون اإلحساس

مبسؤوليتهم عام حدث ويحدث للمكونات

األصيلة يف العراق تاريخيا وجغرافيا ومن اجل

الحفاظ عىل ذكرى مئات اآلالف من املسيحيني

النازحني واملهجرين و القتىل أو املجربين عىل

الفرار من العراق منذ عام 2003.

وتتمثل مهمة املتحف ايضاً‏ يف أهمية

االستمرار بنرش مبادئ الوعي املجتمعي والقانوين

حول تبعات هذه املأساة التي ال مثيل لها يف

وسوف يسلط متحفنا األضواء وسيجذب

االنتباه إىل حمالت اإلرهاب التي شنها تنظيم

داعش من عام 2014 إىل عام 2017 يف شامل

العراق وسهل نينوى وما ارتكبت عصاباته من

فظائع واسعة النطاق ضد األقليات يف العراق.‏ وال

ننىس كيف تم استهداف األقليات األخرى،‏ مثل

اليزيدين واملندائيني،‏ عىل أساس هوياتهم العرقية

والدينية والجغرافية.‏

وستعكس أجواء ومحتويات املعرض

مشاهد ومعلومات عن تدمري املدن واملمتلكات

وتهجري املجتمعات والثمن البرشي لهذه الحملة

اإلجرامية الال انسانية عىل أمل إلقاء الضوء عىل

املحنة املستمرة للمسيحيني واألقليات العرقية

يف املنطقة،‏ والنية هنا هي خدش سطح هذا

املوضوع املعقد والعمل عىل صياغة ورقة عمل

تعالج مخاوفنا كمسيحيني ‏)كلدان وآشوريني

ورسيان وأرمن(‏ يف العراق ومنطقة اقليم

كردستان.‏

ملاذا سيتم تأسيس متحف اإلبادة

الجامعية؟

الهدف األسايس إلضافة جناح اإلبادة والشهداء

للمتحف هو لغرض توسيع فهم املجتمعات

واملؤسسات واملؤرخني وجمهور املهتمني

عن جرائم وحجم ومأساة اإلبادة الجامعية

التي ارتكبها تنظيم داعش وتفكيك الكراهية

العميقة ملن خالل اقامة املعارض السنوية

وتشجيع البحوث والدراسات وعرض القطع

األثرية وتصوير املواقع الكنسية واملقابر التي

تم تدمريها من اجل التذكري بالدمار ومصري ما

حصل لهذه املواقع،‏ كام سيستضيف املتحف

أيامًا ومناسبات سنوية إلحياء الذكرى،‏ وإرشاك

الجامهري وأعضاء املجتمعات يف الربامج التي

تهدف إىل منع مثل هذه الجرائم يف املستقبل.‏

وسيكون املتحف العباً‏ رئيسياً‏ لضامن عدم

نسيان دروس املايض وعدم السامح بتكرار

الفظائع ومحاسبة القامئني بها.‏


FEATURE

Creative Frontiers

Joseph Naman pursuing multiple passions

BY PAUL NATINSKY

To say Joseph Naman wears

many hats would be an understatement.

The 25-year-old

Wayne State University graduate has a

degree in finance, but soon found himself

bored crunching numbers all day,

so he branched out into podcasting,

filmmaking and standup comedy.

Naman says his family supports

his goals and dreams. In return he has

helped his father and uncle, both physicians,

promote their multi-location

primary care practice by producing podcasts

and other promotional projects. He

quickly turned the help into a full-time

marketing role with the practice.

Partnerships with local groups,

including Focus Hope, whose CEO

appeared as a guest on the practice’s

podcast, are an important part of the

marketing program, which Naman

shares wherever possible. He regularly

links and loads material onto spaces

such as Spotify, YouTube, Linked In,

Instagram and Tik Tok.

Naman’s work with his family’s

medical practice is only the tip of the

iceberg. The finance major minored

in film, where he learned editing

and production. “In college, I started

making short films and sketches with

friends. Around the same time, I got

into standup comedy and podcasting,”

said Naman.

Last year, when podcasting and

comedy began to intersect with his

filmmaking efforts, Naman formed

Paradiso Films. The company serves

as an umbrella company to house and

organize his various interests. He says

Paradiso handles, “anything video

production-wise.”

