MAY 2026

METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY VOL. 23 ISSUE IV MAY 2026

Historic Recognition

MONTH OF MAY IS DECLARED

CHALDEAN AMERICAN MONTH

BY STATE LEGISLATURE

Featuring:

Chaldean Town Historic Marker

Lions of Mesopotamia

A Slice of Detroit

MAY 2026 CHALDEAN NEWS 3

4 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2026

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METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY | MAY 2026 | VOL. 23 ISSUE IV

COVER STORY

16 Historic Recognition

Michigan establishes

Chaldean American Month

By Sarah Kittle

FEATURES

18 Making Our Mark

Chaldean Town marker erected

By Dr. Adhid Miri

20 Speaking Their Heritage

Chaldean language classes at OU

By Weam Namou

22 The Village Table

CCF West & Shenandoah co-host

By Dr. Adhid Miri

16

24 Preserving Our Culture

Ethnic identity of Chaldean youth

By Crystal Kassab, ED.D.

DEPARTMENTS

8 From the Editor

Pride and Gratitude

By Sarah Kittle

10 Your Letters

Remembering Ike, Community Jewel

12 Foundation Update

Early education, Teaching history,

Scholarship program, CCF West

14 Noteworthy

Jonny “Magic” Mansour, Shanty Creek

Resort

34 Culture & History

The Heart of Knowledge

By Dr. Adhid Miri

37 Culture & History

The Heart of Knowledge Arabic

By Dr. Adhid Miri

38 Sports

CHL’s Team Green for the Gold

By Steve Stein

40 Arts & Entertainment

I’m Getting Married and God Bless Me

By Weam Namou

42 Economics & Enterprise

Stronger Than Ever: Powerhouse Gym

By Paul Natinsky

44 Economics & Enterprise

A Slice of Detroit: Buddy’s Pizza

By Sarah Kittle

46 Religion

Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

By Hanan Qia

49 Religion ARABIC

By Hanan Qia

50 Event

Annual CACC Awards Dinner

52 In Memoriam

26 Between Identity and Duty

The Chaldean pilot who changed history

By Mike Sarafa

28 Sharing Culture

International Food Night at Holden

By Jenna Abroo

30 Soccer on the World Stage

Lions of Mesopotamia

By Weam Namou

36 Side Hustle to Center Court

Juliana Rabban’s Detroit moment

By Sarah Kittle

40


FROM THE EDITOR

PUBLISHED BY

Chaldean News, LLC

Chaldean Community Foundation

Martin Manna

EDITORIAL

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Sarah Kittle

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jenna Abroo

Crystal Kassab, ED.D.

Sarah Kittle

Dr. Adhid Miri

Weam Namou

Paul Natinsky

Hanan Qia

Mike Sarafa

Steve Stein

ART & PRODUCTION

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Alex Lumelsky with SKY Creative

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Zina Lumelsky with SKY Creative

PHOTOGRAPHERS

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Wilson Sarkis

SALES

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Sana Navarrette

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Pride and Gratitude

Many of you may remember when I first

joined the Chaldean American Chamber

of Commerce as an event coordinator

in 2018; it was an incredible introduction to the

community. As I learned more about the culture,

history, and resilience of the Chaldean people, I

found myself deeply inspired. By the time I began

writing for the Chaldean News in 2020, that admiration

had grown exponentially.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to contribute

to meaningful initiatives, including the Great

Michigan Story and the Library of Congress project,

Portrait of an Evolving Community. Yet to me, two moments

stand out most: the installation of the Chaldean Town

Historical Marker and the state legislation of May as Chaldean

American Month—both realized this month.

These milestones are reflected throughout this issue. In

our cover story, we explore Michigan’s official recognition

of Chaldean American Month, a meaningful step in honoring

the community’s lasting contributions. That recognition

takes physical form in “Making Our Mark,” highlighting the

new Chaldean Town historical marker in Detroit.

Our features continue to showcase the richness of Chaldean

identity and experience. “Speaking Their Heritage”

spotlights the graduates of Chaldean language program at

Oakland University, while “Preserving Our Culture,” based

on a graduate-level thesis, examines how younger generations

navigate and sustain their ethnic identity.

Community connection is celebrated in “The Village

Table,” and cultural exchange comes alive in “Sharing Culture,”

featuring International Food Night at Holden Elementary.

