FEBRUARY 2026

METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY VOL. 23 ISSUE I FEBRUARY 2026

A Legacy of

Leadership

COACH MUKHTAR

INSPIRES CHAMPIONS

PLUS:

Featuring:

Personal Poetry

Fashion Advice

CACC Businessperson of the Year

2026 WEDDING

TRENDS!

FEBRUARY 2026 CHALDEAN NEWS 3

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4 CHALDEAN NEWS FEBRUARY 2026

METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY | FEBRUARY 2026 | VOL. 23 ISSUE I

ON THE COVER

14 A Legacy of Leadership

Coach Thaier Mukhtar

By Sarah Kittle

DEPARTMENTS

14

FEATURES

18 Wedding Trends 2026

Getting personal

By Sarah Kittle

20 Words Without a Backspace

Poetry of Fadi Sitto

By Sarah Kittle

22 Timeless Style

Fashion rules to live by

By Natalie Shammami

24 Forming Hearts and Minds

New wings at Marian HS

By Sarah Kittle

26 Turning Vision Into Impact

Saad Nadhir is CACC’s

Businessperson of the Year

By CN Staff

28 Called to Serve

Everyday Heroes

By Steve Stein

6 From the Editor

Love is a Language

By Sarah Kittle

8 Foundation Update

CCF West classes, endowment initiative,

rebuilding Sacred Heart

10 Noteworthy

Rafi Kiti, Vanessa Denha Garmo

12 Iraq Today

U.S. Moves Out

By Qassim Abdul-Zahra/AP

13 U.S. Moves Out

Arabic Translation

30 Legal Update

AI and the Law

By Matthew Toma

32 Economics & Enterprise

LaFleur Cupcakes

By Eemi Toma

34 Culture & History

Al Mutanabbi Part II

By Dr. Adhid Miri

35 Culture & History Arabic

40 In Memoriam

42 Events

Breakfast With a Champion

20

X


FROM THE EDITOR

PUBLISHED BY

Chaldean News, LLC

Chaldean Community Foundation

Martin Manna

EDITORIAL

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Sarah Kittle

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sarah Kittle

Dr. Adhid Miri

Natalie Shammami

Steve Stein

Eemi Toma

Matthew Toma

ART & PRODUCTION

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

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Love is a Language

The second month of the year is when we

turn our attention to the topic of love. We

celebrate St. Valentine’s Day, devoted

to lovers, smack dab in the middle. February

is also when a whole lot of wedding planning

takes place, leading up to a big day—and a big

deal—later in the year.

In 2026, wedding trends are moving from

the theatrical to the personal. Weddings—and

even more so, receptions—are being treated as

an experience. In this issue, we explore what

that means, from bespoke jewelry and preserved florals

to meaningful, interactive activities that turn guests into

participants rather than spectators. Our wedding trends

feature reflects a broader shift we’re seeing across culture:

a desire for authenticity, intention, and connection.

If February is the month for lovers, poetry is their language.

From the great Al-Mutanabbi to a relative newcomer

on the scene, Fadi Sitto, poets have been setting the

stage for romance, longing, and reflection since history

was first recorded. Sitto’s work, featured in this issue, reminds

us that poetry is not frozen in time—it evolves with

the voices that carry it forward. Al-Mutanabbi, meanwhile,

is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, which

SARAH KITTLE

EDITOR

IN CHIEF

In 2026, wedding

trends are moving

from the theatrical

to the personal.

Weddings—and even

more so, receptions—

are being treated as

an experience.

is why we will feature a future series exploring his

original poetry.

Love also takes shape through leadership, service,

and commitment to others. Coach Thaier

Mukhtar’s legacy is one built on discipline, mentorship,

and decades of shaping young lives—on

and off the field. In a different arena, Saad Nadhir’s

recognition as the Chaldean American Chamber of

Commerce’s Businessperson of the Year highlights

what’s possible when vision is paired with purpose.

And in “Called to Serve,” we recognize everyday heroes

whose quiet acts of dedication

often go unnoticed, but

never unfelt.

I was saddened to hear

of Husam Zoro’s passing. His

interview was one of the very

first I conducted for Chaldean

News almost five years ago, in

April 2020. We kept in touch

through the years, and I was

blessed with his friendship.

His memory is one we honor

with gratitude and respect.

Love, in all its forms, is a language—spoken

through words,

actions, traditions, and legacy. We hope this issue speaks to you.

Sarah Kittle

Editor in Chief

Correction

In last month’s article, “Reclaiming a Voice,” ½ inch plastic

reel-to-reel tape was incorrectly identified as 8 mm tape.

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PUBLISHER'S CIRCLE

Join the

Publishers Circle

As the publication of record for Michigan’s

Chaldean community, the mission of the

Chaldean News is to preserve and archive

Chaldean heritage and history, and to tell the

ongoing story of Chaldean contributions to the

communities in which we live and work — in Michigan

and around the world.

In the past five years, the Chaldean News has

substantially increased its readership and social media

following, introduced new digital and website content, and

expanded storytelling with the help of small grant funding.

With the generous help of individuals and organizations,

together, we can ensure that this vital resource continues

to educate and connect the community, while evolving to

meet the needs of future generations.

We truly appreciate your support of our efforts to expand

and strengthen our coverage of the Chaldean community,

both locally and globally. We are excited about the

opportunities ahead, and your support will be essential

in helping us grow our digital presence, preserve our

cultural heritage, and tell even more compelling stories

about the Chaldean community.

You can take part in helping to preserve your

Chaldean heritage by joining the Publisher’s

Circle today. Together, we can continue to

ensure that the Chaldean News remains a

vital resource for generations to come.

wabeekcc.com

To learn more, visit chaldeannews.com

or contact us at 248-851-8600

Let’s grow the circle.


FOUNDATION UPDATE

Casual Day

In December, the CCF was nominated by the Macomb County

Board of Commissioners for the Macomb County Casual Day

Charitable Collections Program.

With department leader permission, participating employees

within Macomb County Government could wear casual clothing

to work on Fridays/designated days if they donate at least one

dollar to that month’s organization.

Fall 2025 Conversational Arabic Class participants with their completion certificates.

Keeping Chaldean Culture Alive

The new year is off to a great start at CCF West in West Bloomfield. Language and cooking classes are

back in session, bringing fresh energy and new opportunities for learning.

Before the holidays, the CCF West proudly celebrated the class completion of several students

for the fall session of the Sureth and Arabic language classes.

In Nana Bernadette’s Kitchen, participants recently learned how to make Kahi and Gammar.

Additional cooking classes are planned for February and March, each highlighting a Chaldean food

staple and led by guest chefs from our community.

For more information about upcoming events or ways to get involved, contact Farah Shammami

at farah.shammami@chaldeanfoundation.org or call 248.851.1200.

Future Forward

The CCF hosted members of the Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative (MCSCEI)

for a tour of their Sterling Heights facility on January 12, 2026.

As a proud grant recipient of the Children’s Endowment Initiative, CCF looks forward to strengthening

partnerships that support children and families in our community.

To learn more about how you can support the CCF in fundraising efforts, visit: https://yourchildrensfoundation.org/mcskidsforever

Susan Smith and Stacy Bahri accept the check at the

Macomb County Board of Commissioners Meeting on

January 22, 2026 on behalf of the CCF.

Rebuilding Sacred Heart

Under the patronage and presence of Mr. Abdul Qader Al-Dakheel,

Governor of Nineveh, and at the kind invitation of His Excellency

Mar Najeeb Mikhael, Archbishop of Mosul and Aqra for

the Chaldean Catholics, and in coordination with the Iraq office

of the Chaldean Community Foundation, a ceremony was held

on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at the site of the Church of the

Sacred Heart of Jesus in Telkeif, marking the beginning of its rehabilitation.

The work is part of a new fund created by Prime Minister Al-

Sudani, at the request of the Chaldean Community Foundation,

to rehabilitate the Christian Villages in the Nineveh Plain. Additional

projects are expected soon, which will include the removal

of debris in Batnaya and support for the St George Monastery.

Abdul Qader Al-Dakheel and Mar Najeeb Mikhael stand with

the crowd during the ceremony for the Sacred Heart Church

rehabilitation on December 23.

Upcoming Events

CCF Staff with Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative’s Andrew Stein, Kelly

Brittain, Lisa Ford and Maddie Wyatt.

Register for Chaldean Community Foundation’s upcoming

events! For more information, visit chaldeanfoundation.org.


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NOTEWORTHY

Entering the Hall of Fame

Rafid Kiti etched his name into Oregon Institute of

Technology men’s basketball history as one of the

program’s most dominant and prolific scorers — and

he may now hold a distinction that extends well beyond

the court. With his accomplishments, Kiti is

believed to be the first Chaldean basketball player inducted

into an American college hall of fame, marking

a historic milestone for the Chaldean community.

In just two seasons at Oregon Tech, Kiti amassed

1,399 career points, earning NAIA All-District II honors

twice and becoming the program’s first-ever firstteam

NAIA Division II All-American in 1994. During

his standout career, he scored 20 or more points in 47

games, including an extraordinary stretch of 13 consecutive

games with at least 20 points.

More than 30 years later, Kiti’s legacy endures.

He still holds the No. 4 and No. 6 all-time single season

scoring averages in OIT history and remains one

of only two players in program history to average at

least 20 points and 10 rebounds in a season.

Rafid Kiti was inducted into the Oregon Tech Hall

of Fame in 2025.

Closing the Communication Gap

Vanessa Denha Garmo’s newly published

book Conversations That Create the Culture

explores how communication — when done

with intention, consistency, and humility

— shapes organizational culture, employee

engagement, and the bottom line. Drawing

on more than 25 years of experience in communications,

leadership coaching, and organizational

strategy, Garmo introduces the

concept of a communications assessment

or audit as a practical, non-intimidating

tool to identify gaps, clarify messaging, and

strengthen both internal and external relationships.

Through real-world examples,

personal reflection, and relatable storytelling,

she shows how communication disconnects

can quietly erode trust, morale, and

productivity if left unaddressed.

Structured as an interactive workbook

built around 11 key insights, the book

guides leaders to assess communication

channels, consistency, culture, and alignment

with organizational goals. Garmo

underscores that communication is relational,

not transactional — shaping everything

from workplace conversations to

executive leadership in moments of crisis.

Garmo’s new book was released

on January 9, 2026.

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IRAQ TODAY

PHOTO BY HADI MIZBAN/AP

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani attends the Army Day celebrations in Baghdad, Iraq, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026.

U.S. Moves Out

Iraqi army fully takes over key base following U.S. withdrawal

BY QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA ASSOCIATED PRESS

BAGHDAD (AP) — U.S. forces have fully withdrawn

from an air base in western Iraq in implementation

of an agreement with the Iraqi

government, Iraqi officials said.

Washington and Baghdad agreed in 2024

to wind down a U.S.-led coalition fighting the

Islamic State group in Iraq by September 2025,

with U.S. forces departing bases where they

had been stationed.

However, a small unit of U.S. military advisers

and support personnel remained. Iraqi

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in

October told journalists that the agreement

originally stipulated a full pullout of U.S. forces

from the Ain al-Asad air base in western Iraq

by September. But “developments in Syria”

since then required maintaining a “small unit”

of between 250 and 350 advisers and security

personnel at the base.

Now all U.S. personnel have departed.

Iraqi Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Abdul

Amir Rashid Yarallah oversaw the assignment

of tasks and duties to various military units at

the base on Saturday following the withdrawal

of U.S. forces and the Iraqi Army’s full assumption

of control over the base, the military said

in a statement.

The statement added that Yarallah “instructed

relevant authorities to intensify efforts,

enhance joint work, and coordinate

between all units stationed at the base, while

making full use of its capabilities and strategic

location.”

A Ministry of Defense official who spoke on

condition of anonymity because he was not authorized

to comment publicly confirmed that

all U.S. forces had departed the base and had

also removed all American equipment from it.

There was no statement from the U.S. military

on the withdrawal.

U.S. forces have retained a presence in the

semi-autonomous Kurdish region in northern

Iraq and in neighboring Syria.

The departure of U.S. forces may strengthen

the hand of the government in discussions

around disarmament of non-state armed

groups in the country, some of which have

used the presence of U.S. troops as justification

for keeping their own weapons.

Al-Sudani said in a July interview with The

Associated Press that once the coalition withdrawal

is complete, “there will be no need or

no justification for any group to carry weapons

outside the scope of the state.”


الجيش العراقي يسيطر بالكامل عىل قاعدة

رئيسية بعد االنسحاب األمرييك

بقلم قاسم عبد الزهرة،‏ وكالة أسوشيتد برس

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بغداد ‏)أ ف ب(‏ - قال مسؤولون عراقيون يوم

السبت إن القوات األمريكية انسحبت بالكامل

من قاعدة جوية يف غرب العراق تنفيذا التفاق

مع الحكومة العراقية.‏

سبق واتفقت واشنطن وبغداد يف عام 2024 عىل

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والذي يقاتل تنظيم الدولة اإلسالمية يف العراق

بحلول سبتمرب 2025، ومغادرة القوات األمريكية

القواعد التي كانت تتمركز فيها.‏ ومع ذلك،‏

بقيت وحدة صغرية من املستشارين العسكريني

األمريكيني وأفراد الدعم.‏

وقال رئيس الوزراء العراقي محمد شياع السوداين

للصحفيني يف أكتوبر إن االتفاق نص يف األصل عىل

انسحاب كامل للقوات األمريكية من قاعدة عني

األسد الجوية يف غرب العراق بحلول سبتمرب،‏ لكن

‏»التطورات يف سوريا«‏ منذ ذلك الحني تتطلب

اإلبقاء عىل ‏»وحدة صغرية«‏ ترتاوح بني 250 و

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اآلن غادر جميع األفراد األمريكان

أرشف رئيس أركان الجيش العراقي الفريق أول

الركن عبد األمري رشيد يار الله عىل توزيع املهام

والواجبات عىل مختلف الوحدات العسكرية

يف القاعدة يوم السبت عقب انسحاب القوات

األمريكية وتويل الجيش العراقي السيطرة الكاملة

عىل القاعدة،‏ بحسب بيان للجيش العراقي.‏

وأضاف البيان أن يار الله ‏»وجه الجهات املعنية

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وأكد مسؤول بوزارة الدفاع،‏ تحدث رشيطة عدم

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علنا،‏ أن جميع القوات األمريكية غادرت القاعدة

وأزالت أيضا جميع املعدات األمريكية منها.‏

مل يصدر أي بيان من الجيش األمرييك بشأن

االنسحاب

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الكردية شبه املستقلة يف شامل العراق ويف سوريا

املجاورة.‏

وقد يعزز رحيل القوات األمريكية موقف

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املسلحة غري الحكومية يف البالد،‏ والتي استخدم

بعضها وجود القوات األمريكية كمربر لالحتفاظ

بأسلحتها.‏

وقال السوداين يف مقابلة مع وكالة األسوشيتد

برس يف يوليو إنه مبجرد اكتامل انسحاب التحالف

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COVER STORY

A Legacy of Leadership

Coach Thaier Mukhtar molds champions

BY SARAH KITTLE

For more than four decades,

Coach Thaier Mukhtar has

shaped one of Michigan’s most

respected high school soccer programs,

leading De La Salle Collegiate

High School in Warren to hundreds

of victories, multiple state championships,

and a reputation for excellence

that extends far beyond the field.