Naman used Paradiso to create two

films that he intends to submit to various

film festivals, with the hope that

they will be chosen and played on the

big screen for festivalgoers. Naman

says he targets the large festivals, such

as South by Southwest, Tribeca, and

the Toronto International Film Festival.

“These larger ones are hard to get

into, but I’d rather spend time submitting

to these larger ones. You get better

views at the larger ones,” says Naman.

Films are submitted via festival websites.

They are then voted on.

“If they like it, it’s included in the

festival. You get to come and watch it

on the big screen. A bunch of big producers

and famous people come to

these festivals. Sometimes the studios

will purchase independent films and

put them out,” says Naman.

He’s gotten into some of the local

ones in the past with his previous short

films and says it’s a lot of fun. “You meet

others in the area who are into filmmaking.

But it’s not super impactful.”

Monk, a five-minute thriller-comedy

short (about which Naman would

reveal little) and a 30-minute documentary

about a couple in their 80s

who do spoofs of popular songs using

spent paper towel rolls and call themselves—of

course—The Cardboard

Tubes are Naman’s current hopefuls.

The new company also houses a

weekly podcast that features several

of Naman’s friends and collaborators

as well as comedians who roll through

town. Chaldean funnyman Paul Elia

dropped by a show Naman produced (I

checked Elia out on YouTube, he’s very

funny and knows how to read a room).

Naman’s podcast has done very

well. He has been at it three years and

has about 2,000 subscribers. He says

he had only about 150 a year-and-ahalf

ago. Constant sharing and linking

as well as Naman’s ubiquitous presence

in the Detroit comedy community

have fueled Naman’s rising profile.

Naman tries to keep his networking

and production endeavors large and expansive

and his costs low. To that end,

he uses friends as actors in his films

and accumulates podcasting and filmmaking

equipment one piece at a time.

As he continues to flow among big

comedy clubs like Mark Ridley’s and

Detroit House of Comedy and “random

bars, restaurants and theaters open

comedy nights,” he says there is “more

opportunity than ever before.”

While Naman would like to see

how far he can take his comedic endeavors,

he has no intention of giving

short shrift to his other interests.

“They’re all hobbies and skills I’ve

developed through the years. The past

few years, I’ve been trying to make a

name for myself in all those areas.”

Joseph Naman’s diverse pursuits

and multifaceted career reflect his relentless

drive to explore and expand

his creative boundaries. From finance

to filmmaking, standup comedy, and

podcasting, Naman continues to balance

his passions with his family’s

medical practice, always seeking new

opportunities to grow and connect

with others.

Through Paradiso Films, his expanding

podcast audience, and his

goal to break into major film festivals,

Naman is steadily carving out a unique

niche for himself in both the creative

and professional worlds. As he continues

to pursue his diverse passions,

his journey exemplifies the power of

following one’s interests, embracing

collaboration, and leveraging new platforms

to bring creative ideas to life.


SPRING

COMMUNITY

JOB FAIR

2025

JOIN US

Employers will receive:

• Table and two chairs for setup.

• Light refreshments and snacks.

* Space is limited. Registration is available

on a first come, first served basis.

Please register by

scaning the

QR code below.

$150 Registration fee

WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2025 | 3:00PM

- 5:00PM

Chaldean Community Foundation - Wireless Vision Gymnasium | 3601 15 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI, 48310

For more info contact Elias at Elias.Kattoula@chaldeanfoundation.org or call 586-722-7253.


ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Caption

From Stage to Screen

Dramedy “Pomegranate” slated for March release

Freestyle Digital Media, the digital

film distribution division

of Byron Allen’s Allen Media

Group, has acquired the VOD rights to

the acclaimed dramedy Pomegranate.

The film, which explores the complex

cultural dynamics between Iraqi Muslims

and Chaldeans (Iraqi Christians)

in suburban Michigan during the

2016 U.S. presidential election, will be

available to rent or own on all global

digital HD platforms—including cable

and satellite—on March 4, 2025. In addition,

it will be released on DVD the

same day. The release also coincides

with the observance of Women’s History

Month and International Women’s

Day on March 8, 2025.

Pomegranate centers around

20-year-old Niran, an Iraqi Muslim

refugee living with her family in a predominantly

Christian Iraqi suburb of

Detroit, known colloquially as “Little

Baghdad.” The film explores Niran’s

internal and external struggles as she

navigates her identity as a politically

liberal young woman in a conservative,

traditional community. She’s

caught between the cultural expectations

of her Muslim family and her desire

to live a life of independence and

self-expression.