“The Heart of Knowledge” offers a closer look at Bishop

Ibrahim’s Library, a growing hub of history, education, and

cultural preservation for generations to come.

We also share powerful personal and global stories.

“Between Identity and Duty” revisits the complex legacy of

a Chaldean pilot who altered history, while “Soccer on the

World Stage” captures the pride surrounding Iraq’s success

on the international level. In “Side Hustle to Center Court,”

we highlight artist Juliana Rabban’s inspiring journey and

SARAH KITTLE

EDITOR

IN CHIEF

Detroit moment.

This issue also celebrates the vibrancy of community

life and achievement. The Chaldean Hockey

League closes out its season with a win for Team

Green, highlighting a family-centered league that

both honors the sport and nurtures growth among

its players. On stage, “I’m Getting Married and God

Bless Me” brings humor and tradition to life through

a play centered on Chaldean marriage customs.

In sports, Jonny “Magic” Mansour remains undefeated,

continuing to build excitement and pride.

The lasting contributions

of the Chaldean community

helped shape Michigan as

we know it today.

And at the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce’s 23rd

Annual Awards Dinner, entrepreneur Saad Nadhir is recognized

as Businessperson of the Year 2026.

Beyond these features, this issue highlights the strength

of Chaldean enterprise and faith. “Stronger Than Ever: Powerhouse

Gym” and “A Slice of Detroit: Buddy’s Pizza” showcase

enduring business success and growth, while “Sisters

of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus” reflects the deep spiritual

foundation within the community.

Together, these accomplishments affirm the lasting contributions

of the Chaldean community and honor the generations

who built its foundation. Their perseverance created

opportunity, strengthened connections, and helped shape

Michigan as we know it today.

We will continue telling your stories—and reminding you

that you are the heart of this narrative.

Sarah Kittle

Editor in Chief

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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.

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To learn more, visit chaldeannews.com

or contact us at 248-851-8600

Let’s grow the circle.


YOUR LETTERS

Remembering Ike *

Dear Editor:

In his farewell address on January 17, 1961, five-star

General Dwight D. Eisenhower warned Americans of

the growing influence of what he called the “militaryindustrial

complex,” cautioning that the nation must

guard against the acquisition of unwarranted power,

whether sought or unsought, by this emerging alliance

of defense industries and the armed forces. He

observed that the United States had evolved from a

peace-oriented republic with modest defense needs

into a global power sustained by a vast, permanent

military establishment—one that, by its very nature,

would seek continuity and expansion.

Eisenhower was no ideologue. A revered military

leader who commanded Allied forces to victory

in Europe and later served two terms as president, he

was neither anti-business nor dismissive of American

strength. Rather, he was a pragmatic patriot who understood

both the necessity of power and the danger of

excess. His warning was not against the military itself,

but against the unchecked impulses of human ambition—forces

that, left unexamined, could steer even the

noblest institutions toward unintended consequences.

That warning remains relevant. Today, the United

States maintains roughly 800 military bases across the

globe, even as modern technology makes it possible to

reach any adversary within minutes. Certainly, vigilance

is required in a world where rivals like Russia and China

continue to assert themselves. But does national security

demand such an expansive physical footprint, with more

than a million service members stationed worldwide?

From my own experience in academic and international

settings—from American campuses to policy

forums in Europe, and fieldwork in Kosovo and

Baghdad—I have often wondered how long such a

vast system can be sustained.

As a humble citizen and patriot, I believe Americans

of all political stripes should engage in a serious, measured

debate; not to dismantle our defense industries,

but to reconsider their scope. With deliberate planning,

these industries could transition toward innovative

civilian applications. A gradual reduction in overseas

bases, coupled with a reallocation of military spending—now

approaching one trillion dollars—could revitalize

America’s aging infrastructure and strengthen its

long-term competitiveness. And should future threats

arise, such decisions can always be revisited.

Sincerely,

Harry Jonna

* Condensed from the original

Chaldean Community’s

Real “Jewel”

Dear Editor:

Thank you for your thoughtful and timely article

about Dr. Adhid Miri. It was very important because

most people have no idea of who he is or what he has

accomplished. Without question, Dr. Miri is a jewel of

our community.

