APRIL 2026

METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY VOL. 23 ISSUE III APRIL 2026

Temple Tragedy

COMMUNITIES UNITE

IN TIME OF NEED

Featuring:

Autism Awareness

Officer Zena Dailey

Choosing a New Patriarch

APRIL 2026 CHALDEAN NEWS 3

4 CHALDEAN NEWS APRIL 2026

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METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY

| APRIL 2026 | VOL. 23 ISSUE III

PHOTO BY JACOB HAMILTON /ANN ARBOR NEWS VIA AP

ON THE COVER

18 Love, Courage, and

Community in Crisis

Shenandoah shines in time of need

By Sarah Kittle

FEATURES

14 Advancing Dialogue

Community hosts KRG Minister

By Dr. Adhid Miri

16 Arabic Translation by Dr. Adhid Miri

22 Celebrating Neurodiversity

Author Miriam Shapera

By Eemi Toma

24 The Path Less Ordinary

Families navigating autism

By Crystal Kassab, ED.D.

DEPARTMENTS

8 From the Editor

Stronger Together

By Sarah Kittle

10 Foundation Update

Civics Bee, Sports Program, Breakfast of

Nations

42 Sports

Logan Hamama

By Steve Stein

44 Health & Wellness

Preventing the preventable

By Crystal Kassab, ED.D.

18

Above: Police speak to media On the cover: People embrace following the Temple Israel synagogue attack.

Photo by Paul Sancya/AP

28 Chaldeans’ 5,000 Year Journey

Step into our story

By Mary Romaya

32 Ahead of His Time

Dr. Adhid Miri is a man with vision

By Sarah Kittle

34 Beyond the Badge

Officer Zena Dailey on the job

By Sarah Kittle

36 From Campus to Career

Making the most of internships

By Jenna Abroo

12 Noteworthy

Raymond Jonna, Juliana Rabban

38 Tributes

Nuha Arabo

By Bianca Brikho

Nicholas Haddad

By Tess Haddad

40 Economics & Enterprise

Motor City Ice

By Sarah Kittle

46 Culture & History

Saadi Al Saihood

By Dr. Adhid Miri

47 Culture & History

Saadi Al Saihood Arabic

By Dr. Adhid Miri

48 Religion

Passing the staff

By Sarah Kittle

50 In Memoriam

42


FROM THE EDITOR

PUBLISHED BY

Chaldean News, LLC

Chaldean Community Foundation

Martin Manna

EDITORIAL

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Sarah Kittle

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jenna Abroo

Bianca Brikho

Tess Haddad

Crystal Kassab, ED. D.

Sarah Kittle

Dr. Adhid Miri

Mary Romaya

Steve Stein

Eemi Toma

ART & PRODUCTION

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Alex Lumelsky with SKY Creative

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Zina Lumelsky with SKY Creative

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dan Moen

Paul Sancya

Corey Williams

SALES

Interlink Media

Sana Navarrette

CLASSIFIEDS

Sana Navarrette

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CONTACT INFORMATION

Story ideas: edit@chaldeannews.com

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Chaldean News

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West Bloomfield, MI 48323

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Phone: (248) 851-8600

Publication: The Chaldean News (P-6);

Published monthly; Issue Date: April 2026

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Stronger Together

April invites us to slow down, listen more

closely, and widen our understanding. As

we recognize Autism Acceptance Month,

this issue is rooted in a simple but powerful idea:

every story, every mind, and every path deserves

to be seen, respected, and celebrated.

This month’s features highlight the beauty

and complexity of neurodiversity in deeply human

ways. In Celebrating Neurodiversity, we

meet author Miriam Shapera, whose voice helps

reshape how we understand autism—not as a

limitation, but as a different way of experiencing

the world. In The Path Less Ordinary, families open

their hearts to share the realities, challenges, and triumphs

of raising children on the spectrum. Their stories

are honest, sometimes difficult, but always filled with resilience

and love.

But awareness is only the beginning. True progress

comes from acceptance, inclusion, and action. It means

building communities where differences are not just accommodated

but embraced; where individuals are empowered

to thrive as they are.

That spirit of community carries throughout this issue.

In Love, Courage, and Community in Crisis, we see how

Shenandoah rose in a moment of fear, reminding us that

strength is often revealed in how we show up for one another.

Neighbors looking out for neighbors and parents helping

other parents—that’s how we cope in difficult times.

They say the sum is stronger than the

individual parts, and it is proven true

time and again.

Let’s not forget our family in Iraq. In

this issue, Dr. Adhid Miri introduces us

to Saadi Al Saihood, a figure whose life’s

work reflects the power of vision rooted

in service. Through the founding of the

American University of Iraq–Baghdad

and the work of his Tree of Life Charitable

Foundation, his impact extends far

SARAH KITTLE

EDITOR

IN CHIEF

Correction

beyond business, touching education, healthcare,

and the lives of thousands of families.

We also turn the lens inward with a profile of Dr.

Adhid Miri himself, a man whose life reflects a rare

blend of intellect, resilience, and purpose. Today,

through his writing, teaching, and work with the

Chaldean community, he is preserving stories that

might otherwise be lost and bridging generations

with insight and care. His story is not only one of

personal reinvention, but a powerful reminder that

knowledge, when shared, becomes legacy.

Across these pages, from cultural reflections on

the Chaldean community’s 5,000-year journey to stories of

leadership, service, and emerging talent, we are reminded

that identity is not one story, but many, woven together.

As you read, I encourage you to reflect on the stories we

tell—not just as a publication, but as a community. Whose

voices are we uplifting? Whose experiences are we still

learning to understand?

This April, let’s move beyond awareness. Let’s choose

empathy. Let’s choose inclusion. And most importantly, let’s

continue listening.

Sarah Kittle

Editor in Chief

Editor’s Note: A correction is required for the March Editor’s Letter, which

mistakenly identified Lilly Alattar as a victim of a fatal bridge collapse in Iraq.

This was an error, as the incident occurred well before her birth. We sincerely

regret the inaccuracy and any confusion or distress it may have caused to Ms.

Alattar, her family, and our readers. We are committed to ensuring the accuracy

of our reporting and appreciate the opportunity to correct the record.

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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 recent 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

Civics in Action

CCF West Youth Basketball Program

Future Sports

Programs

Coming

Supported by the Marvin Toma

Memorial Fund, a 6-week youth

basketball program for 9- and

10-year-olds was held in the CCF

West gymnasium last month.

The program taught the group

about the fundamentals of basketball,

including passing, shooting,

dribbling, and more. More youth

sports programming is on the way

at CCF West. For more information,

contact Farah Shammami at (248)

851-1200 or email farah.shammami@chaldeanfoundation.org.

On March 21, 18 middle school students from across Macomb and Oakland County participated in a National

Civics Bee Regional Competition held at the Chaldean Community Foundation in Sterling Heights.

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

Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Students in grades 6-8 entered

by submitting an essay showcasing their civic knowledge.

These students competed in multiple-choice rounds, with the top five finalists advancing to a

Q&A session.

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel led the event as emcee, while CCF and CACC President

Martin Manna, Sue Kattula, and Oakland Schools superintendent Ken Gutman served as judges.

The top 3 finalists will compete against other Michigan students at the State Capitol in Lansing

for the National Civics Bee state competition held on July 8.

Last year’s Breakfast of Nations.

Breakfast of Nations

Returns to CCF

The Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF)-Sterling Heights

will host the 2026 Breakfast of Nations on May 8.

In collaboration with Connect Macomb, Macomb Intermediate

School District, Vibe Credit Union and OneMacomb, the Breakfast

of Nations celebrates the cultures, stories, and experiences that

make Macomb County a vibrant and diverse community.

The event will feature a panel of Macomb County residents

who immigrated at different points in their lives and went on to

find success in their communities. Panelists will share their personal

journeys, the challenges they overcame, and how their backgrounds

have shaped their paths in business and life. Guests will

enjoy networking and a hot breakfast, including

traditional ethnic food samples from

the Chaldean and Thai/Asian communities.

Admission is $30 for general admission

and $20 for student admission with proof of

Student ID.

New Hours on April 1st

The top 3 winners for the competition were Omar H. from Detroit Country Day, Landon R.

from St. Anne’s Catholic Grade School, and Shivam P. from Avondale GATE Magnet School.

Beginning April 1, 2026, the CCF location in Sterling Heights

will close to the public at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays.

This will not affect operating hours at the CCF West location

in West Bloomfield.



NOTEWORTHY

Record-Setting

Sale

Raymond Jonna just made a big

splash in Michigan’s real estate

world, helping close the recordbreaking

$156 million sale of Huntington

Tower in downtown Detroit—

the largest private single-tenant

net-leased deal in the state’s history.

Acting as the sole broker for both

buyer and seller, Jonna handled a

complex, high-stakes deal with skill

and precision. The 21-story Class

A tower, anchored by Huntington

Bancshares, is a standout in Detroit’s

skyline and a sign of the city’s

growing appeal to investors. Jonna’s

achievement also highlights the

important role Chaldean professionals

play in shaping Detroit’s business

and development scene.

Raymond Jonna

Just By Juliana is upping her game

Local Artist Featured

in 313 Day Campaign

Detroit’s creative scene is gaining fresh momentum with Chaldean American artist

Juliana Rabban, known as Just By Juliana, stepping into a major spotlight through

a high-profile collaboration with Big Sean and the Detroit Pistons.

Rabban is among a select group of artists featured in the team’s annual 313

Day initiative, a March celebration of Detroit’s iconic area code. This year’s campaign

is especially notable, with Big Sean serving as creative director and curating

a capsule collection that blends fashion, music and visual art rooted in the city’s

identity.

Known for her bold, street-inspired aesthetic and Detroit-centered storytelling,

Rabban’s work—spanning murals, apparel and custom sneakers—takes center

stage in the collection, transforming fan merchandise into wearable art. Her inclusion

not only marks a significant career milestone but also reflects the growing

influence of local artists in shaping Detroit’s national image.


All.

Better.

We’ll never stop pursuing better health

for everyone in our communities.

corewellhealth.org


IRAQ TODAY

Minister Ahmed with Chaldean community leaders at Shenandoah Country Club

Advancing Dialogue

Chaldean Community hosts KRG interior minister

BY ADHID MIRI, PHD

Over the past 20 years, the Chaldean

American Chamber of

Commerce and the Chaldean

Community Foundation, along with

other community organizations, have

built an outstanding reputation anchored

in capability, credibility, and

consistency.

That strong and reliable reputation

has made Chaldean organizations in

Michigan and across the United States

effective influencers — and a first stop

for visiting politicians, officials and

delegations from Iraq and beyond.

On Feb. 14, 2026, an official delegation

from the Kurdistan Regional Government

(KRG) visited Michigan and

the Chaldean Community Foundation.

The delegation was led by Interior

Minister Rebar Ahmed and included

Treefa Aziz, the KRG representative

in Washington, D.C.; Desko Shirwani

of the KRG office in Washington; and

Saad S. Salim, head of relations and

protocol for the Ministry of Interior.

The group was warmly welcomed

by Martin Manna, president of both

the Chaldean Community Foundation

and the Chaldean American Chamber

of Commerce, along with representatives

of the Chaldean and Assyrian

communities.

During the visit, Minister Ahmed

highlighted KRG policies aimed at encouraging

investment and attracting

U.S. private-sector companies to opportunities

in the Kurdistan region. He

also addressed ongoing financial and

salary disputes with Iraq’s central government

in Baghdad.

Manna, in turn, pointed to persistent

challenges affecting both sides,

including a lack of progress on key

issues in recent years. He emphasized

the region’s historic coexistence

among ethnic and religious groups

— particularly Christians — and the

Kurdistan government’s commitment

to protecting their rights as outlined in

the Iraqi Constitution.

He also raised several concerns affecting

Chaldean, Assyrian and Syriac

communities in Iraq and the KRG region,

including high unemployment in

Christian towns and villages, the need to

implement Article 125 of the Iraqi Constitution,

and the creation of an administrative

region in the Nineveh Plain.

Article 125 guarantees the administrative,

political, cultural and educational

rights of various nationalities,

including Turkmen, Chaldeans and

Assyrians, and serves as a constitutional

foundation for minority protections.

In a follow-up letter, Manna reiterated

these concerns, writing: “The

Kurdistan Region has long sought to

distinguish itself as a model of coexistence

and minority protection in the

Middle East. That reputation is an asset

of immense diplomatic and strategic

value. However, reputation must

be reinforced by consistent policy and

equitable administration. Where there

is a divergence between principle and

implementation, corrective measures

are not a concession; they are an affirmation

of leadership.”

He outlined several key issues, including:

• Ongoing administrative and

property-related obstacles affecting

Christian villages and institutions

• Uneven enforcement of legal protections

related to land ownership and

local governance

• Structural limitations on political

representation and community selfadministration

• Policies that risk weakening the

demographic and cultural sustainability

of historic Christian communities

Among the proposed steps forward:

• Establishing a transparent review

mechanism for land and property disputes

• Ensuring equal administrative

treatment in local governance and

security matters, including full implementation

of Article 125

• Strengthening protections for

demographic balance in historically

Christian areas

• Creating a formal, institutionalized

channel of dialogue between the

Ministry of Interior and recognized

representatives of the Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian

community

“These steps would send a clear

message to our people and to the international

community that the Kurdistan

Regional Government remains

firmly committed to justice, equality

and the preservation of its diverse social

fabric,” Manna wrote. “Our intent

is not confrontation — it is partnership

grounded in mutual respect.”

The visit concluded with a dinner

and roundtable discussion at Shenandoah

Country Club, where business

leaders and community members engaged

with the delegation. Conversations

focused on developments in the

Kurdistan Region and the Nineveh

Plain, as well as opportunities to

build trust, strengthen collaboration

and leverage the Chaldean community’s

influence in the United States.

The visit offered a meaningful

opportunity for dialogue, mutual

understanding, and renewed partnership.

Delegates expressed admiration

for the accomplishments,

organization and dedication of the


and voiced interest in strengthening

ties with the Chaldean-American

community.

The takeaway: It was an honor to

host Minister Ahmed and his delegation.

There is optimism that shared

goals, if matched by action, can lead

to meaningful progress. With continued

collaboration, there is confidence

that positive outcomes will

emerge from this engagement.