Niran’s world is further complicated

by her relationship with Mary, a

politically conservative Christian who

lives directly across the street and has

a large “Make America Great Again”

sign next to a Virgin Mary statue in

her front yard. The stark contrast between

the two women’s worldviews

highlights the cultural and ideological

divides in their community. As

Niran seeks to redefine herself, she

draws inspiration from Enheduanna,

the first known writer in history, and

a priestess from Ancient Mesopotamia,

in an effort to find her own voice

amidst the chaos.

Set against the backdrop of the

highly charged political climate of

the 2016 U.S. election, Pomegranate

is a poignant exploration of cultural

clash, personal growth, and the power

of women’s voices. The film’s narrative

is a timely reflection on how identity,

religion, and political beliefs intersect

and shape individual lives, especially

for women in immigrant communities.

Written and directed by Weam

Namou, a Chaldean woman who has

firsthand knowledge of the culture she

is portraying, Pomegranate is the first

narrative film by Iraqi-Americans to be

led by a team from the community it

represents. Namou, whose previous

work has garnered widespread attention,

shared her thoughts on the significance

of the film: “Pomegranate

is more than a movie, it’s a window

into the authentic lives of Middle Easterners,

especially women, who have

long been confined to stereotypes. By

understanding the beauty, struggles,

and resilience of these lives, we open

the door to a more connected, compassionate

world.”

The film was produced by Sam

Sako and executive produced by Scott

Rosenfelt, known for his work on iconic

films such as Home Alone and Mystic

Pizza. The talented ensemble cast

of Pomegranate includes Sam Rahmani

as Niran, Zain Shami as Hassina,

Ismail Taher as Ali, Natally Boutrus

as Mary, Lamar Babi as Matthew, Basim

Alameen as Sermad, Amanda

Kashat as Nisreen, and Jordyn Kashat

as Fatima. The performances bring to

life the intricate dynamics between

the characters, capturing the complex

emotions of individuals caught in the

crossfire of competing cultural and political

pressures.

Pomegranate has already been recognized

by the international film community,

winning over 30 prestigious

awards worldwide. The film has been

praised for its nuanced portrayal of

immigrant life, its emotional depth,

and its exploration of the complexities

surrounding identity and belonging in

a multicultural society.

The film’s success underscores

the growing demand for diverse narratives

that reflect the experiences of

underrepresented communities. As

such, Pomegranate is not only a personal

journey for its characters but

also a significant step forward in the

broader movement for more authentic

and inclusive storytelling in the film

industry.


HIRING

WE ARE

Do you possess a passion for bettering the lives of others?

Join our ever expanding team!


Housing Liaison

Advocacy

Acculturation

Community Development

Cultural Preservation

For More Information

HR@chaldeanfoundation.org

586-722-7253

www.chaldeanfoundation.org/careers


IN MEMORIAM

OBITUARY

Dr. Nathima Atchoo

Roza Jiddou Jarbo

Jul 1, 1937 -

Jan 8, 2025

David A. Gorge

Aug 11, 1985 -

Jan 14, 2025

Mary Korkis Shina

Jul 1, 1927 -

Jan 9, 2025

Khalil Putrus Kizy

Mar 17, 1943 -

Jan 15, 2025

Behnam Goggo

Feb 15, 1929 -

Jan 11, 2025

Khilood Savaya

Sheker

Mar 3, 1953 -

Jan 16, 2025

Sabah Zaia Jamil

Jul 1, 1939 -

Jan 11, 2025

Hanny Ibrahim

Seman Semma

Oct 20, 1930 -

Jan 17, 2025

Sarra Isho Hanno

Jul 1, 1939 -

Jan 11, 2025

Dalila Esho

Youkhanna

Jul 1, 1936 -

Jan 18, 2025

Dr. Nathima Atchoo, born on December

28, 1931, in Iraq, passed away

on February 5, 2025, receiving her

heavenly reward. She was the loving

daughter of the late Habib and Bahija

Atchoo, cherished wife of the late Dr.

Peter Atchoo, and devoted mother of Dr. Faris (Shahnaz)

Atchoo, Fanar (Richard) Wright, Firas (Lakshmi) Atchoo,

and Fawaz (Cyndie) Atchoo. She was also a humble grandmother

to Jonah, Gabriel, Victoria, and Nema Atchoo, and

an adored sister to the late Badie “Buddy” Atchoo, the late

Betty Dawisha, the late Najla Daoud, and Suham Sheet.

