APRIL 2025

METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY VOL. 22 ISSUE III APRIL 2025

A Pope

of the

People

INSPIRING

FAITH IN

TIMES OF

CRISIS

Featuring:

Revisiting Iraq

Joey’s Light

Ron Acho Honored

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METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY | APRIL 2025 | VOL. 22 ISSUE III

DEPARTMENTS

6 From the Editor

Faith, Prayer and Perseverance

By Sarah Kittle

10 Foundation Update

Civics Bee, Church Rehab, CCF Awarded

12 Noteworthy

“English” play, New Bishop, TinyTots, St.

Catherine Siena CASA

28 Sports

Larger than Life: Giovanni El-Hadi

By Steve Stein

30 Religion

A Historic Easter

By Michael Antoon

32 Culture & History

Arameans in the Holy Land

By Dr. Adhid Miri and Rebecca Tomczak

ON THE COVER

16 Pope of the People

Pope Francis’ Mission to Serve

By Sarah Kittle

FEATURES

8 Guest Column

A Visit to My Mother’s Grave

By Jacob Bacall

14 Revisiting Iraq

Connecting to the Homeland

By Hanan Qia

15 Revisiting Iraq (Arabic)

Connecting to the Homeland

By Ghazwan Alyass

18 Christ is Risen

Embracing the Victory of the Resurrection

By Fr. Marcus Shammami

19 Christ is Risen (Arabic)

20 Joey’s Light

Life with William’s Syndrome

By Natalie Shammami

21 Chaldean Diocese

Adds Special Mass

By Julia Kaji

22 Opportunity Knocks

Why Chaldeans Chose Detroit

By Matthew Jamil

24 From Immigrant to Advocate

CACC Honors Ron Acho

By Sarah Kittle

26 Tigris Tower

Affordable Community Housing

By Jenna Abroo

16

36 Arts & Entertainment

Reem Kashat’s Forgive and Remember

By Paul Natinsky

38 Economics & Enterprise

Las Vegas Stone

By Paul Natinsky

40 In Memoriam

42 Event

Industry Outlook: Strategic Advocacy

20


PUBLISHED BY

Chaldean News, LLC

Chaldean Community Foundation

Martin Manna

EDITORIAL

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Sarah Kittle

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jenna Abroo

Ghazwan Alyass

Michael Antoon

Jacob Bacall

Matthew Jamil

Julia Kaji

Sarah Kittle

Dr. Adhid Miri

Paul Natinsky

Hanan Qia

Fr. Marcus Shammami

Natalie Shammami

Steve Stein

Rebecca Tomczak

ART & PRODUCTION

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Alex Lumelsky with SKY Creative

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Zina Lumelsky with SKY Creative

PHOTOGRAPHERS

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Dan Moen

Wilson Sarkis

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CONTACT INFORMATION

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Chaldean News

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Publication: The Chaldean News (P-6);

Published monthly; Issue Date: April 2025

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FROM THE EDITOR

Faith, Prayer and Perseverance

As we celebrate this season of Easter, we are

reminded of the triumph of life over death,

hope over despair, and light over darkness.

This issue highlights the work of Pope Francis, who

recently faced a health scare that led to his hospitalization.

As of the date of publication, the Holy

Father is back at the Vatican, where he belongs. His

resilience reminds us of the importance of faith,

prayer, and perseverance in times of trial.

In this issue’s guest column, we are moved by

the words of Jacob Bacall who shares his deeply

personal experience of visiting his mother’s grave in

Iraq. His journey takes him to a cemetery once lovingly

cared for that has since slid into disuse and

neglect. His column is a poignant witness to the

memory and respect we hold for our ancestors.

Easter is at the heart of this month’s coverage;

this holy day is a cornerstone of our faith. This Easter,

Catholics and Orthodox Christians will share

in this sacred occasion on the same day—a rare

and powerful moment of unity that transcends

divisions. Michael Antoon reflects on how this shared celebration

fosters a renewed sense of communion within the global

Christian community.

The Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce’s Businessperson

of the Year, Ron Acho, is featured in a special

story celebrating his unwavering commitment to both his

legal career and the Chaldean community. A pillar of the

Detroit legal community, Ron’s journey from humble beginnings

as an immigrant to becoming a highly respected attorney

is truly inspiring.

His relentless work ethic, fierce advocacy, and dedication

to helping others have earned him recognition as a leader in

his field. Ron has been instrumental in guiding many within

the Chaldean community, not only as a lawyer but also as a

mentor and advocate for social justice. His passion for service,

combined with his belief in fairness and humility, has

had a profound impact on those around him.

In addition, we shine a spotlight on the Chaldean Community

Foundation’s Tigris Tower—a symbol of progress and hope

SARAH KITTLE

EDITOR

IN CHIEF

for the future. The building, which is now leasing, represents

not just a physical structure, but a vital step in

creating attainable housing for the community.

A new contributor, Matthew Jamil, takes us on

a historical journey through the pattern of early

Chaldean immigration to Detroit. His exploration

sheds light on the factors that drew Chaldean immigrants

to this city. In our Culture & History section,

we share the story of the Aramaic language and the

Aramaic Christians in the Holy Land—a community

whose language and traditions have survived centuries

of change and conflict.

This Easter, Catholics and Orthodox

Christians will share in this sacred

occasion on the same day—a rare and

powerful moment of unity.

Our Special Needs feature introduces us to Joey Shammami,

a young man with Williams Syndrome whose story

is shared by his sister Natalie. This heartwarming piece also

provides information about a new Special Needs Mass in the

Diocese, offering a new opportunity for those who are differently

abled to engage in the community’s spiritual life.

We also celebrate the journey of Giovanni El-Hadi, a

standout football player who has made a significant impact

at the University of Michigan. Giovanni’s story is one of hard

work, dedication, and unwavering faith.

As we celebrate Easter and all that it represents, let us

also celebrate the progress we have made and the bright future

ahead of us.

Wishing you all a blessed Easter season.

Sarah Kittle

Editor in Chief

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6 CHALDEAN NEWS APRIL 2025

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

A Visit to My Mother’s Grave in Baghdad

During our diplomatic

visit to Iraq, led by the

president of the Chaldean

Chamber of Commerce

and Chaldean Foundation,

Mr. Martin Manna, I made a

personal decision—I would

not leave Baghdad without

visiting my mother’s gravesite.

On February 24, our final

day in Baghdad, I excused

myself after our last scheduled

meeting at around 4

o’clock and visited the Christian cemetery

near Sahat al-Tayran, just behind

the famous Freedom Monument (Nasib

Al-Hurriya) in the heart of the city.

It had been almost 40 years since my

last visit to my mother’s tomb in 1986.

Two cars and six security agents accompanied

me—not by choice, but as

a security requirement. The area surrounding

the cemetery, once known

as Bataween, was a thriving Christian

neighborhood. Now, however, it has

become notorious for drug trafficking

and prostitution, making it a dangerous

and unsafe place to visit.

As I approached the cemetery’s

main entrance, about three steps below

street level, I noticed a sign to

the left of the doors. It read, in Arabic,

“Death to America.” I was taken

aback. Such slogans are often seen on

JACOB BACALL

SPECIAL TO

THE CHALDEAN

NEWS

TV, chanted by crowds in the

streets of Tehran, but to see it

in Baghdad was shocking.

It is worth noting that during

our meetings with Iraqi

officials, including Prime Minister

Sudani and, particularly,

President Abdul Latif Rashid,

they assured us that Iran has

no influence in Iraq. However,

being Iraq’s neighbor for thousands

of years, Iran’s presence

and influence are deeply embedded

in ways that are undeniable.

A Cemetery in Ruins

As I walked into the cemetery, I was

heartbroken to find it in a state of complete

neglect. It appeared abandoned,

overrun with stray dogs and cats, fallen

trees, and scattered trash—empty water

bottles and cans littering the ground. I

was told that, legally, this Christian cemetery

falls under the jurisdiction of the

Chaldean Patriarchal Seat in Baghdad.

After nearly an hour of searching,

I finally identified my mother’s tomb.

The glass-encased portrait that once

marked her grave was missing. The

marble slab covering her casket had

crumbled into small pieces. A poetic

inscription, once carved into the

marble, was now broken in two. The

ground beneath felt as if it had sunk

Najeba Agoubi Karim Bacall

(1929-1970).

over the years—a tragic result of decades

of neglect and abandonment.

A woman, who had made a hut-like

shelter within the cemetery her home,

told me that 99% of the people buried

there have no family left in Iraq. Most

of their relatives have immigrated to

America, Canada, Australia, or even

Sweden. Those who remain in the

country moved north after the fall of

the regime in 2003. “We may have one

or two visitors a month,” she added.

It reminded me of what happened

to Detroit’s Chaldean community in

the 7 Mile area. Once a thriving neighborhood,

it became a ghost town after

most families moved to the suburbs.

I couldn’t control my emotions as I

stood before my mother’s grave. Najeba

Agoubi (Karim) Bacall died in 1970 at the

young age of 40, leaving behind eight

children—the youngest barely two years

old. So much has changed since then.

At one point, I had a small hope of relocating

her remains to the U.S., to join

the rest of our family’s burial plots at

Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield.

But that hope faded when I realized the

red tape, corruption, and bureaucratic

hurdles that would come with trying to

move her remains out of Iraq.

After allowing myself time to grieve

and reflect, I knelt down and scooped a

handful of soil from beneath the crumbling

marble into a small Ziplock bag. I

would take this with me to the U.S. as

a sentimental keepsake of my mother.

This cemetery sits in a prominent

area of downtown Baghdad. Eventually,

it will likely be repurposed into

a highly desired commercial district.

If that happens, the graves, including

my mother’s, will no longer remain in

their original location.

Before leaving, I zipped up the

small bag of soil and held it close. I

wasn’t sure if I would ever be able to

return to this place again.

An overview of the Christian Cemetery near the center of Baghdad, Iraq; At my mother’s tomb during my previous visit in June 1986; My mother’s tomb.



FOUNDATION UPDATE

Rehabilitating History

Top 3 Finalists in the National Civics Bee.

Civically Engaged

On March 15, the Chaldean Community Foundation hosted its Second Annual National Civics Bee ®

local competition. The National Civics Bee ® is an annual, nonpartisan competition designed to inspire

young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Students in grades

6-8 entered by submitting an essay showcasing their civic knowledge.

16 local middle school students competed in multiple-choice rounds, with the top three finalists

advancing to a Q&A session discussing their specific essay topics. Macomb County Executive Mark

Hackel led the event as the emcee, while Martin Manna, Sue Kattula, and Sterling Heights Mayor

Michael Taylor served as judges.

Congratulations to our top 3 winners: Adlyn, Lauren and Angela. These three finalists are going

to the State competition in Lansing in the coming months, with the opportunity to represent their

schools and Michigan in the National Civics Bee ® .

Recently, the Chaldean Community

Foundation (CCF)

secured approval for the

rehabilitation of the Sacred

Heart Church in Tel Keppe.

The Governor of

Nineveh, Mr. Abdul Qadir

Dakheel, approved the request

submitted through the

CCF in Iraq by His Excellency

Archbishop Najib Mikhael,

the Chaldean Archbishop

of Mosul, to rehabilitate the

Sacred Heart Church and its

annexed church, Mary the

Virgin, in Tel Keppe.

Sacred Heart Church to be

restored in the coming years.

An important step in supporting the reconstruction of the region

and encouraging the return of Christians to Tel Keppe, the

project has been included in the 2025 budget plans.

The CCF expresses its deep gratitude to the Governor of

Nineveh for his swift response to the needs of the Christian

community and his strong commitment to implementing significant

projects aimed at rebuilding the region, contributing

effectively to its stability, and encouraging displaced Christian

families to return.

CCF Staff Member

Awarded

Sue Kattula was honored by the Detroit Duchess Club at Madonna

University for her incredible dedication to community service.

The evening featured inspiring speeches, cultural performances,

and recognition of outstanding leaders making an impact.

Other honorees included:

• Congresswoman Debbie Dingell – Excellence in Public Service

• Teri Takai – Excellence in Innovation & Technology

• Sreyashi Dey – Excellence in Music & Arts

Sue delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech, sharing her passion

for giving back and powerful stories from her work at the

Chaldean Community Foundation.

Top 3 Finalists in Civics Bee

Utica Community Schools (UCS), Oakland University, and CCF staff.

Aspiring Future Educators

On March 12, nearly 50 aspiring future educators attended an informational

session with Utica Community Schools and Oakland

University. The purpose of this session was to encourage these

candidates to serve as paraprofessionals in UCS School District

with the ultimate goal of pursuing a teaching certificate through

Oakland University.

To apply for a position, visit the Utica Community Schools

website at uticak12.schoolspring.com or meet with CCF’s Career

Services team.


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NOTEWORTHY

Left to right: Joelle Denhof, Sarab Kamoo, and Chloe Matta.

“English” at the Tipping Point Theatre

English is a comic and heartfelt play about language

and identity, set in an Iranian classroom

where adult English learners prepare for the

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

exam. The story is brought to life by Sarab Kamoo,

who plays Marjan, the English teacher.

As Marjan guides her students through their

linguistic challenges, the play explores their

dreams, frustrations, and secrets, highlighting

the tension between learning “English only”

and expressing their true selves.

Kamoo’s portrayal of Marjan anchors the

emotional core of the play, capturing the complexities

of cultural assimilation and the personal

struggles of each character. Directed by

Suzi Regan, with consulting by Pirooz Aghssa,

the production has won critical acclaim and

the 2023 Pulitzer Prize. It touches on universal

themes of immigration, cultural identity, and

the sacrifices made in pursuit of a better life.

Kamoo is sharing the stage with her daughter,

Joelle Denhof, who is making her professional

theater debut. Through the actor’s

powerful performances, English masterfully

conveys the balance between preserving one’s

heritage and embracing a new language, making

the journey of the characters deeply relatable

and moving. English runs at Tipping Point

Theatre through April 6, and tickets are available

on their website tippingpointtheatre.com.

Martin and Tamara Manna and Michael and Mariann Sarafa

with Bishop Francis and Detroit’s new Archbishop, Edward

Weisenburger, after his installation Mass.

Installation of New Bishop

On March 18, 2025, Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger was installed

as the sixth Archbishop of Detroit during a 2 PM Mass at the Cathedral

of the Most Blessed Sacrament. The ceremony marked the beginning

of his leadership over the Archdiocese succeeding Archbishop

Allen Vigneron, who resigned upon reaching the age of 75.

Volunteers hold up cards they made.

TinyTots Health

The St. Catherine Siena Academy’s CASA group poses in front of the Chaldean Cultural Center.

St. Catherine Siena CASA at Cultural Center

On March 13, students from St. Catherine of Siena Academy’s Chaldean American Student Association

(CASA) had the unique opportunity to tour the Chaldean Cultural Center Museum, where they

were immersed in their own rich history and heritage. One of the highlights of the tour was the

Ancient Gallery, where the students were able to explore artifacts that span millennia of Chaldean

history. Among the significant exhibits was a replica of Hammurabi’s Code, one of the earliest and

most complete written legal codes in history. The students were captivated by the opportunity to

witness firsthand the remarkable contributions of ancient Chaldean civilization, gaining a deeper

understanding of their cultural roots and the lasting impact of their ancestors.

The TinyTots Health Initiative, founded in 2019 by Fadie Arabo, aims

to empower young children with the knowledge and skills to lead

healthier lives. Initially focused on dental health through interactive

activities, the nonprofit has since expanded to cover general health

topics such as nutrition, exercise, and hygiene. Through hands-on

projects like card-making and volunteer-led programs, TinyTots

Health engages children in fun and creative ways, fostering lifelong

healthy habits. The initiative has quickly spread across multiple

states, particularly reaching underserved communities, and partners

with schools, local organizations, and health professionals to

amplify its impact. With a growing network of volunteers, TinyTots

Health is making strides in educating children and their families,

creating a ripple effect of healthier choices across communities. To

contact TinyTots, email arabof08@stanford.edu.


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IRAQ TODAY

The Michigan delegation

visited the

Convent of the Nuns

in Al-Karrada.

that Iraqis take pride in, regardless of

their backgrounds.