One would only have to review your article to see

that he is one of the most accomplished – and maybe

top five accomplished Chaldeans – that ever came to

America. He has done so much over his many years

that it would be difficult to describe all of them. But

your article helped shine a light on someone who is

truly deserving.

In my 30 years of knowing Dr. Miri, I have found

him to be one of the finest men I have ever met.

My hope is that more people will appreciate what

he means to our Chaldean community here and

throughout the world.

Very truly yours,

Ronald G. Acho

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FOUNDATION UPDATE

Supporting Early

Education

Village Table participants.

It Takes a Village

Chaldean Community Foundation West held a luncheon on April 9 in partnership with Shenandoah

Country Club, graciously sponsored by Raad Kathawa and Jacob Bacall. It took place in Nana Bernadette

Sarafa’s Kitchen.

Attendees were invited to tour the 42,000 square foot facility, including the bishop’s library.

The group learned more about upcoming educational programs, community initiatives, and classes

dedicated to serving the greater community. For more information on future programming at CCF

West, visit chaldeanfoundation.org/ccf-west.

In March 2026, the Little Scholars Preschool program was awarded

the “Demonstrating Quality” level—the highest level of quality

recognized through the Michigan Department of Lifelong

Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) Great Start to

Quality (GSTQ) recognition and improvement system.

When determining a program’s rating, GSTQ evaluates several

indicators, including family and community partnerships, inclusive

practices, curriculum, instruction and learning environment,

professional development, staff qualifications, and more. Programs

that achieve the Demonstrating Quality level have received

an on-site observation from a trained and reliable Great Start to

Quality Assessor or Approved Assessor and have met the required

threshold scores using the appropriate age-level assessment tool

for the entire program or for each individual classroom.

CCF Scholarship Program

Expands

The Chaldean Community Foundation scholarship application

will be launching on June 1. Students will have until Monday,

July 6 , 2026 at 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time to apply.

The CCF will be providing nearly $150,000 in scholarships

this year to Chaldean students.

Scholarship information is on the CCF’s website: www.chaldeanfoundation.org/scholarships.

For more information, email matthew.gordon@chaldeanfoundation.org

or call Matthew Gordon at 586-722-7253.

Raad Hakeem plays music to the Leadership Macomb class in attendance.

Teaching Our History

The CCF welcomed participants from Leadership Macomb’s Class XXVIII on March 25. Leadership

Macomb’s Core Leadership program offers an immersive experience for professionals to strengthen

their understanding of Macomb County’s systems, challenges and opportunities. As part of Leadership

Macomb’s Arts & Cultures Day, participants explored the rich history and contributions of the

Chaldean community in metro Detroit.

The presentation, led by Stacy Bahri, Strategic Initiatives Manager at the CCF, provided an overview

of the Chaldean community’s journey, culture, and impact in southeast Michigan.

Guests were treated to Chaldean cuisine from Zarzoor Restaurant and enjoyed a performance

from Raad Hakeem, immersing themselves in the traditions that make the Chaldean community a

vital part of the region’s cultural fabric.

Upcoming

Events

May 6—Spring Community Job Fair—

CCF East (3601 15 Mile Rd, Sterling

Heights) from 3:00pm-5:00pm.

May 8—Breakfast of Nations—CCF East (3601 15 Mile Rd,

Sterling Heights) from 8:00am-10:00am.

June 22—July 24—United Way Summer Discovery Camp

(3601 15 Mile Rd in Sterling Heights and 2075 Walnut Lake

Rd in West Bloomfield) from 8:30am-4:30pm.



NOTEWORTHY

Still Undefeated

Jonny “Magic” Mansour continued his rise in the professional

ranks on April 19 with a dominant eight-round unanimous

decision. The fighter from California controlled the bout from

the opening round with sharp hand speed and clean combinations.

The performance added another chapter to Mansour’s

growing profile both inside and outside the ring. Known on social

media as “God’s Chosen Warrior,” he has also emphasized

his cultural roots, highlighting pride in his Chaldean heritage.

With the win, Mansour improves to 7-0 (2 KOs).

Milestone Resort Purchase

Pattah Development has acquired Shanty Creek Resort, marking a major milestone for both the company

and the Chaldean community. The investment underscores the Pattah family’s commitment to growth,

stewardship, and community impact, while highlighting the broader success of Chaldean Americans

rooted in resilience and entrepreneurship. With the resort set to host the Michigan Open Golf Championship

for a third year, plans are underway for significant upgrades across accommodations, amenities,

and year-round programming. Pattah Development also aims to deepen community ties through events

and charitable initiatives, positioning the resort for long-term regional and cultural impact.