A devoted volunteer, generous donor, and beloved

pillar of her community, Dr. Atchoo selflessly served

many organizations both in the United States and Iraq,

touching the lives of those in need. Through the Drs. Nathima

and Peter Atchoo Family Foundation Scholarship,

she helped provide financial assistance to Chaldean

students pursuing higher education, from community

college to graduate studies, in preparation for careers of

their choice.

Alice Stanlos

Desilva

Jan 13, 1933 -

Jan 20, 2025

Adnan Qaryaqus

Hanna

Jul 1, 1956 -

Jan 20, 2025

Nadeema Jibrael

Ammoo

Jul 1, 1950 -

Jan 22, 2025

Kitty Matte Petros

Jul 1, 1937 -

Jan 22, 2025

George Elia

Jul 1, 1931 -

Jan 23, 2025

Raheel Hako

Jul 1, 1934 -

Jan 23, 2025

Siham Doha

Jun 22, 1953 -

Jan 24, 2025

Mary Daniel

Jun 7, 1932 -

Jan 25, 2025

Amir Denha

Sep 8, 1943 -

Jan 25, 2025

Madlen Ghizi

Jul 1, 1953 -

Jan 25, 2025

Jerry (Jalal)

Shamon

Jul 1, 1956 -

Jan 25, 2025

Keith Gerald

Ballard

Feb 6, 1964 -

Jan 25, 2025

Brenda Patricia

Kassab

Jun 28, 1953 -

Jan 27, 2025

Shaza George

Zaya

Feb 15, 1967 -

Jan 27, 2025

Sylvia Sylvana

Daoud

Mar 13, 1960 -

Jan 29, 2025

Hayat Bashoka

Yacoub

Feb 1, 1938 -

Jan 30, 2025

Mikhaeel Amoni

Jarbo

Jan 2, 1948 -

Jan 31, 2025

Edward A. Yousif

Aug 8, 1955 -

Jan 31, 2025

Asiet Esho

Jul 1, 1942 -

Feb 1, 2025

Shammama Yousif

Dalli

Aug 20, 1919 -

Feb 2, 2025

Violet Kaddis

Nov 6, 1931 -

Feb 2, 2025

Violet “Vi” Poole

(George)

Apr 9, 1948 -

Feb 2, 2025

Joza Mansoor

Jul 1, 1932 -

Feb 6, 2025

Adeeb Haddad

Jul 1, 1943 -

Feb 6, 2025


There are enough things

out there going viral.

Get your COVID-19

and flu vaccines.

Help keep your immune system

from going viral. Talk to your

health care provider.

Michigan.gov/COVIDFluRSV


RELIGION

The Great Fast

Entering Lent with heart and heritage

BY MICHAEL ANTOON

Lent is more than just a season

on the Church calendar; it is a

call to renewal. For Christians

around the world, it is a time when

we step back from the noise of daily

life and hear again the voice of God inviting

us to grow closer to Him. Each

year, we are given this gift—the Great

Fast (Soma Raba)—to pause, reflect,

and walk with Christ toward His Passion

and Resurrection.

While our ancestors in the villages

of our homeland approached this season

with customs unique to their time,

their faith remains a foundation for

how we, too, can enter into Lent with

both heart and heritage.

Fasting

The Great Fast begins in the Chaldean

Church on the Monday following the

First Sunday of Lent, serving as a significant

reminder that the journey we

undertake is not one of sorrow alone,

but of hope and expectation. Fasting is

one of the pillars of this holy season.

Traditionally, our ancestors fasted

with great seriousness, most abstaining

from meat and dairy. Some fasted

until midday, while others extended

their fasts further. The discipline of

fasting and giving something up was

not just a physical challenge or punishment

but a spiritual practice, reminding

the faithful of their reliance

on God. Today, Chaldean Catholics

are called to fast from meat on Fridays

and during the first, middle, and last

weeks of Lent. Many choose to give up

something they enjoy as well.

However, fasting is not just about

food, it is about purifying the heart.

We are called to fast from sin—from

anger, gossip, pride, and greed. Fasting

becomes fruitful only when it leads

to inner transformation. As St. John

Chrysostom reminds us, “What good is

it if we abstain from birds and fish but

bite and devour our brothers?”