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تعزيز الحوار:‏

الجالية الكلدانية تستضيف وزير داخلية إقليم كردستان

بقلم:‏ د.‏ عضيد مريي

عىل مدار العرشين عاماً‏ املاضية،‏ نجحت كلٌ‏ من

‏»غرفة التجارة الكلدانية األمريكية«‏ و«مؤسسة

الجالية الكلدانية«‏ — جنباً‏ إىل جنب مع غريهام

من املنظامت املجتمعية للجالية العراقية

الكلدانية — يف بناء سمعة مرموقة وعالية ترتكز

عىل اركان املقدرة والكفاءة واملصداقية والثبات.‏

وقد جعلت هذه السمعة القوية واملوثوقة

من املنظامت واملؤسسات الكلدانية،‏ جهاتٍ‏

إقتصادية فاعلة وسياسية مؤثرة؛ سواء يف والية

ميشيغان أو يف مختلف أنحاء الواليات املتحدة،‏

بل وغدت مؤسساتنا وجهةً‏ أوىل ومحطةً‏ رئيسية

للسياسيني واملسؤولني والوفود القادمة من العراق

ومن خارج والية ميشيغان.‏

يف 14 فرباير 2026، قام وفد رسمي من

حكومة إقليم كردستان بزيارة إىل والية ميشيغان

ومؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية،‏ وترأس الوفد وزير

داخلية اإلقليم ريرب أحمد،‏ وضم يف عضويته كالً‏

من تريفا عزيز،‏ ممثلة حكومة اإلقليم يف واشنطن

العاصمة؛ وديسكو شريواين من مكتب حكومة

اإلقليم يف واشنطن؛ وسعد س.‏ سليم،‏ رئيس قسم

العالقات واملراسيم يف وزارة الداخلية.‏

حظي الوفد باستقبال حار من قبل مارتن منّا،‏

رئيس كل من مؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية وغرفة

التجارة الكلدانية األمريكية،‏ إىل جانب ممثلني عن

الجاليتني الكلدانية واآلشورية.‏ وخالل الزيارة،‏ سلّط

الوزير ريرب أحمد األضواء عىل سياسات حكومة

اإلقليم الرامية إىل تشجيع االستثامر وجذب رشكات

القطاع الخاص األمريكية لالستفادة من الفرص

املتاحة يف إقليم كردستان،‏ كام تطرق الوزير إىل

الخالفات املالية الجارية حالياً‏ مع الحكومة املركزية

العراقية يف بغداد واملتعلقة بالرواتب.‏

من جانبه،‏ أشار ‏»مارتن منا«‏ إىل التحديات

املستمرة التي تؤثر عىل كال الطرفني،‏ مبا يف

ذلك عدم إحراز تقدم يف قضايا محورية تخص

املسيحيني يف اإلقليم خالل السنوات األخرية،‏ كام

شدد عىل أهمية التعايش التاريخي الذي تشهده

املنطقة بني مختلف املجموعات العرقية والدينية

— وال سيام املسيحيني — وعىل رضورة التزام

حكومة إقليم كردستان بحامية حقوقهم،‏ وفقاً‏ ملا

نص عليه الدستور العراقي«.‏

كام طرح أيضاً‏ عدداً‏ من األمور التي متس

املجتمعات الكلدانية واآلشورية والرسيانية

يف العراق وإقليم كردستان،‏ ومن بينها ارتفاع

معدالت البطالة يف البلدات والقرى املسيحية،‏

ورضورة تطبيق املادة 125 من الدستور العراقي،‏

وإنشاء منطقة إدارية يف سهل نينوى،‏ والتذكري

بأهمية املادة 125 وتطبيق الحقوق اإلدارية

والسياسية والثقافية والتعليمية ملختلف القوميات

— مبا يف ذلك الكلدان والرسيان والرتكامن

واآلشوريون — فهذه املادة تُعد مبثابة ركيزة

دستورية لحامية حقوق األقليات كافة.‏

ويف رسالة متابعة للوزير،‏ أعاد ‏»مارتن منا«‏

التذكري والتأكيد عىل هذه املخاوف،‏ حيث كتب

قائالً:‏ ‏»لطاملا سعت إقليم كردستان إىل متييز نفسها

كنموذج للتعايش وحامية األقليات يف منطقة

الرشق األوسط؛ وهذه السمعة تُعد رصيداً‏ ذا قيمة

دبلوماسية واسرتاتيجية هائلة،‏ غري أن هذه السمعة

وحدها ال تكفي بل ال بد وأن تُعزَّز بسياسات

منسقة وإدارة عادلة،‏ وحيثام يحدث تباين بني

املبدأ والتطبيق،‏ فإن اتخاذ التدابري التصحيحية ال

يُعد تنازالً،‏ بل هو تأكيد عىل قدرة وعدالة القيادة«.‏

واستعرض عدداً‏ من القضايا الرئيسية،‏ من بينها:‏

• عقبات إدارية وعقارية مستمرة تؤثر عىل القرى

واملؤسسات املسيحية.‏‎1‎

• تطبيق غري متكافئ للحامية القانونية املتعلقة

مبلكية األرايض والحكم املحيل.‏‎2‎

• قيود هيكلية عىل التمثيل السيايس واإلدارة

الذاتية للمجتمع .3

• سياسات تنطوي عىل خطر إضعاف االستدامة

الدميوغرافية والثقافية للمجتمعات املسيحية

التاريخية.‏‎4‎

ومن بني الخطوات املقرتحة للميض قدماً:‏

• إنشاء آلية مراجعة شفافة للنزاعات املتعلقة

باألرايض واملمتلكات ‏.أ

• ب.‏ ضامن املساواة يف املعاملة اإلدارية يف

مسائل الحكم املحيل والشؤون األمنية،‏ مبا يف ذلك

التنفيذ الكامل للامدة 125

• تعزيز سبل حامية التوازن الدميوغرايف يف

املناطق ذات الطابع املسيحي التاريخي ‏.ج

د.‏ إنشاء قناة حوار رسمية ومؤسساتية بني

وزارة الداخلية يف اإلقليم واملمثلني املعرتف بهم

للمكون الكلداين الرسياين اآلشوري

وكتب ‏»مارتن منا«‏ قائالً:‏ ‏»من شأن هذه

الخطوات أن تبعث برسالة واضحة إىل شعبنا وإىل

املجتمع الدويل مفادها أن حكومة إقليم كردستان

تظل ملتزمة التزاماً‏ راسخاً‏ بتحقيق العدالة

واملساواة والحفاظ عىل نسيجها االجتامعي

املتنوع.‏ إن غايتنا ليست املواجهة،‏ بل هي

الرشاكة القامئة عىل االحرتام املتبادل«.‏

لقد أتاحت هذه الزيارة فرصة قيّمة للحوار

والتفاهم املتبادل وتجديد الرشاكة،‏ وأعرب أعضاء

الوفد عن إعجابهم باإلنجازات،‏ وحسن التنظيم،‏

والتفاين الذي تبديه ‏»مؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية«،‏

كام أبدوا اهتامماً‏ كبرياً‏ بتعزيز الروابط مع الجالية

الكلدانية يف أمريكا.‏

اختُتمت الزيارة بحفل عشاء وجلسة حوار

مستديرة أُقيمت يف نادي شانندوا ، حيث أجرى

جمع من قادة األعامل وأفراد املجتمع حوارات

وأراء مع الوفد الزائر،‏ تركزت حول التطورات

الجارية يف إقليم كردستان وسهل نينوى،‏ فضالً‏

عن فرص بناء الثقة،‏ وتعزيز التعاون،‏ وتوظيف

نفوذ املجتمع الكلداين وتأثريه القوي يف الواليات

املتحدة.‏

الخالصة:‏ كان لنا سعادة ورسور الستضافة

الوزير ريرب أحمد والوفد املرافق له،‏ حيث سادت

أجواء من التفاؤل بني الحضور وبأن األهداف

املشرتكة — متى اقرتنَت بالعمل الفعيل — ميكن

أن تفيض إىل إحراز تقدم إيجايب وملموس؛ ومع

استمرار التعاون والتواصل،‏ يحدونا اليقني بأن هناك

نتائج إيجابية ستنبثق عن هذه الزيارة وهذا اللقاء.‏

Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery

Preplanning in a Catholic cemetery is an act of love

and faith—honoring your beliefs while protecting

your family from difficult decisions later.

Make choices guided by your values today,

so your loved ones find comfort, not confusion,

tomorrow.

For more information or to schedule

a preplanning consultation, call

(248) 350-1900

U P C O M I N G

EVENTS

April

3-Offices Closed-Good Friday

17-Remembrance Mass in the Mausoleum | 9:00 a.m.

May

9-Mother’s Day Mass & Reception | 4:00 p.m.

15-Remembrance Mass in the Mausoleum | 9:00 a.m.

25-Memorial Day Mass in the Mausoleum | 9:00 a.m.

27-Outdoor Rosary Walk | 6:00 p.m.

25800 W. 10 Mile Road | Southfield, MI 48033

cfcsdetroit.org


SAVETHE

FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026 | 5:00PM-8:00PM

FOR THE CELEBRATION OF

DATE

CHALDEAN

AMERICAN

MONTH

FOOD ENTERTAINMENT FELLOWSHIP

CHALDEAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

2075 WALNUT LAKE RD.

WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI 48323

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO RSVP CONTACT

NATALIE SHAMMAMI AT NSHAMMAMI@CHALDEANCHAMBER.COM OR CALL (248) 851-1200


COVER STORY

PHOTO BY PAUL SANCYA/ AP

Police tape hangs outside the Temple Israel synagogue Friday, March 13, 2026, in West Bloomfield Township.

Love, Courage, and

Community in Crisis

Shenandoah shines in time of need

BY SARAH KITTLE

On Thursday, March 12, 2026, an alert went

out across West Bloomfield: active shooter

in the area. Schools and organizations went

immediately into lockdown—no one in or out. Those

inside were told to shelter in place as police raced to

potential targets. An attack was underway at Temple

Israel, 5725 Walnut Lake Road, but it was unclear if

the assailant acted alone.

Mary Romaya, executive director of the Chaldean

Cultural Center inside Shenandoah Country Club,

was driving on Walnut Lake Road around 12:20 p.m.

when she first sensed something was wrong.

“I kept having to pull over because of all the police

cars, ambulances, fire trucks, speeding by,” she

said. “As I got closer to Shenandoah, I could see the

flashing lights on all the emergency vehicles, but

they weren’t moving. I realized that something had

happened at either Shenandoah or Temple Israel.”

Within minutes, Romaya arrived at Shenandoah

and went to her office. By then, teachers and children

from the Susan and Harold Loss Early Childhood Center

were running into the ballrooms, seeking safety.

“The children were in groups with their teachers

so that each ‘classroom’ would stay together,” Romaya

recalled. “With others from Shenandoah, I passed out

water, chips, M&Ms, and eventually chicken fingers

and fries. I also grabbed a ream of paper and boxes of

crayons for our Chaldean/Aramaic alphabet coloring

book. I am a former teacher, and I remember thinking

that we must keep the children safe and occupied.”

Meanwhile, across the street, a truck had been deliberately

driven into the temple. It crashed through

the doors and stopped in a hallway, where armed

security guards engaged the assailant. One guard

was struck and taken to Henry Ford West Bloomfield

Hospital for treatment. Aside from first responders

treated for smoke inhalation, he was the only person

injured in what could have been a far greater tragedy.

In the chaos, more than 100 preschool children

were quickly evacuated and “hustled into the awaiting

arms” of the Chaldean-owned Shenandoah

Country Club, as Detroit Jewish News publisher Arthur

Horwitz later wrote. In a moment when Jews in

Detroit and across the country felt “dazed, vulnerable

and alone,” he emphasized that the Chaldean community

responded without hesitation—“no strings

attached. No hollow words.”

Back at Shenandoah, Romaya’s office quickly became

the command center for Sheriff Bouchard and

responding law enforcement agencies.

“Most of my time was in the ballroom assisting

the teachers and eventually the parents when they

began to arrive,” she said. “It was very emotional at

first, but then we, the Shenandoah staff and myself,

did whatever we could to make everyone—children,

teachers, parents—feel safe and cared for.”

Parents arrived in waves, frantic to retrieve their

children. Some 40 students and teachers also found

refuge in the yard of a nearby Chaldean neighbor. Club

president Patrick Kattoo directed staff to provide whatever

was needed, from diapers to coloring sheets.

“Shenandoah will not stand to see frightened

children,” he said.

Romaya helped keep the children occupied, passing

out paper and crayons, comforting those who

were crying, and making sure every child had a calm

presence nearby.

“There were SWAT teams from the Oakland

County Sheriff’s Department in the hallways ready

to deploy to Temple Israel as needed,” she said.

CRISIS continued on page 20


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تطلَع لمستقبلك،‏

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اعثر على المسار المهني الذي طالما حلمت به مع برنامج

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أو شهادة مهارات،‏ دون أن تتكبد أي مصروفات دراسية!‏

حان الوقت لك لتحقق تطلعاتك المستقبلية التي طالما حلمت

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COVER STORY

CRISIS continued from page 18

From above: Shenandoah Country Club functioned as a command center for law enforcement following

the March 12 attack on Temple Israel. Law enforcement escort families with children to safety.

“Someone asked me if I felt scared seeing so much

weaponry, but actually I felt safe and grateful that

they were present to protect all of us. I also thought to

myself that we are Chaldeans, and part of our culture

is to welcome people into our homes and feed them.”

That instinct—to open doors without hesitation—

was echoed by Shenandoah’s general manager, Hassan

Yazbek, who told The New York Times, “We treat

our neighbors as we treat ourselves. These are our

brothers and sisters.”

Law enforcement established a command center

at Shenandoah as children and teachers sheltered

in the ballroom for hours. By Friday night, the same

room was filled again—this time with nearly 1,000

Temple Israel congregants gathered for Shabbat

services. What is typically a space for weddings and

celebrations became, as Horwitz described, a “makeshift

sanctuary,” hosting a service that was “somber,

joyful and defiant.”

“Our doors are open,” Kattoo said, offering the

club for services.

But what unfolded over those 48 hours was not

spontaneous goodwill alone—it was the result of

something far deeper.

The Chaldean and Jewish communities in Metro

Detroit share a long and layered history, one built

through decades of grassroots engagement and personal

relationships. Long before March 12, Jewish

grocers helped newly arrived Chaldean immigrants

learn the business, stock shelves, and establish their

first stores. Over time, those early connections expanded

into partnerships in real estate, medicine,

law, and public service.

Families attended one another’s weddings and

funerals, shared holiday meals—from Passover seders

to Thanksgiving dinners—and built friendships

that extended beyond business into daily life. As Horwitz

described, these were not distant or symbolic

ties, but lived relationships—neighbors, colleagues,

and friends woven into the same community fabric.

Institutionally, the collaboration deepened. At

the request of the Chaldean community, Jewish

leaders helped establish a model for coordinated

philanthropy and planning. Community initiatives

mirrored one another, from healthcare support programs

to media—most notably the founding of this

publication, Chaldean News, inspired in part by the

Detroit Jewish News. Joint efforts, shared content,

and ongoing dialogue further strengthened the connection

between the two groups.

Both communities also share something less visible

but equally powerful: parallel histories. Chaldeans,

Eastern Rite Catholics with roots tracing back to ancient

Mesopotamia, and Jews, one of the world’s oldest continuous

religious traditions, are both ancient peoples

shaped by displacement, survival, and resilience.

These shared experiences—of migration, faith,

and perseverance—help explain the immediacy of

the response on March 12.

“When last week’s terror attack unfolded,” Horwitz

wrote, “these relationships undergirded the

one Temple Israel established over the years with its

Shenandoah neighbors… bringing Jewish children

into the arms of friends, not strangers.”

For the West Bloomfield community, the attack

felt deeply personal. The perpetrator, authorities say,

was driven by grief over the death of immediate family

members in Lebanon—innocent victims of a global

conflict. Why he chose to target other innocents may

never be fully understood.

In the days that followed, national media briefly

turned its attention to the Chaldean community,

casting it as a “glimmer of light in the darkness.”

But as quickly as that spotlight arrived, it moved on.

What remained, however, was something more

lasting.

A relationship built quietly over generations had

been tested—and it held.

This isn’t the first time the communities have

stood together. In the aftermath of 9/11, healing was

shared. When Israel was attacked on Oct. 7, Shenandoah’s

leadership stood in solidarity at a vigil across

the street. And in everyday moments, the bond has

been just as real—in shared businesses, shared institutions,

and shared lives.

On March 12, that history became action.

Rabbi Joshua L. Bennett of Temple Israel told the

CN, “The outpouring of support from law enforcement

and community partners has been incredible.