Yet for Mukhtar, the true measure

of success has never been trophies or

banners.

“You’re not going to remember the

rings,” he often tells his players. “You’re

going to remember the journey—the

brothers you went through it with.”

PHOTOS BY MIKE BALDAROTTA

A Calling Discovered Through

Coaching

Mukhtar joined De La Salle in 1983,

the same year the school relocated

from Detroit’s east side to Warren. Just

22 years old, he coached one season

at the junior varsity level before being

named varsity head coach—a role he

would go on to define for generations.

At the time, teaching was not part

of his plan.

“I never thought I’d be a teacher,”

Mukhtar said. “Coaching was what I

loved.”

Encouraged by De La Salle leadership

and his wife, Sonia, Mukhtar returned

to Wayne State University in his

late 20s to earn his teaching certification.

By his early 30s, he had found his calling

in Catholic education—one rooted in discipline,

mentorship, and service.

“I truly believe this is why God put

me here,” he said.

Known for his no-nonsense approach,

Mukhtar holds his students

and players to firm standards. Deadlines

matter. Punctuality matters. Accountability

matters.

“In the real world, there are consequences,”

he said. “I’m preparing

them for that.”

That structure extends into both

the classroom and the soccer field.

MUKHTAR continued on page 16


led De La Salle’s

Varsity soccer team to

back-to-back championships

in 2024-2025.


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COVER STORY

MUKHTAR continued from page 14

Mukhtar is unapologetically old

school. Cell phones are not allowed.

“I don’t allow phones in class or on

the field,” he said. “I’m not a big tech

guy. I don’t even have Facebook. I’m

still on MySpace. No one talks to me

anymore,” he added with a laugh.

But those who know him best say his

discipline is always balanced by care.

“The kids accept the hard rules because

they know I care about them,”

Mukhtar said. “That’s the key.” His advice

to young teachers and coaches is

simple: students will accept discipline

if they know you love them.

Mukhtar insists teaching is the best

job in the world—even if, as he jokes,

it’s not the most lucrative.

“You’re never going to get rich being

a teacher,” he said. “If I wasn’t

teaching, I’d probably own four or five

gas stations.”

Before finding his calling, Mukhtar

actually owned a party store and a video

store. He shares those experiences—and

his missteps—with students

as part of his philosophy of honesty.

He often tells them how his own

academic struggles shaped his path.

“I didn’t get into the first college

I wanted because I didn’t have the

grades,” he said. “I sat in a chair at

Warren Mott and got passing grades

because I showed up every day.”

The only accolades he received in

school, he tells them, were for perfect

attendance.

That story is central to his emphasis

on academics. Mukhtar regularly

explains to players why grades matter

just as much as goals.

“If you have a higher GPA, you’re

more attractive to colleges,” he said.

“They don’t have to spend as much

money if there’s an academic scholarship

along with an athletic one.”

That transparency has helped foster

lifelong relationships. Former players

stay in touch for decades, return to

campus to visit, and invite Mukhtar to

weddings and major life milestones.

“Our motto is ‘Builders of Boys, Makers

of Men,’” he said. “I’m teaching them

things to make them better people.”

One former player from the 1990s,

Mike Baldarotta, now has two sons

playing for De La Salle. He remembers

Mukhtar as demanding—but transformative.

“He was tough on me, but it was totally

worth it,” Baldarotta said. “He’s

the only coach I ever had that I still call

‘Coach.’ We all do.”

Man of the Year

In 2025, De La Salle honored Mukhtar

as Man of the Year. More than 850 people

attended the event—many of them

former students and athletes—making

it one of the school’s most successful

fundraisers.

“That night was overwhelming,”

Mukhtar said. “It reminded me why I

do this.”

Mukhtar’s teams are known for

disciplined play, strong conditioning,

and a selfless, possession-based style

built around teamwork rather than individual

stars.

“We have to move the ball better

than anyone else to win,” he said.

“That’s how we won the state championship

last year, and that’s how we

won it again this year.”

In 2024 and 2025, De La Salle captured

back-to-back state championships,

earning praise not only for performance,

but also for sportsmanship.

Still, Mukhtar insists wins are secondary.

“The lessons are bigger than

soccer,” he said. “This is about life.”

He admits he doesn’t know his

exact career statistics—only that he’s

a handful of wins away from 900, a

number he tracks mainly because he

has to update his summer camp brochure

each year. What he does know is

that he has sent well over 100 players

on to compete at the college level.

Each season ends the same way.

“At the end of the year, I sit down

one-on-one with every returning player,”

Mukhtar said. “We talk about what

they need to improve, and what they

liked and didn’t like.”

Beyond one- and two-touch soccer,

players learn teamwork, resilience,

humility, and how to handle adversity—skills

Mukhtar believes matter just

as much off the field as on it.

Pride in Faith and Chaldean Identity

Born in Baghdad and raised in a Chaldean

household after immigrating to

the United States at age six, Mukhtar

openly shares his background with his

students.

“I don’t just say I’m Middle Eastern,”

he said. “I say I’m Chaldean.”

He is candid with his students. On

one occasion, when a cousin stopped

by his classroom, Mukhtar greeted

Coach and

the team

bow their

heads in

prayer before

a game.

“For me, it’s always been about helping young men become strong,

confident, and grounded…If I did that, then I did my job.”

– Coach Thaier Mukhtar

him with a kiss. “I tell them that’s

how we do things,” he said. “We respect

each other. Even if my dad is

100 percent wrong, I would never talk

back to my dad. If my uncle was 100

percent wrong, I would never talk

back to my uncle.”

He often speaks about faith, respect

for elders, and the work ethic instilled

by immigrant parents—values

that continue to guide his approach to

education and leadership.

“My parents taught me not to make

excuses,” he said. “You work for what

you want.”

Mukhtar is clear about how he

wants his story told.

“I don’t want people talking about

championships,” he said. “I want

them to say I believed in them.”

Years after graduation, former

players still recall the demanding practices,

the discipline they once resisted,

and the expectations that pushed

them beyond what they thought possible.

Those lessons, Mukhtar says, are

the real victories.

“For me, it’s always been about

helping young men become strong,

confident, and grounded,” he said. “If

I did that, then I did my job.”


3

2

4

6

5

1

Center of page:


proudly displays the State

Championship trophy

for Boys Soccer that De

La Salle Collegiate High

School won again in 2025.

Coach has developed a

strong personal relationship

with the young men

on his team that often

lasts beyond the high

school soccer field.

7


8

FEATURE

From left: Christan Marie Designs

creates custom wedding bands and

other unique jewelry to make the

moment special. Valerie Dado turns

bridal bouquets and other wedding

flowers into serving trays and coasters

to preserve the memory.

often include unique touches in their

bouquets, and I try to incorporate those

elements whenever possible,” she says.

The process is meticulous and

time-consuming. After receiving a

bouquet, Valerie dries the flowers for

about a month before beginning the

resin pouring process, which can take

several additional weeks. The final

result is a memory frozen in time—

a striking reminder of a day that will

never come again.

Instagram plays a pivotal role

in her business, allowing Valerie to

showcase her finished work and connect

directly with clients. “Instagram

is essentially my business,” she says.

“I love surprising brides with the finished

piece and seeing their reaction—

it’s the best part of what I do.”

Valerie’s work ranges from small

keepsakes, like coasters or keychains,

to showstopping creations, such as a

16-inch side table crafted entirely from

resin and preserved flowers. Pricing

is flexible, making it accessible for a

wide range of budgets—from $10 ornaments

to $1,000 custom tables.

For brides considering preserving

their wedding flowers, Valerie advises

planning ahead. “Contact me in advance

so I can prepare materials and

ensure your flowers are at their freshest,”

she says. “It makes the whole

process smoother, and you get the

most beautiful result.”

What started as a hobby fueled by

curiosity and creativity has blossomed

into a thriving business, one that combines

artistry, storytelling, and the

preservation of precious memories.

For Valerie Dado, each resin piece

is more than just a work of art—it’s a

tangible connection to life’s most treasured

moments.

Wedding Trends 2026

Tradition meets personal expression

BY SARAH KITTLE

When it comes to Chaldean

weddings, the celebration

has always extended beyond

a single day. Layered with faith,

family and detail — from the rings exchanged

at the altar to the flowers carried

down the aisle and from the invitation

to the reception — 2026 wedding

trends lean further into personalization

and intentional design. Couples

planning to wed this year are finding

meaningful ways to blend modern aesthetics

with time-honored traditions.

Across the industry, weddings are

becoming less about rigid formulas

and more about storytelling. For Chaldean

couples, that shift feels natural.

Their celebrations have long been rich

with symbolism and deeply personal

touches — now expressed through a

contemporary lens.

Memories in Resin

For many brides, the wedding day is a

fleeting, magical moment—full of joy,

love, and memories that pass in the

blink of an eye. Valerie Dado, a West

Bloomfield-based dental hygienist

turned resin artist, has found a way

to capture those moments and make

them last forever. Through her bridalfocused

resin pieces, she transforms

flowers, invitations, and keepsakes

into lasting mementos that tell the

story of a couple’s most cherished day.

Valerie’s journey into resin art began

unexpectedly. “I was pregnant

with my third child and scrolling on

Instagram when I came across resin

projects,” she recalls. “I became obsessed,

watching videos and reading

about it. I didn’t even know I had this

artistic side until I tried it myself.” She

began experimenting with small decorative

items—trays, keychains, and

coasters—but her first foray into wedding

preservation came at the request

of a friend: a bridal bouquet she could

preserve as a keepsake.

“It was my first real attempt at flower

preservation,” Valerie explains. “I had

to learn new techniques and even find

the right type of resin. But when it came

out beautifully, I knew I had found a

direction I wanted to pursue.” Today,

flower preservation forms the core of her

business, though she still creates a variety

of resin items for her clients.

Valerie emphasizes that her work

is more than just a craft—it is a delicate

balance of artistry, storytelling, and

technical precision. Each piece begins

with a careful design process, where

she visualizes the layout and composition

of the preserved flowers, ensuring

the finished piece is both beautiful and

meaningful. “You can throw flowers in

a mold and preserve them, but the way

I design them, I want it to look like art

and tell the story of the day,” she says.

Her clientele largely reflects the

Chaldean community in West Bloomfield,

Sterling Heights, and nearby areas.

Valerie has preserved countless

bridal bouquets, invitations, and even

rosaries, tailoring each piece to reflect

the individual tastes and cultural traditions

of her clients. “Chaldean brides

Timeless Jewelry in a Trend-Driven

World

By the time a bride slips on her engagement

ring, the piece has already lived

a journey of intention, craftsmanship

and emotion. For Christan Marie Designs,

that journey is never just about

metal and stones — it is about legacy.

With more than 30 years in the

jewelry industry and seven years under

her own name, Christan Marie has

become a trusted designer for couples

seeking wedding jewelry that feels

timeless, personal and enduring. Her

work reflects some of the strongest

bridal trends of 2026: customization

and a return to classic elegance.

“Trends come and go, but timeless

design never does,” she says. “My

best advice is to choose something you

know you’ll love 50 years from now.”

While weddings themselves are becoming

more creative and immersive,

engagement rings are moving in the

opposite direction — toward simplicity.

Plain solitaires paired with eternity

bands dominate.

Yellow gold, once considered dated,

has made a full comeback, often

paired with white gold or platinum

in two-tone designs. Mixed metals,

Christan Marie notes, are especially

popular among Chaldean brides who

want versatility without sacrificing

tradition.

“I love this trend,” she says. “Twotone

pieces let you mix and match.

They’re so versatile.”

She shared a story of a customer

who was picking out earrings for his

wife as a Christmas present: “Initially,

he said, ‘I’ll take the yellow ones.’ I

informed him that white and gold

were all the same earring and the day

after Christmas, he sent a message

that said, ‘She went crazy over the earrings!’

That’s what I love to hear!”

Custom design remains central

to her work, particularly for families

passing down heirloom diamonds or

gold. Resetting a grandmother’s stone

into a modern solitaire is increasingly


common — a perfect example of how

Chaldean couples are honoring the

past while embracing the present.

Recently, Christan Marie had a client

who wanted his grandmother’s

ring reset. “It was a very old diamond

— a marquis,” she remembers. “It was

very pretty.”

When she first started in the industry,

they didn’t have computer aided

design (CAD). “It was all wax models,

which were carved by a designer,” she

explains. These days with modern

tools, the process is much shorter —

about two weeks — unless the design

is totally new.

Christan Marie once had a client

Christan Marie stands in front of a

display case in her store front.

who requested a design for a pendant

for his horse-loving wife. The designer

had questions: “Do you want it 3-dimensional?

Do you want stones? Will

it be engraved?” A design like that

could take up to a month.

Another recent industry change

is the introduction of lab-grown diamonds.

“They are an attractive option

because you can get a bigger stone for

less money,” says Christan Marie. “The

difference is that the natural stone is always

going to hold some type of value.”

The designer is also seeing more

21-karat gold in place of 14K or 18K for

Chaldean clients. The purity is higher,

but the metal is softer. With the price

of gold at more than $4,500 per ounce,

she offers this advice: “Right now, I

would say platinum is the way to go.”

Over the years, her firm has developed

relationships with families. It’s

meaningful to her because she gets to

be part of their personal story.

“You’re not just buying a ring,” she

says. “You’re creating a piece that tells

your story.”

The Bigger Picture: How 2026

Weddings Are Evolving

Beyond bouquets and rings, 2026 weddings

are defined by experience. Couples

are shifting away from overly formal,

tightly scripted celebrations and

leaning into immersive, guest-focused

moments — something Chaldean weddings

have long excelled at.