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Medicare Fraud by the Numbers

Tips for Protecting Yourself and Medicare

Medicare fraud is big business for criminals – Medicare loses billions of

dollars each year due to fraud, errors, and abuse. Estimates place these

losses at approximately $60 billion annually, though the exact figure is

impossible to measure.

Medicare fraud hurts us all. When thieves steal from Medicare, there is less

money for the health care you really need. You pay for things you might

never get. You can get hurt when you get tests, medicine, or care you don’t

need. Doctors, pharmacies, and medical suppliers can make mistakes and

bad choices. Sometimes they straight-up steal from Medicare. Medicare is

trying to crack down.

How You Can Help

Operation Double Helix

35 individuals responsible

for an over $2.1 billion

genetic testing scheme

Operation Rubber Stamp

Identified over $1.5 billion in

fraudulent billing for durable

medical equipment (DME)

Be the first line of defense in protecting your Medicare benefits.

• Treat your Medicare card like a credit card. Your Medicare number can be valuable to thieves who

want to steal your medical identity or bill Medicare without even seeing you.

• Don’t take advice or offers of medical services from people you don’t know who call, come to your

house, or approach you in public.

• Read your Medicare Summary Notice or Explanation of Benefits. Look for services or equipment you

didn’t receive, double charges, or things your doctor didn’t order.

• Ask questions and report problems. Call the doctor or company and ask them about mistakes. Call the

insurance company if you still have questions. Get help from your local SMP.

• Volunteer. No one cares more about keeping criminals out of Medicare than the people who need it.

Become a part of your local SMP program. Help protect your friends and neighbors.

How Your Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Can Help

Your local SMP is ready to provide you with the information you need to PROTECT yourself from Medicare fraud,

errors, and abuse; DETECT potential fraud, errors, and abuse; and REPORT your concerns. SMPs and their trained

volunteers help educate and empower Medicare beneficiaries in the fight against health care fraud.

Your SMP can help you with your questions, concerns, or complaints about potential fraud and abuse issues.

It also can provide information and educational presentations.

To locate your state Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP):

Visit www.smpresource.org or call 1-877-808-2468.

This project was supported, in part, by grant number 90MPRC0002 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services,

Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions.

Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.


COVER STORY

Historic Recognition

Michigan establishes Chaldean American Month

BY SARAH KITTLE

Beginning in 2026, the month of

May will officially be recognized

as Chaldean American Month

across Michigan, marking a historic acknowledgment

of the cultural, economic,

and civic contributions of Chaldean

Americans throughout the state.

The announcement came during

a defining moment for the community.

At the 23rd Annual Awards Dinner

hosted by the Chaldean American

Chamber of Commerce (CACC) in April,

President Martin Manna brought state

legislators to the stage to share the

news, turning a celebratory evening

into an historic milestone.

The designation comes through

House Bill 4303, introduced during the

103rd Michigan Legislature. The bipartisan

legislation—sponsored by State Representatives

Tom Kuhn, Ron Robinson,

Joseph Aragona, Matthew Bierlein, Donni

Steele, Alicia St. Germaine, Douglas

Wozniak, Steve Frisbie, Gregory Markkanen,

and Luke Meerman—received

broad support in the Michigan House,

passing overwhelmingly before advancing

through the legislative process.

This achievement did not happen

overnight. Over the past several years,

the Chaldean American Chamber of

Commerce worked closely with state

legislators to champion the effort,

helping bring House Bill 4303 across

the finish line with strong bipartisan

support. The Chamber played a critical

role in advocating for formal recognition—building

relationships, raising

awareness, and ensuring that the voices

of Chaldean Americans were heard

throughout the legislative process.

At its core, the legislation recognizes

Chaldean Americans as one of

Michigan’s most influential immigrant

communities, with deep roots in entrepreneurship,

faith-based community

building, and public service. Home

to one of the largest Chaldean populations

outside of Iraq, the state of

Michigan has become a central hub for

Chaldean life in the diaspora.

State legislators joined CACC president Martin Manna on stage for the announcement

at the Annual Awards Dinner.