We are lucky that on the day of the event, the Chaldean

community made their people, property, and

love available to all of us. Since then, law enforcement,

religious communities and individuals around

the world have offered help and support. It is a true

blessing and silver lining in the wake of tragedy.”

In the face of terror, Shenandoah Country Club

and the Chaldean people provided more than shelter.

They offered something deeper: a reminder that

even in moments of unimaginable fear, community is

not defined by proximity, but by response. That when

the unthinkable happens, the strongest bonds are revealed

not in statements or headlines, but in open

doors, steady hands, and the simple, profound act of

showing up for one another.

PHOTO BY COREY WILLIAMS / AP

PHOTO BY PAUL SANCYA / AP



FEATURE

Celebrating Neurodiversity

A conversation with author Mariam Shapera

BY EEMI TOMA

Chaldean American physician and mother Dr.

Mariam Shapera never set out to write children’s

books—but her love of storytelling,

combined with her experiences as a parent and physician,

inspired her to create stories that celebrate

the unique strengths of autistic children. Writing was

always something she enjoyed, but her career first

took her down a very different path. “As a teenager,

I always loved writing fiction and poetry,” she says.

Still, she went on to study medicine, graduating

from medical school in the United Kingdom

before eventually moving to the United States. “I

then moved to the US, where I completed my family

medicine training in Michigan and got married,” she

explains. Today, she balances her work as a family

physician with raising three children.

Being a mother ultimately inspired her first book.

“I have three children, and it was my middle child, Joseph,

who is autistic and inspired my first children’s

book,” she says. Watching the way he experienced

the world led her to think more deeply about how

children see and understand things around them.

Her work in medicine has also shaped that perspective.

As a physician who sometimes treats younger

patients, she has learned to approach children

with curiosity rather than assumptions. “As a family

physician (who occasionally encounters pediatric

patients) and as a mother, I try to see the way children

envision the world and also question why they

say and do things the way they do,” she explains.

Medical training and motherhood, she says, offer

two very different but important insights. “Medical

training helps me see how children work, and motherhood

helps me understand how children feel.”

Joseph’s interests helped spark the idea behind

her first book, Up, Up, You Go Jo!. “My autistic son

has special interests in both outer space and music,”

she says. She often noticed how much happiness

those interests brought him. Over time, the idea for

a story began to form. “I combined these two themes

and came up with the storyline of the lost music

notes for my first book.”

Shapera’s children continue to influence the stories

she writes. Although her books have the same

inspiration, they take slightly different approaches.

“Both of my books were inspired by my autistic son

Joseph,” she explains, describing the first as more

of a traditional story while the second focuses more

directly on autism. “I would call my first book a children’s

fiction book and the second a children’s autism

book.”

Writing the second book came from something

she felt was missing in children’s literature. “I felt

Mariam Shapera with her second book about kids

with autism.

there was a huge gap in the children’s book market

for books that center on and celebrate autistic children,”

she says. Too often, she believes, autism is

talked about only in terms of challenges.

“Over the years, autism has been associated with

a lot of negativity, and we have done very little to

highlight the strengths and qualities of autistic people,”

she says. For Shapera, it was crucial for autistic

children to be reflected favorably in media. “It is important

that autistic children see themselves represented

in a positive light through children’s books.”

She also hopes the books help parents better understand

their children. “I hope they presume competence

in their child and continue to follow their

lead,” she says.

For many families, learning to see the world

through a child’s perspective can make a meaningful

difference. She encourages parents to keep advocating

for their children and supporting them as they grow.

Publishing her first book was something she approached

cautiously at first. “After I wrote my first

story, I was hesitant to get it published,” she says.

Her husband encouraged her to take the step. For

that book, she worked with a self-publishing company

and found the process fairly straightforward.

By the time she began her second book, she decided

to take a more hands-on approach, searching

independently for an editor and illustrator. It took

longer, but she enjoyed being more involved in each

stage of the process.

Her experience as a mother has also been shaped

by loss. Reflecting on that time, she says, “Stillbirth

is something no mother should ever have to go

through, but it does happen.”

The experience changed the way she views motherhood

and made her more aware of how fragile life

can be. It also deepened her empathy for other parents

who have experienced similar grief. “Right after

my stillbirth, I began to appreciate the smaller things

that I see in my children,” she says.

That awareness of everyday moments also shapes

the way she thinks about childhood curiosity. “Curiosity

is one of the most important qualities in a child

because it sparks learning and growth,” she explains.

Children who ask questions begin to understand

more about the world and about other people. She

believes that curiosity can help children grow into

adults who are compassionate and understanding.

Reading also played an important role in her own

childhood. “I loved growing up reading classic fiction

novels, especially Jane Austen,” she says. After

becoming a parent herself, she began paying closer

attention to children’s authors. Writers like Mo Willems

and Julia Donaldson stand out to her because of

their humor and imagination, qualities that connect

naturally with the way children think.

Balancing writing with medicine and family life

can be challenging. “It’s not easy, that’s for sure!”

she admits. She works part-time as a physician,

and most of her writing happens late in the evening

once her children are asleep. When an idea comes to

mind, she has learned to write it down immediately

so it doesn’t disappear.

Despite the busy schedule, writing has become

something that brings her closer to the children around

her. “Honestly, it’s the fact that it brings me closer to my

children and other children,” she says. Watching how

children think continues to shape both her stories and

her outlook. “I believe we have just as much to learn

from children as they have to learn from us.”

One response to her work stands out as especially

meaningful. A parent once shared that she used

Shapera’s second book, Jo’s Special Gifts, to explain autism

to her daughter. The child immediately recognized

herself in the character Jo, which opened the door to

conversations about identity and understanding.

For Shapera, moments like that confirm the purpose

behind her work: helping children recognize

themselves in stories and reminding families that every

child deserves to feel seen.


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FEATURE

The Path Less Ordinary

Families navigating autism

BY CRYSTAL KASSAB, ED.D.

There is a fear of the unknown—

especially when it comes to raising

children, and particularly

when parents sense that something

may be different.

That is how Zena Agoubi felt when

her oldest child, Owen, was not progressing

past 18 months. At around

two years old, she enrolled him in

speech therapy because he was not

really talking. The doctor suggested it

could be a sign of autism and urged

her to make an appointment quickly,

given the long wait lists. Agoubi did

just that—”just in case”—knowing her

son would not get the help he needed

if he did not have an official diagnosis.

About a year later, after a series of

appointments spanning almost two

months, Agoubi received the news:

Owen was diagnosed with level 2 Autism

Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

She sobbed alone in the car for an

hour.

“I was grieving,” said Agoubi, 42.

“I grieved a life I thought he was going

to have.”

To help Owen, Agoubi maintains

that she had to get it all out. By then, she

had her third baby and was pregnant

with her fourth. She worried about her

other children because younger siblings

are at a higher risk of autism if an older

sibling has it. She called her husband,

Peter, and he mourned too. Since they

knew nothing about autism, the worstcase

scenarios came to their minds.

Immediately, Agoubi started calling

around for ABA (Applied Behavior

Analysis) centers—therapy based on

the science of learning and behavior.

It was difficult because there were wait

lists, and they needed to know whether

they accepted their insurance. At

that time, insurance covered nearly

three months of visits; the rest had to

be paid out-of-pocket, costing about

$800 a month at some point. Now,

there is even better coverage for Owen.

“You have to learn all of this, you

have to read everything verbatim,”

The Agoubi family

Agoubi said. “You also have to learn

about your rights and the rights of

your child.”

As a family, the Agoubis had to

make sacrifices that were not only financial

but also familial. They did not

go on family vacations so Owen would

not miss therapy. When Oscar, now 5,

was a baby, he ate and slept in a car

seat because they were on-the-go because

of Owen’s appointments. A lot of

their family life revolved around him

at first, but now they have struck a balance

so the rest of the siblings, including

sisters Norah and Eden, will not

harbor resentment in the future.

Owen has never asked why he is

“different.” One of his sisters questioned

their mom why he goes to therapy, and

Agoubi explained that he just needs extra

help, likening it to helping button a

shirt or a basketball coach helping an

athlete. The family has normalized getting

help, so they never fear asking for it.

“What you instill in them now becomes

the norm,” she asserted.

Agoubi appreciates therapy that

includes the whole family, so the siblings

can learn to better interact with

Owen. Since he is the oldest child, she

encourages the kids to go to him for

help since he is the big brother, and

she wants them to see him as a protector

and a helper. They do not see

him as being different; rather, he is

just Owen, and sometimes he needs

extra help. That does not mean there

are no fights over toys, the TV, or the

iPad.

“Like any family, we have our good

days and our bad days. And I have to

also consider the other kids’ wants and

needs, and that’s a balancing act.”

Agoubi and Peter also balance

their roles as husband and wife. While

Zena is the caretaker, and Peter is

the provider, they are not unlike any

other couple with four children. They

believe that clear communication is

key to a strong relationship, and they

make time for each other without the

kids. Sometimes, that looks like a simple

dinner and a Target run.

They are fortunate to have family

members to help watch the kids, and

Agoubi affirms it is okay to say you

are tired and need a break, even just

to eat a meal in peace.

The Agoubis do have “Girls Day”

and “Boys Day” with each parent, and

sometimes Peter takes all of them on

his own, which gives mom time for a

“Zena Day” to get a manicure/pedicure,

lunch with a friend, or shop for herself.

She wants other parents who have a

child with autism to not let fear steal

their futures or their family’s memories,

and to not worry about what other

people think. Agoubi contends that getting

Owen on a path that God wants for

him was more important.

“To know Owen is to know God,

love, and peace,” said Agoubi.

AUTISM continued on page 26


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AUTISM continued from page 24

Linda Jajonie felt the same way

about her son, Christian.

“God gave us a gift to carry us

through,” she said. “I was once asleep,

and now I’m awake!”

Like Agoubi, Jajonie is also a mother

of four who felt it was important to

treat them all the same while also acknowledging

Christian’s needs. She

was an elementary teacher at the time,

and she understood that early intervention

would help the whole family

support him and each other.

Jajonie already had a one-year-old

son, Jevon, now 24, when she gave

birth to twins, Christian and Cameron.

While she was working on her Master’s

in Early Childhood Education, she

would compare the twins, now 23, and

something about it made her feel uneasy.

The doctor told her that Christian

has just a developmental delay, and she

should wait until he is four or five years

old before she tries to get any kind of diagnosis.

That did not sit well with her.

When Christian was a little over a

year, Jajonie took him to the University

of Michigan for testing, and three hours

later, he was diagnosed with autism.

They taught her what to do, and she

quit her teaching job and her graduate

program to get started and reinforce the

therapy with the rest of the family.

“I went through denial, sadness,

depression… I just had to surrender

it to God. I gave it all to Him, and He

guided me,” she said.

There was generally no widespread

insurance coverage for ASD treatment

in the early 2000s. This was distressing

to the family as they were on one

income; however, they were blessed

by family members who sought to help

Christian get the therapy he needed.

Years later, insurance companies began

including therapies for special needs.

It was still hard.

There were now four kids in the

family, with Ave Maria, who is currently

18. They moved to make sure Christian

was in a great school program. Christian

was on a gluten-free and caseinfree

(GFCF) diet, and there were not

many options back then; a small bag

of groceries from Whole Foods cost $75.

Jajonie would take Christian’s own food

in a Tupperware everywhere they went.

As a young teenager, they started giving

up on that diet, and his behavior was

Fun Facts

Owen, 9

Math is his favorite subject.

Likes to play “Don’t Break the

Ice” game

Enjoys Little Caesars breadsticks

Likes to draw safari animals

Received “Award of Excellence”

for his artwork in 3rd grade.

Christian, 23

Taught himself piano at age 5.

Writes in Japanese, speaks Dutch

Has perfect pitch

Loves letters and numbers

Won 1st place at Birmingham

Seaholm’s Talent Show for his

mashup of Taylor Swift and

Bruno Mars.

unchanged, so they felt safe to move

away from those groceries.

Jajonie became increasingly closer

to God after her husband, Steve, told

her it was a mortal sin to skip church

and encouraged her to quit hurting

herself by doing that. Though she was

proud to be a mother of an autistic

child, she realized she had to go because

her grief had already settled in.

She has since been involved with the

Office of Life through the St. Thomas

the Apostle Diocese and Friendship

Circle West Bloomfield and hopes to

organize events that bring special

needs families together within the

Chaldean community.

She believes her son, Christian,

taught the family what love, hope, and

faith look like.

“Mother of God is so welcoming

to us, and everyone knows and loves

Christian,” she said.

Agoubi and Jajonie hope others

will see the unique gifts of people

with special needs and accept them

as they are. They also want families to

know they are not alone. They insist

the community be more open-minded

when talking about autism and other

neurodivergencies and not shy away

from talking about them.

“Take the trips. Go to the parties.

Show up to the gatherings even

when it feels hard,” said Agoubi. “Life

with our children may look different

from what we imagined, but different

doesn’t mean less beautiful.”


COOK NG

CHALDEAN

UPCOMING

CLASSES

TUESDAY, APRIL 14 | 5:30 – 8PM

Back by popular demand: Kaaa-Ack

(Iraqi croissants)with Iman Konja

MONDAY, APRIL 20 | 5:30 – 8PM

Dolma with teens with Nada Kinaya

TUESDAY, APRIL 21 | 5:30 – 8PM

Shalgham (turnips cooked in tomato stew)

with Lillian Nadhir

MAY CLASSES COMING SOON

— STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES!

TO REGISTER CONTACT FARAH SHAMMAMI

(248) 851-1200 EXT. 118

OR SCAN QR CODE

Chaldean Community Foundation West

2075 Walnut Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, MI 48323


FEATURE

Chaldeans’ 5,000 Year Journey

Step Into Our Story

BY MARY ROMAYA

Above: The Chaldean community in February, 1947 when Fr. Bidawid arrived

in Detroit. Below: Family fun, most likely at Cass Lake, a favorite for the

community. Photo courtesy of Joe Matti.

CCC1: The Chaldean community in February, 1947 when Fr. Bidawid arrived

in Detroit.

CCC2: A delivery truck parked outside Joe Acho’s Market at Second and

Euclid. Photo courtesy of Pete Acho.

CCC3: Family fun, most likely at Cass Lake, a favorite for the community.

Photo courtesy of Joe Matti.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHALDEAN CULTURAL CENTER

Imagine stepping into a place

where you can do it all: explore the

town center of ancient Babylon;

touch the stele bearing Hammurabi’s

Code of Laws; enter a sacred space and

hear Aramaic spoken just as it was in

the days of Christ; visit a Chaldean village

in the Nineveh Plain in the early

20th century; travel to America and

glimpse the New York skyline as early

pioneers saw it from Ellis Island; feel

the pride of standing inside a 1930s

grocery store as a Chaldean entrepreneur

builds his place in Detroit’s business

community; and discover how

Chaldeans today are expanding their

professional horizons. How is all this

possible? Welcome to the Chaldean

Cultural Center and its Museum.

As many of you know, the Chaldean

Cultural Center and its state-ofthe-art

Museum is moving to a new

home in the Chaldean Community

Foundation-West (CCF-W) building at

Walnut Lake Road and Inkster. The

Museum showcases over 5,000 years

of Chaldean history and currently features

five galleries: Chaldeans in the

Ancient World, Faith & Church, Village

Life, Journey to America, and Chaldeans

Today. A sixth gallery, focused

on Genocide, will be added soon.

Each gallery presents artifacts, media,

sculptures, and text panels that

tell our unique and cherished story

while supporting its theme. The new

space will incorporate cutting-edge

technologies to enhance the visitor experience

and provide room for revolving

exhibits and signature programs.