Welcome tables are becoming curated

arrival experiences with drinks,

small bites and personalized signage.

Décor is increasingly art-inspired,

with sculptural florals, textured linens

and bold color palettes replacing

safe black-and-white schemes. Jewel

tones, sunset hues and mixed metals

are everywhere — even influencing engagement

rings through emeralds and

colored sapphires.

Lighting has become a statement

element, transforming ballrooms with

chandeliers, lantern clusters and dramatic

draping. Photography continues

its move toward editorial candids and

film-style nostalgia, capturing weddings

as living, breathing stories rather

than staged checklists.

Couples are also rethinking traditions.

Some are skipping bridal parties

altogether. Others are opting for

private cake cuttings, shared cocktails

instead of dessert ceremonies, or interactive

entertainment in place of expected

moments like bouquet tosses.

The common thread is intention.

Where It All Comes Together

For Chaldean couples, these trends

don’t feel like departures — they feel

like refinements. Jewelry that honors

generations. Flowers preserved long

after the music fades. Celebrations designed

around connection rather than

performance.

“You’re part of a sacred covenant

in people’s lives,” Christan Marie says.

“You don’t just work with one couple

— you work with their children, their

grandchildren. You become family.”

That sense of continuity is what defines

Chaldean weddings, no matter

how styles shift. As 2026 approaches, the

most meaningful trend of all remains unchanged:

creating beauty that lasts long

after the wedding day ends.

Valerie Dado can be found on

Instagram @ValerieDadoResinArt.

Contact Christan Marie at

christanmariedesigns.com.

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detroit

est. 1953

the pioneers of car washing

Now with over

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locations!

jaxkarwash.com


FEATURE

Words Without a Backspace

The singular poetry of Fadi Y. Sitto

BY SARAH KITTLE

When couples tie the knot,

they hope their day will be

unforgettable. Fadi Y. Sitto

ensures it is. Using a typewriter, Sitto

listens to wedding guests and newlyweds

alike, translating conversation,

laughter, and quiet glances into live,

spontaneous poetry.

Sitto wasn’t always a traveling

poet. When he finally listened to the

pull of his heart, the shift was immediate

and irreversible. He stopped

writing press releases and magazine

articles and chose the more uncertain

path of poetry—not as a hobby, but

as a calling. “It didn’t make my heart

pump out of my chest,” he says of his

former work. Poetry did.

Today, Sitto is a best-selling Chaldean

American poet, an Arizona Poet

Laureate nominee (2019), and one of

only seven poets in history to have a

poem recited in outer space. For Sitto,

it was a moment that fused the deeply

human with the cosmic, a theme that

has quietly defined his life’s work.

Sitto grew up in Detroit, a place he

still speaks of with warmth and reverence.

Though his family moved away

when he was a teenager, he says the

city and its Chaldean community are

still a big part of who he is. “Detroit

and my community back there have

never left me,” he says. That sense of

collective memory—of history carried

in the blood—continues to inform his

writing.

After years of travel and freelance

writing, Sitto eventually settled in Arizona.

Yet even then, something was

missing. He was writing constantly, but

without purpose. “If I wasn’t writing, I

didn’t feel right,” he says. “It was almost

like breathing—I had to do it.” What he

didn’t yet know was how that compulsion

would evolve into a livelihood.

The Typewriter Revelation

The turning point came not in a classroom

or a publisher’s office, but in a

park in Peru. Sitto noticed two elderly

men typing letters for passersby on

manual typewriters. Tourists lined up,

drawn by the nostalgia, the sound, the

human connection. “Something about

it brought me back,” he says. “The instrument,

the clicking, the presence.”

That moment sparked an idea that

would define Sitto’s career: live, spontaneous

poetry created on a typewriter,

one-on-one, in real time.

Today, that instrument is most

often a rare 1945 mint-green Hermes

typewriter. There is no White Out, no

second draft—each verse exists only

once, making every moment immortal

on archival vellum. “There’s no backspace,”

he says. “It’s like acting in a

play versus filming a movie. What happens,

happens.”

Though Sitto does accept commissioned

work—everything from love poems

to eulogies—he admits he prefers

writing for strangers. “It’s a clean slate,”

he says. “No bias. I only know your first

name.” That blankness is what allows

the work to flow without obstruction.

“I never get writer’s block,” he

adds. “Because every person is a new

beginning.”

His intuition can be uncanny,

sometimes unsettling. Guests ask if

he’s psychic. He shakes his head. “I’m

just paying attention,” he says. “People

want to be seen and heard. That’s

what I’m really doing.”

That attentiveness led, improbably,

to space.


Dr. Sian Proctor first encountered

Sitto at an event, where he had written

a poem for her friend. After being

selected as pilot for the Inspiration4

mission, Proctor commissioned Sitto

to write a poem she could carry with

her into orbit.

In September 2021, as Earth drifted

silently below, Proctor recited Sitto’s

words aloud in space. With that moment,

Sitto became the first Chaldean—and

one of only seven poets in

history—to have a poem escape Earth’s

boundaries.

“It’s my biggest claim to fame,”

he says, smiling. “And I don’t take it

lightly.”

Poetry at Weddings

Sitto’s work has found a natural home

at weddings, where about 80 percent

of his bookings occur. Couples, their

families, and guests approach his

high-top typewriter table, often waiting

for hours. Each interaction begins

with casual conversation that deepens

quickly, as Sitto listens to stories, observes

body language, and asks questions

that uncover love, humor, and

humanity.

“I give what I call an honest, intuitive

appraisal of your vibe through

verse,” he says. As he types, a poem

takes shape in three to five minutes,

typically 12 to 18 lines. Guests do not

watch him type; they wait until the

final lines appear, and the poem is

theirs to take home.

“It doesn’t belong to me,” he says.

“It’s theirs.”

The reactions are often emotional—

tears, laughter, hugs, and long-lasting

memories. Some couples frame their

poems, and one guest even told Sitto

she planned to be buried with hers.

Weddings, in particular, allow him to

capture moments of vulnerability and

joy, producing poetry that is as unique

as the couples themselves.

In 2026, weddings are increasingly

focused on personalization and immersive

guest experiences. Couples

want their celebrations to feel intimate,

unique, and memorable, with

experiences that go beyond décor, music,

or traditional rituals. Sitto’s live

typewriter poetry fits perfectly into this

trend, turning guests into participants

and giving everyone at the wedding

a personalized keepsake to treasure.

Each poem is not just a verse—it’s a

record of connection, emotion, and

shared stories that become part of the

couple’s day forever.

Sitto’s presence elevates the wedding

from a series of staged moments to

a curated journey of meaningful interaction.

Guests laugh, cry, and embrace

while receiving a poem that reflects the

authentic spirit of the couple and the

community gathered around them. In

an era when couples seek celebrations

that stand out, Sitto’s work offers offers

originality and intimacy within a form

of art that leaves a lasting impression

on every attendee.

Despite the crowds, the work remains

deeply personal. Before each

event, Sitto isolates himself, clearing his

mind through silence, prayer, and visualization.

Rooted in both his Chaldean

Catholic upbringing and the spiritual

practices he encountered abroad, the

ritual prepares him to be fully present.

“I want to be clear,” he says. “Open

to receive.”

That openness is what makes the

experience feel less like entertainment

and more like communion—a rare

pause in a distracted world, captured

forever on archival vellum paper.

“Poetry is a lost art,” Sitto says.

“But people are craving it. They’re

craving connection.”

And with each click of his typewriter,

Fadi Y. Sitto answers that craving—

one unique poem at a time.

Fadi travels outside his state, including

to Michigan, for weddings and events.

To enlist Fadi’s services, find him on

Instagram @fadipoetryevents, visit his

website at fadipoetry.com, call 480-323-

9158, or email info@fadipoetry.com.


FEATURE

Timeless Style:

The Rules I Live By

BY NATALIE SHAMMAMI

Great style isn’t about trends, it’s about presence.

Style is a language. Long before you speak,

your clothes do the talking. They signal confidence,

intention, and self-awareness or the lack of it.

And while trends will always come and go, the way

you carry yourself never goes out of style.

The most stylish people in the room aren’t always

wearing the most expensive clothes. They’re wearing

pieces that fit, feel intentional, and reflect who they

are. That’s what this guide is about; building a wardrobe

that works for you, not against you.

The Rules I Live By

1. When in doubt, wear black.

This rule never fails. Black is timeless, chic, and quietly

powerful. A black dress, a black blazer, even a

simple black tee done right instantly sharpens your

look. It’s the color that shows up for you when you

don’t feel like overthinking.

2. Never dress how you feel.

We all have days when energy is low. That’s exactly

when dressing well matters most. The right outfit

changes your posture, your mood, and how you

move through the day. Get dressed with intention,

and the confidence will follow.

3. It’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it.

Style isn’t about labels. You can wear something simple

and look incredible, or something expensive and

look uncomfortable. Presence, fit, and confidence

will always outshine a logo.

The Staples That Do the Heavy Lifting

For Women:

• The Little Black Dress: effortless, reliable, and

endlessly wearable.

• A statement coat in fur, faux, or structured wool.

It’s the first thing people see, and it sets the tone.

• Tailored pants & a blazer: polished enough for

work, cool enough for dinner.

• Elevated accessories: a great bag, bold earrings,

or metallic shoes that feel intentional, not overdone.

For Men:

• Drivers and polished dress shoes. Both are nonnegotiable.

• An elevated sneaker that’s sleek, clean, and

dinner appropriate.

• A sports coat, the most versatile piece in a man’s

wardrobe.

• A quality belt: understated, classic,

and often overlooked.

Outfit Formulas That Never Miss

For Women:

• Black dress + statement coat + heels you can

confidently walk in

• Tailored pants + silky blouse + structured bag

• Jeans + chic blazer + sleek booties. Effortless

and pulled together

For Men:

• Sports coat + crisp tee + jeans + elevated

sneakers

• Sports coat + button-down +

tailored pants + drivers or dress shoes

• A black suit and tie, only when

the moment truly calls for it

Wedding Attire

Weddings aren’t the time to

reinvent yourself; they’re the

time to show up polished,

respectful, and put together.

Your look should

feel like the elevated

version of your style,

not a costume. Think

refined, clean, and intentional.

You can look sexy without being

loud. A fitted dress, a slit, or a lower neckline is perfectly

fine, just choose one moment and let it speak.

When the outfit is balanced, it reads confident, not

attention-seeking.

And let’s be honest: white isn’t “taboo,” it’s just

distracting. It photographs the loudest and it pulls

focus, which is exactly why it belongs to the bride.

The most stylish people don’t need rules spelled out.

They just get it.

For women, fabric and fit matter more than sparkle.

For men, a tailored suit with clean shoes says

everything it needs to. At a wedding, the goal isn’t to

outshine the room. It’s to look like you understand

the moment, and you showed up well.

A Few Things Worth Remembering

• Wear what flatters you. Trends aren’t personal, fit is.

• Shoes matter more than people realize. If you

can’t walk comfortably, it shows. And if you can’t

handle the “So Kates,” don’t make them look bad.

There’s always another shoe.

• Details count. A mismatched belt or worn shoes

can quietly undo an otherwise great outfit.

• You don’t need designer labels to look expensive.

One strong statement piece goes a long way.

• Chasing every trend is exhausting. Timeless

style is effortless.

Final Word

Great style isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention.

When you know what works for you, getting

dressed becomes easier and showing up becomes

more confident.

Remember this: when in doubt, wear black; never

dress how you feel; and understand that it’s not

what you wear, it’s how you wear it.

Get dressed like you mean it.


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


FEATURE

Students in one of Marian’s new classrooms in the Wanink Art Wing.

Forming Hearts and Minds

Marian High School opens new art and science wings

BY SARAH KITTLE

Marian High School marked a

significant milestone late last

year with the official opening

of its new Wanink Art Wing and Fisher

Family Science Wing, a major step forward

in the school’s long-term campus

improvement plan. The ribbon cutting,

held October 28, celebrated the completion

of Phase One of a multi-year renovation

campaign aimed at enhancing

both academic rigor and creative exploration

for students.

Students are already fully immersed

in the new spaces, which school leaders

say are transforming not only how

classes look, but how teaching and

learning happen every day.

“This is probably the largest and

most impactful phase of our campaign,”

said Marian President Heather

Sofran, a Marian alumna herself.

“These spaces truly elevate the experience

for our students—academically,

creatively, and holistically.”

A Dedicated Home for STEM

The new science wing consolidates Marian’s

STEM classrooms into one modern,

fully equipped hub. The renovation includes

five science laboratories and a

computer lab, all redesigned to support

hands-on learning and collaboration.

“The functionality is what has

changed everything,” said Stacey

Cushman, Marian Principal and longtime

educator and administrator.

“Every lab group has access to sinks,

movable tables, pull-down electrical

outlets, and modern equipment.

Students aren’t watching science anymore—they’re

doing it.”

Teachers report that the updated

Ray and Sue Rabahy Ebbing (Class

of ’77) outside the new science

classroom named in their honor.

design allows for flexible room configurations,

improved safety features such

as large fume hoods, and easier access

to microscopes, laptops, and lab tools.

The result is a learning environment

that mirrors what students will encounter

in college-level science courses.

“Our goal is for students

to walk into a university

lab and feel confident and

prepared,” Cushman said.

“This gets them there.”

Art as a Core Pillar of

Education

While many schools nationwide

are reducing arts programming,

Marian chose to

expand it—intentionally and

visibly.

What began as a logistical

reorganization grew into

a full-scale art wing, now

named in honor of alumna

Billie Jo Wanink, Class of

1963. Wanink, an interior

designer and business owner,

left Marian a significant


Above: Madeline

Kizy (Class of

’27) in one of the

Fisher Family Science

Wing’s new

classrooms.

Left: Lana Kovachevich

(’27)

(left) and Chloe

Mati (’27) in their

new science classroom.

estate gift with the intention of directly

impacting students’ daily lives.

“Her gift came at exactly the right

moment,” Sofran said. “It felt like divine

intervention.”

The Billie Jo Wanink Art Wing

includes a digital media lab, painting

and drawing studio, and a fully

equipped pottery studio with double

the number of pottery wheels previously

available. Kilns are now housed

directly in the classroom, allowing

students to spend more time creating

and less time transporting materials.

“For us, art is not an extra—it’s

essential,” Sofran said. “We believe

deeply in holistic education. Every

student deserves the space and resources

to explore her strengths,

whether those are in science, art, or

both.”