Revisiting Iraq

Thousands of miles away, yet deeply

connected to their homeland

BY GHAZWAN ALYASS AND HANAN QIA

Thousands of miles of distance

and cultural differences were

never an obstacle for the true

and patriotic sons of their homeland

to express their love and pride for

their motherland, Iraq. This was exemplified

by a delegation representing

the Chaldean American Chamber of

Commerce, the Chaldean Community

Foundation, and the Assyrian Chamber

of Commerce, led by Mr. Martin

Manna, who decided to visit their

homeland in response to an invitation

extended to them by the Prime

Minister of Iraq, Mr. Mohammed Shia’

Al-Sudani.

On the historic night of Wednesday,

February 19, 2025, the plane arriving

from Jordan landed at Baghdad

International Airport where the delegation

was received in the VIP lounge

before being transferred to the Prime

Minister’s guesthouse, designated for

their stay.

Meetings in Baghdad

The following morning, Thursday,

February 20, the delegation was transported

in government-assigned vehicles

to the headquarters of the Prime

Minister’s office where they held their

first meeting with His Excellency, the

Prime Minister of Iraq. Discussions

were centered on a working paper prepared

by their institutions.

Later, the delegation moved to the

Presidential Palace to meet with the

President of Iraq, His Excellency Abdul

Latif Rashid, who warmly welcomed

them and listened to their requests.

Around noon, the delegation accepted

an invitation from Mr. Saadi Wahib Al-

Sahyoud, owner of the American University

of Baghdad, for lunch.

In the afternoon, the delegation

met with Mr. Mohammed Al-Halbousi,

head of the Taqaddum Party. During

this visit, Mr. Manna expressed gratitude

for his efforts in supporting the

delegation’s mission and the steps

they are working toward.

Scheduled Meetings in Baghdad

On Friday, February 21, the delegation

engaged in numerous meetings with

key figures and institutions to present

their vision and demands. The scheduled

meetings included:

1. Patriarch Louis Sako, head of the

Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq and

the world.

2. The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.

3. The American University of

Baghdad.

4. Mr. Qasim Al-Araji, Iraq’s National

Security Advisor.

5. Mr. Ammar Al-Hakim, head of

the Hikma Movement.

On Saturday, February 22, the important

meetings continued, starting

with a visit to the Convent of the Nuns

in Al-Karrada. The delegation then

met with His Beatitude Patriarch Gewargis

III, head of the Ancient Church

of the East, followed by a meeting with

Judge Dr. Faiq Zidan, President of the

Supreme Judicial Council. Later in the

afternoon, the delegation attended an

invitation from Mr. Aqeel Muften, President

of the Iraqi Olympic Committee.

The last meeting in Baghdad was with

Judge Jassim Aboud Al-Omiri, President

of the Federal Supreme Court of

Iraq.

Throughout these engagements,

Mr. Martin Manna spoke candidly and

boldly about the needs of the Christian

community in Iraq. He emphasized

the urgency of the situation, calling on

authorities to take their concerns seriously,

as the country is at a historical

crossroads that necessitates preserving

one of Iraq’s oldest communities.

The disappearance of this community

would mean the loss of significant

cultural and historical characteristics

Visit to Nineveh

In the early hours of Sunday, February

23, the delegation traveled to Nineveh,

the ancestral homeland and historical,

cultural, and demographic heartland

of their people. Accompanied by

Dr. Zidan Khalaf, a special envoy from

the Prime Minister, the convoy reached

Mosul, where they were warmly welcomed

by Nineveh’s Governor, Mr. Abdul

Qader Al-Dakhil.

A press conference was held at

the governorate’s headquarters to

discuss the purpose and goals of the

visit. The delegation then moved to the

Nineveh Court of Appeals, where they

were received by Judge Raed Masleh.

Mr. Manna highlighted the current

state of the Christian community in

Nineveh, noting that their presence

is now almost exclusively confined to

the Nineveh Plains. He addressed the

numerous challenges they face. Both

the governor and the chief judge expressed

their understanding of these

concerns, affirming that the Christian

presence in Nineveh is not accidental

but deeply rooted in the land’s history

and identity.

Tour of the Nineveh Plains

Governor Al-Dakhil demonstrated significant

interest in the delegation’s visit,

and his office arranged a tour that

included Mosul’s Old City, particularly

Hosh Al-Bay‘a and its historic churches,

as well as the Nineveh Plains.

The delegation’s stops in the

Nineveh Plains included:

1. Tel Keppe: The delegation met

with Father Shaher Shadaya, pastor of

the Sacred Heart Church, along with

members of the local community.

2. Batnaya: They were warmly received

by Father Farid Kina, pastor

of Mar Quraqos Church. During these

visits, the governor announced several

developmental projects for both

towns.

3. Baghdeda (Qaraqosh): The delegation

was welcomed at the bishop’s

residence by Bishop Mar Yonan Hanno,

where a brief meeting was held. Mr.

Martin Manna shared the outcomes of

the delegation’s meetings with government

and political authorities in Baghdad

and Nineveh.

As the evening set in, the delega-


tion proceeded to the border between

the federal government and the Kurdistan

Regional Government. They

were bid farewell by the Governor of

Nineveh and the government envoy

and were warmly received by Mr. Rami

Nouri, a member of the Kurdistan Parliament

representing the Christian

quota, and Mr. Dasko Shirwani, the

Kurdistan Regional Government’s representative

in Washington.

Visit to the Kurdistan Region

On Monday, February 24, the delegation

traveled to Salahaddin Resort to

meet with Mr. Masoud Barzani, President

of the Kurdistan Democratic Party.

Mr. Barzani welcomed the delegation

and praised their efforts, assuring

them of his support for the Christian

community. The delegation then met

with Mr. Nechirvan Barzani, President

of the Kurdistan Region, who was

briefed on the mission’s objectives. He

expressed his support for the delegation’s

demands.

During these meetings, the delegation

discussed several key issues, including:

• Article 125 of the Iraqi Constitution,

which pertains to the administrative,

political, cultural, and educational

rights of minorities.

• The establishment of administrative

units in the Nineveh Plain to

ensure proper governance and representation.

• Recruiting Christians in local police

forces to enhance security within

their communities.

• Reconstruction projects for towns

and villages in the Nineveh Plain, ensuring

the return and stability of Christian

residents.

• Employment opportunities for

Christians, aiming to integrate them

into public and private sectors.

• The impact of the alcohol ban on

Christian businesses and communities,

emphasizing the need for policies

that protect religious and cultural freedoms.

Conclusion of the Visit

After a series of significant meetings in

Baghdad, Nineveh, and Erbil, involving

government, political, and religious

leaders, the delegation departed

on the morning of Thursday, February

26, heading to Amman, Jordan, before

returning to the United States.