In the gallery highlighting ancient

Mesopotamia, visitors can see cylinder

seals used for ownership and accounting,

as well as an authentic replica of

the original stele of Hammurabi (Code

of Laws), purchased from the Louvre.

Clay tablets and sculptures of historical

figures are also on display.

The Faith & Church Gallery highlights

the Aramaic language as it is used in religious

ceremonies, including the Chaldean

Mass, baptisms, and weddings.

Liturgical manuscripts, vestments, and

CCC continued on page 30

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOE MATTI


Únete a la diversión

este verano

انضم إىل املرح هذا الصيف

Chaldean Community Foundation and Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce

Presents

Make, Learn & Laugh.

SUMMER DISCOVERY

STARTS HERE!

Join your friends for

hands-on projects, games,

and adventures that

MAKE LEARNING FUN!

It’s FREE FOR FAMILIES

and meals may provided! include meals,

snacks, and even rides to

Program and from Details: your site.

• June 22 – July 24

• Mondays – Fridays

• 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

•

DISCOVER.

CCF West or

CREATE.

CCF East

• Have Grade fun levels: all summer Rising long! 3rd – 6th

• Focus on math and reading

language arts (RLA) instruction

Text DISCOVER to 50503

Enviar DISCOVER LEARN MORE: por SMS a 50503

CHALDEANFOUNDATION.ORG

SUMMERDISCOVERYMI.ORG

تكست DISCOVER عىل الرقم 50503

SummerDiscoveryMI.org

Chaldean Foundation East

3601 15 Mile Rd.

Sterling Heights, MI 48310

586-722-7253

Chaldean Foundation West

2075 Walnut Lake Rd.


248-851-1200

SIGN UP TODAY!

Don’t miss out!


TOLEDO, OH

4640 WEST ALEXIS RD

LOVE YOUR

nose

BY DR. V TOMA

PHOTO COURTESY OF PETE ACHO

419-473-2207

TOMA

R H I N O P L A S T Y C E N T E R

Dr. Vincent Toma is a board certified rhinoplasty surgeon and sinus

specialist with local roots. He is Chaldean with deep ties to our

community and church. With over 25 years of experience and over

35,000 procedures performed, he has the skill set necessary to

deliver the results you are looking for.

His office is an easy drive, just under an hour from West Bloomfield.

Renowned for his expertise in cosmetic and functional nose

surgery, sinus surgery, facial reconstruction and more. Dr. Toma

combines artistry with medical precision.

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A delivery truck parked outside Joe Acho’s Market at Second and Euclid.

CCC continued from page 28

other church adornments showcase the

spiritual life of the community.

Moving into the Village Life Gallery,

visitors encounter farming tools,

cooking utensils, and traditional

clothing. Exhibits demonstrate how

religious practices, village customs,

and attire helped Chaldeans maintain

their identity as a Christian minority

within a larger Islamic culture.

The Genocide Gallery, currently in

the design and content phase, will be

positioned between the Village Life

and Journey to America galleries. It will

place special emphasis on the ISIS invasion

of the Nineveh Plain from 2014

to 2017, highlighting the resilience and

struggles of the Chaldean community.

The Journey to America Gallery

features passports, photographs,

steamer trunks, passenger tickets, and

other personal items that trace how individuals

and families migrated from

Iraqi villages and cities to the United

States. This gallery tells the story of

why Chaldeans chose to settle in Detroit

and includes a display of an early

Chaldean-owned grocery store, illustrating

the community’s entrepreneurial

beginnings.

The final gallery, Chaldeans Today,

highlights the strength and diversity of

the contemporary Chaldean community.

Through graphics, videos, and interactive

technology, it shows the global

presence of Chaldeans—the Chaldean

Diaspora—and how they continue to

thrive worldwide. Together, all the galleries

immerse visitors in the full richness

of the Chaldean experience.

The Chaldean Cultural Center and

its Museum is a living testament to our

heritage. It honors the early pioneers

who had the courage and adventurous

spirit to start anew in a foreign land.

The Center helps our children, grandchildren,

and future generations understand

their legacy and instills pride

in being Chaldean. It also shares our

unique history with the broader, non-

Chaldean community.

The CCC is currently seeking additional

objects and artifacts—photographs,

books, household items,

immigration and naturalization documents,

and other personal belongings

brought to America—that tell the story

of individual families while reflecting

the broader immigrant experience.

The new space will allow some of these

items to be displayed in permanent

galleries, featured in rotating exhibits,

or included in a mobile museum.

We invite community members

to donate items to become part of the

Chaldean collection. In particular, we

are looking for photographs of families,

groups, and events, whether taken

in Iraq, the U.S., Mexico, San Diego, or

elsewhere, spanning multiple decades.

Originals will be carefully scanned and

returned. All items will be evaluated

and curated to determine their historical

value and suitability for the collection.

This is a wonderful opportunity to

preserve and share your family’s story,

support the living legacy of the Chaldean

Cultural Center, and ensure that

future generations can connect with

their history in a meaningful way.

For further information about donating

items, touring the current Museum

inside the Shenandoah Country Club,

or making a financial contribution,

please contact Zina Lumelsky,

archivist/collections manager, at

zlumelsky@chaldeanculturalcenter.

org or by calling the Chaldean Cultural

Center at (248) 681-5050.

ing soon! coming soon! coming soon! coming soon! coming soon! coming so

Adults (55+)

Gather around the

village

table

featuring

celebrity chefs

inventive menus

no cost to attend

guests were treated to Paqota with

Jacob Bacall at a recent event

ccf west • 2075 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323 • 248-851-1200 • chaldeanfoundation.org


FEATURE

Ahead of His Time

Dr. Adhid Miri is a man with vision

BY SARAH KITTLE

Dr. Adhid Miri has lived many lives in one—

scientist, educator, entrepreneur, historian,

cultural preservationist, and, for Chaldean

News readers, one of its most trusted and thoughtful

voices. To read his work is to travel across centuries

and continents, from ancient Mesopotamia to modern

Michigan, guided by a man who understands both the

chemistry of molecules and the chemistry of people.

Born in Baghdad in 1948, Dr. Miri grew up surrounded

by books, languages, and learning. Family

lore holds that when he was born at home—common

in Iraq at the time—he was wrapped not in cloth but

in books and newspapers from his father’s library.

Whether legend or truth, the image is fitting. “Those

became like tattoos printed on me,” he says, reflecting

on a lifelong love of reading, history, and culture.

From Molecules to Meaning

By training, Dr. Miri is a chemist. Educated in Iraq

and England, he worked in academia and research,

including a period at King’s College in London. In

the mid-1970s, he returned to Iraq to help rebuild the

country, serving as a professor at Basra University.

It was a promising chapter—one defined by science,

teaching, and optimism—until history intervened.

When the Iran-Iraq War erupted in 1980, Basra

found itself under constant shelling. Students were

killed crossing waterways to reach campus. Faced

with the impossible choice between safety and vocation,

Dr. Miri made the painful decision to leave the

discipline he loved.

“I was forced to exit chemistry,” he reflects. “But

instead of the chemistry of elements, I learned the

chemistry of life, the chemistry of people.”

He arrived in the United States in 1981 during a

difficult economic period marked by high inflation

and scarce jobs. Though he briefly found work as a

chemist, family considerations led him down an unexpected

path: entrepreneurship.

Ahead of the Curve

Long before craft coffee and boutique breweries became

cultural mainstays, Dr. Miri was already there.

He entered the coffee business with The Coffee Exchange,

which he later sold, with a partner, to Caribou

Coffee. Later, he opened the microbrewery Copper

Canyon Brewery, again demonstrating an instinct

for emerging industries.

“I love liquids,” he explains. “Items made with

water as a major component are very profitable; water

is a blessed product!”

For Dr. Miri, business was never an end in itself,

but a means to build something lasting. His ventures

Dr. Adhid Miri

reflected both foresight and pragmatism—an ability

to recognize opportunity while remaining grounded

in values shaped by family, faith, and community.

That same practical mindset allowed him not only to

succeed financially, but to create a foundation sturdy

enough to support what mattered most to him beyond

commerce.

“I don’t consider myself a very good businessman,”

he says with characteristic humility. “But

business served me well.” It provided stability, opportunity,

and education for his children—and, eventually,

the freedom to return to his first loves: writing,

teaching, and cultural service.

A Historian at Heart

Today, Dr. Miri is best known to Chaldean News readers

as a cultural and history writer whose articles illuminate

the deep roots of the Chaldean people and

their place within the broader tapestry of Mesopotamian

civilization. His passion for history, languages,

and geography runs deep and personal.

“People would be surprised how many don’t

know their own culture,” he says. “It is our responsibility,

the role of this generation, to explore it and

expose it to the younger generation.”

That mission has shaped much of his work at the

Chaldean Community Foundation West, where he

teaches Arabic, guides tours of the facility, provides

translations for the Chaldean Community Foundation

and Chaldean News, and contributes to educational

programming for both adults and youth.

He was also instrumental in developing the Chaldean

Town historical marker and in curating content

for the Chaldean Cultural Museum, where history is

not treated as distant or abstract, but as living memory.

Among Dr. Miri’s most urgent projects is a forthcoming

museum gallery documenting what he calls

the “Genocide of the 21st Century”—the devastation

inflicted upon Iraq’s Christian and minority communities

following regime change and the rise of ISIS.

“When I left Iraq, there were nearly 1.5 million

Christians,” he notes. “Today, that number is about

123,000.”

Between 2019 and 2022, Dr. Miri made multiple

trips back to Iraq to document destroyed towns, collect

artifacts, and photograph what remained—often

traveling through the Nineveh Plain. Burned photographs,

damaged objects, and remnants of daily life

now serve as evidence, not waste.

“In the West, we understand that artifacts tell stories,”

he says. “Each one matters.”

Dr. Miri’s writing often extends beyond the Chaldean

experience to include Iraq’s other ancient communities—Mandaeans,

Yazidis, and Jews—whose

histories are deeply intertwined.

“We lived together,” he recalls. “In Iraq, Christians

often lived alongside Jewish and Yazidi neighbors.

And when we came to the United States, history

repeated itself.”

He tells the story of a photograph from his college

days: four students seated on a bench—a Jew, a Shiite,

a Sunni, and a Christian—each representing a major

strand of Iraqi society. It is a powerful reminder of

what once was, and of what fragmentation has cost.

The Legacy of Education

Education is the unifying thread of Dr. Miri’s life,

and his family history. His father, an educator fluent

in four languages, served as the first principal of the

American School for Boys in Baghdad in 1925 and

authored books still used today. His siblings became

physicians, professors, pharmacists, and teachers.

“That legacy shaped us,” Dr. Miri says simply.

For the future of the Chaldean community, he returns

again and again to one word: education. Using

a chemist’s metaphor, he describes America as “the

stainless steel of the world”—an alloy made stronger

by its components.

“We don’t want to dissolve in it,” he says. “We

want to be part of it.”

Now retired from business but more active than

ever, Dr. Miri continues to write, teach, curate, and

envision new projects, including a digital Chaldean

family tree that would connect generations through

shared history and data.

As he prepares to host podcasts of his own, his philosophy

remains clear: write with intention, choose

topics wisely, and meet readers where they are.

“Timing matters,” he says. “It’s all about the

readers.”

In every sense, Dr. Adhid Miri has been ahead of his

time—seeing value before others did, preserving stories

before they vanished, and reminding a community of

who it has been, and who it can still become.


DO

SMOKE

YOU

HOOKAH?

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Who Can Participate?

We are inviting female hookah users to

participate in a Smoking Cessation Focus

Group about quitting and discovering

healthier choices.

• Females 18 years of age and older

who currently use hookah

• Females interested in sharing their

thoughts about hookah use and quitting

• Females willing to participate in a

small group discussion

Contact Leila Kello at the Chaldean Community Foundation if interested in learning more.

Leila.Kello@chaldeanfoundation.org | 586-722-7253


FEATURE

Beyond the Badge

Officer Zena Dailey on the job

BY SARAH KITTLE

In West Bloomfield, Michigan, a city

home to one of the largest Chaldean

populations in the country,

Officer Zena Dailey occupies a unique

position. She is the only female Chaldean

police officer in the city, navigating

a profession that is still growing

in diversity while representing both

her community and women in law enforcement.

Her story is one of dedication,

service, and the quiet but powerful

impact of representation.

Dailey’s journey into law enforcement

began at age 20. Fresh out of

community college and armed with an

associate’s degree, she enrolled in the

police academy, driven by a desire for

excitement, purpose, and the ability to

make a tangible difference in people’s

lives. At that point, she couldn’t even

legally purchase a firearm because of

her age.

“I wanted to help people,” she recalls.

“Even if I could impact just one

person’s life, that mattered to me.” At

the time, she hadn’t known anyone in

law enforcement personally. “I didn’t

really have a role model,” she says. “It

was just this feeling I had at the end of

my senior year: this is what I wanted

to do.”

Her first assignment was in Pontiac,

where she served for nearly three

years before the department began

layoffs and eventually disbanded. “I

wanted to help support my mom and

my family,” she recalls. “And I didn’t

want a desk job.”

From there, she worked part-time

in Clarkston before moving to West

Bloomfield, where she has spent the

last 17 years building a career defined

by service and community engagement.

Today, she serves as the department’s

community relations officer, a

role that allows her to bridge the gap

between law enforcement and the residents

they serve.

Dailey describes her position as a

“catch-all” role, one that involves attending

community events, visiting

schools, running youth programs,

and helping residents navigate interactions

with law enforcement. “I love

this role because I get to connect with

people before there’s an emergency,”

she explains. “Usually, people see us

in a crisis, and it’s not always positive.

Here, I can show that we are approachable,

safe, and here to serve.”

Her Chaldean heritage plays a subtle

but meaningful role in her work.

While she primarily speaks Arabic

rather than Chaldean, she has been

able to assist in situations where language

and cultural understanding are

critical. “I can pick up on nuances in

a home or at a hospital that others

might miss,” she explains. “It helps

me ensure people are heard and treated

fairly.”

Being the only female Chaldean officer

comes with both challenges and

rewards. “Representation matters,” Dailey

emphasizes. She understands that

young Chaldean girls in the community

see her as a symbol of what is possible,

someone who has broken through barriers

in a profession that has long been

male dominated. She also takes pride

in mentoring younger officers, including

Miranda Diaowd, a fellow Chaldean

who worked in West Bloomfield and

now serves in Sterling Heights.

“When Miranda started, I felt like a

big sister to her,” Dailey says. “I wanted

to share what I’ve learned, guide

her through challenges, and help her

thrive in a career that isn’t always easy

for women.”

Dailey’s path has not been without

obstacles. Balancing law enforcement

with motherhood was an early

concern when she was pregnant with

her first child. Even though she was

on light duty, she started to question

her career path. “I remember thinking,

‘I can’t be a police officer and a mom.

This isn’t going to work,’” she says.

But after four months at home with

her newborn, she returned to work,

determined to embrace both roles.

Today, she is the mother of three: a

15-year-old, a 13-year-old, and a 7-yearold,

all of whom understand and

support the demands of her job. She

emphasizes that managing a family

alongside a career in law enforcement

requires planning, flexibility, and the

ability to compartmentalize; however,

it is entirely possible.

“My kids understand, and they

worry,” Dailey says, “But I try to keep


University of Detroit

HIGH SCHOOL AND ACADEMY

things even at home and I don’t talk

about work very much.”