One of the most distinctive additions

is Marian’s new makerspace—an enclosed,

soundproof creative lab open to

students throughout the day. Equipped

with 3D printers, Cricut machines, sewing

equipment, and soldering tools,

the space encourages experimentation,

problem-solving, and peer-led learning.

“We already have students stepping

into leadership roles, teaching

workshops, and helping others learn,”

Cushman said. “That kind of confidence

and initiative is one of the greatest

gifts we can give them.”

School leaders say the makerspace

will continue to evolve, supporting

new courses and interdisciplinary

projects in the years ahead.

Community and Alumni Support

The $7 million campaign has been

driven largely by Marian’s alumni and

legacy families. The Fisher Family provided

a $1 million lead gift for the science

wing, inspiring additional support

from families such as the Ebbings,

who now have a named classroom in

the facility.

Many of the companies involved

in the renovation—from construction

and HVAC to engineering and design—

were led by Marian alumnae or parents

of graduates.

“This project was truly built by the

Marian family,” Sofran said. “It was

personal.”

To date, the campaign has raised

approximately $5.7 million, with continued

fundraising underway to support

future phases.

Phase Two, planned for this summer,

will focus on upgrading Marian’s

remaining hallways with new windows,

HVAC systems, and energy-efficient

improvements in the school’s original

1959 structure. A future Phase Three is

expected to address athletic facilities.

For Marian’s leaders, the renovations

are not about changing the

school’s identity—but strengthening it.

“Our mission has always been to

educate strong women of mind and

heart,” Sofran said. “These spaces simply

allow us to do that better; in the

world our students are entering today.”

Years from now, administrators hope

students may not remember every detail

of the labs or studios—but they will remember

how Marian made them feel.

“A sense of confidence. Belonging.

Preparation,” Cushman said. “That’s

the legacy we want these spaces to

leave.”


FEATURE

Turning Vision Into Impact

Saad Nadhir is honored as Businessperson of the Year

BY CN STAFF

From launching fast-casual restaurant

concepts to building international

retail and entertainment

platforms, Saad Nadhir has spent

a career transforming bold ideas into

enduring enterprises. In 2026, the Chaldean

American Chamber of Commerce

will honor Nadhir as its Businessperson

of the Year, recognizing not only

his corporate achievements but also his

longstanding commitment to mentorship

and community leadership.

Nadhir is the principal co-founder

and chief executive officer of Urban

Plates LLC, a San Diego–based polished

fast-casual restaurant company

known for its made-from-scratch, culinary-driven

approach. Urban Plates

employs approximately 1,000 team

members and operates 22 locations in

California, earning national recognition

as one of the highest per-unit-volume

fast-casual brands in the country.

The goal has always been to create

a place where people enjoy fresh,

high-quality food in a welcoming environment.

It’s about more than food—

it’s about community, teamwork, and

culture.

That philosophy has guided a professional

journey spanning decades,

industries, and continents.

Business Building

Earlier in his career, Nadhir was part

of a small group of partners that acquired

a controlling interest in Boston

Chicken, Inc. when the company operated

just 20 restaurants. As vice chairman,

co-chairman, and chief executive

officer, he helped lead one of the

fastest expansions in restaurant industry

history. Within five years, Boston

Chicken grew to more than 1,000

locations nationwide, generating over

$1 billion in annual sales as a publicly

traded company.

Under Nadhir’s leadership, the

company built one of the most extensive

retail real estate development

organizations in the country, created

Nadhir is the CEO of Urban Plates PLLC.

a nationwide franchise and licensing

network, managed more than $50 million

annually in marketing funds, and

hired and trained over 20,000 employees.

Through its publicly traded Einstein/Noah

Bagel subsidiary, the company

also expanded a bakery-bagel

concept to several hundred locations

across the U.S.

After stepping away from day-today

management, Nadhir was later

called back by the board to serve as

CEO during a critical restructuring

period, helping stabilize the company

and ultimately guiding its sale to Mc-

Donald’s Corporation.

Nadhir also played a pivotal role

in the global growth of Blockbuster

Entertainment Corporation. As chief

development officer for the Midwest

and later head of international development

and operations, he oversaw

Blockbuster’s expansion outside the

United States and Canada. In that role,

he established joint ventures, licenses,

and company-owned operations in the

United Kingdom, Spain, Venezuela,

Chile, Mexico, Australia, Guam, and

Japan, while helping open more than

500 stores per year through a centralized

distribution system.

His entrepreneurial reach extended

into international retail as co-founder,

chairman, and CEO of Waldo’s Dollar

Mart–Mexico, a single-price-point retailer.

Nadhir developed and operated

the first 75 stores before selling his interest;

the brand has since grown to

more than 300 locations.

More recently, Nadhir founded

Blue Link Wireless LLC, now one of the

top five largest AT&T wireless retailers

in the United States, operating more

than 220 stores across 21 states with

a scalable infrastructure designed to

support continued growth.

Leadership in Action

Nadhir has an incredible ability to see

opportunity where others see risk.

Beyond the boardroom, Nadhir is

deeply committed to mentorship, education,

and service. He supports initiatives

that strengthen entrepreneurship

in the Chaldean community and beyond,

and he serves as a trustee of the

University of Detroit Mercy.

“Business is about people,” is his

philosophy. “If you can build opportunities

for others while growing your

organization, that’s true success.”

Nadhir began his professional career

practicing law in Michigan, Texas,

and California before transitioning

fully into business development and

leadership. He holds a Bachelor of

Business Administration from the University

of Michigan–Ann Arbor, a Juris

Doctor from the University of Detroit,

and a Master of Laws from the University

of Miami.

The Chaldean American Chamber

of Commerce will celebrate Nadhir at

its Annual Awards Dinner on April 23,

2026, at Shenandoah Country Club in

West Bloomfield.

“Saad’s story is inspiring because

it shows how leadership, vision, and

community commitment can create

lasting impact,” said CACC President

Martin Manna.

Whether expanding a restaurant

concept, scaling a retail operation,

or mentoring the next generation of

entrepreneurs, Nadhir continues to

blend ambition with purpose.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with

incredible teams,” he has said. “The

best part is seeing people grow, communities

thrive, and ideas come to

life.”


Membership Has Benefits

Chamber events allow members to build valuable connections,

share ideas, and promote their businesses within the community.

These gatherings foster collaboration, provide access to local

leaders and resources, and increase visibility. Members also enjoy

exclusive perks like marketing opportunities, advocacy support,

and educational programs that drive business growth.

Together, we are stronger. Join and grow.

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INDUSTRY

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INFORMATION ABOUT REAL ESTATE

DEVELOPMENT & SALES

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1201 Woodward Avenue


FEATURE

Called to Serve

Everyday heroes in the Chaldean community

BY STEVE STEIN

Volunteering takes many forms —

from strengthening families and

supporting engaged couples to

empowering middle school girls. Often

unseen and unpaid, volunteers are the

behind-the-scenes heroes who hold a

community together. Here are three stories

of priceless service making a lasting

impact within the Chaldean community.

Marriage Preparation Ministry

Jeff Kassab and his wife, Ahlam, have

been married for 35 years and are parents

to two children. Since 2017, the

couple has volunteered their time to

lead a marriage preparation ministry

for the Chaldean Catholic community

through the Eastern Catholic Re-Evangelization

Center in Bloomfield Hills.

In addition to being a business

owner and marriage preparation instructor,

Jeff said he felt a calling in

2012 to enter Sacred Heart Major Seminary

in Detroit. He graduated in 2023

with a master’s degree in theology.

The goal of the ministry, Jeff said, is

to strengthen couples and address rising

divorce rates in the community by

providing practical and spiritual tools

early in marriage.

Nothing they teach is sugar-coated.

“Marriage is work,” Jeff said. “Conflict

will happen. Every marriage has

hard moments. Couples need tools to

address those challenges. The goal of

our marriage preparation class is not

to promise perfection, but to equip

couples to navigate conflict constructively

and lovingly.”

A Christ-centered marriage, Jeff

said, is essential.

“Marriage is more than a legal or

social institution,” he said. “It’s a sacrament

— a lifelong covenant rooted in

Christ and the Church. Couples must

integrate prayer, sacramental life, and

Mother’s Caregiver

Family came first when Julie Garmo

made a major decision several years ago.

After her mother, Mary Ann Garmo,

lost her husband of 52 years, Sabah

Garmo, in 2016, Mary Ann no longer

wanted to live alone. So Julie, who

was single at the time, and her mother

each left their homes and moved in together

the following year, settling into

a house in Waterford.

“There was no other option, and I

wouldn’t want it any other way,” Julie

said.

With the support of her five siblings,

Julie has lived with her mother

ever since, balancing caregiving with

her work-from-home contract job as a

VIP travel consultant for the Volkswagen

Group of America — a position she

has held for 25 years.

Nine years after becoming roommates,

the living arrangement has

proven especially meaningful for both

women. Julie has naturally stepped

into the role of her mother’s caregiver.

“Mom’s mind is all there, but she

doesn’t drive and she uses a walker for

stability,” Julie said.

Now 84, Mary Ann continues to

live life to the fullest with her daughter

by her side.

Before retiring, Mary Ann worked

at her parents’ grocery store in Detroit

— where Julie also spent time working

— and later held positions at an insurance

agency and in retail. Throughout

her life, she has been a devoted daughter,

wife, and mother.

“If you have a chance to help someone

you love, even if it means making

a sacrifice, do it,” Julie said.

Clockwise from top left: Julie Garmo and her mother Mary Ann enjoy time together on Christmas Eve 2025; Jeff and

Ahlam Kassab have been preparing Chaldean couples for marriage since 2017; Gabriella Jarjis; Catalina Bajoka.


mutual commitment into their daily

lives, not just on their wedding day.”

Each four-week marriage preparation

session serves approximately 25 to

30 couples, Jeff said.

As for volunteering more broadly,

Jeff said the work is deeply personal.

“To know that my wife and I are

able to help couples strengthen their

marriage and their love is something

very close to our hearts,” he said. “We

want all marriages to succeed — to

have fullness, love, and fruitfulness

— because that’s what Christ intended

marriage to be.”

Youth Group Leaders

Gabriella Jarjis, Catalina Bajoka, and

Jasmine Cholagh are volunteer youth

group leaders at St. Joseph Chaldean

Catholic Church in Troy, where they

Jasmine Cholagh

work with middle school girls ages

11–14 in the “Little Flowers” group.

Jarjis, 17, is a senior at Sterling

Heights High School. Bajoka, 21, is in

her third year at Macomb Community

College. Cholagh, 26, is a fourth-year

pharmacy student at Wayne State University’s

Eugene Applebaum College of

Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Each leader brings a unique role to

the ministry. Jarjis serves on the prayer

committee and acts as a small group

“floater.” Bajoka describes her role as

“showing the girls as much of Jesus’

love as I can and teaching them how

they can be like Him.” Cholagh leads a

small group, writes and delivers talks,

and spends time “praying for my coleaders

and our girls.”

When asked about the best part of

being a leader and what volunteering

means to them, each shared a deeply

personal perspective.

“I love being able to interact with

the girls, show them what a good and

loving God we have, and why it’s important

that we make Him the center of

our lives,” Jarjis said. She added that

volunteering “is such a gift because

not only does it benefit other people,

it benefits you by teaching you new

things and helping you make beautiful

connections and memories.”

Bajoka said she values “being a part

of the girls’ foundation that will carry on

for the rest of their lives in their relationship

with the Lord.” Volunteering, she

said, is a way of giving thanks.

“God gives us gifts, and it’s our

job to share them.”

For Cholagh, serving as a

leader is both an honor and a

responsibility.

“It’s a privilege to show the

girls who Jesus is and teach

them what it means to live for

the Kingdom of God instead of

the world,” she said. “Middle

school is such an influential

time in a child’s development,

and to emphasize God’s love to

our sisters is such a blessing.”

Cholagh describes volunteering

as the perfect way to use

the gifts God has given.

“It doesn’t have to be leading

a youth group,” she said.

“Whether it’s tutoring, volunteering

at a soup kitchen, or

helping with parish activities,

offering your time to glorify

God is one of the most beautiful

things you can do.”

Though their paths look different,

the volunteers featured here share the

same quiet commitment to serve with

love, sacrifice, and faith. Whether caring

for a parent, strengthening marriages,

or guiding young girls during

formative years, their work reflects

the heart of the Chaldean community

— one rooted in family, service, and

responsibility to one another. Their efforts

may be unpaid, but their impact

is immeasurable, leaving a lasting legacy

felt in homes, churches, and future

generations.

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LEGAL UPDATE

Artificial Intelligence and the Practice of Law

What is changing and what is not

BY MATTHEW TOMA, ESQ., MBA

Artificial intelligence is

no longer a concept

of the future. Most

businesses already rely on it

in some form—through accounting

software, inventory

systems, customer service

platforms, or data analytics.

These tools help companies

move faster, process information

efficiently, and make

decisions with greater confidence.

As AI becomes embedded

in everyday business operations,

it is also beginning

to influence the legal services

that businesses rely on.

Business owners naturally have

questions: Will legal work become

faster? Less expensive? Will technology

replace tasks that once required

long hours and significant cost? These

are familiar concerns whenever technology

enters a professional field. The

reality is that AI is changing how legal

work is performed, but it is not changing

the fundamental role lawyers play

in helping businesses manage risk,

structure transactions, and navigate

uncertainty.

This article is written for business

owners rather than legal professionals.

Its goal is not to explain the technical

details of AI tools, but to clarify

what AI can realistically do in the legal

space, what it cannot do, and why

that distinction matters when hiring

counsel, planning transactions, or responding

to disputes.

From a business perspective, the

most noticeable change is efficiency.

AI helps lawyers locate information

quickly, summarize large volumes of

material, and prepare initial drafts

faster than before. Tasks that once took

days can sometimes be completed in

hours, keeping deals moving, reducing

administrative friction, and making

legal services feel more responsive

during time-sensitive matters.

AI also improves organization.

Business matters generate vast quantities

of documents—contracts, leases,

MATTHEW

TOMA, ESQ.

MBA

SPECIAL TO

THE CHALDEAN

NEWS

emails, policies, and financial

records—which accumulate

quickly during growth,

financing, acquisitions, or

disputes. AI can sort materials,

identify recurring provisions,

and flag issues that

require closer review. When

used carefully, these tools reduce

delays and lower costs

that often frustrate business

owners.

However, efficiency is

not the same as effective legal

service. Legal

work extends beyond

producing documents

or delivering quick answers.