عىل بعد آالف األميال،‏ ومع ذلك فهم مرتبطون ارتباطًا وثيقًا بوطنهم

بقلم غزوان الياس وحنان قيا

آالف األميال من البعد واختالف الثقافات مل تكن عائقًا

أمام أبناء الوطن األصليني األصالء ليعرّبّ‏ وا عن حبهم

واعتزازهم بوطنهم األم،‏ العراق.‏ نعم،‏ هذا ما قام به وفدٌ‏

ميثل غرفة التجارة الكلدانية األمريكية،‏ ومؤسسة الجالية

الكلدانية،‏ وغرفة التجارة اآلشورية،‏ برئاسة مارتن منّا،‏

حني قرروا التوجه إىل أرض الوطن تلبيةً‏ للدعوة املوجهة

إليهم من قِبَل رئيس مجلس الوزراء العراقي،‏ السيد

محمد شياع السوداين.‏

يف ليلة األربعاء،‏ 19 شباط 2025، حطّت الطائرة

القادمة من األردن يف مطار بغداد الدويل،‏ حيث تم

االستقبال يف صالة الرشف،‏ ومن ثم االنتقال إىل دار

الضيافة الخاص برئاسة الوزراء،‏ وهو املكان الذي خُصص

إلقامة الوفد.‏

ويف اليوم التايل،‏ الخميس 20 شباط،‏ توجه الوفد

عرّب السيارات الحكومية املخصصة لنقلهم إىل مقر رئاسة

الوزراء،‏ حيث تم عقد االجتامع األول مع دولة رئيس

الوزراء العراقي،‏ وتم التباحث معه بشأن ورقة العمل

املُعدّة من قبل مؤسستنا.‏

بعد ذلك،‏ انتقل الوفد إىل قرص السالم،‏ حيث عُقد

لقاء مع فخامة الرئيس العراقي،‏ عبد اللطيف رشيد،‏

الذي رحّب بالوفد واستمع إليهم ضمن حزمة املطالب

التي جاؤوا من أجلها.‏ ويف وقت الظهرية،‏ لبّى الوفد

دعوة السيد سعدي وهيب الصهيود،‏ مالك الجامعة

األمريكية يف بغداد لتناول الغداء.‏

وعرص نفس اليوم التقى الوفد السيد محمد

الحلبويس رئيس حزب تقدم

وخالل هذه الزيارة قدم له السيد منا الشكر

والتقدير ملا بذله ويبذله من اجل تحقيق مطالبنا

والخطوات التي نعمل من أجلها

برنامج اللقاءات يف بغداد

كان يوم الجمعة،‏ 21 شباط،‏ حافالً‏ باللقاءات،‏ حيث

التقى الوفد بعدد من الشخصيات واملؤسسات،‏ طارحًا

رؤيته ومطالبه،‏ وفقًا ألسبقية اللقاءات:‏

1. البطريرك لويس ساكو،‏ رئيس الكنيسة الكلدانية يف

العراق والعامل.‏

2. السفارة األمريكية يف بغداد.‏

3. الجامعة األمريكية يف بغداد.‏

4. السيد قاسم األعرجي،‏ املستشار األمني القومي

العراقي.‏

5. السيد عامر الحكيم،‏ رئيس تيار الحكمة.‏

ويف اليوم التايل،‏ السبت 22 شباط،‏ استمرت

اللقاءات واالجتامعات الهامة،‏ حيث استُهلّ‏ اليوم بزيارة

إىل دير الراهبات يف منطقة الكرادة،‏ ثم التقى الوفد

بسيادة البطريرك كوركيس الثالث،‏ رئيس الكنيسة

الرشقية القدمية.‏ بعدها،‏ توجه الوفد للقاء القايض

د.‏ فائق زيدان،‏ رئيس مجلس القضاء األعىل،‏ وعرص

ذلك اليوم،‏ لبّى دعوة السيد عقيل مفنت،‏ رئيس اللجنة

األوملبية العراقية.‏ وختام اللقاءات يف العاصمة بغداد

كان مع القايض جاسم عبود العمريي،‏ رئيس املحكمة

االتحادية يف العراق.‏

وخالل جميع هذه اللقاءات،‏ تحدث رئيس الوفد،‏

السيد مارتن منّا،‏ بوضوح وجرأة عن مطالب شعبنا

املسيحي يف الوطن،‏ مؤكدًا أن الوقت يداهمنا،‏ وعىل

الجهات املعنية أن تستمع إلينا باهتامم،‏ ألننا أمام منعطف

تاريخي يستوجب املحافظة عىل أقدم مكونات هذه

البالد،‏ وزوالهم يعني زوال العديد من السامت اإليجابية

التي يفتخر بها الشعب العراقي مبختلف انتامءاته.‏

الزيارة إىل نينوى

يف الساعات األوىل من يوم األحد،‏ 23 شباط،‏ توجه

الوفد إىل محافظة نينوى،‏ موطن األجداد وعمق االنتامء

التاريخي والحضاري والثقايف والسكاين.‏ انطلق املوكب

الذي يقلّ‏ الوفد،‏ يرافقهم املستشار د.‏ زيدان خلف،‏

مبعوثًا من رئيس الوزراء،‏ إىل مدينة املوصل،‏ حيث كان

السيد عبد القادر الدخيل،‏ محافظ نينوى،‏ يف مقدمة

املستقبلني،‏ وسط أجواء ترحيبية مميزة.‏

يف مبنى املحافظة،‏ أُقيم مؤمتر صحفي حول أهداف

الزيارة وغاياتها،‏ ثم انتقل الوفد إىل مبنى محكمة استئناف

نينوى،‏ حيث كان يف استقبالهم القايض رائد مصلح.‏

وخالل هاتني الزيارتني،‏ تحدث السيد مارتن منّا عن أوضاع

شعبنا يف نينوى،‏ الذي أصبح وجوده محصورًا اليوم يف

سهل نينوى،‏ مسلطًا الضوء عىل التحديات والصعوبات

التي تواجهه.‏ من جانبه،‏ أبدى املحافظ ورئيس املحكمة

تفهمهام للمطالب املرشوعة التي قدمها السيد منّا،‏

مؤكدَين أن الوجود املسيحي يف املحافظة ليس محض

صدفة،‏ بل هو متجذر يف عمق هذه األرض وأصالتها.‏

جولة يف سهل نينوى

أبدى محافظ نينوى اهتاممًا بالغًا بالوفد،‏ وحرص فريق

مكتبه الخاص عىل إعداد جدول زيارات شمل أحياء

املوصل القدمية،‏ وتحديدًا حوش البيعة وكنائسها األثرية،‏

باإلضافة إىل منطقة سهل نينوى.‏

املحطات التي زارها الوفد يف سهل نينوى:‏

1. تلكيف:‏ التقى الوفد بالقس شاهر شذايا،‏ راعي

كنيسة قلب بسوع األقدس،‏ ومجموعة من أهايل املدينة.‏

2. باطنايا:‏ استُقبل الوفد بحفاوة من قِبل األب

فريد كينا،‏ راعي كنيسة مار قرياقوس.‏ وخالل هذه

اللقاءات،‏ أعلن املحافظ عن عدد من املشاريع

التنموية لهاتني املدينتني.‏

3. بغديدا ‏)قره قوش(:‏ استُقبل الوفد يف دار املطرانية

من قبل املطران مار يونان حنّو،‏ حيث تم عقد اجتامع

قصري تحدث خالله السيد مارتن منّا عن نتائج لقاءاته

مع الجهات الحكومية والسياسية يف بغداد ونينوى.‏

مع حلول املساء،‏ توجه الوفد إىل النقطة الفاصلة

بني الحكومة االتحادية وحكومة إقليم كردستان،‏ حيث

ودّعهم محافظ نينوى واملستشار الحكومي،‏ واستُقبلوا

بحفاوة من قبل السيد رامي نوري،‏ عضو برملان كردستان

عن كوتا املسيحيني،‏ والسيد داسكو شريواين،‏ ممثل

اإلقليم يف واشنطن.‏

زيارة إقليم كردستان

يف اليوم التايل،‏ االثنني 24 شباط،‏ توجه الوفد إىل مصيف

صالح الدين للقاء السيد مسعود بارزاين،‏ رئيس الحزب

الدميقراطي الكردستاين،‏ الذي رحب بالوفد وأشاد بجولته

ولقاءاته،‏ مؤكدًا دعمه للمسيحيني.‏ عقب هذا اللقاء

املثمر،‏ التقى الوفد بالسيد نيجرفان بارزاين،‏ رئيس إقليم

كردستان،‏ حيث تم إطالعه عىل مهمة الوفد وأهدافه

لحامية املسيحيني وضامن حقوقهم.‏ من جانبه،‏ عرّبّ‏

فخامته عن تأييده ملطالب الوفد.‏

االجتامعات يف أربيل

يف يوم األربعاء،‏ 25 شباط،‏ عقد الوفد عدة اجتامعات:‏

لقاء درباز كورست رسول عضو املكتب السيايس لالتحاد

الوطني الكردستاين

• زيارة مبنى برملان كردستان واللقاء بالنواب

املسيحيني،‏ السيد رامي نوري ود.‏ جميس هسدو.‏

• لقاء السيد سفني دزيي،‏ رئيس دائرة العالقات

الخارجية يف حكومة اإلقليم.‏

• لقاء القنصل األمرييك يف اإلقليم.‏

• اجتامع مع نائب رئيس الوزراء يف حكومة اإلقليم،‏

السيد قباد طالباين حيث أبدى السيد الطالبايت استعداده

لتقديم الدعم الالزم للوفد بغية تحقيق مطالبيه

واهداف زيارته

• لقاء املطران مار باسليوس يلدا،‏ املعاون البطريريك

للكنيسة الكلدانية،‏ يف مقر البطريركية يف عينكاوا.‏

• لقاء األنبا د.‏ سامر صوريشو،‏ رئيس الرهبنة األنطونية

الهرمزدية الكلدانية.‏

• زيارة السيد رسكيس آغاجان،‏ نائب رئيس حكومة

اإلقليم األسبق،‏ يف منزله يف عينكاوا.‏

• لقاء املطران نجيب الدومينيكاين،‏ رئيس أساقفة

املوصل للكلدان.‏

• اللقاء الختامي مع السيد هشيار زيباري،‏ وزير

الخارجية العراقي األسبق،‏ وعضو املكتب السيايس

للحزب الدميقراطي الكردستاين.‏

النقاط التي متت مناقشتها خالل االجتامعات:‏

• املادة 125 من الدستور العراقي،‏ التي تنص عىل

حقوق املكونات،‏ ورضورة تفعيلها لحامية حقوق

املسيحيني.‏

• الوحدات اإلدارية يف سهل نينوى،‏ والتأكيد عىل

رضورة منحها صالحيات أوسع لضامن إدارة ذاتية

حقيقية للمسيحيني يف مناطقهم.‏

• تجنيد املسيحيني يف الرشطة املحلية داخل

مجتمعاتهم،‏ لضامن األمن واالستقرار،‏ وتعزيز الشعور

بالثقة واالنتامء.‏

• مشاريع إعادة إعامر املدن والقرى يف سهل نينوى،‏

والتأكيد عىل رضورة تخصيص ميزانيات لتنفيذ هذه

املشاريع مبا يساهم يف تشجيع العائالت املسيحية عىل

البقاء والعودة.‏

• توظيف املسيحيني يف الدوائر الحكومية ومؤسسات

الدولة،‏ وإعطائهم الفرص العادلة للمنافسة عىل

الوظائف،‏ مبا يحقق العدالة واملساواة.‏

• حظر الكحول وتأثريه عىل املسيحيني،‏ حيث متت

مناقشة تداعيات هذا القرار عىل أصحاب األعامل

والتجار املسيحيني،‏ ورضورة إيجاد حلول عادلة تضمن

حقوقهم االقتصادية واملعيشية.‏

ختام الجولة

بعد سلسلة االجتامعات الهامة التي أجراها الوفد يف

بغداد ونينوى وأربيل،‏ والتي شملت القادة الحكوميني

والسياسيني والدينيني،‏ غادر الوفد صباح الخميس،‏ 26

شباط،‏ متجهًا إىل العاصمة األردنية عامّ‏ ن،‏ ومنها عاد إىل

الواليات املتحدة األمريكية.‏


COVER STORY

the religions for talks of peace, but the

Jewish representative was absent, possibly

due to pressure from Iran. Pope

Francis’ visit also included tours of

churches and cemeteries that had

been desecrated by ISIS.

A Pope of the People

Pope Francis’ Mission to Serve

BY SARAH KITTLE

Jorge Mario Bergoglio (fourth boy from the left in the third row from the top)

at age 12, Salesian College (c. 1948–1949). Photo by Colegio Salesiano Don

Bosco de Ramos Mejía - Anuario Colegio Don Bosco, Public Domain.

He’s been a pope like no other.

Pope Francis, the 266th Supreme

Pontiff of the Catholic

Church, has been a figure of profound

transformation and spiritual

renewal ever since his election in 2013.

A man known for his deep empathy

and commitment to social justice,

he has earned the affectionate titles

“The People’s Pope” and “Pope of the

99%.” Beneath the headlines, Pope

Francis’ story is one of faith, humility,

and a passion for service.

He chose the papal name “Francis”

in honor of St. Francis of Assisi,

who was known for his simple life and

kindness to all living things. He honored

his patron saint with his social

activism and selflessness and lived by

the Prayer of St. Francis: “Lord, make

me a channel of your peace.”

Francis’ vision of peace made him

a pope of firsts. He was the first pope

to visit a Chaldean/Assyrian church,

traveling to Tbilisi, Georgia in 2016 and

visiting the Church of Simon. Representatives

from the Chaldean Church,

including His Beatitude Mar Raphael

Louis Sako were in attendance, along

with representatives from the Michigan

community, Bishop Ibrahim Ibrahim

and Bishop Francis Kalabat.

He was also the first and only pope

to visit Iraq, a landmark trip in 2021,

aimed at strengthening interfaith dialogue

and peace in a region that has

long been ravaged by conflict. (Pope

John Paul II wanted to visit but the

Vatican could not reach an agreement

with Saddam Hussein.)

Upon arrival at the Baghdad Airport,

Pope Francis was greeted with

music and dance, over which he

shared a smile with Prime Minister

Kadhimi. He spent three days in Iraq

and on the final day, said a prayer at

the church square in Mosul. He was

overwhelmed by the greeting of more

than 30,000 Christians who lined the

roads from Baghdeda to Karamles.

10,000 Christians filled a stadium in

Erbil to hear him speak. Across Christian

Iraq, people were dancing and

singing in the streets. That visit truly

energized the Chaldean Catholic community

in Iraq and throughout the diaspora,

instilling hope that they may

yet have a future in their homeland.

Promoting coexistence and mutual

respect between Abrahamic religions,

Pope Francis had a special mission to

visit Ur, Abraham’s attributed homeland

in the Bible. The plan was to unite

Early Life and Spiritual Formation

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos

Aires, Argentina, on December

17, 1936, Pope Francis grew up in a

family marked by humility and hard

work. His father, Mario, was a railway

worker, and his mother, Regina, was a

housewife. Bergoglio’s family left Italy

in 1929, fleeing the oppressive fascist

regime of Benito Mussolini. Growing

up during the politically unstable and

economically depressed era known as

the “Infamous Decade” in Argentina,

young Jorge witnessed firsthand the

struggles of the poor and marginalized.

His early life was also marked by

personal adversity. At 21, he suffered a

serious illness, contracting life-threatening

pneumonia and having part of

his lung removed due to cysts. This

health scare would later shape his outlook

on life and faith, pushing him toward

a deeper relationship with God.

As a young man, Bergoglio’s path

to the priesthood was not immediately

clear. He briefly doubted his calling

after developing feelings for a young

woman. However, after a moment of

spiritual clarity in the confessional, he

entered the seminary and joined the

Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) in 1958.

His formation as a Jesuit took him to

Chile, where he studied humanities,

and later, philosophy and theology.

Bergoglio worked various jobs to

support himself through school, including

as a bouncer and janitor. His

commitment to academics and his

deep intellectual curiosity led him to

teach philosophy, literature, psychology,

and theology before becoming

Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998.

A Pope of Humility and Service

In many ways, Pope Francis’ papacy

has been defined by simplicity and a

personal commitment to serving the

most vulnerable. He famously flew to

Rome on a commercial flight, chose to

live in the modest St. Martha’s House

instead of the Papal Palace, and continues

to eschew the trappings of wealth

and power traditionally associated

with the papacy. His humility was fur-


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ther illustrated when, after being elected

pope, he chose to take the bus back

to his residence with fellow cardinals

rather than use the papal limousine.

Francis’ deep sense of compassion

is reflected in his care for the poor and

marginalized. He has opened the Vatican’s

doors to the homeless, inviting

them to special events and providing

them with meals. In one of his most famous

gestures, it is reported he invited

1,500 homeless individuals to the Vatican

for a pizza party for his birthday.

His focus on social justice and inclusion

was also evident when he ordered

an audit of the Vatican’s finances, calling

for greater transparency and accountability,

and encouraged the clergy

to live more simply. He has said the

Church should be “like a field hospital”

for the world’s suffering and damaged.

Francis has made a special effort

to reach out to the world’s poor, giving

out hundreds of sleeping bags to

homeless people and offering private

tours of the Vatican Museums and

the Sistine Chapel for those without

homes. His love for children is also

well known, having written a children’s

book titled Dear Pope Francis

and inviting children to join him for a

ride in the Popemobile.

Pope Francis is also a believer in

women’s contributions to society, calling

them “Builders of Humanity,” and stating,

“Women, in fact, with their unique

capacity for compassion, their intuitiveness,

and their connatural inclination

to care are able, in an outstanding way,

to be for society both ‘intelligence and

a heart that loves and unites,’ to bring

love where love is lacking and humanity

where human beings are searching to

find their true identity.”

The Evangelizing Pope

Pope Francis’ papacy has been marked

by a deep commitment to mission. As

the first Jesuit pope, he has emphasized

reaching out to the peripheries—those

on the margins of society—and to those

who have been forgotten by the church

and society. This focus on mission has

led to several landmark moments, including

his participation in the extraordinary

Jubilee Year of Mercy, which invited

the world to reflect on God’s mercy

and embrace of the marginalized.

His commitment to spreading the

Gospel has extended beyond traditional

means, utilizing modern technology

to connect with the faithful.

He became the first pope to have an

Instagram account, which quickly

gained millions of followers. He also

embraced Twitter (now X), amassing

over 31 million followers and using the

platform to reach a global audience.

He famously called the internet a “gift

from God,” viewing it as a powerful

tool for evangelization.

Through initiatives like the Synod on

the Amazon, Pope Francis has sought

to address the pressing issues of climate

change, indigenous rights, and the

pastoral needs of the faithful in remote

areas. His call for ecological responsibility

culminated in the encyclical Laudato

si’, in which he urges the faithful and all

people of goodwill to protect the environment

and care for creation.

Pope Francis’ emphasis on mercy

and care for the marginalized extends

POPE continued on page 37


FEATURE

Christ is Risen

Embracing the victory of the resurrection in our lives

BY FR. MARCUS SHAMMAMI

“O Death, where is your sting? O Hell,

where is your victory? Christ is Risen,

and you are overthrown! Christ is risen,

and the demons are fallen. Christ is

risen, and the angels rejoice. Christ is

risen, and life reigns. Christ is risen,

and not one dead remains in the grave.

For Christ, being risen from the dead,

become the first fruits of those who

have fallen asleep.”

These powerful words were

preached by St. John Chrysostom

over 1,600 years ago, yet

they echo with profound meaning for

every Christian today. They celebrate

the most important event in all of human

history and the very foundation of

the Christian faith – the Resurrection

of Jesus Christ. Through the Resurrection

of Jesus Christ, death is defeated

and sin overthrown, and new life is

given to all who are His disciples.

The very lifeblood of the Christian

begins with the Resurrection. Without

the Resurrection, there is no hope to

be found and we would be shrouded

in darkness and fear. Without the Resurrection,

Jesus is just another great

teacher, a wise philosopher whose

teachings, while valuable, would not

lead to the salvation of souls. But in

His Resurrection from the tomb, Jesus

proves that He is indeed the Son of God,

and that He has the power to conquer

sin and its fruit, which is death itself.

The Resurrection confirms to us

that the promise that God had made

to humanity was indeed true, and that

all who believe and unite themselves

to His Son will share in His victory

over sin and death. This is truly the

hope and victory that gives a Christian

true joy. The Resurrection is not just a

historical event that happened 2,000

years ago, but it is an eternal victory

that truly changes everything — and

it means that life and light, not death

and darkness, truly reigns.

Early last month we began the Lenten

season, a sacred time for Chaldean

Catholics – and all Christians – to selfreflect

on how we have been living our

About the Artist

David Joseph Kakos is a Chaldean artist and poet

based in West Bloomfield, Michigan. He enjoys exploring

religious, mythological, and surreal themes

in his work. David has felt compelled to create all his

life and is grateful to share the journey. His favorite

mediums include graphite, ink, colored pencil, and

oil paint.

lives, to repent and turn away from sin

that separates us from God, and to renew

our spiritual lives. Lent is a time to

take a step back and examine our lives

and allow God to shed light on the ways

in which we have been living in sin or

neglecting Him in our lives.

During Lent we are commanded to

fast, pray, and give alms as a way to prepare

to unite ourselves with Christ and

receive the great gift of the Resurrection

on Easter morning. Through fasting we

ILLUSTRATION BY DAVID KAKOS

give up the things that distract us from

God, learning to rely more completely

on Him. Through prayer, we deepen

our relationship with God, allowing

ourselves to become more open to His

transforming power. Through almsgiving,

we are reminded to serve others as

Jesus had done.

While Lent is a time for us to reflect

on sin and its consequences, I do not

want us to lose sight of it as a season

of hope, as it ultimately leads us to

the glorious victory of the Resurrection.

We read St. John Chrysostom’s

words: “O Death, where is your sting?”

which reminds us that, through Jesus

Christ, we no longer fear sin nor death

because He has already won the battle

for us. Lent is not only about self-denial,

but a preparation to fully experience

the transformative joy that comes

with the Resurrection.

Lent provides each of us, as followers

of Christ, with a unique opportunity

to, in a personal way, experience the

victory of Jesus. Lent is a time to unite

ourselves with Jesus so that Easter is not

simply just a remembering of an event

but a share in His suffering, death, and

resurrection. As we enter more deeply

into fasting, prayer, and almsgiving we

are invited to join our struggles with the

sacrifice of Jesus. The more we surrender

ourselves, the more fully we experience

the very freedom that Jesus Christ

has won for each one of us.

After we walk faithfully with Jesus

to the cross during Lent and strive to

sacrifice and cut sin out of our lives,

we are then able to share in the glory

of Easter. “Christ is risen, and life

reigns!” proclaims St. John Chrysostom,

as Jesus Christ has brought about

new life and new creation and reconciled

us to God the Father. This is the

very foundation of our faith because

it means that we all now share in His

victory, and, because of Him, we now

have the hope of eternal life. We are no

longer a slave to sin and darkness, but

we are free in the light and love of God,

heirs to the Kingdom of God.