Her commitment to service extends

beyond her immediate duties. Dailey

is an advocate for youth engagement,

running programs like the West

Bloomfield Youth Academy, where

teens aged 14 to 17 get hands-on exposure

to law enforcement duties.

“It’s not about recruiting every kid

to be a police officer,” she says. “It’s

about helping them understand who

we are, how we work, and that we’re

here to serve the community.”

Through these programs, she

hopes to cultivate trust, understanding,

and a sense of civic responsibility

among young residents.

Dailey’s upbringing has also

shaped her approach to policing. Born

in Oak Park and raised in Madison

Heights and Sterling Heights, she grew

up in a close-knit, sheltered Chaldean

family. Her mother kept the household

tight, focused on family values, faith,

and community.

“We were very sheltered,” Dailey

says. “I only knew my dad’s brothers

and sisters. Beyond that, it was a small

world, and I’m grateful for the strong

foundation it gave me.” This upbringing

instilled in her a sense of duty,

respect, and empathy that she carries

into every interaction with the public.

While she doesn’t rely explicitly

on her cultural background in day-today

decision-making, her understanding

of Chaldean and Arabic-speaking

households allows her to navigate delicate

situations with sensitivity. She

recounts instances where she has been

able to mediate conflicts or ensure

clear communication because of her

cultural insight, whether at hospitals,

homes, or community centers. “It’s

a small thing sometimes,” she says,

“but it can make a big difference.”

There are occasions where the person

they are interacting with doesn’t

recognize that she is Chaldean—Dailey

is not a Chaldean surname. In those

cases, “I just sit back and I just listen,”

she says. “If it’s a domestic situation

and the spouse doesn’t want the other

one to talk, at least I can pick up on

that and say, ‘Hey, we actually need to

do something different here.’”

Dailey’s career has also been defined

by moments of instinct and

quick thinking. She recalls a call from

2016 where a seemingly ordinary car

fire turned into a critical investigation.

“Something didn’t feel right,” she remembers.

“I went back to check and

gathered information that later helped

identify suspects in a serious crime.

That’s the kind of thing that stays with

you; how paying attention and acting

decisively can change the outcome.”

In addition to her professional accomplishments,

Dailey emphasizes

the importance of health and wellness.

She works out five to six days a week,

both for physical preparedness and

mental clarity. “I need to be strong,

not just for myself, but to protect others

and to take care of my family,” she

says. Her disciplined approach to fitness

mirrors her approach to policing:

intentional, focused, and committed.

Even as she balances a demanding

career and family life, Dailey remains

engaged in the Chaldean community.

She attends cultural events, supports

local initiatives, and appreciates the

welcoming environment of West Bloomfield.

“We like to help each other out,”

she says. “We look out for each other.”

Her connection to the community

reinforces her belief that law enforcement

is not just about enforcement—

it’s about building trust, offering guidance,

and being a visible, supportive

presence.

For young people in the community,

Dailey has a clear message: “You

do not have to be afraid of the police.

We are here to serve, to guide, and to

protect. Every department is different,

but here in West Bloomfield, we truly

care about our community.”

She also hopes her story inspires

young Chaldean girls to consider careers

in fields they may never have thought

possible, whether in law enforcement,

public service, or leadership.

Her mentorship of others, her connection

to the community, and her

ability to navigate a male-dominated

profession make her a role model not

just for Chaldean women, but for anyone

striving to make a difference. In

Zena Dailey, the West Bloomfield community

sees a reflection of their values:

resilience, empathy, and the quiet

power of representation.

Her story reminds us that trailblazers

don’t always make headlines. They build

relationships, inspire others, and create

pathways for those who follow. Officer

Zena Dailey is doing all of that, every

day, in service to the community.

Celebrating Faith & Community Together

University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy warmly invites the

Chaldean community to join us for a special Mass on

Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 3:30 PM.

The liturgy will be celebrated by Fr. Selwan Taponi,

pastor of Holy Martyrs Chaldean Catholic Church in Sterling Heights.

All are welcome as we come together in faith and fellowship.

A reception will follow at the school.

For more information about our school, scan the QR code

2026

GRADUATION

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Is there a special graduate

in your life this year?

A graduation announcement in the

Chaldean News is the perfect way to share

this milestone with the community.

Your reserved announcement includes:

• Full or Half Page Display (print and digital)

• Banner on CN website and mobile app

• Honorable mention on CN social media

JUNE 2026 RESERVATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026

Space is limited, to reserve your spot,

visit chaldeannews.com/grads

or scan the QR code below.

Special Community Pricing!

www.uofdjesuit.org


FEATURE

From Campus to Career

Making the most of internships

BY JENNA ABROO

Everyone knows the goal of going

to college and earning a degree

is to gain the education needed

to find a job after graduation. One key

part of that journey is securing an internship.

Internships help students

build connections in the workforce,

gain professional experience in their

chosen field, and strengthen their resumes.

They’re not just important—

they’ve become almost essential to

the college experience, especially in

today’s competitive job market.

Some internships begin with simple

roles, like assisting within a company

or shadowing experienced professionals.

No matter the setting, one

thing remains true: the skills gained as

an intern can shape you into a stronger

working professional. Internships

offer real-world experience and, in

many cases, provide part-time income

as well. Many colleges and universities

even require them for credit toward

graduation. But where does one start?

Landing a great internship comes

down to a few key factors: timing,

commitment and your accomplishments.

Many professionals recommend

getting involved in a variety of

activities and organizations to build

both experience and connections. According

to the recruitment site LinkedIn,

“College students with previous

internship experience are 85% more

likely to secure job offers.”

While we know how important

internships are, finding the right one

can feel overwhelming. The first step is

simple: figure out where to apply. Today,

most applications are submitted

online—either directly through company

websites or through third-party

platforms like LinkedIn, Monster and

Indeed.

Another valuable route is in-person

networking. Many employers recruit

at job fairs hosted by colleges and universities.

During my undergraduate

years at Oakland University, I attended

countless job fairs and networking

Lydia Kado as an intern at University of Michigan.

events. One of the best pieces of advice

I picked up is to treat these events like a

real job interview. Prepare a concise elevator

pitch that highlights your skills,

dress in appropriate business attire and

bring multiple copies of your resume

and any relevant certificates.

Showing up prepared and presenting

the best version of yourself is one

of the most effective ways to make

a strong impression. Treating these

events like real interview experiences

will also help you appear more confident

and polished. It’s just as important

to follow up afterward if you’ve

made a connection. Small, intentional

details are often what recruiters remember—and

they can give you an

edge over other candidates.

Mock interviews, often offered

through college career centers, are another

great resource. Learning to take

advantage of the tools available to you

is a skill that extends far beyond college

and into your professional life.

Once you’ve secured a connection

or interview, it’s just as important to

find the right fit for yourself. Many students

believe any opportunity is worth

taking—“a job is a job.” While that can

be true, it’s far more beneficial to be

thoughtful and intentional about the

roles you pursue.

Local college graduate Lydia Kado

of Bloomfield Hills, 23, shared some

insight on the internship search. Kado

has extensive experience networking

and securing internships—at one

point, she even leveraged connections

through the Chaldean Community

Foundation to land an opportunity.

She has since interned with the Washtenaw

County Public Defender’s Office,

the United States House of Representatives

as a congressional intern, and

the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office,

among others. She currently works as a

paralegal at a legal aid clinic in Detroit

and plans to attend law school this fall.

One of Kado’s biggest pieces of advice

is to “apply for what you think you’ll

be passionate about, while also keeping

an open mind. If you end up not liking

your internship placement, treat it as

an opportunity to redirect toward something

that better fits you. Overall, take

every experience seriously. You may

want a letter of recommendation later,

or that professional relationship could

even lead to a future job offer.”

Kado also emphasized that interning

across a variety of settings helped

her better understand different professional

sectors. Each experience,

whether it confirmed her interests

or challenged them, played a role in

shaping her career path.

Throughout my own college years,

I applied to a wide range of internships

and jobs. Once I found opportunities

that felt like a good fit, I was determined

to make the most of them. One

of the best habits I developed was consistently

challenging myself. I asked

for constructive feedback from supervisors

and advisors, volunteered for

special projects and made it a point to

shadow more experienced professionals

whenever possible.

Even when I wasn’t fully equipped

or didn’t yet have the expertise to contribute,

I still asked to observe. Taking

the time to understand the process

and the details behind each task

helped me learn far more than sticking

strictly to my assigned role. That kind

of real-world experience has continued

to benefit me now that I’m a few

years into my career.

Ultimately, the key to both applying

for and succeeding in internships

is being intentional with your goals

and committed to your own growth.

Use the resources available to you,

highlight your strengths, and push

yourself to take full advantage of every

opportunity. That’s how you truly

make the most of your internship experience.


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TO REGISTER CONTACT FARAH SHAMMAMI

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OR SCAN QR CODE

Chaldean Community Foundation West

2075 Walnut Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, MI 48323


TRIBUTES

My Cousin Nini

BY TESS HADDAD

Nuha Arabo surrounded by her family.

Remembering the life and

faith of Nuha Arabo

BY BIANCA BRIKHO

For anyone who knew Nuha Arabo, one

thing was immediately clear: she had a

presence that could light up any room.

Her smile was constant, her laughter contagious,

and her warmth made people feel instantly

at ease. Whether surrounded by family

or greeting someone for the first time, Nuha had

a natural kindness that left a lasting impression

on everyone she met.

After more than two decades of courageously

battling cancer, Nuha Arabo passed away on December

30, 2025, at the age of 61, leaving behind

a legacy defined not by illness, but by faith, resilience,

and extraordinary devotion to her family.

Those closest to her say that while cancer

was a part of her story, it never defined who she

was. “Cancer never took away her joy,” said her

daughter, Tabetha Kassab. “She chose to live every

day with faith and gratitude.”

Nuha’s battle with cancer began in 2002,

when she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s

lymphoma. The diagnosis came as a shock, but

those who knew Nuha say she faced it the same

way she approached every challenge in life: with

determination and trust in God.

She underwent chemotherapy and radiation

treatments while balancing the responsibilities

of family life. Through it all, her focus remained

on the people she loved most: her husband and

children.

After more than a year of treatment, Nuha

entered remission. Nearly a decade later, however,

cancer returned. In 2012, she was diagnosed

with breast cancer. Once again, she endured surgeries

and treatments with remarkable courage,

determined to overcome yet another challenge.

Over the years that followed, cancer continued

to return, forcing Nuha to face repeated treatments

and medical uncertainty. With unwavering

faith and grit, she fought the disease for more

than 23 years, exploring every treatment option

available and refusing to give up hope.

Nuha was featured in the December issue of

the Chaldean News in 2017, when it was thought

that she had beaten both Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

and breast cancer; however, in 2019, doctors

discovered that the cancer had progressed

to metastatic breast cancer, stage 4. Despite aggressive

treatment and numerous therapies, the

disease continued to spread.

Yet even during the most difficult moments,

Nuha’s spirit remained unshaken. “She believed

this was the cross God had given her,” said her

daughter, Lexi Ayar. “And she carried it with grace.”

Throughout her treatments, she rarely spoke about

her pain. “Any time she talked about carrying her

cross, she would say, ‘If Jesus can do it, I can do it,’”

said her daughter-in-law, Brittany Arabo.

“She never let the illness define her,” shared

her son, Bernard Arabo. “She stayed positive

and focused on the people around her.”

During the later stages of her cancer, family

members frequently stayed with her to provide

support. Despite the pain she was experiencing,

she still encouraged her children to return home

each evening to be with their own families.

“That was just who she was,” Lexi said. “She always

thought about everyone else first.”

“She taught us how to live,” her family said.

Her children say they often find themselves asking

a simple question when facing difficult moments:

“What would Mom do?”

The answer, they say, almost always leads

back to the same place: Faith. Love. Compassion.

That is how Nuha Arabo lived her life. And this is

how she will always be remembered.

Nicholas, better known as Nini, made life louder, funnier,

and more interesting. His heart was huge, and

anyone lucky enough to know him always felt that.

Nini was notorious for chasing adventure and making all of

our adventures that much better.

Nini was the fearless one, the adventurous one, and the

witty one who always had the perfect comebacks. He was

the best arguer to do it. I know, because we argued a lot…

and he always won.

Nini loved the outdoors from the time we were kids. His

passion for sports like snowboarding, wakesurfing, and disc

golfing lit up inside him. You saw it when he played, and you

heard it in his voice whenever he talked about the games.

Nini loved seeing the world and meeting new people

from everywhere. He lived in West Bloomfield, Grand Rapids,

Chicago, and San Diego. All the while, everyone back

home in Michigan was begging him to come home. When he

finally did, we couldn’t get enough of him.

His magnetic personality made him a natural at making

friends. Usually, people take big trips to celebrate an

achievement or milestone, but not Nini. He backpacked Europe

solo while in pharmacy school and loved every second

of it. He did big things to celebrate life in the moment. He

never needed to wait for a big milestone or a reason “why”.

He went skydiving not once, but twice. He loved the adrenaline.

Nini also loved trying new things; whether experiences

or foods, he was always the first to say, “Let’s do it!”.

Nini loved to dance and was often the life of the party

The thing he did most fiercely was love his family and

friends. Nicholas loved hard and intentionally. He loved his

parents unconditionally, always checking in, always showing

up. He was so proud to be their son.

Nini and his brothers, Travis and Alec, have always been

inseparable. They share an unbreakable bond that not even

death will destroy. Nini was the most amazing uncle and a

natural with kids, babies, and even dogs. Nini loved all 28 of

his cousins and all of their kids, too (way too many to count).

He never let distance get in the way of connection and was

never too busy for anyone. If you were his, you heard from

him. His people were everything to him.

Nicholas Jamil Haddad may have left this world for the next

one—the better one—far too soon, but he leaves behind an everlasting

legacy and taught us how to live life to the fullest.

Nini, life won’t be nearly as good without you in it. We

love you and will keep you in our hearts forever and ever.


JOIN US

YOUR NEXT GREAT HIRE STARTS HERE.


COMMUNITY

FAIR

JOB

WEDNESDAY

MAY 6,

2026

3:00PM-5:00PM

PLEASE REGISTER BY

SCANING THE

QR CODE BELOW.

Registration includes:

• One-year membership to the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce – granting you access to exclusive

networking opportunities, business resources, member events and ongoing community support

• Admission to the Spring Community Job Fair – engagement with job seekers and recruiting exposure

• One table and two chairs for setup

*Space is limited. Registration is available on a first come, first served basis.

** Admission is free to current Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce Members

$200 REGISTRATION FEE


3601 15 MILE RD.

STERLING HEIGHTS, MI 48310

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT ELIAS KATTOULA

ELIAS.KATTOULA@CHALDEANFOUNDATION.ORG | 586-722-7253


ECONOMICS & ENTERPRISE

Motor City Ice

Cool business, hot partnership

BY SARAH KITTLE

When you think of essential

businesses in Metro Detroit,

ice might not be the first

thing that comes to mind. But for Tyler

Yaldo, an environmental entrepreneur

with deep roots in the Chaldean business

community, it’s the perfect opportunity.

Alongside his partners—Matthew

and Brian Loussia, Devon Lousia, and

Dennis Hickey of Value Wholesale, Yaldo’s

father Ray and brother Gavin, plus

Sahir Kas-Marogi and his sons Chris,

Adam and Andrew—they are launching

Motor City Ice, a new ice company designed

to bring reliability, convenience,

and innovation to local retailers, restaurants,

and event spaces.

The idea, Yaldo says, was born

himself worked alongside Saad Abbo,

the former owner of US Ice, gaining

hands-on experience that would later

inform his new venture. “I knew the

business inside and out,” he says.