It involves assessing risk,

anticipating consequences,

and protecting business interests

when facts are incomplete

or uncertain. AI does

not understand a company’s

long-term strategy, its tolerance

for risk, or the personal

and financial dynamics that

often influence decisions.

These considerations require

human judgment.

Responsibility remains

firmly human. If a contract

creates unexpected liability

or a filing contains an error,

accountability rests with the

individual—not the software.

Courts, regulators, lenders,

investors, and counterparties

hold people and businesses responsible

for what they sign and submit.

Human oversight is essential, even as

legal tools become more sophisticated.

There are also risks in overreliance

on AI. Accuracy is a major concern. AI

may produce information that appears

polished but is incorrect—a misstatement

of law, a nonexistent citation,

or an omission of a critical exception.

Without careful review, errors can go

unnoticed. Confidentiality is another

concern: many AI systems operate

through remote platforms with their

own data policies. Uploading sensitive

business information without understanding

how it is stored or used

can create exposure. Business owners

should expect their lawyers to evaluate

these risks carefully.

Billing expectations may evolve

as well. When AI reduces the time required

for certain tasks, clients naturally

ask whether fees should change.

This is reasonable, but legal fees are

not solely based on speed. They reflect

experience, judgment, responsibility,

and outcomes. Faster drafts do not

necessarily result in safer agreements;

the value lies in what lawyers identify,

negotiate, and advise—not simply in

how efficiently text is generated.

For business owners, the most

important question is not whether a

lawyer uses AI, but how they use it.

Technology can help disciplined professionals

work efficiently, but it can

also magnify mistakes if used without

care. The difference lies in process,

review, and judgment. Well-managed

tools support thoughtful decisionmaking;

poorly managed tools create

false confidence.

Professional standards already require

lawyers to understand the tools

they use and the risks those tools

introduce. Ethical rules emphasize

competence, confidentiality, and clear

communication. These obligations apply

regardless of technology. AI does

not reduce these responsibilities; if

anything, it heightens the need for

diligence and transparency.

The practical takeaway is straightforward:

AI will continue to

make certain legal services

faster and more efficient and

may reduce costs in some

areas. It will not eliminate

the need for experienced

counsel. As tools become

more powerful, sound judgment

becomes even more

critical. Most legal problems

arise not from a lack of information

but from misunderstandings,

misaligned

incentives, incomplete planning,

and overlooked risk.

AI can surface information

quickly, but it cannot replace

thoughtful analysis or

strategic advice grounded

in real-world business

considerations.

AI should be

viewed as a tool, not

a substitute. Businesses that

understand this distinction can set realistic

expectations, ask the right questions,

and work effectively with their

advisors. The future of legal services is

not automated law—it is informed law.

Lawyers who use technology responsibly,

verify outputs carefully, and remain

accountable will continue to play a central

role in helping businesses navigate

growth, risk, and change.

Matthew Toma is an attorney with

Kostopoulos Rodriguez, PLLC and may

be reached a by email at Matthew@

korolaw.com.


WE ARE

HIRING

Do you possess a passion for

bettering the lives of others?

Case Worker

Sterling Heights and West Bloomfield

Communications Coordinator

West Bloomfield

Event Coordinator

Sterling Heights

Housing Liaison

Sterling Heights

Political Action Committee (PAC) Coordinator

West Bloomfield

For More Information | HR@chaldeanfoundation.org or 586-722-7253

www.chaldeanfoundation.org/careers


ECONOMICS & ENTERPRISE

Left:

Sweet treats for

Valentine’s Day

Cupcake as Art

La Fleur Cupcakes is a sweet family business

BY EEMI TOMA

In many Chaldean homes, the kitchen

is more than a place to cook. It

is where family gathers, traditions

are preserved, and creativity quietly

takes shape. For Rasha Shaffou and

her daughter Annabel, that familiar

space became the foundation for La

Fleur Cupcakes, a home-based business

that transforms cupcakes into

intricate floral bouquets and everyday

moments into meaningful memories.

La Fleur Cupcakes is led by a partnership

rooted in flexibility and trust.

As the business has grown, so have

their roles. As Rasha explains, “Our

roles have shifted quite a bit as the

business has grown. We’ve adapted

to different challenges and adjusted

the way we work to fit our lives, which

is one of the biggest benefits of being

a home-based business.” Rasha is

the co-founder of La Fleur Cupcakes

alongside Annabel and manages the

daily operations, including orders,

customer communication, deliveries,

and bouquet design.

Annabel’s role complements her

mother’s in both creativity and strategy.

“I focus on our website design, social

media, creating new bouquet designs,

and helping with larger orders,”

Annabel says. While her responsibilities

have shifted since beginning medical

school, the foundation they built

together remains central to the brand.

“From the very beginning, we both

worked closely on building the brand,

from product design and packaging to

shaping the overall look and feel of La

Fleur and getting the business off the

ground.”

Like many stories within the Chaldean

community, La Fleur did not begin

as a business plan. It began with family

gatherings and a shared love of baking.

Desserts were always present, and baking

was simply part of life. “Like many

people, and especially within the Chaldean

community, our lives have always

been filled with family gatherings,”

says Rasha. “For nearly every event, we

were baking something.” At the time,

it was never about building a brand or

launching a business - it was about joy

and togetherness.

That joy carried into everyday moments

as well. “Baking was simply a

hobby that brought us joy. We baked

for holidays, birthdays, special occasions,

and quiet rainy days at home,”

Annabel explains. Over time, curiosity

led them to experiment with piping

tips and floral designs, first on cakes

and eventually on cupcakes. “Once we

tried those designs on cupcakes, we

felt inspired,” she recalls. Encouragement

from close family followed, and

this time the idea took root.

What makes La Fleur instantly recognizable

is its artistic approach. That

vision is rooted in both experience and

talent. Annabel credits her mother’s

creative background, noting, “My

mother, Rasha, is naturally creative,

and her background strongly shaped

the way we approached our cupcakes

as visual art.” Rasha’s experience in

floristry and event planning paired

seamlessly with Annabel’s background

as a visual artist. “Between the two of

us, making art out of buttercream felt

very natural and became an outlet for

our creativity,” Annabel says.

Their inspiration often comes from

everyday life, especially fresh flowers

brought into the home and shared between

mother and daughter. The goal

has always been depth and intention.

“Ultimately, we wanted our cupcakes

to feel like true works of art, not just

for realism, but so customers can see

the level of detail and care behind

each bouquet and feel the time, intention,

and dedication that goes into every

order,” explains Annabel.

Working as a mother and daughter

requires balance. Early on, they

learned how to navigate the natural

hierarchy of their relationship while

building something together. Over

time, that evolved as they made a conscious

effort to communicate openly.

Their closeness brings both honesty

and joy. “My mom and I often say we’re

best friends,” Annabel shares. Their

kitchen is filled with Arabic and Chaldean

music, laughter, and creativity,

especially during long hours of work.

La Fleur officially launched in February

2020, just before the pandemic

reshaped daily life. Reflecting on

that period, they agree, “That period

taught us so much about resilience,

running a small business, and humanity

itself.” While the business initially

paused, it soon found momentum as

people searched for meaningful ways

to connect. Their local delivery option

allowed customers to send something

personal and heartfelt when gathering

was not possible.

During that time, La Fleur became

part of both joyful and painful moments.

“We were honored to be part


“Between the two of us, making art out of

buttercream felt very natural and became

an outlet for our creativity.”

– Annabel Shaffou

of people’s lives in ways we never

imagined,” they share. The experience

strengthened their bond with the community

and reinforced the purpose behind

their work. “This time wasn’t just

about growing as a business. It was

about feeling truly connected to our

community.”

That sense of responsibility carries

into every order. Customization

is central to the La Fleur experience,

whether designing inspired by wedding

florals, milestone birthdays, or

deeply personal themes. “At the end

of the day, we approach every order as

Rasha Shaffou (left) and her daughter Annabel.

more than a dessert,” says Annabel.

“It’s a small way to honor someone’s

milestone and be part of a meaningful

moment in their life.”

Their Chaldean heritage remains at

the heart of everything they do. “Our

Chaldean heritage is a central part

of who we are and deeply influences

both our lives and La Fleur,” Annabel

explains. That heritage is lived out

through generations of family who

shaped their values and work ethic.

“My mother, Rasha, and my father, Sabah,

are both immigrants with strong

ties to our faith, culture, and Chaldean

identity.” Those values were reinforced

by example. “This work ethic

was instilled in us through our family,

especially by my grandfather, my

mother’s father, Naji Bahoura, a successful

entrepreneur who is 82 years

old and still working.”

Family remains present in the daily

rhythm of La Fleur. “Beyond the two

of us, our loved ones often step in to

help with large orders. Our kitchen frequently

feels like a family gathering,

similar to wrapping dolma, making

kleicha, or sewing pacha,” says Annabel.

The work becomes a shared experience,

one where culture and language

are kept alive. “While we

work, we’re often speaking

Chaldean with one another,

which is one of the ways we

keep our culture alive,” she

goes on. Faith also grounds

their process. “We often

pray while working on orders,

and it grounds the way

we approach our work.”

Looking ahead, their

vision is steady and intentional.

“We hope to remain

rooted in our core values

of compassion, hard work,

community, creativity, and

meticulous attention to detail,”

they express. Annabel

will continue her medical

education while remaining

involved with La Fleur, and

Rasha will continue guiding

the business with care. Their focus is

not rapid expansion, but meaningful

connection.

La Fleur Cupcakes stands as a reflection

of what so many Chaldean

businesses represent. It is built on

family, sustained by faith, and shaped

by creativity. From a home kitchen to

countless life moments, Rasha and

Annabel continue to show that when

generations work together, even something

as simple as a cupcake can become

a work of art.

To see more of their work, visit

lafleurcupcakes.com.

Jacob Bacall

Jacob Bacall

Jacob Bacall

Jacob Bacall

Scan Code to Purchase

Jacob’s Books on Amazon







Jacob Bacall was born in 1955 in Telkaif-Mosul, Iraq, into a Chaldean

Jacob Bacall was born in 1955 in Telkaif-Mosul, Iraq, into a Chaldean

Christian family. He completed high school in Baghdad and pursued

studies Christian in Mechanical family. Engineering He completed in the high United school Kingdom. in Baghdad In 1977, he and pursued

immigrated studies in to Mechanical the United States, Engineering where he in joined the United his brother, Kingdom. Eddie, In 1977, he

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By the early 1990s, Jacob began investing in income-producing

immigrated

Jacob to the United

Bacall

States, where he joined his brother, Eddie,

properties and quickly built a reputation as a successful and

in the

forward-thinking

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entrepreneur.

1990s, operating Jacob retail

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began drug stores.

portfolio

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estate properties transitioned into real estate, where Jacob found his true

development and property management, with investments

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leadership in the position United States, on the founded board of the in 1943. Chaldean Additionally, Iraqi American he has served on

Association An the author boards of and Michigan historian of the (CIAAM), at Chaldean heart, the Jacob oldest Chamber has Chaldean written of organization

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in Chaldeans the United in States, Detroit founded (2014), in Chaldean 1943. Additionally, Iraqi American he has Association served onof

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(2014), heart, Michigan, Jacob Chaldean has with written Iraqi his wife, American three Anne. books: They Association of

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Michigan grandchildren. co-authored (2018), and with most Bishop recently, Bawai Chaldean Soro.

Catholic Church (2025),

Jacob co-authored Bacall with was Bishop born in Bawai 1955 in Soro. Telkaif-Mosul, Iraq, into a Chaldean

Christian Jacob family. resides He completed in West Bloomfield, high school Michigan, in Baghdad with and pursued his wife, Anne. They

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the boards of the Chaldean Chamber of Commerce, Chaldean

Community Foundation and the Chaldean Cultural Center.

An author and historian at heart, Jacob has written three books:

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CULTURE & HISTORY

Al-Mutanabbi –

Poet Who Would Be Prophet

BY ADHID MIRI, PHD

Part II

Poetry has long stood at the heart

of Arabic culture. For its earliest

speakers, it was the primary

means of recording belief systems,

oral history and philosophy. Originating

on the Arabian Peninsula more

than 1,500 years ago—well before the

rise of Islam—Arabic poetry has since

become a global art form.

Historically, the reach of Arabic poetry

expanded alongside Arab states

and Muslim influence. Andalusian

poetry, for example, flourished in medieval

Iberia but faded after the fall

of Granada in 1492. Yet its forms and

aesthetics continue to inspire poets in

Morocco and beyond more than five

centuries later.

Arabic poetry has always thrived

as a public art. It is shared in cafés, at

festivals, on radio and television, and

at life’s milestones—weddings, funerals

and communal gatherings. Discovering

poetry is often an intuitive act,

guided by a love of language. Though

digital platforms have revived and

broadened its reach in recent decades,

poetry remains most powerful when

read aloud and shared collectively.

Arabic poets write in a wide range of

forms, including the classical ode, the

modern ode, and free verse. Colloquial

poetry also commands large audiences,

particularly in Iraq, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco

and Jordan, where spoken recitations

resonate deeply with everyday life.

This article highlights one of the

most influential figures of the premodern

Arabic literary canon: al-Mutanabbi.

It does not attempt a comprehensive

survey of his work but instead offers

select insights for contemporary readers

accustomed to concise engagement.

An Epic Life (915–965)

Abu al-Tayyib al-Mutanabbi—born Ahmad

ibn al-Husayn ibn al-Hasan ibn

Abd al-Samad al-Ja‘fi al-Kufi al-Kindi—stands

among the greatest poets

in Arabic history. He is best known by

his nickname, al-Mutanabbi, meaning

“the would-be prophet,” a title derived

from both his audacious claims and the

commanding authority of his verse.

Al-Mutanabbi was born in 915 in

the southern Iraqi city of Kufa. His father

was a water carrier who claimed

noble Yemeni descent from the Kindah

tribe. Al-Mutanabbi himself was famously

evasive about the origins of his

epithet. Restless by nature, he lived as

a wandering poet, traveling through

Baghdad, Damascus, Tiberias, Antioch,

Aleppo and Cairo. He earned

patronage by composing praise poetry

for emirs and rulers.

His life reads as an epic pursuit of

glory, wealth and power. Widely regarded

as the supreme master of the

Arabic language, al-Mutanabbi wrote

primarily panegyrics (written in praise

of something) marked by bold imagery,

improbable metaphors and unmatched

rhetorical force.

Educated in Damascus, he lived

among Bedouin tribes, absorbing their

dialects and traditions, and became

involved in revolutionary movements.