The new law also marks an important

shift. In recent years, Chaldean

American Month had traditionally

been recognized in April through annual

proclamations by Governor Gretchen

Whitmer, including in 2022, 2023, and

2026. While those proclamations were

meaningful, they were temporary and

required renewal each year. House Bill

4303 formalizes the recognition in state

law and permanently designates the

month of May, ensuring consistency,

longevity, and a place in Michigan’s official

civic calendar.

Supporters emphasize that Chaldean

Americans have played a vital

role in shaping Michigan’s economic

landscape, especially through small

business ownership, family enterprises,

and contributions to the retail, food,

and service industries. With nearly 60

percent of Chaldean households in

Michigan owning at least one business,

the community’s entrepreneurial influence

is both visible and measurable.

Organizations like the Chaldean

American Chamber of Commerce have

been instrumental in that success. For

decades, the Chamber has supported

business owners by providing resources,

advocacy, networking opportunities,

and guidance to help entrepreneurs

start, grow, and sustain their

businesses. From navigating regulatory

challenges to fostering connections

PHOTO BY

between business leaders and policymakers,

the Chamber has served as a

backbone for economic growth within

the community. Its work has helped

transform small, family-run operations

into thriving enterprises that contribute

significantly to Michigan’s economy.

Yet the significance of this recognition

extends beyond economics. During

committee discussions, legislators

and advocates stressed the importance

of preserving cultural identity and

ensuring that future generations understand

their heritage. A designated

month creates space not only for celebration,

but for education—offering

schools, institutions, and communities

an opportunity to learn about Chaldean

history, traditions, and contributions.

This is why state recognition matters.

When a state formally acknowledges

a community, it affirms that

community’s place within the broader

story of the region. It signals that their

history is not separate or peripheral,

but integral. For Chaldean Americans,

many of whom arrived as immigrants

or refugees fleeing instability, this recognition

represents a deeper sense of

belonging. It is a public validation that

their resilience, faith, and achievements

are part of Michigan’s identity.

The bill itself formally states that

May is designated “in recognition of

Chaldean, Assyrian, and Syriac Americans,

who have made significant and

valuable contributions to this state

and the United States.” For supporters,

the measure is both symbolic and

deeply meaningful. It reflects not only

pride in what has been accomplished,

but confidence in what lies ahead.

Who Are the Chaldeans?

Indigenous to southern Iraq, Chaldeans

are an ancient people who endured and

remained steadfast in their faith through

centuries of hardship and migration. After

the fall of Babylon and the rise of successive

empires, their ancestors did not

disappear; they rebuilt their communities

and preserved their identity through

language and tradition.

For generations, the Church has been

central to Chaldean life, serving not only

as a place of worship but as a pillar of

education, culture, and unity. Through

centuries of upheaval, Chaldeans maintained

a direct connection to early Christianity,

preserving their Syriac language

and ancient liturgical traditions.

The last century brought immense

challenges. War, instability, and persecution

forced many Chaldean families

to leave their ancestral homeland. In

response, a global diaspora emerged—

one that carried forward a shared

identity rooted in faith, family, and

resilience.

In the United States, Michigan became

one of the most important centers

of Chaldean life. Early immigrants,

many arriving with limited resources,

built livelihoods through determination

and hard work. Small businesses,

particularly grocery stores and familyrun

enterprises, became a defining feature

of the community’s presence.

As in the past, the Church and community

institutions remained anchors,

helping families navigate a new country

while preserving their heritage.

Chaldeans in Michigan learned to balance

two identities—proudly American

while deeply connected to their roots.

Today, with the enactment of

House Bill 4303, that journey is formally

recognized.

Chaldean American Month is more

than a designation; it is a lasting acknowledgment

of a community that

has helped shape Michigan’s economic

and cultural fabric. Each May will

now serve as a reminder of the Chaldean

story: one of perseverance, contribution,

and enduring identity.


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FEATURE

Making Our Mark

Chaldean Town historic marker erected in Detroit

BY ADHID MIRI, PHD

century due to broader economic shifts,

population loss, and disinvestment.

Yet even as the physical landscape

changed, its legacy endured, carried

by the generations who began their

American journey there. A Google map

search in 2026 still shows the Chaldean

Town area.