The formation of Motor City Ice came

together quickly—but strategically. After

a market gap emerged following US Ice’s

sale, Yaldo initially planned to launch

solo with venture capital backing. But

when discussions began with Matt and

Brian Loussia, long-time family friends

and wholesale industry veterans, the

decision was made to combine forces.

“Instead of competing against each

other with two Chaldean companies,

we thought combining and making one

strong Chaldean company was the best

fit for the market,” Yaldo explains.

ing a full-scale manufacturing and

distribution operation, with plans

to serve liquor stores, convenience

stores, supermarkets, gas stations,

and restaurants across Metro Detroit.

Technology and efficiency are central

to the company’s strategy. Motor

City Ice is developing proprietary

systems for live inventory tracking,

allowing them to refill customers’ ice

supplies before they run out—a service

Yaldo says will differentiate them

in the region. The 30,000 square foot

Oak Park facility, formerly the Forgotten

Harvest warehouse on Greenfield,

houses a 7,500-square-foot walk-in

freezer and will support a fleet of 12

delivery trucks.

Sustainability is another key fo-

knowledges the challenges ahead.

“The biggest challenge this first year is

growth—the speed of growth. The market’s

going to want us so fast. We’re going

to have to pace ourselves.” But the

team’s experience and relationships

in the business community position

them well to meet demand.

Motor City Ice is poised to become

more than just a local ice supplier.

Yaldo sees it as a community-focused,

Michigan-made venture. “We’re here

for the Chaldean store owners, but obviously

for everybody,” he says. “We

understand their business. We understand

their struggles. Reliability and

convenience are key, and that’s what

we deliver.”

For Motor City Ice, success isn’t just

measured in sales or market share—

it’s in knowledge, growth, and service.

“When our freezers are in every single

store in Metro Detroit, we’ll know

we’ve succeeded,” says Yaldo. And

beyond business metrics, the project

excites him because of its impact on

people: helping store owners serve

their customers better and creating lo-

Installing the ice makers is a procedure that includes a truck and a crane.

from experience and timing. “Ice has

always been one of those front runners

in the retail-support industry,” he explains.

“It sits right in front of stores.

When people need it, they really need

it. It’s important that stores have it

when those moments come.”

Yaldo’s connection to the ice industry

runs deep. His father operated

America’s Ice in 1989, and Yaldo

The partnership brings complementary

strengths to the table: the

Kas-Marogis bring retail experience,

the Loussias bring grocery wholesale

expertise, and Yaldo contributes deep

operational knowledge, including his

experience running Planet Environmental

Solutions, a waste and recycling

business servicing Michigan’s

retail market. Together, they are build-

cus. Drawing on his environmental

background, Yaldo is incorporating

water-saving technologies, filtration

systems, and fuel-efficient logistics to

minimize the company’s carbon footprint.

“Environmental protection can

also turn into cost savings,” he notes.

“The more fuel you save, the more

money you save.”

Despite the excitement, Yaldo ac-

cal jobs in the process.

Motor City Ice officially launched in

June 2025 and expects to be fully operational

by mid-2026. With a focus on reliability,

innovation, and community, Tyler

Yaldo and his partners are turning a

simple commodity into a business built

on trust, technology, and teamwork—

proving that in Metro Detroit, even ice

can be hot business.


PRESCHOOL

(AGES 3 4)

Helps young children learn through play and daily routines.

MONDAYS – THURSDAYS

MORNING SESSION 8:45 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

AFTERNOON SESSION 1:15 P.M. – 4:30 P.M.

Supports early learning through songs, stories, and

movement while building language, early literacy,

pre-math, social skills, independence, and confidence.

Little

Scholars

PRESCHOOL AND PRE-KINDERGARTEN

2025-2026 School Year

September 2 – June 12

$100 REGISTRATION 3601 15 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48310 | www.chaldeanfoundation.org

GREAT START READINESS PROGRAM

PREKINDERGARTEN

GSRP (AGES 4 5)

Prepares children for Kindergarten using HighScope curriculum.

MONDAYS – THURSDAYS

FULL-TIME 8:45 A.M. – 3:50 P.M.

Fosters early academic and social development through

hands-on learning in reading, math, science, art, and play

while building skills in letters, numbers, problem-solving,

teamwork, and emotional growth.

NO COST

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Please contact Rachel Hall at rachel.hall@chaldeanfoundation.org or call (586) 722-7253


SPORTS

I’m a Fighter

Logan Hamama’s rise at Michigan-Dearborn

BY STEVE STEIN

Never doubt Logan Hamama.

Ever.

When he was a studentathlete

at Birmingham Brother Rice

High School, his work ethic, drive and

determination earned the former parttime

player the starting point guard

job on the star-studded boys basketball

team when he was a senior.

Hamama was a freshman point

guard this past season on the University

of Michigan-Dearborn men’s basketball

team.

New Michigan-Dearborn coach Mo

Bazzi gave serious consideration to

having Hamama red-shirt. That means

Hamama would sit out the season, but

still be able to practice with the team

and not lose a year of eligibility.

Hamama wasn’t going to allow

that. No way.

“I’m a fighter,” he said.

He said he went to Michigan-Dearborn

because he saw that as a place

where he could play as a freshman,

and he was going to play.

The 6-footer, who says proudly that

he’s following God’s plans for him, put

in the work during the off-season.

Then, given a chance to show

what he could do in Michigan-Dearborn’s

second game of the season,

he played 20 minutes against Indiana

University-Kokomo on Nov. 1 and

made an impact.

Hamama’s nine points, five assists

and two steals off the bench helped

the Wolverines win 92-83 and gave Bazzi

his first victory as the team’s coach.

By the time Michigan-Dearborn

entered play in the Wolverine-Hoosier

Athletic Conference (WHAC), Hamama

was in the starting lineup.

“Logan is one of the hardest working

players I’ve seen in a long time,”

Bazzi said. “I’ve had to kick him out

of the gym a few times and tell him to

go home and relax. Or ice his knees or

something.

“I see him as our starting point

guard the next three years. By the end

Logan Hamama fights for one of his nine rebounds vs. Northwestern Ohio.

of this season, he’d become a coach

on the court. Logan and I have had

some great conversations. He takes

being a basketball player very seriously.”

Hamama played in 27 of Michigan-

Dearborn’s 28 games this season and

started 15 of them, all in the WHAC.

He averaged 7.1 points per game,

shot nearly 40% from the field and 72%

on free throws, and he had 78 assists

and 27 steals. He played about 20 minutes

a game. Not bad stats for a freshman

who almost didn’t play this season.

Best of all, Hamama’s most productive

games were Michigan-Dearborn’s

final two games of the season.

Hamama scored a season-high 25

points on 9-of-17 shooting, was 5-of-6

at the free throw line, and he had five

rebounds in a 119-92 loss Feb. 18 to

conference champion Madonna University.

He played a season-high 35

minutes.

Three nights later, he had 11 points,

a season-high nine rebounds, five assists

and four steals in 34 minutes in

an 88-83 win over Northwestern Ohio.

Those numbers didn’t seem possible

earlier that week.

Fighting injuries and with Michigan-Dearborn

limping toward the

end of the tough season — the Wolverines

finished 7-21 overall and

6-16 in the WHAC — Hamama went

through a vigorous early morning

workout led by Brother Rice assistant

coach Josh Baker a few days before

those games.

Baker, a four-time state champion

coach at Southfield Christian High

School and former University of Alabama

assistant coach, also gave Hamama

some sage advice: go play the best

basketball you’ve ever played in the

next two games. That would be great

for him and the team.

That’s exactly what happened.

Hamama saw a lot of positives for

himself during the season. He gave

himself an A-minus/B-plus grade.

He gained 15 pounds of muscle. On

the court, he said, he was happy with

how he attacked the basket and got going

on transition.

He said he needs to improve his decision-making

on when he needs to be

aggressive offensively, and his 3-point

shooting. He shot 23.5% from distance.

Bazzi said Hamama did well on defense,

with his hustle leading to multiple

steals and deflections in passing

lanes.

Hamama demonstrated his loyalty

to the Michigan-Dearborn men’s basketball

program when he signed as

planned April 12, 2025, one day after the

previous Wolverines coach was fired.

He said he was happy when Bazzi

was promoted to coach June 4, 2025.

Bazzi had spent the previous two seasons

as the team’s associate coach.

Bazzi has an impressive basketball

resume. He was a three-time All-State

player in high school at Star International

Academy in Dearborn Heights,

and he played professionally for three

seasons in Lebanon.

Hamama said the Michigan-Dearborn

team has a bright future with Bazzi

in charge and he’s looking forward

to continuing his academic journey at

the school while switching his major

from marketing to general business.

He has a 3.5 grade-point average.

When his playing days are over,

Hamama said, he wants to open a

workout facility or gym that focuses

on young athletes.


WE ARE

HIRING

Do you possess a passion for

bettering the lives of others?

Elementary Certified Teacher

Sterling Heights and West Bloomfield

Event Coordinator

Sterling Heights

Immigration Coordinator

Sterling Heights

Receptionist

West Bloomfield

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

www.chaldeanfoundation.org/careers


HEALTH & WELLNESS

Preventing the Preventable

A community health wake-up call

BY CRYSTAL KASSAB, ED.D.

April is National Minority Health

Month, highlighting the health

disparities that affect racial

and ethnic minority groups. By understanding

the social determinants

of health impacting Chaldeans, both

physicians and patients can encourage

preventive care and improve outcomes.

According to the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention, nearly

half of U.S. adults have hypertension,

or high blood pressure, and only about

a quarter have it under control.

“It’s known as a silent killer,” said

Dr. Neeran Bajouka, a board-certified

internist and primary care physician

(PCP) in Farmington Hills. “There are

usually no symptoms until you find

out from a stroke, a heart attack, or

kidney dysfunction, for example.”

About 25% of Dr. Bajouka’s patients

are Chaldean or Arab, and roughly

half of them have hypertension, mirroring

national statistics. She said it

is the leading cause of cardiovascular

disease. Two other “silent killer” risk

Dr. Neeran Bajouka

factors common among Chaldeans are

hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) and

diabetes. Understanding their root

causes can help underscore the importance

of preventive care.

Dr. Bajouka, a 1989 graduate of

Salaheddin University in Erbil, Iraq,

said all three conditions can be genetic

and often occur together. They can also

trigger stress hormones, such as cortisol

and adrenaline, increasing the risk

of heart attack and stroke. As a familyoriented

community, many Chaldeans

take on caregiving roles that can bring

stress and grief, which may affect overall

health. While a traditional Iraqi diet

is generally healthy, foods high in salt

— such as pickled items like turshi —

and those prepared with excessive oil

can contribute to heart disease if not

consumed in moderation.

To help prevent these conditions,

adults should have an annual physical.

High blood pressure can be diagnosed

using a standard cuff in a doctor’s

office, while high cholesterol and

diabetes are detected through routine

blood tests. Regular monitoring allows

physicians to track progress and intervene

when necessary. If needed, medications

may be prescribed to manage

these risk factors. Antihypertensive

drugs, for example, fall into several

classes, with treatment tailored to

each patient’s overall health and any

coexisting conditions. GLP-1 medications,

such as Wegovy and Zepbound,

have also proven effective in treating

Type 2 diabetes.

“Treatment is very personalized,”

said Dr. Bajouka. “What works for you

may not work for others.”

She emphasized that lifestyle

changes remain essential in preventing

heart disease. Limiting processed

foods, such as lunch meats, chips

and soda, is important, as is avoiding

smoking and excessive alcohol use.

Even moderate physical activity —

such as 30 minutes of exercise every

other day, including yoga or Pilates —

can make a difference. Practices like

meditation and prayer may also support

overall well-being.

“Don’t wait too long to take care of

yourself,” she said. “The time is now.”

Dr. Neeran Bajouka and Dr. May

Antone own Primary Care Center in

Farmington Hills and are affiliated with

Henry Ford Providence. To schedule an

appointment, call (248) 865-3740.

The “Big

Three”

Explained

Hypertension (high

blood pressure): Damages

arteries over time,

making them less elastic

and prone to blockages.

Hyperlipidemia (high

cholesterol): Leads to

fatty deposits (plaques)

in artery walls.

Diabetes (high blood

sugar): Damages blood

vessels and nerves controlling

the heart.

SOURCE: CDC.GOV

Diabetes

Hyperlipidemia

Hypertension


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

in the immigrated family business to the operating United States, retail drug where stores. he joined Over time, his brother, Eddie,

business the transitioned family business into real operating estate, where retail Jacob drug found stores. his Over true time, the

Jacob calling.

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Christian

business family.

transitioned He completed

into high

real school

estate, in Baghdad

where and

Jacob pursued

found his true

studies calling.

Mechanical Engineering in the United Kingdom. In 1977, he

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

By family the early business

entrepreneur.

1990s, operating Jacob retail

His business

began drug stores.

portfolio

investing Over

focuses

in time, income-producing

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on real

business

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

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Jacob the leadership boards royalties has remained of position the and deeply Chaldean proceeds on connected the Chamber are board to

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involved Community Association in Foundation the of Michigan and community. the (CIAAM), Chaldean He Cultural the has oldest served Center. Chaldean in every organization

various Chaldean non-profit organizations.

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

three Commerce, books: Chaldean

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

Community To purchase, Foundation please and visit the the Chaldean Mar Ibrahim Cultural Center.

the Michigan boards (2018), of the and Chaldean most recently, Chamber Chaldean of Commerce, Catholic Church Chaldean (2025),

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Cultural Center.

An Library author in and West historian Bloomfield, at heart, Michigan Jacob has or written three books:

An Jacob author Chaldeans order resides and online historian West Detroit at Bloomfield, at amazon.com

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

Chaldeans are Michigan proud in parents Detroit (2018), (2014), of and four most Chaldean children recently, Iraqi and American Chaldean grandparents Association Catholic to seven Church of (2025),

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

studies Jacob resides in Mechanical in West Engineering Bloomfield, Michigan, in the United with Kingdom. his wife, Anne. In 1977, They

are proud parents of four children and grandparents to seven

are immigrated proud parents to the United of four States, children where and he joined grandparents his brother, to Eddie,

seven

grandchildren. grandchildren.

in the family business operating retail drug stores. Over time, the

business transitioned into real estate, where Jacob found his true

calling.


properties and quickly built a reputation as a successful and

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estate development and property management, with investments

expanding over the years to include shopping centers, office

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served

by the finest Professionals

Jacob has remained deeply connected to his heritage and is actively

involved in the Chaldean community. He has served in every

leadership position on the board of the Chaldean Iraqi American

Association of Michigan (CIAAM), the oldest Chaldean organization

in the United States, founded in 1943. Additionally, he has served on

the boards of the Chaldean Chamber of Commerce, Chaldean

Community Foundation and the Chaldean Cultural Center.

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CULTURE & HISTORY

Saadi Al Saihood

Powering Progress Across a Nation

BY DR. ADHID MIRI

Saadi Al Saihood, an Iraqi businessman

and prominent philanthropist,

was born in Baghdad

in 1954. A father of three sons

and a daughter, his family hails from

the province of Amara. He began his

career humbly, selling newspapers

at age 11 while attending school parttime

and taking night classes. He also

helped with his father’s laundromat

business, which he named The White

Robe, inspired by the film The Robe.

After graduating in 1977 with a

higher diploma from the Institute of

Administration and Management in

Baghdad, Al Saihood took a modest

administrative position. Over time, he

rose steadily through the ranks, building

a wide professional network, gaining

extensive experience, and establishing

strong relationships with both

local and international organizations.