He began composing poetry at age 9

and quickly gained a reputation for

sharp wit and intellectual confidence.

In the 920s, after the Shiite Qarmatians

sacked Kufa, he joined them and later

led a failed revolt in Syria in 932, during

which he claimed prophetic status—cementing

his controversial nickname.

After the revolt’s suppression, al-

Mutanabbi spent two years imprisoned.

He recanted in 935 and returned

to life as a traveling poet, producing

his earliest known works. Though his

poetic reputation grew rapidly, his political

ambitions—to become a wali, or

governor—were never realized.

From 948 to 957, he enjoyed his

most celebrated period as court poet

to Sayf al-Dawla, the Hamdanid ruler

of Aleppo. During these years, he composed

his greatest poems, many praising

Sayf al-Dawla’s campaigns against

the Byzantine Empire, in which al-Mutanabbi

himself participated. These

panegyrics remain among the masterpieces

of Arabic literature.

Rivalries and jealousy at court—

particularly with scholars and poets

such as Abu Firas al-Hamdani—eventually

eroded his standing. His political

ambitions further strained the relationship,

prompting his departure for

Egypt, then ruled by the Ikhshidids.

In Cairo, al-Mutanabbi joined the

court of Abu al-Misk Kafur, but his hopes

of advancement were again thwarted.

When it became clear that he would not

be granted political authority, he left

Egypt around 960 and composed scathing

satirical poems attacking Kafur.

Death and Legacy

Al-Mutanabbi’s towering ego and fearless

verse often made him enemies. In

one famous line, he warned: “If you

see the lion’s canines, do not think the

lion is smiling.”

His uncompromising style ultimately

contributed to his death. In

965, while traveling near Baghdad,

he was ambushed by men seeking revenge

for a poem that insulted a man

named Dabbah al-Asadi. Initially, al-

Mutanabbi considered fleeing, but a

companion reminded him of his own

verse: “The steeds, the night and the

desert know me; the sword, the spear,

the page and the pen.”

Refusing to contradict his words,

al-Mutanabbi stood his ground and

was killed alongside his son and servant

on September 23, 965.

The “Arab Shakespeare”

Al- Mutanabbi is considered the greatest

of classical Arabic poets, a political

firebrand, one of the greatest poets

in the Arabic language and the most

prominent and influential poet in the

Arab world. His work has been translated

into more than 20 languages,

earning him the enduring epithet “the

Arab Shakespeare.”

Across nearly 300 poems, al-Mutanabbi

treated poetry as both art and

discipline. His verses explore wisdom,

pride, courage, ambition, exile, war and

death. Many lines have entered everyday

speech as proverbs, reflecting universal

POET continued on page 37


الثقافة والتاريخ

أبو الطيب املتنبي - قصائد وحكم وأبيات شهرية

أحمد بن الحسني بن الحسن بن عبد الصمد الجعفي الكويف الكندي

بقلم:‏ د عضيد مريي

الجزء الثاين

لطاملا كان الشعر يف قلب الثقافة العربية،‏

وصدر الديوان وأدب املجالس كونه أقدم وسيلة

استخدمها املتحدثون األوائل يف اللغة العربية

لتسجيل معتقداتهم ورواياتهم وفلسفتهم.‏ بدأ

الشعر يف شبه الجزيرة العربية منذ أكرث من 1500

عام،‏ قبل اإلسالم،‏ واستمر يف الشهرة ولكنه أصبح

فيام بعد شكالً‏ لغوياً‏ فنياً‏ وانترشعاملياً.‏

يُعدّ‏ الشعر العريب أكرث شعبية عندما يُتىل

يف األماكن العامة واملهرجانات الفنية واإلذاعات

والربامج التلفزيونية وحفالت الزفاف والجنازات

ودواوين القراءة والكتابة.‏ ويعترب اكتشاف الشعر

مغامرة يقودها الخيال والحدس وحب الكلامت،‏

وهو رحلة شخصية شبه ابدية ملحبي الشعر

واألدب.‏ وساهمت الحداثة واملنصات الرقمية

خالل العقدين املاضيني،‏ يف انتشار الشعر،‏ وأعادت

إحياء شعبيته وزيادة محبيه.‏

يكتب الشعراء العرب بأشكال وأساليب

متنوعة،‏ مبا يف ذلك القصيدة الكالسيكية والقصيدة

الحديثة والنرث الحر.‏ كام أن هناك مجاالً‏ للتأليف

ولإللقاء باللغة العربية العامية الدارجة،‏ خاصة يف

جنوب العراق ومرص ولبنان واملغرب واألردن،‏ حيث

يجد هذا النمط جمهوراً‏ شعبياً‏ واسعاً.‏

يف هذه املقالة،‏ نستعرض أحد أعظم شعراء

األدب العريب يف العرص ما قبل الحديث ‏)املتنبي(،‏

وللعدالة واإلنصاف فأن هذه املقالة ال تغطي

جميع ديوان املتنبي،‏ بل تقترص عىل مختارات

قليلة،‏ إذ نحن نعيش يف عرص ال يهتم فيه القراء

باملقاالت املطولة والكتابات املسهبة ويفضلون

اإلقتصارعىل قراءة اهم املحتويات.‏

رحلة حياة ملحمية

)915-965(

أبو الطيب املتنبي هو أحمد بن الحسني بن

الحسن بن عبد الصمد الجعفي الكويف الكندي،‏

ويعد أحد أعظم شعراء العرب عىل مر العصور،‏

واشتهر بلقبه ‏»املتنبي«‏ ، ويُعزى هذا اللقب

‏)الذي يعني ‏»الذي يدعي النبوة«(‏ إىل ادعاءاته

الجريئة وأبياته الشعرية العميقة واىل إدعائه بأنه

أكرث معارصيه وسابقيه بالغة وشعراً‏ وادباً.‏

وُلد املتنبي يف مدينة الكوفة جنوب العراق

عام ، 915 ابنًا لساقي ماء ادعى أنه من ساللة مينية

نبيلة وعريقة ومن قبيلة كندة،‏ ويُقال إن املتنبي

كان متحفظًا يف وقت الحق من حياته بشأن أصل

لقبه الشهري ‏»املتنبي«‏ وكان شاعراً‏ رحاالً‏ مل يستقر

يف مكان واحد،‏ فسافر إىل بغداد ودمشق وطربيا

وأنطاكية وحلب والقاهرة،‏ وكسب رزقه من األمراء

والحكام مقابل مدحهم بشعره وبالغة أبياته.ولعل

أفضل وصف لحياة املتنبي هو أنها رحلة ملحمية

نحو املجد واملال والسلطة،‏ واعتربه الكثريون

أعظم شعراء اللغة العربية،‏ وكتب قصائد مدح

بأسلوب مزخرف ومبالغ فيه ومؤثر للغاية،‏ ومتيز

باالستعارات والعبارات الغري مألوفة يف عرصه متأثراً‏

مبا أسسه الشاعران أبو متام والبحرتي.‏

تلقى املتنبي تعليمه يف دمشق،‏ وعاش مع

بدو الصحراء،‏ وشارك يف الحركات الثورية.‏ بدأ كتابة

الشعر وهو يف التاسعة من عمره.‏ واشتهر بذكائه

الحاد وفطنته وخالل فرتة سجنه بني عامي 948

و‎957‎‏،‏ برع يف كتابة الشعر،‏ مام جذب إليه رعاية

األمري السوري الشاعر سيف الدولة.‏ وقربته موهبته

العظيمة من العديد من قادة عرصه،‏ وكان ميدح

هؤالء القادة وامللوك مقابل املال الوفري والهدايا

الثمينة.‏ وأكسبه أسلوبه الشعري القوي والصادق

شعبية كبرية سادت قصائده عىل كل شعراء عرصه.‏

عندما هاجم القرامطة الشيعة الكوفة عام

924، انضم إليهم املتنبي وعاش بني البدو،‏ وتعلم

عقائدهم ولهجتهم وقاد ثورة القرامطة يف سوريا

عام 932 ولكن بعد قمع الثورة وسجنه ملدة

عامني،‏ تراجع عن ادعائه بالنبوة وأصبح شاعرًا

متجوالً‏ ، وخالل هذه الفرتة،‏ بدأ بكتابة أوىل

قصائده املعروفة.‏ وكان لدى املتنبي طموحات

سياسية كبرية ليصبح واليًا ‏)حاكامً‏ (. ولتحقيق

طموحاته،‏ انضم إىل بالط سيف الدولة يف سوريا

وأيب املسك كافور يف مرص،‏ لكن طموحاته باءت

بالفشل.‏

يبدو أن طبيعة املتنبي املتغطرسة أوقعته

يف مشاكل عدة مرات،‏ ورمبا كانت سبب مقتله،‏

ويتجىل ذلك يف شعره الذي غالبًا ما يتسم بالغرور

والعلو والسمو،‏ فقد كان معتدا بنفسه ولشدة

اعتداده بنفسه قال:‏

ما بأهيل رشفت بل رشفوا يب - وبنفيس فخرت

ال بجدودي

وهم خري من نطق الضاد ‏-وعوذ الجاين وغوث

الطريد

يف إحدى قصائده الشهرية،‏ يتحدث عن قوة

الهوية والحرية التي تأيت مع معرفة الذات،‏ إذ

يبدأ سطره يف اللغة العربية ب«أنا«‏ :

أنا الذي نظر أألعمى إىل أديب - وأسمعت

كلاميت من به صممُ‏

ما انتفاعُ‏ أخي الدُّنيا بناظرِهِ‏ إذا استَوَت عندَهُ‏

األنوارُ‏ والظُّلَمُ‏

سيَعلَمُ‏ الجمعُ‏ ممَّن ضمَّ‏ مَجلسُ‏ نا بأنَّني خريُ‏ مَن

تسعى بهِ‏ قَدَمُ‏

لسوء الحظ،‏ أجربت األنشطة السياسية املتنبي

عىل الفرار إىل مرص ومنها إىل بغداد،‏ وعمل

لفرتة كشاعر بالط يف شرياز،‏ لكن آراءه كونت له

أعداءً‏ مرة أخرى،‏ وقُتل يف اثناء رحلة إىل بغداد

‏-يف 23 سبتمرب 965، بالقرب من دير العاقول،‏

جنوب بغداد عندما تعرض لكمني نصبه له بعض

املنتقمني.‏ ويقال انه قُتل املتنبي ألن إحدى

قصائده تضمنت إهانة كبرية لرجل يدعى ‏»ضبة

األسدي«،‏ إذ متكن ضبة،‏ مع عمه فاتك األسدي،‏

من اعرتاض املتنبي وابنه ‏)محسد(‏ وخادمه

بالقرب من بغداد،‏ وحاول املتنبي الفرار وتجنب

القتال،‏ لكن خادمه ذكّره عىل نحو غري الئق

بإحدى أبياته الجريئة وقال له كيف تهرب من

املنازلة ، الست أنت القائل :