Prayer

Prayer is another cornerstone of Lent.

It is through prayer that we enter into

the silence of the desert with Christ.

Our ancestors gathered in the church,

lifting their voices in supplication,

seeking God’s mercy. Today, we continue

this tradition. Many attend weekday

Masses or the Stations of the Cross

each Friday, reflecting on the suffering

Christ endured for our salvation.

Using this opportunity to walk with

Jesus as He carries His cross brings our

faith to life. Personal prayer also deepens

during Lent—whether through the

Rosary, the Psalms, or listening for the

Lord’s voice, we are invited to rediscover

the power of being in His presence.

Alms

The third essential element of the season

is almsgiving. Lent is a time to look

beyond ourselves and see Christ in the

poor, the sick, and the suffering. Our

ancestors in the villages shared what

little they had, ensuring no neighbor

went without. Today, we are called to

continue this spirit of generosity.

Whether through donations to the

Church, supporting charities, or helping

a struggling family, acts of mercy

reflect the love of Christ and unite us

more closely to Him.

Fasting and almsgiving are deeply

connected to the call to love and mercy.

His Beatitude Mar Louis Raphael

Sako, Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic

Church, reminds us in his Lenten

Pastoral Letter from 2024: “Fasting is a

time to practice the commandment of

love and mercy.”

Jesus Christ preferred mercy over

sacrifice…This is reflected in the words

of the Prophet Isaiah:

“Is not this the fast that I choose:

to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo

the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed

go free, and to break every

yoke? Is it not to share your bread with

the hungry, and bring the homeless

and poor into your house; when you

see the naked, to cover them, and not

to hide yourself from your own flesh?”

(Isaiah 58:6-7)

الصوم زمن لتطبيق وصيةّ‏ املحبة والرحمة.‏ وقد

فضل يسوع املسيح الرحمة عىل الذبيحة،‏ ذلك

برفع الجدران التي تفصلنا عن االخرين،‏ والعطاء

السخي ملساعدة االخوة املحتاجني كام جاء يف

توصيات النبي أشعيا:‏ ‏“أَلَيسَ‏ الصَّ‏ ومُ‏ الَّذي فَضَّ‏ لتُه

هو هذا:‏ حَلُّ‏ قُيودِ‏ الرشَّ‏ ِّ وفَكُّ‏ رُبُطِ‏ النِّري وإِطْالقُ‏

املَسْ‏ حوقنيَ‏ أَحْراراً‏ وتَحْطيمُ‏ كُلِّ‏ نري؟ أَلَيسَ‏ هو

أَن تَكرسِ‏ َ للجائِعِ‏ خُبزَكَ‏ وأَن تُدخِ‏ لَ‏ البائسنيَ‏

املَطْرودينَ‏ بَيتَكَ‏ وإذا رَأَيتَ‏ العُرْيانَ‏ أن تَكسُ‏ وَه

وأَن ال تَتَوارى عن لَحمِكَ‏ ” ‏)أشعيا /58 (.7-6

These words call us to reflect on our

call to almsgiving, ensuring our faith

is not isolated from our actions. True

prayer and fasting lead to love in action—lifting

up the poor, welcoming

the stranger, sharing our bread with

the hungry, and clothing the naked.

Village Traditions: Lent in Telkeppe

These spiritual practices are the foundation

of Lent, but for our forefathers

in the village, Lent was also a communal

journey. Fr. Michael Bazzi, in

his book “The Life of Tilkepnaye” and

from his interview with then-seminarian

Junior (now Father John) Jwad on

the Chaldean Voice Radio, offers us a

glimpse into the traditions of Lent in

the great village of Telkeppe.

Fr. Bazzi explains that in Telkeppe,

beginning on the Second Sunday of

Lent, a series of weekly pilgrimages

and festivals, known as ‘Sherawatha,’

became a tradition. Each Sunday was

dedicated to a particular saint and

their shrine in or near Telkeppe. The

Second Sunday honored Mar Daniel,

with villagers traveling to his shrine

to the west outside of the village.

The Third Sunday was dedicated to

Boukhtsaada, south of Telkeppe in

the Shango neighborhood. The Fourth

Sunday celebrated Mart Shmuni, in

the neighborhood of Mart Shmuni

(Abbo/Sitto). The Fifth Sunday honored

St. John the Apostle. The Sixth

Sunday was for Saint Joseph, in the

Kizy neighborhood. Finally, the Seventh

Sunday commemorated the Forty

Martyrs (Arbeeni) at a shrine to the

north of the village.