The Resurrection is the greatest gift


املسيح قام:‏ اعتناق نرص القيامة يف حياتنا

بقلم األب ماركَوس شاممي

‏“أيها املوت،‏ أين شوكتك؟ يا جحيم،‏ أين نرصك؟

املسيح قام،‏ وأنتَ‏ قد هُزمتَ‏ ! املسيح قام،‏ والشياطني

سَ‏ قطت وهُزمت.‏ املسيح قام،‏ واملالئكة تفرح.‏ املسيح

قام،‏ والحياة تسود.‏ املسيح قام،‏ وال يبقى ميت واحد

يف القرّب،‏ ألن املسيح،‏ بقيامته من بني األموات،‏ أصبح

باكورة الراقدين”.‏

هذه الكلامت املؤثرة برشّ‏ بها القديس يوحنا

الذهبي الفم منذ أكرث من 1600 عام،‏ ومع ذلك،‏ فإن

لها صدى عميقًا يف قلوب كل مسيحي اليوم،‏ إذ إنها

تحتفل بأهم حدث يف تاريخ البرشية،‏ وأساس اإلميان

املسيحي الذي هو قيامة يسوع املسيح.‏ فبقيامة

يسوع املسيح،‏ هُزم املوت،‏ ودُحرت الخطيئة،‏ ووُهبت

حياة جديدة لجميع تالميذه واملؤمنني به.‏

يبدأ رشيان حياة املسيحي بالقيامة.‏ فبدونها،‏

ال أمل لنا،‏ وسنُحاط بالظالم والخوف.‏ ولوال القيامة،‏

ملا كان يسوع سوى مُعلّم عظيم،‏ وفيلسوف حكيم،‏

ومل تكن تعاليمه وإن كانت قيّمة،‏ لتؤدي إىل خالص

النفوس.‏ لكن بقيامته من القرّب،‏ يُثبت يسوع أنه ابن

الله حقًا،‏ وأن لديه القدرة عىل قهر الخطيئة ومثرتها،‏

أال وهي املوت نفسه!‏

تؤكد لنا القيامة أن وعد الله للبرشية كان صادقًا،‏

وأن كل من يؤمن ويتحد بابنه سيشارك يف نرصهِ‏ عىل

الخطيئة واملوت،‏ وهذا هو حقًا الرجاء والنرص الذي

مينح املسيحي فرحًا حقيقيًا.‏ فالقيامة ليست مجرد

حدث تاريخي وقع قبل ألفي عام،‏ بل هي نرص أبدي

يُغري كل يشء حقًا - ويعني أن الحياة والنور،‏ ال املوت

والظالم،‏ هام اللذان يسودان حقًا.‏

يف مطلع الشهر املايض ‏)اذار(‏ بدأنا زمن الصوم

الكبري،‏ وهو زمن مقدس للكلدان الكاثوليك - ولجميع

املسيحيني - للتأمل يف حياتنا،‏ والتوبة واالبتعاد

عن الخطيئة التي تفصلنا عن الله،‏ وتجديد حياتنا

الروحية.‏ الصوم الكبري هو وقت للتأمل يف حياتنا،‏

والسامح لله أن يُنري لنا الطريق الذي كنا نعيش فيه

يف الخطيئة أو أن نهمله.‏

خالل الصوم الكبري،‏ نُؤمر بالصوم والصالة

والصدقة كوسيلة لالستعداد لالتحاد باملسيح ونيل

عطية القيامة العظيمة صباح عيد الفصح.‏ وبالصوم،‏

نتخىل عن كل ما يُشتت انتباهنا عن الله،‏ ونتعلم

االعتامد عليه بشكل أكرّب.‏ بالصالة،‏ نُعمّق عالقتنا

بالله،‏ ونُتيح ألنفسنا فرصةً‏ أكرّب لالنفتاح عىل قدرته

املُغريّ‏ ة.‏ وبالصدقة،‏ نُذكّر بخدمة اآلخرين كام فعل

يسوع.‏

وبينام ميُ‏ ثل الصوم فرصةً‏ للتأمل يف الخطيئة

وعواقبها،‏ ال نريد أن نغفل عنه كموسم أمل،‏ إذ

يقودنا يف النهاية إىل نرص القيامة املجيد.‏ نقرأ كلامت

القديس يوحنا الذهبي الفم:‏ ‏“يا موت،‏ أين شوكتك؟”‏

التي تُذكرنا بأننا،‏ من خالل يسوع املسيح،‏ مل نعد

نخىش الخطيئة وال املوت ألنه قد انترص يف املعركة

من أجلنا.‏ الصوم ليس مجرد إنكار للذات،‏ بل هو

استعدادٌ‏ لتجربة الفرح التحوييل الذي يصاحب

القيامة.‏

الصوم يُتيح لكلٍّ‏ منا،‏ كأتباع للمسيح،‏ فرصةً‏

فريدةً‏ لتجربة انتصار يسوع،‏ بطريقة شخصية.‏ الصوم

هو وقتٌ‏ لالتحاد بيسوع،‏ فال يكون عيد الفصح مجرد

ذكرى لحدث،‏ بل مشاركةً‏ يف معاناته وموته وقيامته.‏

وحينام نتعمق يف الصوم والصالة والصدقة،‏ فإننا

مدعوون لالنضامم إىل تضحية يسوع يف رصاعاتنا،‏

وكلام سلّمنا ذواتنا أكرث،‏ اخترّبنا بشكل أعمق الحرية

التي نالها يسوع املسيح لكلّ‏ واحد منّا.‏

بعد أن نسري بإميان مع يسوع حتى الصليب

خالل الصوم الكبري،‏ ونسعى للتضحية بالنفس ومحو

الخطيئة من حياتنا،‏ نصبح قادرين عىل املشاركة يف

مجد الفصح.‏ ‏“قام املسيح،‏ والحياة تسود!”‏ يعلن

القديس يوحنا الذهبي الفم،‏ إذ أن يسوع املسيح

قد جلب حياة جديدة وخليقة جديدة،‏ وصالحنا مع

الله اآلب.‏ هذا هو أساس إمياننا،‏ ألن ذلك يعني أننا

جميعًا نشارك اآلن يف نرصه،‏ وبفضله،‏ لدينا اآلن رجاء

الحياة األبدية،‏ ومل نعد عبيدًا للخطيئة والظلمة،‏ بل

أصبحنا أحرارًا يف نور الله ومحبته،‏ وورثة مللكوت الله.‏

القيامة هي أعظم هبة منحنا إياها الله.‏ إذ

إنها متنحنا حياة جديدة،‏ ورجاءً‏ أبديًا،‏ وانتصارًا عىل

الخطيئة واملوت.‏ لكن السؤال املطروح علينا هو:‏ هل

نحن مستعدين لقبول هذه الهبة؟ تذكروا،‏ بصفتكم

تالميذًا ليسوع،‏ ال تجتازوا هذا الصوم الكبري وعيد

الفصح كمجرد مالحظة حدث عابر؛ بل أنتم مدعوٌّين

لالنخراط الكامل يف حياة يسوع املسيح ذاتها،‏ وهذا

يعني أنكم مدعوٌينّ‏ لالستجابة الشخصية ليسوع

املسيح،‏ والعمل عىل تسليم حياتكم له،‏ والثقة

بانتصارهالعظيم.‏

وإذا مل تتحدوا بعدُ‏ بيسوع املسيح اتحادًا كامالً‏ ،

فام الذي مينعكم من ذلك؟ إذ مهام بَلغتم يف رحلتكم

الروحية،‏ يدعوكم يسوع املسيح لتجربة ملء الحياة

وقيامته.‏ إنه ينتظر ليشارككم انتصاره عىل الخطيئة

والظلمة.‏

Opportunity.

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God has given us. It gives us new life,

eternal hope, and the victory over sin

and death. But the question for you becomes:

are you prepared to receive this

gift? Remember, as a disciple of Jesus

you do not merely go through this season

of Lent and Easter to just observe

an event; no, you are called to fully

enter into the very life of Jesus Christ.

Now, this means that you are called to

make a very personal response to Jesus

Christ, working on surrendering your

very life to Jesus and trusting in His

great victory.

If you have not yet united yourself

fully to Jesus Christ, what is keeping

you from doing so? No matter where

you are in your spiritual journey, Jesus

Christ invites you to experience the

fullness of life and His Resurrection.

He is waiting to share His victory over

sin and darkness with you.

*Rate is based on 700 FICO score, LTV of 80%. More insurance may be required if your LTV exceeds 80%. All loans and

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or county that the subject property is located in will be the borrower’s responsibility. Program terms and conditions are

subject to change at any time without notice. The Federal Fair Lending laws, (Fair Housing Act, Equal Credit Opportunity

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In accordance with the these laws, First State Bank promotes fair housing choice and does not discriminate against any

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handicap, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.


FEATURE

Joey’s Light

Life with Williams Syndrome

BY NATALIE SHAMMAMI

If you meet my brother Joey,

you won’t forget him. He’ll

introduce himself, ask your

name, and from that moment

on, he’ll remember you. He’s

not just friendly—he’s genuinely

interested in people. He wants

to know who you are, what you

like, and how your day is going.

And he wants to be your friend.

Joey isn’t just my brother—

he’s my best friend, and I couldn’t

imagine life without him.

Joey has Williams Syndrome

(WS), a rare genetic condition

caused by the deletion of 26-28

genes on chromosome 7. This

missing genetic material affects

many aspects of development,

including cognitive abilities, heart

health, and social behavior. One

of the most recognizable traits of

WS is an intense, almost magnetic,

desire to connect with others.

Joey embodies this in every way.

But Williams Syndrome is

more than just a label—it’s a

complex condition that shapes

the lives of those who have it and

the families who love them. Joey’s personality

is one of the brightest parts of

my life, and his journey has also been

filled with challenges, growth, and the

unwavering support of our family.

Understanding the Spectrum of

Williams Syndrome

Williams Syndrome varies in severity.

Some individuals, like Joey, are on

the milder end of the spectrum meaning,

they have strong verbal skills but

struggle with things like math or spatial

reasoning. More extreme cases can

involve significant intellectual disabilities,

serious cardiovascular issues,

and difficulties with daily living skills.

No two people with WS are exactly

alike, but all share an unmistakable

warmth and desire for connection.

Joey’s Awareness and Aspirations

Joey is very aware that he has Williams

Joey at 2023 WWE SummerSlam at Ford Field.

Syndrome. Since he’s on the milder end

of the spectrum, he understands what

that means in a way that not everyone

with WS does. Sometimes, he wonders

why him? He knows that some people

with WS struggle more than he does,

and he’s asked before, “Why did I get

this? Why do I have Williams Syndrome

when not everyone else does?” Those

are tough questions to answer, especially

when, as a family, we wouldn’t

change a thing about him.

Like anyone else, Joey wants independence.

He wants to do all the

things that people his age do—drive,

live on his own, have a job he loves.

But some of those things aren’t possible

for him.

Driving, for example, just isn’t

safe. People with WS often struggle

with spatial awareness, depth perception,

and reaction time. They can have

trouble judging distances and processing

information quickly, which

makes an activity like driving a

vehicle dangerous. Joey has difficulty

understanding this, and

wants to drive like everyone else.

More than anything, he wants

to feel normal. He doesn’t want to

be treated differently or left out.

He wants the same experiences

and freedoms as his peers, even

when they’re not always possible.

Growing Up with Williams

Syndrome: The Fight for

Joey’s Future

From the beginning, my parents

made sure Joey had everything

he needed to succeed. If he needed

extra help, my mom fought for

it. If a teacher underestimated

him, she set them straight. If a

doctor doubted his progress, she

proved them wrong.

My family has always looked

out for Joey. He’s special in ways

that go far beyond his diagnosis.

He’s kind, funny and full of life,

and we all do whatever we can to

make sure he’s happy, safe, and

given every opportunity to thrive.

The Special Gifts of Williams

Syndrome

People with Williams Syndrome often

have incredible strengths in music,

language, and memory. Many have a

deep emotional connection to music,

and some even have perfect pitch. Joey

is no exception. He loves listening to

music and can remember songs after

hearing them just once. Music has always

been a huge part of his life.

His memory is another one of his

strengths. Many people with WS have

an impressive ability to recall names,

details, and conversations, and Joey is

no different. If you’ve met him once,

he remembers you.

Joey has hobbies and passions that

go beyond his diagnosis. He’s a huge

WWE wrestling fan and could talk

about it for hours. He loves basketball,

watching sports on TV, and is into art.

He finds so much joy in these things,

just like anyone else.

But There Are Challenges, Too

For all of Joey’s strengths, there are

also areas where he struggles—especially

with math. Numbers and spatial

awareness can be really tough for

people with WS. Basic math and even

judging distances can be challenging.

Socially, his friendliness can also be

a double-edged sword. Joey doesn’t always

recognize when someone is taking

advantage of his kindness. He assumes

everyone is good-hearted because he

is. We’ve had to teach him about personal

space, setting boundaries, and

being careful with new people. This is

something that many people with WS

face—their trusting nature makes them

vulnerable, which is why awareness

and support are so important.

Science, Support, and Community

There’s still a lot we don’t know about

Williams Syndrome, but researchers

are working hard to understand

it. Some studies suggest that people

with WS don’t process fear the same

way others do, which is why they’re

so naturally social. That’s part of what

makes them special, but it’s also why

they need guidance and support.

Thankfully, there are amazing

organizations, like the Williams Syndrome

Association, that provide resources,

research and a community for

families like ours. Having that support

system makes a huge difference.

And Joey isn’t alone in this. I’ve

met so many incredible people with

Williams Syndrome, each with their

own unique personality, strengths,

and challenges. No two people with

WS are exactly alike, but they all share

that same warmth—that same ability

to make the world a brighter place just

by being in it.

Many Chaldean families have

been blessed with special needs family

members, and my family is no exception.

Having Joey in our lives is

not only a blessing, but a reminder of

what truly matters. He has humbled

us, taught us patience, and brought

more joy than words can describe. Williams

Syndrome may be rare, but the

love and light Joey brings into our lives

is something that everyone should be

lucky enough to experience.


Chaldean special needs families coming together in faith for Mass and

fellowship at St. George Chaldean Catholic Church.

Chaldean Diocese to

Host Special Masses

The Office of Life is a Pro-Life ministry

dedicated to upholding the dignity and

value of every human life. Central to

this mission is a strong focus on supporting

individuals with special needs

and their families, ensuring they feel

embraced and valued within the community.

The ministry’s Special Needs

Committee works to promote awareness

and acceptance, celebrating the

inherent beauty and worth of every

life, regardless of ability.

This year, the Office of Life is hosting

three special Masses in honor of

individuals with special needs and

their families. Led by Bishop Francis

Kalabat, these Masses are designed to

provide an open and welcoming environment

for all families, regardless

of distractions or noise levels. Understanding

the challenges some families

face in a traditional Mass setting, the

goal is to create a comfortable atmosphere

with soft music, low sound, and

dim lighting throughout. These Masses

offer parents the opportunity to bring

their children without fear of judgment

or discomfort, fostering a sense of encouragement

and inclusion.

For a long time, there has been a

stigma in the community surrounding

individuals with disabilities, leading

to misunderstanding and the belief

that they are somehow less than others.

As a result, many parents of special

needs children have expressed the

challenges they face when attending

Mass. This is why the Office of Life has

placed a strong emphasis on the special

needs ministry, recognizing the

importance of acceptance in the community

as part of honoring the dignity

of all life. Special needs children

remind us that our dignity doesn’t

stem from our abilities, but from our

identity as children of God. As Bishop

Kalabat aptly states, “The treasures of

our Church are not in wealth or buildings,

but in its children, and the most

special of its children are those with

special needs.”

In addition to these Masses, the

Office of Life has been working to

gather resources for families with

special needs children. We are developing

tools and materials for our

Catechism and Communion programs

throughout the diocese to better support

children with disabilities. Looking

ahead, we hope to offer more opportunities

for these special families

to connect. One such opportunity is

that Bishop Francis has granted a

special Easter Mass dispensation for

families or caretakers of individuals

with special needs who are unable to

attend traditional Easter Masses. As a

result, both St. George and St. Thomas

Chaldean Catholic Churches will hold

a dedicated 11 a.m. Mass for these

families. Let us continue to encourage

our community to embrace individuals

with special needs and disabilities,

fostering a culture of acceptance

and inclusion.

– Julia Kaji

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FEATURE

Opportunity Knocks

Why Chaldean Immigrants chose Metro Detroit

BY MATTHEW JAMIL

Mother of God Church in Southfield, established in 1948 and consecrated in 1980.

The early 1900s marked the

“Progressive Era” in the United

States, a period known for welcoming

more than 15 million immigrants

over 15 years. These newcomers

came from around the world, with a

significant portion hailing from non-

English-speaking European countries.

Among them were some of the earliest

Chaldean immigrants, arriving during

this time—or, in the case of Zia Atala,

even a bit earlier.

Zia, believed to be the first Chaldean

to move to the U.S., arrived

through Ellis Island in 1889. He settled

in Philadelphia, working at a hotel

where he learned the hospitality industry.

After earning enough money,

he returned to Iraq and used his

knowledge to open his own hotel.

But Zia didn’t just bring hotel expertise

back to Iraq. He also shared stories

of opportunities and success in America,

serving as a witness to the possibilities

of a better life outside Iraq—an idea

many would begin to consider.

One person who took that risk was

Yousif Shamam, a young, adventurous

Chaldean who arrived in Detroit in the

early 1900s via Windsor, Canada, becoming

one of the first Chaldeans to do

so. Yousif quickly learned English and

ventured into sales. After saving enough

money, he called for his brothers to join

him in Detroit, where they started a

business together, setting an example

for future Chaldean immigrants.

Fifteen years after Yousif’s arrival,

Detroit’s auto industry began booming

with the advent of the assembly line

and Henry Ford’s $5-a-day wages. John

Joseph, one of the first Chaldeans to

work for Ford, immigrated to the U.S. to

take advantage of this opportunity. An

article in The Sunday Chronicle, a local

paper, highlighted Joseph’s story with

the headline, “Man Who Was Born in

Region of ‘Garden of Eden’ Now A Mechanic,”

emphasizing the life-changing

impact this move had for Chaldeans.

Joseph had lived in a small, clay-andstraw

hut in Iraq with his family of four,

and in America, his life, along with

many others, was transformed by this

new work opportunity.

These three men exemplify why

Chaldeans migrated to America. Zia

sought educational opportunities in

the hotel industry, Yousif aimed to

start a business and bring his family

over, and Joseph was drawn by the

economic potential in the U.S.

Though these early Chaldean immigrants

arrived before the worst waves of

persecution under the Ottoman Empire

and Saddam Hussein, their motivations

were rooted in three enduring factors:

the pursuit of better opportunities, economic

stability and religious freedom,

and the desire to reunite with family.