‏)الخيل والليل والبيداء تعرفني - والسيف

والرمح والقرطاس والقلم(‏

ولهذا السبب،‏ قرر املتنبي أن يرتقى إىل مستوى

هذه األبيات،‏ فقاتل ومات مع رفاقه عام 965

أملتنبي - شكسبري العرب

يُعترب املتنبي أعظم شعراء العربية الكالسيكية،‏

وشخصية سياسية بارزة،‏ وأحد أعظم الشعراء يف

اللغة العربية،‏ والشاعر األبرز واألكرث تأثريًا يف العامل

العريب،‏ الفيلسوف األديب واألديب الفيلسوف

وتُرجمت الكثري من أعامله إىل أكرث من 20 لغة

حول العامل.‏ املتنبي هنا ليس شاعرًا فحسب،‏ بل

ناطقٌ‏ باسم الكربياء،‏ سيفٌ‏ من كلامت،‏ ونارٌ‏ تتقد

يف الصدر قبل أن تشتعل يف األسامع وكلامته ليست

أبياتًا تُحفظ،‏ بل مجدٌ‏ يُتىل.‏

مل يكن املتنبي شاعرًا عاديًا،‏ بل كان يتمتع

مبكانة رفيعة مل يحظَى بها غريه من الشعراء

العرب،‏ واعتُرب أعظم شاعر عريب كالسييك،‏ واألكرث

براعة يف اللغة العربية،‏ واألكرث إملامًا بقواعدها

ومفرداتها،‏ وكان نجامً‏ ساطعًا يف سامء الشعر

العريب،‏ يأرس بأدبه وأبياته قلوب املتعلمني من

الشباب والشيوخ،‏ ويقودهم إىل عامل من الحكمة

والفلسفة والشجاعة والتميز ومنوذجًا يُحتذى به

يف جميع العصور إذ نجد يف شعر املتنبي الحكمة

والفلسفة والهجاء والرثاء والغزل والكربياء

وعذوبة وشاعرية.‏

يف عام 948، انضم إىل سيف الدولة،‏ األمري

الشاعر الحمداين يف شامل سوريا.‏ كان سيف

الدولة مهتامً‏ جدًا مبحاربة اإلمرباطورية البيزنطية

يف آسيا الصغرى،‏ حيث قاتل املتنبي إىل جانبه

خالل إقامته التي دامت تسع سنوات ويف

بالط سيف الدولة،‏ نظم املتنبي أعظم قصائده

وأشهرها،‏ وكتب يف مدح سيده قصائد تُعد من

روائع الشعر العريب.‏

وخالل إقامته يف حلب،‏ نشأت منافسة

شديدة بني املتنبي والعديد من العلامء والشعراء

يف بالط سيف الدولة،‏ وكان من بني هؤالء الشعراء

أبو فراس الحمداين،‏ ابن عم سيف الدولة،‏

وباإلضافة إىل ذلك،‏ فقد كان املتنبي قد اكتسب

حظوة سيف الدولة بسبب طموحه السيايس يف

أن يصبح واليًا ‏)حاكامً‏ (، وشابت هذه الفرتة من

إقامته يف سوريا دسائس وحسد،‏ بلغت ذروتها

برحيل املتنبي من سوريا إىل مرص،‏ التي كانت

تحت حكم اإلخشيديني.‏

بعد انفصاله عن سيف الدولة،‏ انضم املتنبي

إىل بالط أيب املسك كافور يف مرص ، لكن كافور

بدأ يشك ويخىش نوايا املتنبي،‏ مدعيًا أنها تُشكل

تهديدًا ملنصبه،‏ وحينها أدرك املتنبي أن آماله

يف أن يصبح رجل دولة لن تتحقق،‏ فغادر مرص

حوايل عام 960 ميالدي،‏ وبعد رحيله،‏ انتقد أبو

املسك كافور بشدة من خالل قصائد هجائية

الذعة المثيل لها يف عامل اإلهانات.‏

بكلامته،‏ قاد املتنبي القراء واملتأملني إىل

أعىل قمم الشعر،‏ إىل مستوى ال يُضاهى يف عامل

األدب،‏ من حيث وضوح التعبري،‏ وبالغة األسلوب،‏

وملحات العبقرية التي ال يستطيع بلوغها إال من

أتقن أرسار اللغة وفهم دقائق الكلامت،‏ نارشًا يف

رحابها قصائد ندية ونسائم عطرية يف أرجاء عامل

األدب،‏ مام دفع معجبيه إىل تلقيبه ب«شكسبري

العرب«‏ ولكنه يف اعتقادنا ال مجال هنا للمقارنة

إذ أن املتنبي كان يف زمان وعرص ومكان غري

محطات شكسبري وتناول مساحات ادبية مختلفة

ال تسمح باملقارنة إذ كان شاعرنا املع وابدع يف

عامل الشعر والفلسفة واألدب.‏

القصائد والقصيد

يف عامل الشعر العريب،‏ كانت القصائد العظيمة

أشبه بقالدة من اللؤلؤ،‏ وعِقد من بيتٌ‏ بديعٌ‏

يليه بيتٌ‏ آخر أبدع منه،‏ وعندما نستعيد قصائد

املتنبي،‏ نحلق معه عالياً‏ كالنسور،‏ شاعرٌ‏ ال يزال

شعره حتى يومنا هذا مصدر إلهام للشعراء

واملعجبني والكتاب.‏

تجسد كلامت قصائده طاقة وذكاء الشاعر

الشهري املتنبي،‏ فقد أضفى عىل القصيدة التقليدية

تطورًا أكرث حرية وشخصية فذة،‏ وكتب بأسلوب

ميكن وصفه بالكالسييك الجديد الذي جمع بني

عنارص من األساليب العراقية والسورية مع سامت

كالسيكية عربية األصول.‏ وبعض هذه القصائد

قصرية وعبارة عن مقطوعات مناسباتية ونوع

من األدب الذي يستخدم الجودة اإليقاعية للغة

العربية للتعبري عن األفكار وتتناول أحداثًا يف

البالط،‏ بينام القصائد أألخرى ‏)القصيد - عادةً‏ ما

تتجاوز سبعة أبيات(،‏ وهي األكرث شهرة،‏ يتجىل

فيها اإلبداع يف لغة الجامل العربية وتتناول

ابياتها مخيامت الصحراء ونسائها الجميالت

اللوايت يصعب الوصول إليهن،‏ والرحالت املخيفة،‏

والرباعة العسكرية،‏ والفضائل الشخصية لألمراء

الذين حكموا املدن يف اخر سنوات انحدار الدولة

العباسية.‏

ومن خالل ما يقارب 330 قصيدة،‏ سطّر

املتنبي إتقانًا ال مثيل له يف فن الشعر العريب ،

وتعامل مع الشعر كحِ‏ رفة تُدرّس وتُعلّم،‏ وتناولت

أعامله الحكمة والفخر والشجاعة ومقارعة

الرومان ومتجيد الذات.‏ وال تزال العديد من أبياته

تُستخدم اليوم كحِ‏ كم وأمثال للتعبري عن تجارب

الحياة والصداقة والحب والكربياء والشجاعة

واملروة والنفي والحرب واملوت.‏

POET continued on page 37


BALANCE

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Classes run through March 2026.

This service is supported by a grant from The JFNA Center on

Holocaust Survivor Care and Institute on Aging and Trauma.

To register, contact Breaking Barriers at (586) 722-7253.


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CULTURE & HISTORY

الثقافة والتاريخ

POET continued from page 34

truths about human experience.

Though firmly rooted in the classical

qasidah (an ancient elaborate form of Arabic

poetry), al-Mutanabbi reshaped the

form, infusing it with personal voice and

philosophical depth. His poetry combines

Iraqi and Syrian stylistic elements

with classical tradition, producing a neoclassical

style of lasting influence.

Words That Endure

Translating al-Mutanabbi is notoriously

difficult, given the density of

his metaphors and the precision of his

language. Arabic critics often describe

great poetry as “a string of pearls—

one exquisite line following another.”

A complete translation of his work

remains a monumental challenge,

though key selections have been widely

rendered into English.

Among his most quoted lines:

On Pride and Character:

“I am the one whose literature the

blind can see and whose words the

deaf can hear.”

“The worst of gain is that which

besmears one’s honor.”

“I sleep soundly, oblivious to its

troubles. And people stay up all night

because of it and argue.”

“Guided by the stars, whispering tales

of ancient grace, he sought Allah’s

divine embrace.”

On Wisdom:

“Small deeds are great in small men’s

eyes; great deeds are small in great

men’s eyes.”

“Not everything a man desires is

achieved; the winds blow against the

sailor’s wish.”

“I am already drowning, so what do I

have to fear from getting wet?”

On Ambition:

“If you seek a noble aim, do not settle

for less than the stars.”

“The highest kingdoms are those built

on solid foundation.”

On Valor and Courage:

“Firm resolutions happen in proportion

to the resolute, and noble deeds come

in proportion to the noble.”

“Glory and honor were healed when

you were healed, and your pain passed

on to the enemy.”

On Love:

“Under the moonlit sky, love blossomed

like a rose. Hearts synchronized as the

gentle breeze blows.”

“You have homes in our hearts.”

These enduring lines capture the clarity,

force and philosophical reach that

define his genius.

Legacy

In 1932, Baghdad named its famed

booksellers’ market Mutanabbi Street

in his honor. The narrow, car-free

street—lined with bookstores and

stalls—has become a symbol of intellectual

freedom and cultural life.

At one end stands a statue of the

poet by renowned Iraqi sculptor Mohammed

Ghani Hikmat, gazing toward

the Tigris River. Created in the

1960s, the monument endures, much

like al-Mutanabbi’s verse.

We live between two eras: the age

of steeds, desert and night, and the age

of WhatsApp, Google and social media.

Yet al-Mutanabbi’s poetry bridges both

worlds. His words remain alive, reminding

readers that language—when

mastered—transcends time and place.

Through his poetry, we enter the

Arab world of the 10th century and

discover truths that remain strikingly

relevant today. In an age of fleeting attention,

al-Mutanabbi stands as proof

that powerful words endure.

References: Diwan Abu al-Tayyib

al-Mutanabbi; The Complete Poems

of al-Mutanabbi, Vol. I, translated by

James F. Warren; Arabic Poetry by

Mustafa Abu Sneineh; Encyclopaedia

Britannica; Wikipedia.

قصائد وأبيات بارزة

تزخر قصائد املتنبي بالفلسفة واملدح والتأمالت

يف الحياة،‏ وتشتهر بحكمتها،‏ وتتناول موضوعات

الشجاعة وزوال السلطة والرشف الشخيص،‏ مام يُظهر

عبقريته يف تصوير رصاعات الحياة والروح اإلنسانية

وكثريًا ما تُرتجم إىل اإلنجليزية أبيات شهرية منها مثل:‏

إذا رأيت نيوب الليث بارزةً‏ - فال تظنن أن

الليث يبتسمُ‏

ترجمة قصائد قيثارة الدهر ابو الطيب املتنبي

تعترب تحديًا بالغ الصعوبة نظرًا لالستعارات

والرتكيب البنايئ املعقد للنص العريب األصيل

يف بيانه وصحة وزنه وكامله،‏ وتُعد الرتجمة

الكاملة لشعر املتنبي تاج الرتجمة وإنجازًا ضخامً‏

وتُرجمت العديد من أعامله الرئيسية من قبل

عدد كبري من الخرباء اللغويني إذ أن ترجمة الشعر

تحتاج إلهاماً‏ مامثالً‏ إلبداعه،‏ فروعة األدب من

روعة اللغة من روع الشاعر من روعة التعبري من

دقته وكنهه وأمواج بحوره.‏

لتعريفكم بأشهر قصائد املتنبي،‏ سنعرض

يف هذه املقالة بعضً‏ ا من أشهر األمثال واألبيات

والحكم التي نقتبسها يف حياتنا اليومية،‏ ولعشاق

االقتباسات،‏ الذين يرغبون يف استشعار اإللهام

واإلبداع الكامن وراء رؤية وحكمة وأدب املتنبي،‏

فللمتنبي ابيات شعر كثرية ورغم مرور أكرث من

ألف سنة عىل رحيله إال أنها خالدة وسارت مرسى

األمثال عىل ألسنة الناس،‏ ومن إبداعات املتنبي

إرساله األمثال يف أنصاف األبيات وإليكم بعض

االقتباسات من شعره املُلهم:‏

يف الفخر والكربياء

أنَا الذي نَظَرَ‏ األعْمَى إىل أدَبي وَأسْ‏ مَعَتْ‏ كَلِامتي مَنْ‏ بهِ‏ صَ‏ مَمُ‏

ألخَيْلُ‏ وَاللّيْلُ‏ وَالبَيْداءُ‏ تَعرِفُني وَالسّ‏ يفُ‏ وَالرّمحُ‏ والقرْطاسُ‏ وَالقَلَمُ‏

أَنامُ‏ مِلءَ‏ جُفوين عَن شَ‏ وارِدِها · وَيَسهَرُ‏ الخَلقُ‏ جَرّاها وَيَختَصِ‏ مُ‏

يا أعدَلَ‏ النّاسِ‏ إالّ‏ فِي مُعامَلَتي فيكَ‏ الخِ‏ صامُ‏ وَأنتَ‏ الخصْ‏ مُ‏ وَالحكَمُ‏

وَإِذا أَتَتكَ‏ مَذَمَّتي مِن ناقِصٍ‏ · فَهِيَ‏ الشَ‏ هادَةُ‏ يل بِأَينِّ‏ َ كامِلُ‏

من نكد الدنيا عىل الحر ان يرى عدوا له مامن صداقته بد

فال مجدَ‏ يف الدنيا ملن قلَّ‏ مالُهُ‏ وال مالَ‏ يف الدنيا ملن قلَّ‏ مجدُهُ‏

يف املنطق والحكمة

إذا رأيت أنياب األسد بارزة،‏ فال تظن أبداً‏ أن األسد يبتسم

أَعَزُّ‏ مَكَانٍ‏ يف الدُّىَنَ‏ رسَ‏ ‏ْجُ‏ سَ‏ ابِحٍ‏ وَخَريْ‏ ُ جَلِيْسٍ‏ يف الزَّمانِ‏ كِتابُ‏

بِذا قَضَ‏ تِ‏ األَيّامُ‏ مابَنيَ‏ أَهلِها · مَصائِبُ‏ قَومٍ‏ عِندَ‏ قَومٍ‏ فَوائِدُ‏

بِمَ‏ التَعَلُّلُ‏ ال أَهلٌ‏ وَال وَطَنُ‏ · وَال نَديمٌ‏ وَال كَأسٌ‏ وَال سَ‏ كَنُ‏

ذو العقلِ‏ يشقى يف النعيمِ‏ بعقلهِ‏ وأخو الجهالةِ‏ يف الشقاوةِ‏ يَنْعَمُ‏

أغايةُ‏ الدِّينِ‏ أن تُحْفوا شواربكم.‏ يا أمةً‏ ضحكتْ‏ من جهلها األمم

إذا أنت أكرمتَ‏ الكريمَ‏ ملكْتَهُ‏ وإن أنت أكرمتَ‏ اللئيمَ‏ مترَّدا

يف الطموحات

‏•إِذا غامَرتَ‏ يف رشَ‏ ‏َفٍ‏ مَرومٍ‏ فَال تَقنَع مبِ‏ ا دونَ‏ النُجومِ‏

عَىل قَدرِ‏ أَهلِ‏ العَزمِ‏ تَأيت العَزائِمُ‏ · وَتَأيت عَىل قَدرِ‏ الكِرامِ‏ املَكارِمُ‏

وَتَعظُمُ‏ يف عَنيِ‏ الصَ‏ غريِ‏ صِ‏ غارُها وَتَصغُرُ‏ يف عَنيِ‏ العَظيمِ‏ العَظائِمُ‏

ما كل ما يتمنى املرء يدركه تجري الرياح مبا ال تشتهي السفنُ‏

وَهَكَذا كُنتُ‏ يف أَهيل وَيف وَطَني إِنَّ‏ النَفيسَ‏ غَريبٌ‏ حَيثُام كانا

وإذا كانت النفوس كبارا تعبت يف مرادها األجسامُ‏

يف الشجاعة والبسالة

أن ليس كل حذرٍ‏ حكمة،‏ وال كل شجاعةٍ‏ تهوّرًا

الرَأيُ‏ قَبلَ‏ شَ‏ جاعَةِ‏ الشُ‏ جعانِ‏ - هُوَ‏ أَوَّلٌ‏ وَهِيَ‏ املَحَلُّ‏ الثاين

وَالهَجرُ‏ أَقتَلُ‏ يل مِامّ‏ أُراقِبُهُ‏ · أَنا الغَريقُ‏ فَام خَويف مِنَ‏ البَلَلِ‏

ال يَسلَمُ‏ الرشفُ‏ الرفيعُ‏ من األذى.‏ حتى يُراقَ‏ عىل جوانبِهِ‏ الدَّمُ‏

وإذا مل يكنْ‏ مِن املوتِ‏ بدٌّ‏ فمن العجزِ‏ أن تكون جبانا

ومِن العداوةِ‏ ما ينالُكَ‏ نفعُهُ‏ ومِن الصداقةِ‏ ما يَرُضُ‏ ُّ ويُؤْلِمُ‏

يف الحب والحزن والفراق

وَاحَرّ‏ قَلْباهُ‏ ممّنْ‏ قَلْبُهُ‏ شَ‏ بِمُ‏ وَمَنْ‏ بجِسْ‏ مي وَحايل عِندَهُ‏ سَ‏ قَمُ‏

إنْ‏ كَانَ‏ يَجْمَعُنَا حُبٌّ‏ لِغُرّتِهِ‏ فَلَيْتَ‏ أنّا بِقَدْرِ‏ الحُبّ‏ نَقْتَسِ‏ مُ‏