In the late 1990s, he founded Ship

Captain Group (Skipper of the Ship/

Rabban Al-Safina–RAS) with the mission

of “rebuilding Iraq with Iraqi

hands.” After the fall of Saddam Hussein’s

regime in 2003, he landed contracts

with major US and international

companies like KBR, Weatherford International,

ABB USA, Schneider Electric

USA, and Siemens AG.

From these beginnings, the group

has grown into 38 independent business

entities across diverse sectors,

including energy, infrastructure, security,

heavy engineering, IT, logistics,

life support, food and beverage, and

real estate.

Al Saihood’s companies have also

established themselves as leaders in

independent power production, building

two state-of-the-art power plants

and operating a leading manufacturer

and distributor of power components

under license from Siemens Energy.

Under Al Saihood’s leadership,

Ship Captain Group has thrived even

in challenging economic environments.

The company views itself as

more than a financial enterprise; it is

Visitors and CACC staff pose for a formal photo in CCF West’s Protocol Room.

a driving force for Iraq’s development,

creating over 4,000 jobs and providing

Iraqis with the resources, training, and

opportunities needed to succeed. His

entrepreneurial vision focuses on innovative

solutions, high-quality standards,

and a commitment to building

human capital to secure Iraq’s future.

A passionate advocate for modern

education, Al Saihood collaborated

with his sons Hussein, Ali, and Yousef

to establish the American University of

Iraq–Baghdad (AUIB), which opened

in 2021 on the site of the former al-Faw

Presidential Palace. Modeled on American

higher education standards with

English as the language of instruction,

AUIB offers undergraduate and graduate

programs across Arts and Sciences,

International Studies, Business, Law,

and Education, and has partnerships

with leading U.S. universities.

AUIB also provides scholarships

and financial aid to students from underprivileged

backgrounds. The university’s

flagship Mr. Saadi Wahib Saihood

Scholarship awards fully funded

opportunities to outstanding Iraqi

students, empowering them to pursue

excellence, develop their capacities,

and contribute to Iraq’s sustainable

growth. To date, the scholarship has

provided 60 students with support for

the 2025–2026 academic year.

Al Saihood’s philanthropic initiatives

extend across Iraq. He led the

restoration of the historic Chaldean

Cemetery in Baghdad, Bab Al-Sharqi,

reflecting his admiration for Iraqi

Christians and minority communities.

When asked about his reasons he

said, “We in the south of Iraq have a

lot in common with the Christians; we

are close to you, there is a commonality

between us, a chemistry, we share

similar values and have common

genes. This is the least we can do for

you; I believe that these are the graves

of my family and those buried in the

cemetery are my people.”

He also launched the Tree of Life

Charitable Foundation, which supports

thousands of underprivileged

Iraqis through education, health care,

housing, and job creation. The organization

provides medical assistance

to patients facing serious health conditions

who cannot afford treatment,

whether in hospitals inside the country

or abroad. It also offers financial

and in-kind support to low-income

families, helping foster social solidarity

within the community.

The foundation assists needy students

in continuing their education,

in coordination with government

agencies, and provides aid to couples

preparing for marriage. In addition, it

helps families build or renovate homes

and distributes school supplies and

bags to students in villages and rural

areas across several provinces.

Through partnerships, including

weekly initiatives with the AUIB, the

foundation also organizes programs

such as distributing winter coats to orphaned

children, delivering messages

of compassion while creating a positive

and sustainable impact within local

communities.

Al Saihood’s efforts in education

and charity have earned international

recognition, including an honorary

doctorate from Lawrence Technological

University (LTU) in 2026, acknowledging

his contributions to science,

education, and national capacity

building. LTU currently has an exchange

program with AUIB.

Collaboration between institutions

has continued to grow in recent years.

A delegation from the AUIB visited


(CCF) East Campus in January 2023,

strengthening ties with the local community.

In February 2025, a delegation

from the Chaldean Community Foundation

and the Chaldean American

Chamber of Commerce, led by Martin

Manna, traveled to Iraq at the invitation

of Prime Minister Mohammed

Shia’ Al‐Sudani. As part of the visit’s

official program, the delegation also

toured the AUIB.

In February 2026, Al Saihood visited


in West Bloomfield, Michigan,

along with AUIB leaders. The visit

included tours of CCF West and East,

meetings with Iraqi Chaldean business

leaders, and cultural and educational

exchanges, strengthening ties

between the Iraqi and diaspora communities.

From his early entrepreneurial efforts

to his leadership of one of Iraq’s

largest industrial conglomerates, and

his transformative work in education

and philanthropy, Saadi Al Saihood’s

life exemplifies dedication, vision,

and service.

Through business, education, and

charitable work, he continues to build

an engine that empowers Iraqis and

shapes the future of his country.