During the Iran and Gulf Wars, these

reasons were amplified by the promise

of safety in America—something

that was increasingly uncertain in Iraq.

Additionally, changes in U.S. immigration

laws facilitated the arrival of more

Chaldeans, particularly in Detroit, as

they sought to rebuild their lives.

Before Chaldean immigration to

Detroit became widespread, many

Lebanese and Syrian Maronite Christians

had already settled in the area,

establishing vibrant communities. By

1900, these communities had grown

significantly, occupying a small neighborhood

in downtown Detroit. The

Maronites worked various jobs, from

peddling to working in the city’s Eastern

Market. As they accumulated savings,

many opened small businesses.

The Maronites, Arabic-speaking

Christians from the Middle East, were

eager to help others who shared their

values. Many early Chaldean immigrants

became close friends with the

Maronites, often working in their stores.

Chaldeans attended Maronite church

services, forging strong community ties

that made their transition to American

life easier while allowing them to

celebrate their shared religious identity.

Word of this camaraderie in Detroit

spread back to Chaldeans in Iraq, making

them more confident in their decision

to move to the United States. By

the 1920s, many Maronites had moved

to the suburbs, but their support was

instrumental in the early formation of

Chaldean communities in Detroit.

In the following years, the number

of Chaldeans in America remained

small. It wasn’t until the 1960s, during

the Kennedy administration, that U.S.

immigration policy underwent significant

changes, opening new pathways

for Chaldeans seeking refuge and opportunity.

President John F. Kennedy,

whose Irish ancestors faced prejudice

upon arriving in America, aimed to

change that for future generations of

immigrants. Though Kennedy was assassinated

before he could implement

these changes, his successor, Vice

President Lyndon B. Johnson, along

with Senator Ted Kennedy, passed the

1965 Immigration and Nationality Act.

The Act relaxed U.S. immigration

laws, allowing more immigrants to

come with fewer restrictions. Some

key changes included family reunification

and employment-based visas,

equal visa allotments for all countries,

and unlimited visas for skilled workers

and immediate family members.

This race-neutral legislation marked

a significant shift in American immigration

policy and had lasting effects.

From 1953 to 1965, the U.S. welcomed

269,615 immigrants. In the three years

following the Act’s passage—1966 to

1968—the number surged to 1,139,460,

including 2,268 immigrants from Iraq.

The 1965 Immigration and Nationality

Act was especially timely for Chaldeans,

as Iraq was undergoing political

instability following the 1958 overthrow

of its monarchy. By the 1970s, Detroit’s

Chaldean community had grown significantly,

particularly in the Penrose

neighborhood. As the community expanded,

Chaldeans continued to sponsor

family members to come to the U.S.,

a process made easier by the 1965 Act.

By 1990, Detroit was home to about

60,000 Chaldeans, who had become

an integral part of the city’s cultural,

social, and economic fabric.

While legislative reform and community

support helped fuel Chaldean

immigration, it was the economic opportunities

in Detroit that made the

city a beacon for new immigrants. As

Iraq’s economy faltered during the

Iran and Gulf Wars, America’s economy

was thriving. Early Chaldean immigrants

had already established a

foundation of economic stability in

the U.S., making it less risky for new

immigrants to join their families.

Many Chaldean immigrants, like

the Maronites, started or bought retail

businesses once they had saved

enough money. By 1990, Detroit had

around 700 grocery stores run by

Chaldeans, many of whom were newcomers.

Simultaneously, nearly every


J. Najor & Sons Photography was one of the Chaldean businesses that lined

7 Mile Road in Chaldean Town.

Chaldean family in Michigan had relatives

in Iraq and was deeply concerned

about them. As Saddam Hussein’s rule

grew increasingly oppressive, more

Iraqi immigrants came to the U.S.,

often finding work in these familyowned

stores. These jobs were ideal

for Chaldeans, as they didn’t require

English skills—many new immigrants

were not yet proficient in the language.

The grocery store jobs provided stability

and a safety net, knowing that they

could find work without the common

barriers immigrants often face.

Beyond economic opportunity, educational

prospects were another pull

factor for Chaldeans. American public

schools offered more access to universities,

and Chaldeans appreciated

the secular environment that allowed

their children to retain their ancestral

language and faith. Though education

was a smaller factor in immigration, it

was deeply connected to a larger reason:

religious freedom.

The First Amendment guaranteed

the right to freedom of religion, an essential

factor for the Chaldean community.

Back in Iraq, their religion was

often persecuted, but in the U.S., it was

not only tolerated but celebrated. Many

Chaldeans were able to establish their

own churches, with St. Ephrem being

the first Chaldean church in America,

founded in 1904 in Chicago. The first

Chaldean church in Detroit, Mother

of God, was built in 1948, marking the

community’s religious and cultural

presence. These churches offered services

in Sureth rather than Arabic and provided

a sense of community and continuity.

Sociologist Mary Sengstock notes

that, “identification with the Chaldean

religion and language remains strong,

even among those who no longer speak

the ancestral language,” highlighting

the importance of religious identity for

Chaldeans in the U.S.

The pull factors for Chaldean immigration—such

as Maronite assistance,

immigration reform, economic opportunities,

educational prospects, and

religious freedom—are often viewed as

separate influences. However, they are

interconnected by the phenomenon of

“chain migration.” According to geographer

Paul Boyle, this occurs when

“the migration of an initial stream of

people often encourages the migration

of a second group,” typically family or

friends who arrive later.

In the case of the Chaldeans, chain

migration extended beyond economic

opportunity. As the community in

Detroit grew, new immigrants were

drawn not just by the promise of jobs

but by the chance to preserve their

culture. Detroit became a place where

Chaldeans could find safety, freedom,

and a strong sense of belonging—a

place that offered not just opportunity,

but also a community to call home.

The journey of Chaldean immigration

to the United States is a demonstration

of the enduring pull factors of

opportunity, safety, and cultural preservation.

From the early pioneers like

Zia Atala and Yousif Shamam to the

wave of immigration spurred by the

1965 Immigration and Nationality Act,

Chaldeans sought more than just economic

success—they sought a place

where they could thrive, reunite with

family, and practice their faith freely.

The supportive communities they

found in Detroit, alongside the broader

political and economic changes in

the U.S., created a welcoming environment

that allowed them to flourish. Today,

the Chaldean community stands

as a strong example of resilience,

demonstrating how immigration is not

just about crossing borders, but about

building new lives, maintaining cultural

ties, and contributing to the rich

tapestry of American society.

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FEATURE

From Immigrant to Advocate

Ron Acho is CACC’s Businessperson of the Year

BY SARAH KITTLE

Ron and Rita Acho.

Caption

Ron Acho doesn’t really see himself

as a businessman. Had he

achieved his dream as a young

man, he’d be heading a large grocery

franchise. “I wanted to be president of

A&P,” he says, only half-jokingly.

Ron’s journey to the courtroom began

decades earlier, when he shared

a house with, among others, Mike

George’s mom, and the Chaldean community

in Detroit numbered only in

the hundreds. At that time, individuals

pooled their resources to support immigrants

from Iraq, giving what they

could to help the newcomers purchase

their own store, or going into partnership

with others to bankroll a new way

of life in a new land.

Iraqi immigrants were not like European

immigrants; most spoke no

English, and their culture was very

different from that of Americans. “We

were dependent on the people who

came before us to teach us the culture,”

says Ron. The early immigrants

would help newcomers with the language

and would help them find a way

to make money.

“[To] the people from our part of

the world, this was like going to Mars,”

says Ron. “It was a foreign land.”

Most Iraqi immigrants in Michigan

began as merchants, selling produce

at local stores serving Detroit’s underserved

populations. Coleman A. Young

II, the politician and son of former Detroit

Mayor Coleman Young, once said

that Chaldean store owners saved the

city’s residents by not abandoning them

when “White Flight” drove affluent

citizens out. Young called these store

owners “heroes” when presenting a certificate

of recognition to Martin Manna,

president of the Chaldean American

Chamber, at last year’s Awards Dinner.

Life was not always easy for Ron.

He was a short, skinny immigrant from

the Middle East who couldn’t even

speak Arabic, let alone English. By his

own admission, he didn’t speak for the

first two years of school in the US.

But as Tom Jabero, General Counsel

for Plastipak and longtime friend of

Ron’s says, “He’s the type of guy who

opens doors for himself.”

“He never stops,” says his son,

James (Jim) Acho, who also works at

the firm of Cummings, McClorey, Davis

and Acho. Even at almost 80, Ron routinely

works 60 hours a week. “He’s

driven to help people,” adds Jim.

Born in Baghdad in 1945, Ron

spent most of his early years in Tel

Kaif. Some of his memories include

sleeping on the roof during the hot

Iraqi summers, but some of the strongest

ones are of losing two brothers—

one older, one younger—and almost

losing his sister in the tragic Tel Kaif

school flood.

These events shaped his outlook on

life, and as a result, Ron takes nothing

for granted. “You never know what’s

going to happen,” is a phrase he often

says to his children. Ron has taught

them that the rug could be pulled out

at any time.

Another lesson Ron instilled in his

kids was that nobody is better than

them, but also, “don’t you ever think

you’re better than anyone else!”

“He treats the guy working at Jax

Car Wash or stocking shelves at Kroger

the same way he treats senators and

governors,” Jim confirms.

Most people would describe Ron as

a nice guy, perhaps even humble, but

most of them haven’t seen Ron in the

courtroom. “Ron is a relentless and

fierce advocate for the client,” says Jabero,

“and a strategist when it comes

to complex legal matters.”

Jabero first sought out Ron when

he was still in law school. A mutual acquaintance

gave him Ron’s name, and

Ron welcomed him with open arms,

spending over an hour with him at

their first meeting. Since then, Ron has

been a great friend and mentor.

“He is generous with both time and

money,” says- Jabero. “And Ron is willing

to guide others. He’s helped shape

me to be a better person.”

Ron is a tough litigator who uses

every tool at his disposal to win cases.

“I’ve been involved in five cases with

Ron,” says Robert “Bob” George, CEO

of GeorgeCo and son of Mike George.

“We won them all.”

He shared a story of when Ron

forced an admission by a witness by

shaking a piece of paper as if it were

evidence. It was, in fact, a blank sheet

of paper.

“Even for a Chaldean, his work

ethic is unparalleled,” says Jim, who

should know. His father worked 40

hours a week, went to law school at

night and gave one weekend a month

and two weeks each summer to the

Army Reserve.

Ron’s work ethic follows the example

set by his father, who worked

so hard at the family store that Ron remembers

only one truly “family” dinner

per year. On Thanksgiving, Ron’s

father would close the store for an

hour to allow the family to eat and give

thanks before returning to work.

Ron might have inherited his

strong work ethic. His granddaughter,

James’ daughter, has been working

summers since she was 14. “You


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Ron and Rita Acho with their three children Jim, Stephanie and Greg.

don’t get complacent, and you don’t get

cocky,” Jim quotes his dad. “You just

keep working.”

“I believe being an attorney is a

calling, like being a priest,” says Ron.

“When people come to you, they’re

coming with problems, looking for advice

and counsel.”

Ron tries to lay out the circumstances

in a way that offers several options

for his clients, allowing them to make

their own decisions and prepare for the

consequences. “They have to make the

decision that is in their own best interests,”

Ron says.

That doesn’t mean he’s boastful.

“My mom never let my dad develop

an ego,” explains Jim. When Ron won

a big case for the Redford Township Police

union and it was all over the news,

he came home with a cigar. The family

watched the news coverage together

and then Rita turned off the TV and

said, “Ronny, I’m proud of you. Now

get your coat, we are going to deliver

food to the homeless.”

He’s been recommended for several

appointments, including a post on the

bench as a judge. Ron wouldn’t feel

comfortable there, though—he says he

is too passionate to be neutral.

Ron is funny and fair. He tells the

story of being hoodwinked into helping

found the Chaldean American Chamber

of Commerce. The committee invited

him to a meeting, where he discovered

they not only expected a $5,000 donation

from him as a “founder,” but also

named him legal counsel—pro bono!

“Mike George said, ‘Don’t worry about

it,’ when I turned to him in confusion,”

Ron laughs. He’s never regretted saying

“yes” to the Chamber.

Ron was one of the first few lawyers

in the Chaldean community, alongside

Peter Abbo (licensed for 56 years) and

Gene Esshaki (licensed since 1974).

He’s proud of that milestone.

“Now you can’t turn around without

running into a Chaldean lawyer,

but they were rare 50 years ago,” says

Jim. “Many community members didn’t

even have a high school diploma. You

didn’t need one to work in a store or a

factory.

“Personally, it means everything to

me that my father is recognized by the

community he loves, that he’s worked

so hard for, and that he’s so proud of,”

shares Jim.

“He’s always willing to help someone,”

says George. And that ‘someone’

doesn’t have to be Chaldean, either.

Ron has served on numerous boards,

including one that helps recently released

inmates secure employment.

“He’s funny,” says George, “and always

has a story or joke to share.”

Money is not important to Ron, but

he does like to dress nicely. “He’s always

dressed to impress,” says Jabero.

“Wait until you see my new cufflinks

for the dinner!” exclaims Ron

with a smile.

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FEATURE

An aerial view of the

housing project along

Van Dyke Avenue.

Tigris Tower

A new era of affordable, community-centered housing

BY JENNA ABROO

The saying “home is where the

heart is” rings true for many,

but what happens when rising

housing prices make owning or renting

a home unattainable?

The recovery from the 2008 economic

crisis was slow in Michigan,

with metro Detroit facing challenges

such as economic instability and population

loss. In the early 2000s, the region

began to see a gradual rebound.

The city’s housing market saw a slow

but steady recovery, with property values

rising in specific neighborhoods,

especially those closer to the city’s

cultural and employment hubs.

Meanwhile, the suburbs, especially

areas like Ann Arbor and Macomb

County, continued to grow due

to their more stable housing markets,

access to good schools, and proximity

to the region’s remaining job centers.

However, the region also faced a lack

of affordable housing, with inventory

levels at historic lows, driving up prices

and making it harder for first-time

homebuyers to enter the market. That

hasn’t changed.

Dan Elsea, president of Brokerage

Services at the Real Estate One Family

of Companies, projects home prices

in southeast Michigan to rise by 3-5%

through 2025. With affordable housing

becoming harder to find, residents in

the region are in need of options that

Interior views of the living quarters’ various layouts.

not only offer affordable living but also

access to essential amenities.

Tigris Tower, opening within the

next couple of months, will offer just

that. Located at 43700 Van Dyke, the

four-story apartment building is a collaborative

project between the Chaldean

Community Foundation (CCF)

and the City of Sterling Heights. The

development will feature 135 apartment

units, 190 parking spaces, and

9,000 square feet of commercial space,

with plans to include a pharmacy, urgent

care, and food market.

Additionally, seven acres of wetland

area will be preserved as a public park

along the banks of the Clinton River. A

future boardwalk trail will connect the

property to the river and Jimmy John’s

Field, further enhancing the site’s appeal

for residents and visitors.

In this case, “attainable housing”

doesn’t mean cheaply built. The

building will provide luxury amenities

such as energy-efficient appliances,

individual unit heating and

cooling, in-unit laundry, and access

to fiber internet. In partnership with

DTE, residential units will run on allelectric

systems, including energy-efficient

heat pumps. The ground floor

will feature a fitness center, package

lockers, bike racks, and community

rooms. One- and two-bedroom apartments

will be available to tenants, catering

to families of all sizes.

Project manager Tom Haji explained

that the Chaldean Community

Foundation recognized a need for

long-term housing in the area based

on the feedback from the community

they serve. Investing in an area where

many Chaldean families live made

sense, and the hope is to inspire others

to invest in the region as well. The

project’s combination of residential

and retail space makes it a cultural

destination.

Martin Manna, president of CCF,

said, “We think this is the first of

many developments in that area that

will serve our population.” Plans are

already underway for a second attainable

housing project in Macomb

County, Tigris Tower II.

Tigris Tower will provide accessible

housing options for individuals and

families at or below 60% of the Area

Median Income for Macomb County.

The Chaldean Community Foundation

is well-known for its philanthropic

work in metro Detroit, and this development

continues that mission.