وكاتم الحب يوم البني منهتك وصاحب الدمع التخفى رسائره

فرُبَّ‏ كئيب ليس تندى جفونهُ‏ ورُبَّ‏ كثري الدمع غريُ‏ كئيب

فَال تَحسَ‏ بي أَينّ‏ عَىل البُعدِ‏ نادِمٌ‏ وَال القَلبُ‏ يف نارِ‏ الغَرامِ‏ مُعَذَّبُ‏

وَقَد قُلتُ‏ إِينّ‏ قَد سَ‏ لَوتُ‏ عَنِ‏ الهَوى وَمَن كانَ‏ مِثيل ال يَقولُ‏ ويكذبُ‏

ويف الوجد هو القائل:‏

يا منْ‏ يُضيئونَ‏ وجهَ‏ العُمرِ‏ إنْ‏ حَرَضَ‏ ‏ُوا . ويُشعِلُونَ‏ حَنينَ‏

الرُّوحِ‏ إنْ‏ غابُوا

غِبتُم وما غابَ‏ عنَّا طَيفُكم .. فَلكَمْ‏ . تُهنَا بأشواقِنا

والشَّ‏ وقُ‏ غالَّ‏ بُ‏

هالَّ‏ تَعودُوا إلى دارِي .. فَمنزِلكُم . فوقَ‏ العيونِ‏ على

الهامَاتِ‏ أهدَابُ‏

خُذُوا يدَّيَ‏ وترانِيمي وقافِيَتي . كيفَ‏ أُفصِ‏ حُ‏ وما يفِ‏ الشَّ‏ وقِ‏ إعرَابُ‏ ؟

مَهما ابتَعدتُم سَ‏ يبقَى حُبُّكُم أبدًا . أنتُم وال غَريكُم يف القَلبِ‏ أحبابُ‏

شارع املتنبي يف بغداد

يف عام 1932، سُ‏ مّي شارع املتنبي،‏ وهو سوق لبيع

الكتب يف بغداد،‏ عىل اسم املتنبي تكرميًا له ولشهرته

ومكانته الرفيعة يف عامل الشعر.‏ ويشتهر شارع املتنبي

وسط بغداد القدمية بكونه خايل من السيارات وميلء

ببائعي الكتب واملكتبات،‏ ويبلغ طوله كيلومرتًا

واحدًا.‏ عند مدخل الشارع قوس مزين باقتباسات

الشاعر،‏ ويف نهايته متثال للشاعر العظيم من صنع

النحات العراقي الشهري محمد غني حكمت يطل

عىل نهر دجلة،‏ ومع مرور الوقت،‏ تطور شارع املتنبي

ليصبح رمزًا للحرية الفكرية،‏ يجذب الكتاب والفنانني

والسياح واألصوات املعارضة املتنوعة من جميع

أنحاء البالد.‏ تم إنشاء متثال املتنبي يف ستينيات القرن

املايض،‏ وسيظل صامداً‏ وقوياً‏ متاماً‏ كام تبقى قصائد

املتنبي خالدة عرب الزمن.‏

تأمالت يف املتنبي

وإذ نحن نعيش بني عرصين تاريخيني،‏ ‏)عرص

الخيول والليايل والصحراء،‏ وعرص واتساب وفيسبوك

وجوجل(‏ وعاشقًا للغة الجامل العربية وألعظم

شاعر عريب عىل مر العصور،‏ أمتنى لو يعود الزمان

إىل الوراء وأقيض يومًا برفقة هذا الرجل العظيم،‏

أسري كظلٍ‏ يف خطواته العمالقة،‏ أسأله وأستفرس منه

وأستمع إىل نربة صوته وكالمه.‏

ومع قصائد املتنبي،‏ ننطلق إىل العامل العريب

يف القرن العارش امليالدي ونروي قصصً‏ ا ملهمة،‏

ونتناول وننهل من كلامت اشعاره املضيئة،‏

ونكتشف كيف أن أبيات حكمته وقصائده ما

تزال ذات صلة بعرصنا الرقمي الحديث،‏ فشعر

املتنبي هو شهادة حية عىل أن الكلامت هي

مصدر إلهام يف جميع الثقافات واألزمان ويُوصف

شاعرنا العبقري بأنه فيلسوف الحكمة وحكيم

الفلسفة ونادر زمانه ومعجزة عرصه،‏ وكان تأثريه

عامليًا والمس قلوب القراء يف جميع األرجاء.‏

املراجع:‏ ديوان أيب الطيب املتنبي،‏ ديوان املتنبي

الكامل تأليف جيمس ف.‏ وارن،‏ الشعر العريب

ملصطفى أبو سنينة،‏ بريتانيكا،‏ موسوعة ويكيبيديا.‏

POET continued from page 35


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WE PROVIDE WELLNESS, FUN, LEARNING &

55+

COMMUNITY – ALL UNDER THE CCF WEST ROOF!

COMING IN

2026!

We’re excited to offer a variety

of activities that support health,

learning, and social connection.

Explore fitness, recreation, art,

language, technology, and more.

Build friendships and enjoy

meaningful experiences.

VISIT OUR SITE TO

LEARN MORE!

Scan QR Code

Chaldean Community Foundation West

2075 Walnut Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, MI 48323

farah.shammami@chaldeanfoundation.org | (248) 851-1200 ext. 118


CCF WEST

Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) West builds on the Foundation’s legacy of service, offering vital resources

while preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Chaldean people through cultural programs, language preservation,

and storytelling including, but not limited to:

LANGUAGE CLASSES

Classroom-style environment offering Chaldean (Aramaic)

and Arabic language classes, as well as workforce training

to equip community members with skills and confidence.

CHALDEAN CULTURAL MUSEUM (EXPECTED IN 2027)

Expanded exhibit space will support cultural events, school

tours, and public programs that deepen understanding of

Chaldean history. Operated by the Chaldean Cultural Center, a

separate nonprofit entity.

LIBRARY PROGRAMS (MAR IBRAHIM LIBRARY)

Space for reading clubs, research workshops, tutoring

sessions, cultural heritage discussions, and digital literacy

training. Operated by the Chaldean Catholic Diocese.

CHALDEAN COOKING CLASSES

Cooking and nutrition classes that celebrate Chaldean

culinary traditions while fostering community connections

across generations.

ADULTS 55+

A variety of activities that support health, learning, and

social connection through fitness, recreation, art, language,

technology, and more.

SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL

AND/OR INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

Services, advocacy, and skill building for those with

developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.

BUSINESS INCUBATOR

The business incubator is a forward-thinking initiative

for aspiring entrepreneurs. Providing essential

resources, mentorship, and support for launching and

growing businesses.

For more information on future programs and class

offerings, scan the QR code or call 248-851-1200.

Chaldean Community Foundation | 2075 Walnut Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, MI 48323

www.chaldeanfoundation.org/ccf-west/


IN MEMORIAM

Kristopher

Lee Tato

Jul 8, 1979 -

Nov 10, 2025

Badia Abbo Sesi

Jun 9, 1934 -

Dec 11, 2025

Sara Shalan

Jul 1, 1933 -

Dec 11, 2025

Ibrahim Ilia

Jul 1, 1944 -

Dec 12, 2025

Gorgees Mardo

Jul 14, 1933 -

Dec 13, 2025

Wadia Mouka

(Kaka)

Oct 27, 1959 -

Dec 13, 2025

Hani Yousif

Sinabk

Jul 1, 1950 -

Dec 14, 2025

Joseph Walter

Comz

Jul 1, 1929 -

Dec 15, 2025

Saad Azar

Jun 26, 1962 -

Dec 16, 2025

Hailan Hirmiz

Jul 1, 1942 -

Dec 17, 2025

Stephen Lossia

Jul 6, 1953 -

Dec 17, 2025

Badria Yousif

Jul 1, 1930 -

Dec 18, 2025

Husam Sami

Zoro

Aug 24, 1953 -

Dec 21, 2025

Nahida

Shamoon

Jul 1, 1933 -

Dec 22, 2025

Ghazi Maya

Nov 12, 1929 -

Dec 22, 2025

Stephan Hakim

Nov 23, 1949 -

Dec 25, 2025

Firas Yousif

Mezy

Aug 6, 1972 -

Dec 31, 2025

Kamala Hirmiz

Jul 1, 1935 -

Jan 2, 2026

Shoerah Zoma

Apr 24, 1964 -

Jan 3, 2026

Manoael Savaya

Jul 1, 1949 -

Jan 4, 2026

Ronny Altoon

Dec 23, 1987 -

Jan 5, 2026

Hayat

Hanoush Atto

Jan 9, 1946 -

Jan 5, 2026

Karim Korea

Issac

May 20, 1959 -

Jan 5, 2026

Warda

Jeberaeel

Kakka

Jul 1, 1938 -

Jan 5, 2026

Joanne

Kasmikha

Apr 10, 1981 -

Jan 5, 2026

Riyadh Danial

Hermiz

May 1, 1947 -

Jan 6, 2026

Thikra Lossia

Yalda

Feb 20, 1951 -

Jan 6, 2026

Adnan Razzook

Hermiz Abro

Jul 25, 1946 -

Jan 7, 2026

Fouad Goryoka

Jul 1, 1922 -

Jan 7, 2026

Hana Yaldo

Zeer

Jul 22, 1951 -

Jan 7, 2026

Virgin Nagarah

Dec 21, 1944 -

Jan 10, 2026

Suha Philip

Susan

Oct 19, 1951 -

Jan 10, 2026

Faiza Y Noocha

Jun 19, 1960 -

Jan 12, 2026

Khamela Yousif

Pattah

Jul 1, 1940 -

Jan 12, 2026

George Kado

Jul 1, 1931 -

Jan 13, 2026

Wadie Elias

Khami

Mar 31, 1940 -

Jan 13, 2026

Sabah Tobia

Abro

Jul 1, 1950 -

Jan 14, 2026

Yazi Ablahad

Moshi

Jul 1, 1954 -

Jan 14, 2026

Mary Boji Kashat

Jul 1, 1939 -

Jan 7, 2026

Sarah Allos

Jul 20, 1953 -

Jan 11, 2026


PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS

Authorized Agent for:

Phone: (248) 851-2227

(248) 851-BCBS

Fax: (248) 851-2215

rockyhpip1@aol.com

ROCKY H. HUSAYNU

Professional Insurance Planners

Individual & Group Health Plans

Medicare Supplement Plans

31000 Northwestern Hwy. • Suite 110

Farmington Hills, Ml 48334

Over 46 years of experience.

Gabe Gabriel

Associate Broker,

Certified ABR, SFR

29444 Northwestern Hwy, ste. 110

Southfield, Michigan 48034

Office (248) 737-9500

Direct (248) 939-1985

Fax (248) 737-1868

Email MortgageGabe@aol.com

Angela Kakos

Producing Branch Manager - VP of Mortgage Lending

o: (248) 622-0704

rate.com/angelakakos

angela.kakos@rate.com

2456 Metropolitan Parkway, Sterling Heights, MI 48310

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

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

NMLS ID: 166374

Experience • Knowledge • Personal Service

Experience • Knowledge • Personal Service

TOP 1% OF REALTORS

2015 REAL ESTATE

TOP IN OAKLAND

ALL STAR -

TOP 1% 1% OF OF REALTORS REALTORS IN

2015 2025 REAL ESTATE

OAKLAND COUNTY COUNTY 1993 – 2015 - 2025

HOUR MEDIA ALL STARS –

IN OAKLAND

ALL STAR -

HOUR MEDIA

COUNTY 1993 – 2015

Proudly servingHOUR Birmingham, MEDIA

Bloomfield, Proudly Farmington serving Birmingham, Hills, Bloomfield,

Each office Each office is independently

is independently

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

Proudly serving Birmingham,

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

Bloomfield, Farmington Hills,

Associated Broker

Each office is independently

West Bloomfield, the Lakes

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

Owned and Operated

(248)752-4010

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

Broker

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

Office (248) www.BuyingOrSellingRealEstate.com

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

Email: Toll brianyaldoo@remax.net

Free (866) 762-3960

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

Websites: www.brianyaldoo.com

www.BuyingOrSellingRealEstate.com

SANA NAVARRETTE

Membership Director

248.851.1200 office

248.925.7773 cell

chaldeanchamber.com

snavarrette@chaldeanchamber.com



JACQUELINE RAXTER, LMSW, LPC

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

PROGRAM MANAGER

3601 15 Mile Road

Sterling Heights, MI 48310

TEL: (586) 722-7253

FAX: (586) 722-7257

jacqueline.raxter@chaldeanfoundation.org

www.chaldeanfoundation.org

MARYANA SHABO

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH THERAPIST

ELIAS KATTOULA

CAREER SERVICES MANAGER

MARIAM ABDALLA

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH THERAPIST

3601 15 Mile Road


TEL: (586) 722-7253

FAX: (586) 722-7257

maryana.shabo@chaldeanfoundation.org


3601 15 Mile Road


TEL: (586) 722-7253

FAX: (586) 722-7257

elias.kattoula@chaldeanfoundation.org


3601 15 Mile Road


TEL: (586) 722-7253

FAX: (586) 722-7257

mariam.abdalla@chaldeanfoundation.org


LISTEN TO OUR STORIES!

Download the mobile app or visit our website

to hear the latest feature stories in audio form.

chaldeannews.com


EVENT

1

1. Members of the

West Bloomfield Police

Department answered

questions from the audience.

From left: Lt. Steven

Richter, Chief Dale

Young, Lt. Bob Houchins,

Officer Zena Dailey, and

Lt. Todd Metcalf.

2. Networking started in

the Yaldo Family Lobby

with check-in.

3. Over 100 guests filled

Thomas M. Denha Main

Street.

4. Panelists took questions

from the audience,

opening dialogue on

issues that have community

concern.

5. Chamber president

Martin Manna acknowledged

the strong

partnership between

the community and the

West Bloomfield Police.

6. A breakfast buffet

was catered by Shenandoah

Country Club.

2

3

4

5

Breakfast With a Champion

More than 100 attendees from West Bloomfield—city employees and

business owners—gathered for Breakfast with a Champion on January

22, hosted by the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce (CACC) at

its West Bloomfield facility. The morning brought together local business

leaders, residents, and civic officials for networking and conversation, featuring

remarks from Township Supervisor Jonathan Warshay and Police

Chief Dale Young, and underscoring the strong partnership between the

Chaldean community and local leadership.

6


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

PRACTICE AREAS

Business Litigation

Real Estate Disputes

Business Breakups & Owner Disputes

Healthcare Litigation

Construction Litigation

Appellate Litigation

A powerhouse attorney who delivers.

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

024) 1

10/20/23 10:20 AM

FEBRUARY 2026

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