Fr. Bazzi recalls that after the High

Mass (Raza Raba), villagers would

travel to these shrines, with men and

women often walking separately. Sellers

of nuts and other goods would

gather near the sites. Families carried

food to share, and a special tradition

emerged for those preparing for

marriage. The family of the groomto-be

would bring a pot of ‘Paqota

Sha’oothta,’ or yellow barley, known

as Sheelanih, to be shared in the yard

of the shrine. This barley would, of

course, be made with onions, without

any meat.

Upon arriving at the shrine, priests

would lead prayers and teach the Catechism

to the children and faithful,

preaching on both Lent and the saint

being commemorated that day. Residents

of the neighborhood hosting

the shrine would often prepare food to

share. These gatherings were not just

social events but a true reflection of

the deep bond between faith and community.

Lent as a Gift

As we enter into this holy season, we

can draw strength from the example

of those who came before us. Lent is

not meant to be a burden; it is a gift.

It is an opportunity to reset our hearts,

to strip away what distracts us, and to

remember that our true joy is found in

Christ. We are invited to embrace fasting,

prayer, and almsgiving as a pathway

to renewal.

Let us fast with purpose, pray with

sincerity, and give with generosity. Let

us walk together, as our ancestors did,

toward the promise of the Resurrection.

Author’s Note: I would like to

personally thank Fr. Michael J. Bazzi

for his dedication in preserving our

heritage and traditions through his

many publications on the beloved

village Telkeppe and the Aramaic/

Chaldean Language.


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BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

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3601 15 Mile Road

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TEL: (586) 722-7253

FAX: (586) 722-7257

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EVENTS

Portrait of a

Community

On January 30, the Chaldean News, in

partnership with the Chaldean Community

Foundation, hosted the Portrait of a

Community cultural event, premiering

powerful stories captured for the Library

of Congress Digital Archives Collection.

The event, attended by over 200 guests,

celebrated the rich Chaldean heritage

through a blend of authentic cuisine, traditional

music, and dance. Guests were

also moved by film excerpts of interviews

that highlighted the vibrant Chaldean

community in Metro Detroit. These contributions

will now be preserved in the

Library of Congress, safeguarding our

culture for future generations within the

world’s largest library. This unforgettable

event was made possible by the generous

support of the Library of Congress, the

Michigan Arts and Culture Council, and

the Chaldean Community Foundation.

Clockwise from top of page: Sterling Heights mayor, Michael Taylor, addresses more than 200 guests who attended the

Portrait of a Community event at the CCF. Activities included demonstrations of traditonal chai and coffee service, bread

making, and sweet treats from Heavenly Dates. A long stretch of traditional dancing brought the evening to a festive close.

Bishop’s Dinner

The Chaldean Diocese held its 2025 Annual Bishop’s Dinner on

Thursday, February 13, with over 1,000 community members in

attendance. Bishop Francis Kalabat, however, was unable to attend

due to a viral illness. The theme of this year’s Dinner centered

on the Eucharist as the source and summit of our Christian

faith. Without the Eucharist, the Dinner holds no true purpose.

The Annual Bishop’s Dinner is held each year to support

and advance the mission of the diocese: “To Make Christ

Known to All.” The Diocese introduced its newly established

Advancement and Development Department, which will focus

on expanding resources, strengthening outreach efforts, and

securing financial support to further the mission of the Diocese.

During the event, Bishop Francis introduced three key

goals for the year: to establish and host Chaldean Masses in

new locations, to hopefully soon establish a K-8 school, and

to inaugurate the Diocese’s first-ever retreat center, Mar Eliya

Retreat Center, which is set to open this Spring.

By the grace of God and the generosity of our community,

the Bishop’s Dinner successfully raised over $650,000!

Clockwise from top left: Chaldean nuns enjoying the evening; Left to right: Faiq Konja, a cutout

of Bishop Francis Kalabat, Sam Bakkal, and Joseph Sheena; Left to right: Fr. Rodney Abasso,

Fr. Perrin Atisha, and Fr. Patrick Setto; Bishop Ibrahim Ibrahim and Archbishop Allen Vigneron;

There were more than 1,000 in attendance.


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