While the apartments are not limited

to Chaldean applicants, they were

originally conceived to serve the Chaldean

community, which like most other

communities in southeast Michigan

faces challenges due to rising home

values, tight housing inventory, and

fluctuating mortgage rates. Tigris Tower

offers affordable rents and walkable

amenities that will benefit tenants and

nearby residents alike.

Finding affordable housing can be

overwhelming, and the opening of Tigris

Tower and the future Tigris Tower

II will provide a valuable resource for

both the Chaldean community and the

broader metro Detroit area. With accessible

pricing, luxurious amenities,

and a prime location, Tigris Tower is

set to be a key development that will

positively impact many lives. As the

project nears completion, we look forward

to seeing the lasting benefits it

will bring to our community.

The Tigris Tower’s temporary office

is located at 42250 Hayes Road in

Clinton Township and is open Monday-

Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more

information or to schedule a tour, call

(248) 602-6745 or email tigristower@

continentalmgt.com.


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

DETROIT

IS HOME

TO MORE

THAN

187,000

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

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30 %

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Non-Chaldean

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Invested Nearly

$

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19,000+ CACC

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5,000+ Attendees

at Annual

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The Chamber is Advocating for

INCREASED REVENUE FOR LIQUOR

STORE RETAILERS AND REMOVAL OF

BOTTLE RETURNS FROM STORES

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

2075 Walnut Lake Road • West Bloomfield, MI 48323


SPORTS

Larger Than Life

Giovanni El-Hadi’s legacy of faith, family and football at Michigan

BY STEVE STEIN

Giovanni El-Hadi is a 6-foot-5,

310-pound senior offensive

lineman for the University of

Michigan football team. That’s a typical

size for a Division I offensive lineman.

But there’s nothing typical about

this 21-year-old from Sterling Heights.

El-Hadi is half Chaldean and half

Lebanese. His mother Remonda is

Chaldean. His father Khaled is Lebanese.

He’s the only Chaldean on the

U-M football team.

Growing up, El-Hadi was always

the biggest guy his age. As an adult,

his love for his family, Chaldean and

Lebanese communities and faith have

grown as big in stature as he is.

“God has brought me a long way.

I’m nothing without Him,” he said.

“He implanted a dream in me, and I

know whatever happens, He has my

back. I trust whatever

God has in store for me.

Everything I do is for

my family, my team and

Him.”

Ronnie Larkin

can provide plenty of

insight into not just

Giovanni El-Hadi the

football player, but

Giovanni El-Hadi the

young boy and grown

man. Larkin is El-Hadi’s

godfather and was his

first football coach. He also was an assistant

coach for the Sterling Heights

Stevenson High School football team

when El-Hadi played there, and a

neighbor while El-Hadi was growing

up in Sterling Heights.

“Gio is humble. He looks out for his

family. He’s a great kid,” Larkin said.

Larkin calls El-Hadi “kid” because

he’s known him since he was a kid.

Specifically, a 9-year-old soccer player.

Larkin was El-Hadi’s coach for two

years with the Sterling Heights Redskins

youth football program and the

running backs coach at Stevenson

when El-Hadi was a four-year starter

with the Titans.

Giovanni El-Hadi

University of Michigan offensive lineman Giovanni El-Hadi gets

ready to block a Michigan State player during the Wolverines’

24-17 win over the Spartans last fall.

“When he was young,

Gio was always the biggest

kid. He even had a

beard when he was 10

or 11,” Larkin said with a

laugh. “There are weight

limits for youth football. Gio was always

running around wearing garbage bags

and spitting so he could make weight.

He always made it.”

Larkin said El-Hadi visited him

often in those formative years. Why?

There was weightlifting equipment

in his basement. “Gio was very dedicated

to getting stronger for football,”

Larkin said.

Speaking of football, El-Hadi is expected

to be a starter again this fall for

U-M as he makes his case for the NFL

Draft in his fifth and final year with

the Wolverines (he was a redshirt as a

freshman in 2021).

El-Hadi started all 13 U-M games

PHOTOS COURTESY U OF M PHOTOGRAPHY

last season at right guard and was an

All-Big Ten honorable mention selection.

He was a contributor to the Wolverines’

national championship team

in 2023. He played in all 15 games that

season, 12 on special teams and 11 on

the offensive line. He was an extra offensive

lineman and played on special

teams in U-M’s national title game win

vs. Washington.

He’s appeared in 42 games in the

U-M career, including 31 on the offensive

line with 14 starts.

El-Hadi announced his return to

the U-M football team on social media

in January, eliciting applause from

Wolverines fans because his experience

is needed on the offensive line.

“With one year of eligibility remaining,

I’ve made the decision to

return to Michigan for my final season

and help bring home another national

championship,” he posted. “I’m completely

dedicated to this team, this

university, and to giving my all on the

field, trusting that God will guide us

every step of the way.”

El-Hadi said his personality fits

that of an offensive lineman. That’s

one reason why he was a leader on the

U-M line last season and will be again

this season. “We’re humble. We have

a job to do ... take care of the quarterback

and running backs,” he said. “We

make them look good, and they make

us look good.”

While at Stevenson, where he was

a two-year starter and team captain,

El-Hadi helped the Titans reach the

state semifinals as a junior and led

Stevenson to its first Macomb Athletic

Conference Red championship in 11

years as a senior.

El-Hadi didn’t allow a sack on more

than 140 passing attempts by Stevenson

during his senior year, and he

averaged nine “pancake” blocks per

game. As a junior, he gave up just one

sack in 138 passing attempts and had

53 pancakes.

His decision to go to U-M after being

heavily recruited was an easy one,

he said. He turned down other scholarship

offers from Indiana, Iowa, Penn

State and Central Michigan.

“I didn’t decide to attend Michigan

just because I live in the state. I went

because of the culture there,” he said.

“I’ve developed great bonds with the

players and coaches. The coaches and

staff truly care about you.”

Giovanni El-Hadi’s journey from a

young boy in Sterling Heights to a key

player for the University of Michigan

football team is due to his unwavering

dedication, faith, and love for his family

and community. His story is not just

one of physical strength on the field

but of the inner strength that drives

him to succeed and lead with humility.

As he enters his final season with the

Wolverines, El-Hadi remains focused

on his goal of helping his team achieve

greatness, while always trusting in

God’s plan for his life.


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SPRING

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2025

JOB FAIR

The Chaldean Community Foundation invites you to

attend this free and inclusive event for job seekers of all

experience levels. Whether you’re looking to launch your

career or make a career change, we welcome you to join

us for a day filled with opportunity!

WHY ATTEND?

Network with leading employers across diverse industries.

Explore job opportunities that match your skills and interests.

Get expert career advice from hiring professionals.

On-the-spot interviews.

PREPARE

Bring multiple copies of your resume.

Dress professionally.

Bring questions for the employers and career experts.

RSVP NOW

Scan the QR code

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.


RELIGION

A Historic Easter

Catholics and Orthodox celebrate Christ’s resurrection together

BY MICHAEL ANTOON

For the first time since 2017, Catholics and Orthodox

will stand together in proclaiming the

Resurrection of Christ on the same day. Though

this has occurred occasionally—most recently in

2017, 2014, 2011, and 2010—these shared celebrations

are rare due to differences in calendar calculations.

Easter is the foundation of Christianity, the ultimate

victory of life over death, and in 2025, all who follow

Christ will proclaim that in one voice.

It is made even more meaningful by the fact that

this year also marks the 1,700th anniversary of the

First Council of Nicaea (325 AD), the council that

sought to unify the Church on key matters, including

the celebration of Easter. This year is not just about a

shared calendar—it is about a renewed call to communion,

a chance to reflect on what binds us together

rather than what has

kept us apart. As Pope Francis declared in September

2024, “Easter belongs to Christ!”

A History of Divergence

The division in Easter dates stems from the adoption

of different calendars, each calculating the date of

Easter based on varying astronomical systems. The

Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar, which calculates

Easter based on the full moon after the vernal

equinox as it was observed in the 4th century. The

Catholic Church, on the other hand, uses the Gregorian

calendar—introduced by Pope Gregory XIII

in 1582—which corrected discrepancies in the Julian

calendar to better align with the actual equinox.

While many Western nations adopted the Gregorian

system, the Orthodox Churches continued to

use the Julian calendar out of adherence to tradition

and the desire for a unified ecumenical approach.

This calendar difference often results in separate

Easter celebrations, sometimes weeks apart.

Despite this, the longing for unity has remained.

Over the years, Church leaders from both sides have

expressed their desire to celebrate the Resurrection

together. They recognize that a unified Easter would

serve as a visible sign of shared belief and an important

step toward reconciliation. After all, both traditions

proclaim the same risen Lord: Qimleh Maran!

Christ is risen!

This year, the rare alignment offers a special moment

to reflect on our common faith. It is a chance to

remember that, before theological and political disputes,

we were one Church—united in the life, death,

and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Significance for the Church of the East

For our Churches of the East, this shared Easter

celebration carries unique meaning. The Chaldean

Catholic Church, Assyrian Church of the East, Ancient

Church of the East, and Syro- Malabar Church

all trace their heritage to the early Church of the East,

rooted in our motherlands.

Over the past centuries, even these Eastern

Churches have celebrated Easter on different dates.

The Chaldean Catholic Church of the East aligned

with Rome, having a different day than the Assyrian

Church of the East. Then, in 1964, the Assyrian

Church of the East adopted the Gregorian calendar

to align more closely with other Christian communities,

including the Catholic Church. However, not all

were in agreement. This led to the formation of the

Ancient Church of the East, which retained the Julian

calendar and continued to observe Easter according

to the older calculation.

Today, even within the East, this division reminds

us of how deeply tied our faith is to tradition—but

also how painful even small differences in practice

can become over time. For the Chaldean faithful, this

year’s joint celebration with the Orthodox world is

not only a powerful moment of unity but a chance

to hope for the day when all Churches of the East,

regardless of calendar or jurisdiction, might proclaim

the Resurrection together once more.

A Path to Greater Unity

While this year’s joint Easter is significant, it also

raises an important question—why must it be an exception

rather than the norm? Church leaders, both

Catholic and Orthodox, have long expressed a desire

to unify the Easter date permanently. Pope Francis

has been especially vocal in his support for this

cause. He has encouraged Church leaders around the

world to work toward a shared date for Easter, emphasizing

that such a move would offer a powerful

witness of Christian unity.

The next time Easter will be celebrated together

after 2025 is in 2028. However, due to ongoing calendar

differences, these alignments will become even

rarer in the centuries to come. Though no formal

agreement has been reached, the growing dialogue

between the Vatican and various Orthodox patriarchates

shows a shared willingness to bridge divides.

There is hope on the horizon, and the unity we experience

this year is a glimpse of what could be.

As we prepare for this historic Easter, let us embrace

it with joy and gratitude. Let us pray that this

moment of unity becomes more than a rare coincidence—that

it becomes a turning point. And as we

declare together, “Christ is risen!”, let us do so with

the hope that one day, all Christians will celebrate

this truth together—not just in date, but in communion

and love of God.


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www.chaldeanfoundation.org/careers


CULTURE & HISTORY


A community in danger of disappearance

BY ADHID MIRI, PHD AND REBECCA TOMCZAK

Arameans in the Holy Land are

a Christian minority living in

Israel. They claim to descend

from the Arameans, an ancient Semitic-speaking

people in the Middle East

in the 1st millennium BC. Some Syriac

Christians in the Middle East espouse

an Aramean ethnic identity, and a minority

still speak various Neo-Aramaic

languages, with the Eastern branch being

widely spoken.

Background and Context

Aramaic is a language of 22 characters

that is at least 3,000 years old. It is

known as one of the oldest languages,

part of a group called the Semitic languages.

This group includes Aramaic,

Hebrew, Arabic, Ethiopic, and Akkadian

(ancient Babylonian and Assyrian).

Originating in the ancient region of

Syria, Aramaic quickly spread to Mesopotamia,

the southern Levant, southeastern

Anatolia, Eastern Arabia, and

the Sinai Peninsula. It has been continuously

spoken and written in various

forms for over three thousand years.

Geographically, Aramaic has always

co-existed and interacted with both related

and unrelated languages. Among

the various Aramaic languages, Syriac is

the best documented. Aramaic was first

used in the regions of the Fertile Crescent,

particularly in Syria and Mesopotamia,

before spreading across the Middle

East and into Central Asia. From the 6th

century BCE to the 7th century CE, Aramaic,

in its many interrelated dialects,

was the most widespread language in

the Middle East. It co-existed with Old

Persian (6th–4th century BCE), Greek

(3rd century BCE–7th century CE), and

Middle Persian (3rd–7th century CE).

After the rise of Arabic and Islam,

Aramaic persisted among various religious

minorities, with Syriac Christianity

being the most prominent. By

the third millennium CE, Aramaic and

Syriac were still used by a few million

people—Christians, Jews, Samaritans,

and Mandaeans—in liturgy, literature,

Ihab Shlayan (left) and Bishop Semaan flank a Greek Orthodox priest as they

hold up the Aramaic flag.

and spoken dialects across the Middle

East, Southern India, and in diasporas

worldwide.

Around 500 BCE, after the Achaemenid

(Persian) conquest of Mesopotamia

under Darius I, Aramaic was

adopted by the Persians as the primary

language for written communication

across the vast empire, which included

many different regions, peoples, and

languages. The use of a single official

language, often referred to by modern

scholars as Official or Imperial Aramaic,

likely played a significant role in the

Achaemenids’ remarkable success in

maintaining control over their sprawling

empire for as long as they did.

Today, however, Aramaic is severely

endangered as a spoken language. It is

still spoken by small communities, particularly

among Chaldeans, Assyrians,

Mandeans, and other groups in the

Middle East and the diaspora.

Aramaic Dialects

Aramaic has a rich literary heritage, including

significant contributions from

the Mandaeans, a Gnostic religious

group, and from the Samaritans, who

used the language for Bible translations,

liturgies, and doctrinal works.

While many Christians are familiar

with Aramaic’s influence in the Holy

Scriptures, few may realize the wide variety

of dialects in which the language

appears. The form of Aramaic used often

depends on the cultural context.

Today, Aramaic survives as a spoken

language in small communities in

Syria, Iraq, Turkey, and Iran. The language

has many dialects, including:

Samaritan Aramaic: Used by the

Samaritans in their sacred and scholarly

literature.

Syriac Aramaic: Used in Syriac

Christianity for literature, liturgy, and

often as a spoken language.

Neo-Aramaic: Originally spoken by

ethnic Assyrians on the plain of Bohtan

in the Ottoman Empire.

Jewish Neo-Aramaic (Urmia dialect):

Spoken by Jews in Urmia and surrounding

areas of Iran.

Jewish Babylonian Aramaic: The

language of Jewish writers in Babylonia

between the 4th and 11th centuries,

most famously seen in the Babylonian

Talmud (completed in the 7th century)

and post-Talmudic Geonic literature. It

is also found in numerous incantation

bowls, which were believed to protect

families or households.

Mandaic Aramaic: Classical Mandaic,

used as a liturgical language by

the Mandaeans of Iraq and Iran, is a

sister dialect to Jewish Babylonian Aramaic,

though distinct both linguistically

and culturally. It is the language

of the Mandaeans’ Gnostic religious

literature.

Western Middle Aramaic: This includes

dialects like Nabataean, Jewish

Palestinian (written in Hebrew square

script), Samaritan Aramaic (written in

old Hebrew script), and Christian Palestinian

(written in Syriac Estrangela

script). Of these, only Jewish Palestinian

continued as a written language.

Aramaic’s Influence on Jewish

Literature

Aramaic was a dominant language for

Jewish worship, scholarship, and daily

life for centuries, both in Israel and the

diaspora, particularly in Babylon. Over

time, Aramaic displaced Hebrew for

many purposes among Jews, a shift reflected

in the Bible, where parts of the

books of Ezra and Daniel are written in

Aramaic.

The Dead Sea Scrolls, remnants of

a Jewish sect’s library from around the

turn of the era, contain many Aramaic

texts. These texts provide key evidence

of Palestinian Aramaic, the dialect spoken

by Jesus and His disciples.

As Aramaic became the spoken language

of Jews and knowledge of Hebrew

declined, synagogues began providing

Aramaic translations or paraphrases—

known as “Targums”—alongside the

reading of sacred Hebrew scriptures.