Across Michigan, green historical

markers line roadsides,

neighborhoods, and public

spaces. They are quiet but powerful reminders

of the people and places that

shaped the state. Each one represents

more than a moment in history; it reflects

a deliberate, research-driven effort

to ensure that Michigan’s diverse

stories are recognized, preserved, and

made visible to the public.

In May 2026, a new marker joins

this landscape, formally recognizing

a stretch of 7 Mile Road in Detroit as

“Chaldean Town.” This designation is

more than symbolic. It affirms the historical,

cultural, and economic impact

of a community whose story has long

been central to Detroit yet often underrepresented

in official narratives.

The effort to establish the Chaldean

Town marker began in January 2024

with the formation of a Community

Advisory Board, following a 2023 grant

awarded to the City of Detroit to document

Arab and Chaldean histories.

The board, composed of historians,

community leaders, and representatives

from the Michigan History Center,

was tasked with identifying historic

sites and shaping how these communities

would be publicly remembered.

That work reflects a broader truth:

history is not just what is remembered

privately, but what is recognized publicly.

A state marker transforms community

experience into permanent record.

The Roots of Chaldean Town

Chaldean immigration to the Detroit

area began in earnest in the early 20th

century, with many arriving in search

of economic opportunity and religious

freedom. The city had an established

Middle Eastern community during this

period, consisting primarily of Christian

immigrants from Lebanon and Syria.

Drawn by the promise of jobs in the

growing automobile industry, families—

many from the village of Tel-Keppe in

Iraq, settled in neighborhoods along 7

Tens of thousands of Chaldeans passed

through or lived in Chaldean Town, building

businesses, raising families, and establishing

institutions that would later expand across

southeast Michigan.

Mile Road near Woodward Avenue.

Through a process of chain migration,

the community grew rapidly. By

the mid-20th century, this area had

become a dense and vibrant enclave,

where homes, businesses, churches,

and social spaces were closely intertwined.

Small grocery stores, bakeries,

restaurants, and coffeehouses, most

often family-owned, formed the backbone

of a thriving local economy.

Many settled in the Penrose neighborhood,

which flanks 7 Mile between

Woodward and John R. Here some

streets had homes so old that they

didn’t have driveways because they

were built before cars were invented.

The crowded housing meant a life intertwined

with the neighbors. Many

were already family; the whole community

was right within reach.

By the 1970s and 1980s, Chaldean

Town had become a central hub for newly

arrived immigrants. For many, it was

their first stop in America and a place

where language, culture, and community

offered a bridge into a new life.

At its peak, Chaldean Town was

more than a neighborhood. It was an

anchor of identity. Tens of thousands

of Chaldeans passed through or lived

in the area, building businesses, raising

families, and establishing institutions

that would later expand across

southeast Michigan.

Over time, as economic success enabled

mobility, many families moved to

suburban communities. Like many historic

urban enclaves, Chaldean Town

experienced decline in the late 20th

This Marker Matters

The designation of Chaldean Town as

an official historical site is a critical

step in preserving that legacy.

Historical markers serve as public

acknowledgment, validating that a

community’s story is not only meaningful,

but essential to the broader

history of the state. For the Chaldean

community, this recognition ensures

that their contributions are no longer

confined to memory but embedded in

Michigan’s historical record.

It also restores visibility to a place

that, while physically diminished, remains

deeply significant. Where storefronts

may now be vacant, the marker

stands as a reminder of what once was

and what it made possible.

Michigan’s Historical Marker Program,

established in 1955, relies on rigorous

research and community initiative.

Markers are not easily granted; they

require documentation, verification,

and careful interpretation. The fact that

Chaldean Town has met these standards

underscores its historical importance.

More importantly, the marker ensures

that future generations—whether

Chaldean or not—will encounter this

history in the landscape itself. It transforms

a stretch of road into a site of

learning, reflection, and recognition.

Chaldean Town is no longer just a

memory passed down through families.

It is now a recognized chapter in

Michigan’s shared heritage.

And that recognition matters.

Many people were a part of the effort

to make this marker happen. The

driving force behind the project were:

Rebecca Binno Savage, Ian Tomashik,

and Kelsey Mass with the Historic Advisory

Board; and Stephanie Arwady

and Michelle Davis from the Michigan

History Center. The Chaldean members

of the advisory board (besides

Rebecca Binno Savage) were Crystal

Jabiro, Zina Lumelsky, Dr. Adhid Miri,

Weam Namou, and Mary Romaya. The

Chaldean community is indebted to

them all.