الثقافة والتاريخ

سعدي وهيّب الصيهود – رؤية وريادة ودعم وتقدّ‏ م

بقلم:‏ د.‏ عضيد مريي

مقدمة

سعدي وهيّب الصيهود هو رجل أعامل عراقي

وفاعل خري بارز،‏ وُلد يف بغداد عام 1954، وتعود

أصول عائلته إىل محافظة العامرة ‏)ميسان(.‏ وهو

أب لثالثة أبناء وبنت.‏

بدأ حياته املهنية بداية متواضعة؛ حيث كان

يبيع الصحف يف سن الحادية عرشة،‏ ويدرس بدوام

جزيئ يف دورات مسائية،‏ كام كان يساعد والده يف

مكوى وغسل املالبس الذي أسامه ‏“الرداء األبيض”‏

بعد مشاهدته فيلم ‏“الرداء”‏ املنتج عام 1953،

والذي يحيك قصة قائد عسكري روماين يقود

الوحدة املسؤولة عن صلب يسوع املسيح.‏

بعد سقوط نظام صدام حسني عام 2003،

حصل عىل عقود مع رشكات أمريكية وعاملية

كربى مثل:‏

KBR، Weatherford International،

،ABB USA، Schneider Electric USA و

.Siemens AG

والحقًا أبرم عقودًا مهمة مع فندق الرشيد،‏

وجزيرة العرائس،‏ والعديد من الرشكات األجنبية،‏

وبنى عالقات تجارية ناجحة يف قطاعات متعددة.‏

يشغل السيد الصيهود منصب الرئيس التنفيذي

ورئيس مجلس إدارة ‏)مجموعة ربان السفينة(‏ التي

هي واحدة من أكرب التكتالت الصناعية والهندسية

يف القطاع الخاص يف العراق،‏ وهو املؤسس ونائب

رئيس مجلس أمناء الجامعة األمريكية يف العراق

‏)أي يو أي يب(‏ التي هي أكرب جامعة اهلية يف البالد

وتعترب مؤسسة تعليمية رائدة يف الرشق األوسط.‏

الدراسة والتعليم

يف مراحل تعليمه األوىل،‏ كان الصيهود يعمل نهارًا

ويدرس مساءً‏ وتخرّج عام 1977 بشهادة دبلوم عالٍ‏

من معهد اإلدارة واالقتصاد يف بغداد،‏ وشغل منصبًا

إداريًا متواضعًا.‏ وعىل مر السنني،‏ تدرج بثبات يف

املناصب،‏ وبنى شبكة واسعة من العالقات املهنية،‏

واكتسب خربة ثرية أدّت إىل تأسيس عالقات

تجارية راسخة مع رشكات محلية ودولية.‏

املسرية الريادية

تُعد مسرية الصيهود الريادية واحدة من أبرز

قصص النجاح العراقية.‏ فمن بيئة متواضعة

نسبيًا،‏ استثمر رؤيته االقتصادية ومهاراته اإلدارية

لتحويل تحديات البيئة االقتصادية الصعبة إىل

فرص نجاح كبرية.‏ وبرَز اسمه كأحد أبرز رواد

الصناعة الوطنية،‏ حيث أعاد تعريف مفهوم

ريادة األعامل يف العراق وفتح آفاقًا جديدة للنمو

اإلقتصادي بهدف إعادة بناء البالد بأيادي عراقية.‏

يف أواخر التسعينيات،‏ أسس مجموعة ‏»ربان

السفينة«‏ بهدف واضح هو إعادة بناء صناعات

العراق ومنذ ذلك الحني،‏ سعت رشكاته جاهدةً‏

لخدمة الشعب العراقي،‏ ال سيام يف مجاالت األمن

والبنية التحتية والطاقة،‏ مع التزام ثابت مبعالجة

التحديات التي تواجه البالد وتؤثر عىل جودة

حياة مواطنيه،‏ كام استثمر بكثافة يف تنمية رأس

املال البرشي لضامن مستقبل زاهر للبالد.‏

مجموعة ربان السفينة

تضم املجموعة اليوم 38 رشكة تجارية مستقلة

تعمل يف قطاعات متعددة.‏ ومن خاللها نجح

السيد سعدي وهيّب يف تنمية أعامله،‏ واستحداث

صناعات جديدة،‏ وتنويع االقتصاد يف ظروف صعبة.‏

وقد متيزت اسرتاتيجية املجموعة بفلسفة تقوم عىل

اعتبار الرشكة قوة دافعة لبناء عراق آمن ومستقر

ومزدهر،‏ ال مجرد مرشوع استثامر مايل ربحي.‏

شهدت رشكات املجموعة منوًا وتوسعًا كبريين،‏

وانخرطت يف صناعات عديدة،‏ تلبية الحتياجات

البالد يف الطاقة والبنية التحتية واألمن،‏ وأسهمت

بشكل كبري يف إنتاج الطاقة من خالل بناء محطتني

حديثتني لتوليد الكهرباء.‏ كام تشمل املجموعة

ورشة تصنيع هنديس ثقيل،‏ ورشكة مرخّصة من

سيمنز األملانية للطاقة لتصنيع وتوزيع الطاقة والغاز

ومكوناتهام،‏ وتستثمر املجموعة كذلك يف الخدمات

اللوجستية،‏ واألمن املهني،‏ وبنى تكنولوجيا

املعلومات،‏ وحلول الذكاء االصطناعي،‏ والتعليم،‏

واألغذية واملرشوبات،‏ والتطوير العقاري.‏

دعم مستقبل العراق

يشارك السيد سعدي وهيّب الصيهود،‏ يف العديد

من املشاريع االسرتاتيجية،‏ مستثمرًا إمكاناته يف

بناء القدرات الوطنية،‏ مع الرتكيز عىل التعليم

والتمكني،‏ ويؤمن بأن العراق قادر عىل أن يصبح

مركزًا إقليميًا رائدًا يف التعليم والصناعة واالقتصاد.‏

وتتمحور رؤيته حول الركائز واألعمدة

األساسية للتنمية الوطنية والحداثة وإيجاد حلول

مبتكرة وحديثة،‏ واإلستناد اىل أعىل معايري الجودة

والتعليم والكفاءة املهنية التي تُحقق قيّم مضافة

وحقيقية.‏ وتركز اسرتاتيجيات الصيهود عىل

دعم نهضة العراق،‏ وتطوير البنية التحتية،‏ وبناء

رأس املال البرشي لقيادة البالد يف القرن الحادي

والعرشين ، ووفرت مجموعة ربان السفينة حتى

اآلن أكرث من 4000 فرصة عمل،‏ كمبادرة وظيفية

إلتاحة الفرص للشباب العراقي يف مجاالت البنية

التحتية والحصول عىل املوارد وتهيئة الفرص التي

يحتاجونها للتنافس والنجاح يف عامل اليوم.‏

الرؤية التعليمية

إميانًا منه بأن التعليم هو حجر الزاوية ألي نهضة،‏

وإدراكًا ألهمية التعليم كحجر الزاوية للتنمية

املؤسساتية والوطنية،‏ تعاون سعدي وهيب

الصيهود مع أبنائه حسني وعيل ويوسف لتأسيس

الجامعة األمريكية يف العراق – بغداد ‏)أي يو

أي يب(‏ وهي جامعة أهلية غري حكومية ‏،ورغم

التسمية األمريكية،‏ ال عالقة لها مع الجامعة

األمريكية األم يف واشنطن،‏

ومع ذلك عملت العائلة واستثمرت كثرياً‏

لبناء جامعة عرصية يديرها نخبة من األكادميني

واملوظفني املتميزين،‏ تفتخر برشاكاتها وتؤامتها

مع أعرق الجامعات يف الواليات املتحدة مثل

‏)جامعة فان دير بلت،‏ ولورنس التكنولوجية ،

ووأين ، ويو اف دي مرييس-‏ ديرتويت(.‏

تتمثل رسالة هذه املؤسسة التعليمية

العراقية يف وضع أسس تعليمية جديدة وحديثة

للبالد وترسيخ مكانتها كجامعة رائدة يف بغداد

وأكرب مؤسسة أكادميية وبحثية يف الرشق األوسط.‏

والتزمت العائلة ببناء أساس تعليمي اكادميي

جديد للعراق،‏ ميكّنه من خاللها استعادة مكانته

الالئقة كمهد للحضارة.‏

الجامعة األمريكية يف العراق - بغداد

)AUIB(

تأسست الجامعة األمريكية يف العراق – بغداد عام

2018 وافتُتحت رسميًا يف فرباير 2021 وتقع يف

موقع قرص الفاو الذي هو واحد من اجمل القصور

الرئاسية التي بناها صدام حسني يف طريق املطار

وهو قرص رئايس سابق تم تحويله إىل حرم جامعي.‏

والجامعة هي مؤسسة اهلية خاصة غري

ربحية،‏ بدأت عملياتها بكليات يف اآلداب

والعلوم،‏ والدراسات الدولية،‏ وإدارة األعامل،‏

وتُطبق الجامعة األمريكية يف العراق - بغداد

معايري وأنظمة التعليم العايل كام يف الجامعات

األمريكية،‏ وتُعتمد اللغة اإلنجليزية لغةً‏ للتدريس،‏

وتقدم برامج البكالوريوس والدراسات العليا،‏

وتتمثل رسالة الجامعة يف املساهمة يف إعادة بناء

املجتمع املدين واالقتصادي يف البالد،‏ وشعارها هو

النخلة العراقية األزلية.‏

يبلغ عدد طالب الجامعة حاليًا أكرث من

5000 طالب،‏ ومن املتوقع أن يصل إىل 20000

طالب خالل السنوات العرشة القادمة،‏ يرأس

مجلس إدارتها ‏)الدكتور مايكل دبليومولنيكس(،‏

بينام يشغل ‏)براديل جيه كوك(‏ منصب الرئيس.‏

منحة سعدي وهيّب الصيهود

اطلقت الجامعة األمريكية يف العراق - بغداد

مجموعة شاملة من املنح الدراسية واملساعدات

املالية،‏ مام يتيح للطالب من ذوي الخلفيات

االجتامعية الصعبة واالقتصادية املحدودة فرص

الوصول إىل مؤهالت أكادميية قيّمة وعالية.‏

وأعلنت الجامعة األمريكية يف العراق – بغداد

‏)أي يو أي يب(‏ العام املايض وبكل فخر عن إطالق

‏»منحة السيد سعدي وهيب صيهود«‏ للطالب

العراقيني املتميزين،‏ بقيمة ملياري دينار عراقي

تساوي:‏ )1,525,000 دوالر أمرييك(،‏ ومن خاللها

تعهد مؤسيس الجامعة باالستثامر يف العقول

العراقية الشابة الالمعة،‏ لتمكينها من املساهمة يف

بناء املجتمع والدولة املدنية الحديثة.‏

تُخصص ‏»منحة السيد سعدي وهيب صيهود«‏

للطالب العراقيني املوهوبني واملتفوقني الذين

يحتاجون إىل دعم مايل؛ وتُتيح لهم فرصة فريدة

لتحقيق طموحاتهم يف الحصول عىل أعىل الدرجات

األكادميية وتطوير قدراتهم العلمية والشخصية،‏

وبالتايل املساهمة يف التنمية املستقلة واملستدامة

للعراق حيث تزدهر العقول وتتطور القابليات يف

اجواء مؤسسة تعليمية رصينة متطورة ، لتنطلق

بعدها هذه القدرات يف حياتها املهنية وتُحدث أثراً‏

إيجابياً‏ يف جميع جوانب املجتمع.‏

األعامل الخريية واإلحسان

-1 ترميم املقربة الكلدانية يف بغداد

قدم الصيهود مبادرة إنسانية بارزة برتميم املقربة

الكلدانية التاريخية يف الباب الرشقي وسط بغداد،‏

وقدّم منحًا دراسية لطالب مسيحيني وطالب من

مختلف الطوائف.‏ وأكد يف مقابلة صحفية أن

احرتامه للمكوّن املسيحي نابع من جذور تاريخية

مشرتكة وقيم إنسانية عميقة.‏

أجرت صحيفة ‏»كلدان نيوز«‏ مقابلة مع السيد

الصيهود،‏ عربّ‏ فيها عن محبته الصادقة وإعجابه

الكبري باملسيحيني يف العراق واملكونات األصيلة

األخرى،‏ وعندما سُ‏ ئل عن أسباب ترميمه للمقربة

الكلدانية القدمية يف بغداد،‏ أجاب:‏ ‏»نحن يف جنوب

العراق نتشارك الكثري مع املسيحيني،‏ فنحن قريبون

منكم،‏ وهناك قواسم تأريخية مشرتكة ، وتفاهم

مجتمعي عميق بيننا ، ونتشارك قيامً‏ متشابهة،‏

ولدينا جينات مشرتكة،‏ وهذا أقل ما ميكننا فعله من

أجلكم؛ فأنا أؤمن بأن هذه هي قبور عائلتي،‏ وأن

املدفونني يف هذه املقربة هم حقاً‏ أهيل«.‏

-2 مؤسسة شجرة الحياة الخريية

تأسست بدعم مبارش من السيد الصيهود،‏ وتقدم

خدمات متنوعة تشمل:‏

– الرعاية االجتامعية

– كفالة األيتام

– دعم األرس املحتاجة

– الرعاية الصحية

وتعمل مؤسسة شجرة الحياة الخريية،‏ التابعة

ملجموعة رشكات ‏)ربان السفينة(‏ عىل متكني

األفراد واألرس من االعتامد عىل أنفسهم من خالل

تنفيذ مبادرات متنوعة تشمل التعليم والصحة

والتنمية االجتامعية.‏ واألهم من ذلك،‏ توفري فرص

عمل ألكرث من خمسة آالف شخص،‏ من بينهم

مئات املهندسني والفنيني والعامل املهرة وذوي

الخربة،‏ باإلضافة إىل العامل والحرفيني،‏ وذلك بعد

إعادة تأهيلهم وتدريبهم عىل العمل:‏

املبادرات األساسية للمؤسسة تشمل:‏

عالج املرىض غري القادرين عىل تغطية

التكاليف

مساعدات مالية وعينية لألرس الفقرية

دعم الطالب املحتاجني بالتنسيق مع الجهات

الحكومية

مساعدة املقبلني عىل الزواج من ذوي

االحتياجات الخاصة

دعم املرىض للعالج داخل وخارج العراق

إعادة تأهيل أو بناء منازل األرس املحتاجة

تقديم الحقائب والقرطاسية لطالب املدارس يف

القرى واألرياف

وتنظم املؤسسة مبادرات أسبوعية يف بغداد،‏

بالتعاون مع الجامعة األمريكية،‏ لتوزيع معاطف

شتوية عىل األطفال األيتام

منح دراسية 2025–2026

تكرمياً‏ لنائب رئيس مجلس أألمناء ، أعلنت

الجامعة األمريكية يف بغداد يف أكتوبر ، 2025

عن منحة املؤسس السيد سعدي وهيب صيهود،‏

والتي تهدف إىل متكني الطالب الطموحني من

سعدي وهيّب الصيهود يتبع


RELIGION

PHOTO COURTESY VATICAN MEDIA VIA AP

Pope Leo XIV meets the College of Cardinals in the New Synod Hall at the Vatican, Saturday, May 10, 2025.

Passing the Staff

Inside the Selection of the Next Chaldean Patriarch

BY SARAH KITTLE

Transitions are rarely easy. Letting

go of what was and adjusting to

what comes next is an internal

process—one that requires navigating

the journey, not just the change itself.

For a Church and a community that

have endured many transitions, the

current moment is simply the latest

chapter in a long and evolving story.

The world itself feels unsettled.

Global leaders remain hesitant to commit

to lasting peace, while religion has

become more deeply intertwined with

politics in Washington. Administration

officials have spoken of confronting religious

extremism, even as critics point to

rhetoric aligned with far-right ideology.

Against this turbulent backdrop,

the current reorganization within the

Chaldean Catholic Church carries particular

weight.

On March 10, Pope Leo XIV accepted

the resignation of Louis Raphael

Sako as Patriarch of Baghdad of the

Chaldeans, bringing to a close more

than a decade of leadership that began

in 2013 and unfolded amid years of turmoil

and political tension.

In the months following his election,

Sako faced one of the darkest periods

in modern Iraqi Christian history,

as the Islamic State swept through

Mosul and the Nineveh Plains, forcing

nearly 120,000 Christians into exile.

His role quickly expanded beyond pastoral

leadership to that of an international

advocate, calling for protection

and global attention.

In 2018, Pope Francis elevated him

to the College of Cardinals. Three years

later, in 2021, Sako played a central role

in organizing the first papal visit to

Iraq, including a historic stop in Ur, traditionally

recognized as the birthplace

of Abraham. Yet challenges persisted.

In 2023, the Iraqi government revoked

a decree recognizing him as patriarch,

prompting his temporary relocation to

Erbil. Following widespread support,

he was reinstated in 2024.

As a cardinal elector, Sako participated

in the May 2025 conclave that

elected Pope Leo XIV and as “Patriarch

Emeritus,” remains a cardinal elector

until his 80th birthday on July 4, 2028.

Cardinal Sako had previously submitted

his resignation upon turning

75, but at the time, Pope Francis encouraged

him to remain. Now, for his

own reasons, Cardinal Sako has chosen

to step away, dedicating himself to

“prayer, writing, and simple service.”

Trusting the Process

When the patriarchal seat becomes

vacant—as it has with Sako’s resignation—the

Chaldean Church initiates a

formal election process guided by its

own canon law as an Eastern Catholic

Church in communion with Rome.

First, the most senior bishop by ordination

serves as temporary administrator.

His primary responsibility is

to organize the election and convene

the Synod of Bishops, the body tasked

with selecting the new patriarch.

The Synod must meet within one to

two months. Only bishops of the Chaldean

Church may attend and vote—no

outside participants are involved. To

be elected, a candidate must receive a

two-thirds majority vote, and notably,

the person chosen does not have to already

be a bishop.

If no candidate is elected within

15 days, the decision is referred to the

Pope—currently Pope Leo XIV.

Once a candidate is chosen, he

has two days to accept. If he does, the

Church announces the new patriarch

and schedules his formal enthronement.

Before fully exercising his authority,

he must also request ecclesiastical

communion from the Pope,

formally affirming unity with Rome.

In short, the bishops of the Chaldean

Church gather, deliberate, and

elect their new leader, with final confirmation

rooted in their communion

with the Holy See.

In moments of uncertainty, institutions

often reveal their deepest

strengths. For the Chaldean Church,

that strength lies not only in its leadership,

but in its continuity—its ability to

endure upheaval while remaining anchored

in faith, tradition, and community.

As the process unfolds, the faithful

are reminded that this transition, like so

many before it, is not an end but a passage—one

that will shape the Church’s

next chapter while honoring the resilience

that has carried it this far.

The Chaldean Bishops Synod will meet

in Rome April 9 - 15 to decide who will

be the next Patriarch.


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سعدي وهيّب الصيهود يتبع

السعي نحو التميز،‏ ودفع عجلة االبتكار،‏ وبناء

مستقبلٍ‏ أفضل،‏ حيث يتم منح ستون منحة

دراسية ممولة بالكامل للطالب العراقيني املتفوقني

أكادمييًا واملحتاجني ماديًا للعام الدرايس -2025

، 2026 وهذه املبادرة هي للطالب من جميع

أنحاء العراق،‏ مبختلف خلفياتهم،‏ ملساعدتهم

يف إستكشاف الفرص واالنضامم إىل املجتمع

األكادميي.‏

املنح متاحة للمتقدمني إىل الكليات التالية:‏

كلية إدارة األعامل

كلية الحقوق

كلية الدراسات الدولية

كلية الرتبية والتنمية البرشية

كلية اآلداب والعلوم

شهادة الدكتوراه الفخرية

حظيت جهود الصيهود يف مجايل التعليم

والعمل الخريي بتقدير دويل،‏ تضَ‏ من حصوله

عىل درجة الدكتوراه الفخرية من جامعة

لورانس التكنولوجية يف عام 2026 وذلك

تقديراً‏ إلسهاماته يف مجاالت العلوم والتعليم

وبناء القدرات الوطنية،‏ وتُدير جامعة لورانس

التكنولوجية حالياً‏ برنامجاً‏ للتبادل األكادميي

مع الجامعة األمريكية يف بغداد ‏)أي يو آي يب(.‏

خالل اآلعوام املاضية اضطلعت غرفة

التجارة الكلدانية األمريكية ومؤسسة الجالية

الكلدانية بدورٍ‏ فاعل يف إقامة عالقات أكادميية

قوية وسعت إليجاد برامج توأمة بني الجامعة

األمريكية يف بغداد وجامعات رائدة يف

ميشيغان.‏

زيارة مؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية

استضافت مؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية يف ويست

بلومفيلد،‏ يوم الخميس املوافق 12 فرباير ، 2026

السيد سعدي وهيب الصيهود والوفد املرافق من

الجامعة األمريكية يف العراق،‏ الذي ضمّ‏ أول رئيس

ورئيس مجلس إدارة للجامعة،‏ الدكتور مايكل

مولينيكس،‏ ومساعده للشؤون األكادميية،‏ الدكتور

مايكل ماكلينان،‏ ورئيس مكتبه الخاص الدكتور

أحمد الوائيل،‏ وابنه يوسف الصيهود.‏

شملت الزيارة جوالت ميدانية لفرعي

مؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية واجتامعات مع رجال

األعامل،‏ باإلضافة إىل زيارة املركز الرتايث الكلداين

وحفل عشاء خاص يف نادي شانندوا العائيل،‏ كام

شهدت السنوات املاضية زيارات متبادلة بني

الجامعة األمريكية يف بغداد ومؤسسات الجالية

الكلدانية يف ميشيغان لتعزيز التعاون األكادميي.‏

والجدير بالذكر أن وفداً‏ من الجامعة األمريكية

يف العراق سبق وان زار مؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية

يف يناير 2023، كام زار مارتن منّا ووفد من مؤسسة

الجالية الكلدانية وغرفة التجارة الكلدانية األمريكية

العراق يف فرباير 2025 بدعوة من رئيس الوزراء

محمد شياع السوداين،‏ وكان من ضمن برنامج الزيارة

زيارة الجامعة األمريكية يف بغداد ‏)أي يو أي يب(.‏

تقدير وامتنان

تُعرب مؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية عن امتنانها العميق

للسيد سعدي الصيهود عىل صداقته ودعمه وجهوده

يف خدمة املجتمع ومبادرات التعليم ، وتثمن رؤيته يف

تعزيز العالقات بني العراق والجاليه يف والية ميشيغان،‏

وجاءت هذه الزيارة مبثابة تقديرٍ‏ واحرتام لجميع

العاملني يف مؤسساتنا،‏ وأتاحت للجميع فرص اللقاء

والتواصل،‏ وتعزيز اوارص إرثٍ‏ دائم ودعم مستدام.‏


IN MEMORIAM

Hayat Lossia

Yatoma

Jan 7, 1933 -

Feb 15, 2026

Asaam Esho

Aoraha

Jul 4, 1972 -

Feb 16, 2026

Mary Bowa

Jul 1, 1931 -

Feb 16, 2026

Helen Nessan

Goreil

May 18, 1933 -

Feb 18, 2026

Cicil Shina Acho

Mar 18, 1953 -

Feb 19, 2026

Elias Al-Sabbagh

Jul 1, 1945 -

Feb 20, 2026

Victoria Bashi

Karana

Jul 1, 1932 -

Feb 20, 2026

Nicholas Jamil

Haddad

Oct 23, 1992 -

Feb 20, 2026

Nazhat Orow

Jan 23, 1941 -

Feb 20, 2026

Catrina Kesto

Jul 1, 1938 -

Feb 25, 2026

Binyamen Slaya

Jul 1, 1949 -

Feb 25, 2026

Nazar Abro

Jul 1, 1947 -

Feb 26, 2026

Sabria Abbo

Somo Seiba

Jan 15, 1954 -

Feb 26, 2026

Amal Jabero

Denha

Jul 5, 1944 -

Mar 1, 2026

Badria Kas

Shamoun Dado

Dec 1, 1940 -

Mar 3, 2026

Abdulahed (Bahi)

Kesto

Jul 1, 1932 -

Mar 3, 2026

Jisleen Daoud

Yousif Safaro

Feb 19, 1940 -

Mar 3, 2026

Mazin Kajy

Apr 18, 1957 -

Mar 5, 2026

Mari Saffo

Jul 1, 1939 -

Mar 5, 2026

Yazi (Josepha)

Bahdi Sawa

Jul 1, 1940 -

Mar 6, 2026

Mamuosh Taib

Nov 19, 1939 -

Mar 6, 2026

George Mikhail

Romaya

Jan 31, 1946 -

Mar 7, 2026

Mikha Rofa Aqrawi

Jul 1, 1941 -

Mar 8, 2026

Yousif Razooq

Jul 1, 1940 -

Mar 8, 2026

Nadera

Abdulahad Naser

Tabla

Jan 29, 1951 -

Mar 8, 2026

Adel “Jerry”

Ibrahim Seman

Jan 6, 1942 -

Mar 9, 2026

Fadia Hanna Allos

Mar 9, 1947 -

Mar 10, 2026

Salman Salman

Jul 18, 1957 -

Mar 11, 2026

Crystal Sue

Al-Sheikh Savaya

Jan 22, 1992 -

Mar 11, 2026

Robert Curtin

Sep 8, 1950 -

Mar 12, 2026

Adnan Khami

Mar 23, 1953 -

Mar 12, 2026

Almas Jaddou

Jul 1, 1939 -

Mar 13, 2026

Samira Kiryakouz

Kattoula

Jul 7, 1938 -

Mar 13, 2026

Serab Rahim

Bolles

Feb 3, 1966 -

Mar 14, 2026

Yacoub Amoni

Jarbo

Jul 1, 1932 -

Mar 14, 2026

Jamil Barash

Jul 24, 1940 -

Mar 15, 2026

Widad George

Barbat

Jun 30, 1940 -

Mar 16, 2026

George Zia

Hamama

Jun 14, 1949 -

Mar 16, 2026

Danial Assi Acho

Feb 16, 1948 -

Mar 17, 2026


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