Over time, a wide range of Targums

were composed for the Torah and other

parts of the Bible. These translations


were more than just linguistic renderings;

they incorporated much of traditional

Jewish scriptural interpretation.

In the academies, rabbis and their

disciples used Aramaic to transmit,

comment on, and debate Jewish law.

The records of these deliberations form

the two Talmuds: the Jerusalem Talmud

and the more extensive Babylonian Talmud.

While the Talmuds contain significant

portions in Hebrew, Aramaic

(in both Western and Eastern dialects)

is the primary language of these vast

compilations.

Christian Aramaic Literature

Although Jesus spoke Aramaic, the Gospels

are written in Greek and rarely include

direct Aramaic quotations. Over

time, Christians in Palestine began

translating portions of Christian scripture

into their dialect of Aramaic. These

translations and related writings make

up “Christian Palestinian Aramaic.”

A much larger body of Christian

Aramaic literature is known as Syriac,

which far surpasses all other Aramaic

forms in terms of volume. Syriac originated

as the literary language of Edessa

(modern-day Urfa in southeastern Turkey)

and became the primary language

of the Eastern Christian Church from

the 3rd century onward, continuing

well past the Muslim conquest.

Syriac literature includes numerous

Bible translations, with the most significant

being the Peshitta, or “simple”

translation, along with countless devotional,

dogmatic, exegetical, liturgical,

and historical works. Nearly the entire

Greek philosophical and scientific tradition

was translated into Syriac, and

it was through this medium that much

of this knowledge entered the Islamic

world and, eventually, reached post-

Dark Ages Europe.

Jesus of Nazareth lived in a region

where Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek

were all spoken. Aramaic was the primary

language He used in daily life

and teachings, with many of His sayings

in the New Testament believed to

have been spoken in Aramaic. Hebrew

played an important role for religious

purposes, as Jesus would have used it

to read and discuss Jewish scriptures in

synagogue settings.

Greek was the common language of

the Eastern Mediterranean due to Greek

cultural influence. Jesus likely understood

some Greek for interactions with

non-Jews, but it was not His primary

language. In fact, while Aramaic was

the major language spoken by Jesus,

His familiarity with Hebrew and Greek

also played a role in His life and ministry.

In total, Jesus likely spoke four

languages:

Aramaic – the regional language,

introduced when Babylon controlled

the area.

Greek – the language of the Greekconquered

Mediterranean region.

Hebrew – the language of Jewish

religious practices.

Latin – the language of the

Romans.

Aramaic is similar to Hebrew

but incorporates terms

from other languages, notably

Babylonian. Religious scholars

and historians agree that Jesus

and His disciples primarily

spoke Aramaic, the traditional

language of Judea in the first

century AD. Their version of

Aramaic was likely a Galilean

dialect, distinct from that spoken

in Jerusalem. Since Jesus

spent much of His time in Nazareth

and Capernaum—Aramaicspeaking

regions—this further

supports the idea that He primarily

spoke Aramaic.

Here are some notable examples

of Jesus speaking Aramaic,

preserved in their original

form or translated into Greek:

Mark 5:41 – When raising Jairus’

daughter from the dead, Jesus says,

“Talitha Koum!” meaning “Little girl, I

say to you, get up!”

Mark 7:34 – In healing a deaf and

mute man, Jesus says, “Ephphatha,”

meaning “Be opened.”

Matthew 27:46 – On the cross, Jesus

cries out, “Eli, Eli, Lema Sabachthani?”

meaning “My God, my God,

why have you forsaken me?”

John 20:16 – When Jesus appears to

Mary Magdalene after His resurrection,

He calls her name, and she responds,

calling Him “Rabboni,” meaning

“Teacher.”

Mark 14:36 – Jesus prays, “Abba,

Father, everything is possible for you.

Take this cup from me. Yet not what I

will, but what you will.”

Historians, scientists, and social

anthropologists agree that Aramaic

was the prevalent language in Israel

during Jesus’s time. Hebrew, meanwhile,

was primarily used by religious

leaders such as scribes, teachers of the

law, Pharisees, and Sadducees, the “religious

elite.” It was the language used

in religious settings like synagogues,

where scriptures were read and discussed.

While most people in Jesus’s

region likely knew some Hebrew, it was

mainly tied to religious life.

Greek was the language of the Roman

rulers who governed Israel during

Jesus’s time. As the language of administration

and commerce, Greek was essential

for interactions with the Roman

The Israeli Christian flag explained.

political class and for conducting trade.

Though Greek was widely spoken, it

was sometimes resisted due to its association

with Roman oppression. As the

son of a carpenter, Jesus likely knew

some Greek for communication in trade

and business.

Given the linguistic diversity of the

time, it is likely that Jesus was fluent in

Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek. His ability

to speak these languages allowed

Him to effectively communicate with

various groups of people, using the

most appropriate language for each

context.

How Did Aramaic Become

Prevalent in the Holy Land?

Aramaic became the everyday language

of the people of Judah during the

Babylonian Exile, while Hebrew continued

to be used for religious purposes—similar

to how the Catholic Church

uses Latin for religious rites today. In

Galilee, where Jesus is believed to have

lived, Aramaic was adopted even earlier,

following the Assyrian conquest.

When the Maccabees from Judah overran

Galilee in the second century BCE,

the people had already embraced Aramaic

as their common tongue.

The Assyrians, who conquered the

region, used Aramaic as an administrative

language. This was continued by

the Babylonians and later the Persian

Empire, which ruled an area stretching

from India to Ethiopia. For this period

(roughly 700–320 BCE), Aramaic functioned

much like English does

today—an international language

for administration and communication.

Important documents

from this era, including papyri

from Egypt and Palestine, attest

to the widespread use of Aramaic.

Despite being disrupted by

numerous conquests over the centuries,

Aramaic itself remained

largely unbroken as a spoken and

written language. Though endangered

today, it remains the oldest

continuously spoken language in

the Middle East. The Arameans,

though small in number, maintain

a distinct linguistic identity

that unites their churches across

the diaspora.


The presence of Arameans in

the Holy Land is of significant interest

to those studying the culture or seeking

to better understand the Christian

community worldwide. Until 2014,

self-identified Arameans in Israel were

classified as ethnic Arabs or had no

specific ethnic identity. In September

2014, however, Israel became the first

country in the world to officially recognize

Arameans as a distinct modern

community, allowing Aramean identity

to be listed on the population census.

Christian families or clans who

speak Aramaic or have an Aramaic

family tradition are eligible to register

as ethnic Arameans in Israel. As of

2017, only 16 people were registered

as Arameans in the Population Registry.

However, a 2022 article in Middle

Eastern Studies reported that approximately

2,500 Israelis had registered as

Arameans with the Ministry of Inte-

ARAMEAN continued on page 34


CULTURE & HISTORY

ARAMEAN continued from page 33

rior, and another 2,000 had applied to

change their national designation from

Arab to Aramean. These 4,500 individuals

make up about 1.5% of Israel’s

Christian population.

The recognition of Aramean identity

sparked mixed reactions and controversy

among Israeli minorities, the

Christian community, and the broader

Arab Israeli population. Representatives

of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate

of Jerusalem, for example, denounced

the move.

One major supporter of recognizing

the Aramean identity is Gabriel

Naddaf, a priest to the Greek Orthodox

Christians in Israel. He praised the Interior

Ministry’s decision, calling it a

“historic move” for his Aramean followers.

Another advocate, Lt. Colonel

(Res) Ihab Shlayan, has called for the

Israeli government to promote awareness

of the Aramean identity, citing the

international principle of ethnic selfdetermination.

This development raises the question:

What is it like to be an Aramean in

the Holy Land today?

A Conversation with Ihab Shaylan

and Bishop Afram Semaan

The authors of this article had the opportunity

to speak with Ihab Shlayan

and Bishop Ephrem Camil Semaan

(Mar Yacub Ephrem), Bishop of the

Syriac Catholic Church in Jerusalem.

Bishop Semaan, originally from Lebanon,

has lived in Israel for six years.

Both men share the common liturgical

dialect of Aramaic and offered their

perspectives on what it means to be an

Aramaic Christian in the Holy Land.

Shlayan grew up in Nazareth, specifically

in the Christian area of Upper

Nazareth, where he continues to live

with his family. As a child, he attended

St. Antonious Sisters School in Nazareth.

Shlayan is currently the highestranking

Christian colonel in the Israeli

Army. With degrees in electronics,

digital communication, and cybersecurity,

he retired in 2024 after 24 years

of service, extended by one year due to

the Gaza War.

Shlayan noted, “People in the U.S.

and the West often don’t know there are

Christians in the Israeli Army,” a fact

he has worked hard to raise awareness

about. He recalled how U.S. Senator Orrin

Hatch learned of his service and arranged

a meeting with him, facilitated

by Israel’s Minister of Defense. Such

encounters have motivated Shlayan to

continue his diplomatic efforts, highlighting

the presence of the Christian

Aramean community in the Holy Land.

Shlayan also spoke about the common

misconception that Palestinian

Christians are only found in the West

Bank. Shlayan drew parallels with the

Chaldean community in Michigan,

where 200,000 Christian Chaldeans

live, but non-Chaldeans

often classify them as Arabs

due to a lack of awareness

about their distinct identity.

Shlayan emphasized that his

work aims to educate the Christian

community about the history

and contributions of Christians

in Israel. He pointed out

that the Israeli army includes

Christians, Druze, Bedouins,

Circassians, and Ethiopians,

and that these groups are represented

in the Israeli parliament.

These communities are not considered

Arabs, as they have their

own identities and flags.

Before 1995, people from

the Commonwealth came to the

Holy Land to explore their ancestral

roots, embrace Messianic

Christianity, convert to Judaism,

or establish churches. In 2012,

Shlayan founded the Christian

Recruitment Forum, where he

designed a flag for Israeli Christians.

The organization brings together Roman

Catholic, Syriac, Orthodox, and Protestant

groups to advocate for the rights of

Christians in Israel, particularly the Aramaic-speaking

community. Shlayan has

focused on securing local government

representation for Christians, especially

in Haifa, Upper Galilee, and Nazareth.

Although Shlayan officially retired

in 2024, he remains committed to serving

both his country and his Christian

community, continuing his advocacy

for Israeli Christians.

Demographic Changes in Nazareth

Lt. Col. Shlayan highlighted the significant

demographic changes in Nazareth,

explaining that in 1995, one walking

through the city would have the

impression that it was 100% Christian

due to the visible Christian presence.

However, this is no longer the case. In

An ancient Aramaic manuscript.

the land of Israel and the city where Jesus

Christ lived, both the Christian and

Jewish populations have significantly

dwindled. While Nazareth hosts American,

German, and English schools,

most students are neither Christian nor

Jewish. Many Christians in the city have

grown up with little knowledge of their

Aramaic heritage, as it is not emphasized

as part of their cultural identity.

Today, Nazareth is experiencing

profound demographic shifts. The municipality

is no longer under the control

of Christians or Jews. While Christians

in the city demonstrate tolerance,

they are forced to reconcile the urban

blight and declining population. Lt.

Col. Shlayan, who was born and raised

in Nazareth, remarked that “Lower

Nazareth is ignored and dirty; the city

officials do not care about its appearance

or cleanliness.” The region is now

contested, with different ethnic and religious

groups vying for influence over

the city’s future.

To preserve the city’s significance to

Christians, the Israeli government has

designated the area around the Church

of the Annunciation as a protected zone,

preventing land sales to outside buyers

who may use the area for other purposes.

While the church remains intact, Lt.

Col. Shlayan emphasized the need for

Israeli Christians to remain vigilant and

advocate for their community to ensure

that more native Christians choose to

stay and contribute to the local Christian

community in Nazareth.

An additional challenge for Christians

in Nazareth is the widespread

misclassification of Syriacs and Aramaics

as “Arab Christians” by both the

Israeli government and the public. This

misunderstanding of their identity is

prevalent throughout Israeli society.

For example, Chaldeans, who are indigenous

to Iraq, are often mistakenly

grouped with other Middle Eastern

Christians, even though they

have distinct cultural identities.

Similarly, the Christian community

in Nazareth—Jesus’ hometown—is

often misrepresented,

despite its deep historical and

spiritual significance.

Today, Shlayan frequently

meets with dignitaries within

the Israeli government and navigates

the complexities of Israeli

politics. While Israel prides itself

on democratic values, he noted

that the recognition of Israeli

Christians as a distinct minority

is not a top priority for many

policymakers. “Most of the heavily

right-wing groups and a lot

of politicians in Israel don’t care

about us,” he said. Despite these

challenges, Lt. Col. Shlayan continues

to push for the full integration

of Israeli Christians into

government, schools, military

service, and cultural exchanges

with Aramaics in the West.

He also expressed hope in the support

of the current U.S. administration

for Israel’s efforts, particularly in light

of the hostages taken on October 7,

2023. He views this international backing

as a positive sign for his community.

However, as events continue to unfold,

the future of Lt. Col. Shlayan and Christianity

in the Holy Land remains uncertain.

Addressing this issue requires a

careful understanding of local politics,

the instability in the Middle East, and

international awareness.

As we approach this Holy Season,

we pause to remember the Aramaic

community that walks daily in the footsteps

of Christ.

Sources: Lt. Col. Ihab Shlayan,

University of Oxford Aramaic Faculty

of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies,

Wikipedia, and Christianity.com.


Chaldeanand

Arab American

Tobacco Survey

The Chaldean Community Foundation has partnered with the

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to survey the Chaldean and Arab

community living in Michigan about different health conditions.

The purpose of this survey is to assess knowledge, beliefs,

behavior around tobacco (including Narghile/Hookah)

use among the Arab and Chaldean Americans in Michigan.

Surveys are completely anonymous.

You are eligible to participate in this survey if you:

Are a current resident of Michigan.

Identify as Chaldean or Arab.

18 years of age or older.

Arabic

English

SCAN QR CODE


ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Second Chances and Shared Roots

Reem Kashat’s journey into women’s fiction

BY PAUL NATINSKY

“

Write about what you

know”—it’s an old writer’s

axiom, and Reem

Kashat is doing just that.

-+In June, Kashat published her debut

novel in the women’s fiction genre,

Forgive and Remember, a self-published

work that explores the lives of

three generations of Chaldean women.

Each generation faces the challenges

of modern life from distinct perspectives,

yet they all share common roots.

The novel delves into hot-button

issues within Chaldean culture. As

described on her website, reemkashat.com,

the story follows Mariam

Shammas, a woman who survives a

strict Chaldean Catholic upbringing,

a forced marriage, a sick husband,

and the responsibility of raising her

daughter alone. As her daughter, Tamara,

approaches college graduation,

Mariam is finally free to create her own

path. But when tragedy brings home

the only man she’s ever loved, Mariam

learns that their one teenage indiscretion

has profound, far-reaching consequences.

Kashat doesn’t write on these

themes to shock or make a political

statement. Instead, she aims for empathy

and relatability.

“I like to bring emotion out of

people. I like for my work to make you

feel and to have all of the experiences

that the characters are going through,”

says Kashat. “I just want you to be able

to experience them in that way. So, I

want you to be able to feel when she’s

low and feel high when she’s high. I

want you to root for her.”

Raised by a strict father, Kashat

reflects on her upbringing, which involved

early curfews and tight restrictions

on visits to friends’ homes—rules

that lasted well into her college and

working years. In her world, dating

was frowned upon, and the first time a

family met a young woman’s boyfriend

was when he was ready to propose

marriage. While Kashat acknowledges

that not all families followed such

strict traditions, she points out that

Author Reem Kashat self-published her new book.

these cultural norms still hold strong

for many.

“The story rings true to a lot of

what happens,” Kashat says. “It’s very

different (from mainstream culture)

and I wanted to explore that in this

story. I wanted to show how Mariam in

her 40s had a very strict dad. That was

a thing and it’s still a thing.”

At 45, Kashat notes that much has

changed over the past two decades.

Families seem more open now, with

boyfriends and girlfriends meeting

and socializing with the family much

earlier than in the past.

Kashat grew up in Oak Park during

the timeframe she writes about

and still calls the city home. Her day

job is working as a

program manager

in healthcare, although

she has a

bachelor’s degree

in English and creative

writing.