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FEATURE

Speaking Their Heritage

First Chaldean language cohort graduates at OU

BY WEAM NAMOU

On Friday, Apr. 17, 2026, at 6:00

p.m., Oakland University hosted

the graduation ceremony for the

Chaldean Language Workshop in The

Habitat at the Oakland Center. Thirteen

students completed the introductory

and intermediate levels of Chaldean,

receiving certificates of completion. This

marked an achievement that was both

academic and deeply cultural.

A Vision That Sparked a Movement

The Workshop was founded by Stephen

Hannawi, a Master of Science in

Artificial Intelligence graduate student

at Oakland University. His passion for

preserving the Chaldean language has

grown into a campus-wide and community-driven

initiative.

In recognition of his leadership,

the Office for Student Involvement

presented Hannawi with a Certificate

of Honor at its 48th Annual Student

Activities and Leadership Awards,

acknowledging him as Outstanding

New Student Organization President.

The certificate was awarded two days

before the ceremony, on behalf of the

Office for Student Involvement staff.

“You’re so important for the survival

of the language,” Hannawi told his

students. “You took this class and not

even for credit. You came despite your

busy schedules… You are part of the

revival movement. You will take this

and share it with your relatives and

others. This is a community project.

It’s not just about me. I’m nobody. It’s

about the language.”

Hannawi often speaks about the

profound historical legacy of the Chaldean

people—from writing on clay tablets

to contributing to mathematics,

astronomy, and law. “The loss of Babylon

was not just a loss for Chaldeans

but for the whole world,” he said.

“When we lose sovereignty, someone

else replaces your culture.”

For Hannawi, the language is not

only historical, it is sacred. “Jesus

spoke it and He chose it from over

7,000 languages. My belief is that He

will never let it disappear.”

Hannawi (in suit) with OU reps behind a display table.

He reflected emotionally on the uprooting

of his hometown, Telkeppe. “It

has been painful. My Chaldean town no

longer exists. This country gave me more

rights than my native country, where we

have a history of 10,000 years.”

Now, he says, the responsibility

rests with the next generation: “We are

relying on you to pass it to the next generation

so the language does not die.”

Language as Identity and Action

Brandy A. Randall, Ph.D., Dean of the

Graduate School and Professor of Psychology

at Oakland University, praised

the students and the movement they

are building.

“It takes somebody to start something,”

she said in response to Hannawi’s

humble attitude. “It takes everyone

else to lift that initiative and create

the momentum and keep it going.”

Randall emphasized that language

is foundational to human experience:

“Language is a central part of being

human, a tool for communication.

Language carries culture, it preserves

heritage and it affects how we see the

world.”

Chaldean is considered an endangered

language. But the Workshop demonstrates

that preservation is possible—

and it’s already making a difference.

Several students are using what

they have learned to help Chaldeanspeaking

patients communicate with

English-speaking doctors. In clinics

and medical offices, language is removing

barriers, building trust, and

improving lives.

The Science of Saving a Language

Professor Jason Overfelt, Associate

Professor of Linguistics at Oakland

University, highlighted both the urgency

and hope surrounding endangered

languages.

“It only takes one generation for a

language to go extinct,” he said. Of the

approximately 7,150 languages spoken

worldwide, survival depends on transmission.

“They have to be acquired by

children.”

But extinction is not inevitable.

“Revitalization is a possibility,”

Overfelt explained. “There are methods

and best practices… we can keep

languages alive, resuscitate them.”

He emphasized the simplicity and

power of preservation.

“The most important and crucial

thing that we can do for a child is just

use the language around them,” he said.

He described language being a cornerstone

piece of the culture, something

worth fighting for, worth saving.

“If it survives,” he added, “it will be

a community effort. So advocate for the

language everywhere. Use it everywhere.

Languages can be brought in, but it’s

harder to revive than it is to preserve it.”

Students Carrying the Torch

The true heart of the Workshop lies

with its students.

Rotana Sabri shared how, for her, the

program built more than language skills.

“We wanted to be more part of OU,

and Stephen recruited us because he

was very passionate about the language,”

she said. “He chose to highlight

his students and have us shine.