Writing women’s

fiction inspired

by her Chaldean

heritage is a recent shift for Kashat.

She began her writing career in 2011,

penning contemporary romance stories

and short fiction under the pen

name Sage Spelling. When she transitioned

to women’s fiction, she wanted

to showcase her cultural background,

adopting a new pen name—Kashat.

(Her birth name is Reem Fransis.)

Kashat shares the story behind her

pen name: When her father emigrated

from Iraq in 1978, his name incorporated

his first name, his father’s first

name, his grandfather’s first name,

and the family name. However, clerks

were required to assign only three

names per person, so the family name

was dropped. When Reem chose her

new pen name, her father was thrilled

to see their family name restored.

So far, Forgive and Remember has

sold about 50 copies. The book is available

as an eBook through Kashat’s

website and on platforms like Kindle

and Nook, as well as on-demand print

versions on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

The eBooks are priced around $8,

while the print editions are priced similarly

to hardcover bestsellers. Kashat

receives a percentage of each sale.

Although sales have been modest

so far, Kashat anticipates they will pick

up with renewed

marketing efforts.

She initially had

a slow start due

to family matters

that required her

attention, which

meant forgoing

early promotional

events.

When asked

about her ambitions

for Forgive

and Remember,

Kashat said a major

theme of her

work is second

chances.

“Happily ever

after doesn’t only

have to come when

you’re young,” she explains. “You can

find it in your 30s, 40s, and 50s. Happily

ever after is for everyone.”

Reem is currently working on a sequel

to Forgive and Remember and envisions

the intergenerational saga as a

series, so readers can expect more to

come.


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ELIAS KATTOULA

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TEL: (586) 722-7253

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POPE continued from page 17

to his approach to controversial issues

within the Church. He has consistently

shown compassion toward those often

excluded, including LGBTQ+ individuals,

remarking that, “If someone is

gay and is searching for the Lord and

has good will, then who am I to judge

him?” This spirit of inclusion and understanding

has been central to his

pontificate.

A Life of Service and Joy

Despite the immense responsibilities

of being pope, Francis has not lost his

sense of joy. A lifelong fan of soccer,

he supports San Lorenzo, an Argentine

soccer club, and has shared his

love of tango dancing. His personal

quirks—like riding a Harley Davidson

motorcycle, which he later auctioned

for charity, or donning a clown nose

for a charity event—have endeared

him to people worldwide.

Pope Francis’ ability to connect with

ordinary people and his genuine interest

in their lives have made him a beloved

figure both within the Church and outside

of it. His unpretentious manner, his

deep spirituality, and his commitment

to the teachings of Jesus Christ have inspired

millions around the world.

The Legacy of Pope Francis

As the first pope from the Americas

and the first Jesuit pope in history,

Pope Francis has shaped the Church in

profound ways. His papacy has called

for greater inclusivity, humility, and

a return to the Church’s foundational

mission of love and service. Through

“The Francis Effect,” he has inspired

countless individuals to deepen their

faith and their commitment to social

justice.

His actions and words, whether in

his support for refugees or his efforts

to modernize the Church, have resonated

deeply with people of all walks

of life. Pope Francis has shown the

world what it means to live the Gospel

with humility, compassion, and unwavering

commitment to the poor and

marginalized.

In this ongoing journey, Pope Francis

remains a steadfast reminder that

the call to serve and love one another

is timeless—and that a humble heart

is often the most powerful force for

change in the world.

Pope Francis was recently hospitalized

with bronchitis and pneumonia but has

been released and is back home in the

Vatican as of March 25, 2025.


ECONOMICS & ENTERPRISE

Las Vegas Stone Carves Its Legacy

BY PAUL NATINSKY

Las Vegas Stone Showroom in Northville.

Rob Kaoud’s craft has taken him

across the country and around

the world, but he is rooted in

the fertile soil of three generations of

stone craftsmen.

Kaoud’s grandfather was a hand

sculptor in Jerusalem, where he

sculpted stone into place on walls

and other surfaces. His father took up

stonework as well and moved the Palestinian

Christian family from the Middle

East to the United States in 1969,

when the now-56-year-old Rob was a

few months old.

By the time he was 10, Kaoud was

working with his father on weekends

and summer vacations.

Rob’s older brother was the beneficiary

of their father’s mentorship,

which only served to fuel Rob’s desire

to be the best. He briefly considered

dentistry, but, at 21, ultimately chose to

carry forward the tradition established

by two generations of stone craftsmen.

It was then that he received what he

regards as the highest of compliments,

when his father said he never thought

he would see anyone better than himself…until

he saw Rob develop.

Today, Kaoud is a businessman. But

he recalls his last job in 1997 before he

“retired off his knees.” It was, at the

time, the biggest house in Birmingham.

He finished work one day and the client

said somewhat irked, “you just made

$18,000 today.” Rob replied that he was

great at what he did and went on to say

that a team of 10 craftsmen could not

match his productivity.

Rob and his brother, Sam, spent a

few years in Las Vegas developing a

company called Mirage Tile and Marble,

tackling major projects and greatly

expanding their industry knowledge.

In addition to scouring the globe

learning about various materials and

finding sources of exotic stone, Rob,

along with Sam, tackled monumental

projects in Las Vegas, including Haze

Nightclub, a 20,000-square-foot twostory

nightclub venue is equipped

with a VIP area for special guests two

kitchens, three service bars, three fullservice

bars, and a 1,500-square-foot

dance floor. The floor installation included

granite floors, antique wood

accents, black quartz, custom carpeting,

and slate tile. MTM also added bar

and vanity countertops in soapstone,

Black Galaxy granite, and marble,

among other materials.

Eventually, work in Las Vegas dried

up and Rob headed home to Michigan,

where he established Las Vegas Stone.

“We’re like the Home Depot of

flooring,” says Kaoud. If there were a

builder who had to hire all the trades,

“they would have to hire a stone fabrication

guy, a hard-surface—like for

tile and hard surfaces, and then a softflooring

company to do hardwood, carpet

and vinyl. We’re all three of those

departments all in one.”

Las Vegas Stone has three Metro-

Detroit showrooms in Northville, Detroit

and Bloomfield Hills that work in

concert with a stone-cutting facility in

Plymouth. The company offers 27,000

selections (different types of materials).

All of this work feeds Kaoud’s desire

to be “the Michelangelo” of his

industry, to inspire and leave a lasting

impression.

Eventually, Kaoud envisions selling

the company for a premium price.

First, he wants to grow it from its current

$7 million in annual revenue to

$30 million.

Las Vegas Stone, like many businesses

that use materials, faces an

uncertain future regarding costs as a

frequently shifting stance on tariffs

takes hold in federal government policy.

Kaoud says tariffs on Canada would

not affect his business. He says Las

Vegas Stone doesn’t do any business

with China, so the company won’t be

affected by heavy tariffs on that country’s

goods and services. However, tariffs

on European materials that could

be as high as 25 percent are a concern.

With work lined up three years in

advance, Kaoud is confident he can

keep his army of 65 installers busy and

keep his revenue growth on target over

the next decade.

But despite his company’s strong

reputation and ability to tackle major

projects, Kaoud says he never takes

his customers for granted, regardless

of size. He feels that all of his customers

have contributed to the company’s

success, and many have helped him

weather hard times. As a result, Las

Vegas Stone respects managers of

large projects as well as individuals

re-flooring their homes. “We do jobs as

little as $2,000 to $10 million.”

As Kaoud enters the late phase of

his career, he is looking to burnish his

legacy.

Kaoud is proud of his showrooms,

and they, along with his many projects,

great and small, will ultimately be his

legacy. Kaoud’s brother switched his

focus to work in a growing retail sector

when the pair left Las Vegas and Rob’s

two sons, for a variety of reasons, will

not establish a fourth generation of

stonecutters.

So Kaoud looks to his showrooms

and the vast amount of his work that

adorns and enhances buildings across

the globe to carry his reputation and

artistry to future generations. Once

the business is sold, it will be up to the

new owners to carry Kaoud’s tradition

of hard work and first-class artisanship

forward.

Fortunately for Kaoud, his medium

is an enduring one. You might say his

legacy is written in stone.


new lower rents!

Application fees

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limited time!

43700 Van Dyke Avenue, Sterling Heights, MI 48314

COMING SPRING 2025

BRAND NEW ONE AND TWO BEDROOM APARTMENTS IN STERLING HEIGHTS

FEATURES & AMENITIES

• Energy efficient appliances,

including dishwasher

• Individual unit heating and cooling

• In-unit washer and dryer

• Granite countertops

April 2025

43700 Van Dyke Avenue, Sterling Heights, MI 48314

• Luxury flooring

• Cable and fiber Internet

• Controlled building access

• Central elevators

All residential units at Tigris Tower are

available for individuals and families at or

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*Please see chart for eligibility requirements.

• Professional on-site management

• Resident lounge and fitness center

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AVAILABILITY

UNIT REQUIREMENTS

NUMBER OF

BEDROOMS

NUMBER OF

UNITS

* ANTICIPATED

RENTAL RATE

HOUSEHOLD SIZE

MINIMUM

INCOME

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INCOME

1 BED 63 $1,025 1 $30,750.00 $40,320.00

2 $30,750.00 $46,080.00

3 $30,750.00 $51,840.00

To learn more and explore a

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2 BED 72 $1,224 1 $36,720.00 $40,320.00

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4 $36,720.00 $57,540.00

5 $36,720.00 $62,160.00

(248) 602-6745 | tigristower@continentalmgt.com


IN MEMORIAM

Faroq Marogy

Korkis

Apr 4, 1943 -

Feb 9, 2025

George Yatooma

Apr 14, 1946 -

Feb 10, 2025

Adib Aboudi

Hermiz

Dec 10, 1931 -

Feb 10, 2025

Abdulmasih Jerjis

Savaya

Jul 1, 1934 -

Feb 11, 2025

Sinsil Sheena

Shaman

Sep 20, 1934 -

Feb 13, 2025

Khalis Mikhail

Al-Atto

May 22, 1964 -

Feb 14, 2025

Kamila Sitto

Jan 2, 1942 -

Feb 14, 2025

Wardiya Adam

Jul 1, 1939 -

Feb 15, 2025

Souad Abbo

Hanna

Apr 20, 1946 -

Feb 16, 2025

Aster Khayo

Gorges

Jul 1, 1929 -

Feb 18, 2025

Mirna Matti

Apr 6, 1997 -

Feb 18, 2025

Sabiha “Sabrina”

Yousif Shaou

Sep 4, 1939 -

Feb 18, 2025

Faiha Thomas

Achoo

Nov 9, 1962 -

Feb 20, 2025

Sara Benjamin

Jul 1, 1934 -

Feb 21, 2025

Nadjat Ekkem

Feb 15, 1946 -

Feb 21, 2025

Yako (Jacob) Toma

Mikhou

Dec 11, 1961 -

Feb 22, 2025

Sami Hamou

Jul 1, 1939 -

Feb 23, 2025

Sara Touma Isaac

Jul 1, 1941 -

Feb 23, 2025

George Zora

Mikha

Apr 24, 1934 -

Feb 23, 2025

Evlin Jarbo

Sokana

Sept 3, 1942 -

Feb 24, 2025

Ghassan

Ghannam

Apr 9, 1959 -

Feb 25, 2025

Hani Jamil Jamil

Aug 29, 1949 -

Feb 24, 2025

Bashar Habib

Sako

Jul 13, 1969 -

Feb 25, 2025

Mary Rufail

Mansour

Jul 1, 1945 -

Feb 26, 2025

Harry P Konja

Mar 4, 1939 -

Feb 28, 2025

Jamal Sarhan

Jul 20, 1958 -

Feb 28, 2025

Adib Butros

Daimia

Apr 29, 1940 -

Mar 1, 2025

Khalidah Al-

Dabbagh

Sep 1, 1941 -

Mar 2, 2025

Putrus Gaggi

Jul 1, 1938 -

Mar 2, 2025

Nihad Wadi Murad

Al-Sheikh

Dec 16, 1938 -

Mar 3, 2025

Said Poullath

May 21, 1942 -

Mar 3, 2025

Samir George

Yousif

Nov 30, 1946 -

Mar 4, 2025

Jamal Saeed

Jul 1, 1944 -

Mar 8, 2025

Jack Jamil Sesi

Nov 9, 1950 -

Mar 8, 2025

Sharkia Salim

Poota

Feb 10, 1951 -

Mar 10, 2025

Amilda Hanna

Killu

Dec 27, 1935 -

Mar 11, 2025

Zohair Makdisi

Jul 1, 1948 -

Mar 11, 2025

Sarmad H. Sako

Aug 17, 1976 -

Mar 12, 2025

Peter Putrus Yaldo

Jun 5, 1950 -

Mar 13, 2025

Abdulkareem Yousif

Mansoor Yono

Jul 3, 1959 -

Mar 13, 2025


DEPRESSED

CALMNESS

THOUGHTS WORRY CONCERN

SELF-CARE ISSUESSTRESS

POSITIVITY FAMILY

GRIEF GLADNOISE

SICKNESS SADNESS

RESILIENCE

HAPPINESS RELAX AWARENESS

SAFETY MOURN LOSS BALANCE

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JOY

DISAPPOINTMENT

RESENTMENT

REGRET

HUMOR

FEAR

INSECURITY

BOREDOM

MENTAL

PAST

AGE

SELF-ESTEEM CONFIDENCE

REFLECTION

TRAUMA

LONELINESS DRAMA SHAME

OVERWHELMED

WELL-BEING

RECOVERY

MINDFULNESS

PAIN

PLAN

FRUSTRATION

CHILDHOOD

GROWTH

MIND

EMPOWERMENT

THINK

SUPPORT

PROJECT LIGHT

PROJECT LIGHT

MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM

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

self-destructive 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 regardless

of insurance status. 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.


3601 15 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48310


EVENT

Industry Outlook:

Strategic Advocacy

Nearly 90 CACC members shared an insightful evening

at the Chaldean American Chamber’s Industry

Outlook event on March 20. The event, hosted

by Vision Investment Partners, provided attendees

the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the

world of strategic advocacy. This special discussion

was moderated by Kevin Jappaya, president of KJ

Commercial Real Estate Advisors and Vice Chairman

of the CACC board of directors. Panelists were

Jim Holcomb, President & CEO of the Michigan

Chamber of Commerce, and Brian Calley, President

of the Small Business Association of Michigan.

Both industry leaders shared their expertise on the

current landscape of business advocacy and the

importance of effective strategic communication

in advancing legislative and regulatory goals. As

Michigan’s business climate continues to evolve,

understanding how to navigate the advocacy landscape

is more important than ever.

Clockwise from top left: CACC members enjoyed the refreshments provided by Vision Investment

Partners and the networking that always takes place at a Chamber event. Check-in was easy for this freeto-member

event. Sandiha Wine was provided at a generous open bar. L to R: Moderator Kevin Jappaya,

panelist Brian Calley, CACC president Martin Manna, and panelist Jim Holcomb. Guests mingled and

networked before the program began. L to R: Citizens State Bank’s president Dan Fischer, host Kevin

Denha of Vision Investment Partners, Rana Adou and Adiana Saputa, both from Citizen’s State Bank.


AWARD-WINNING ATTORNEY

ALEXANDER A. AYAR

Alexander Ayar is a highly respected attorney who focuses his

law practice on complex business litigation disputes. His clients

appropriately seek his legal counsel in matters of the highest

importance, including when the company is on the line and a

comprehensive legal strategy from an experienced lawyer is required.

HONORS & RECOGNITION

Super Lawyers (Business Litigation, Michigan)

DBusiness Top Lawyers (Business Litigation)

Avvo Rating: Superb (highest rating)

Martindale-Hubbell: AV Preeminent (highest rating)

Go To Business Litigators, Michigan Lawyers Weekly

Oakland County Executive Elite 40 Under 40

Up & Coming Lawyers, Michigan Lawyers Weekly

Attorney on the Rise, Chaldean American Bar

Special Tribute Recipient from the Michigan Legislature

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380 N. OLD WOODWARD, SUITE 300, BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009 248.642.0333 WWRPLAW.COM

024) 1

10/20/23 10:20 AM

APRIL 2025

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