It shows how selfless he is. We really

grew as a community.”

Sarah Kenetha, Vice President of

the Workshop, recalled how it began

informally as a small group. “We saw

Stephen in the library… we learned it’s

Chaldean, Jesus’ language. We waited

to learn more. Word spread. The club

became famous and popular.”

Today, she applies what she has

learned in her work at a medical clinic,

helping patients navigate care.

Rosemary Rais, already fluent in

Chaldean, joined to learn reading

and writing. “My mom always spoke

it at home and my dad spoke English.

Learning how to read and write was an

opportunity and it was very special.”

Joseph Dallal said the experience

has been an amazing opportunity—

one he never knew was possible—and

one he and his family are grateful to

see come to life.

Mariam Jaoo said she loves how

the language has connected her more

deeply to her Chaldean culture and

shared that, despite starting as a small

class, “we grew quickly to where we

are today and achieved our goal.”

Nicholas Saffo, a mathematics student,

said he was recruited as well. Despite

schedule conflicts, he stayed committed.

“I knew more Arabic… but now

I’ll be sharing Chaldean with family.”

What began as one graduate student’s

vision has grown into a revival

movement, rooted in history but lived

in the present.

From ancient clay tablets to modern

classrooms, from Babylon to Michigan,

the Chaldean language continues

its journey.

And on Apr. 17, 2026, at Oakland

University, that journey was celebrated,

not as a relic of the past, but as a

living language carried forward by a

new generation.



FEATURE

The Village Table

CCF West and Shenandoah

co-host community luncheon

BY DR. ADHID MIRI

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

Shenandoah Chef Joseph Dixon in Nana Bernadette’s Kitchen.

The new Chaldean Community

Foundation building in West

Bloomfield has begun welcoming

community members through its

doors. Using a series of thoughtfully

curated programs and social gatherings

aimed at introducing the public

to its services, CCF West is strengthening

communal bonds and encouraging

meaningful engagement with its modern,

multipurpose facility.

Among these early initiatives was

a distinguished luncheon held in partnership

with Shenandoah Country

Club, graciously sponsored by Raad

Kathawa and Jacob Bacall. The event

took place on Thursday, Apr. 9, at

noon in the Foundation’s Nana Bernadette

Sarafa’s Demonstration Kitchen.

The gathering was elevated by the

presence of His Excellency Bishop

Ibrahim Ibrahim and Father Manuel

Boji. The atmosphere, beautifully reflecting

the enduring spirit of unity

within the community, was defined

by warmth, hospitality, and a shared

sense of faith and tradition.

In addition, guests from the “Village

Table” group enjoyed an authentic

Chaldean culinary experience,

featuring traditional dishes such as

Gurgur, Kebab, and Qouzi, followed by

desserts and premium English tea. The

luncheon not only celebrated cultural

heritage but also fostered an inviting

environment for fellowship and connection.

Attendees were invited to tour the

Foundation’s various departments,

including the Mar Ibrahim Library

and the many program areas housed

within the new facility. The Chaldean

Community Foundation continues to

expand its offerings, with upcoming

educational programs, community

initiatives, seminars, and lectures led

by Miss Farah Shammami, all dedicated

to serving and uplifting both the

Chaldean community and the broader

public.

The Foundation extends its sincere

appreciation to Patrick Kattoo, President

of Shenandoah Country Club,

together with the Club’s leadership for

their continued support.

We warmly invite all Shenandoah

Country Club members and the broader

community to visit the new Chaldean

Community Foundation building

in West Bloomfield, and we look forward

to welcoming everyone for future

engagements.



FEATURE

Preserving Our Culture

The ethnic identity development of our youth

BY CRYSTAL KASSAB, ED.D.

When I was in third grade,

my teacher didn’t believe

I was Chaldean or that my

parents were Iraqi. She told me to ask

them again and let her know the next

day. When I went home and told my

dad, he was miffed—but also understood

that she may have had a different

frame of reference when it came to

people from the Middle East.

With my brown hair, alabaster

skin, and eyes the color of grape

leaves, I probably didn’t fit her understanding—or

the stereotype. So he

taught me about our people.

Baba drew two blue lines on a napkin.

“This is the Tigris, and this is the

Euphrates,” he began, then scribbled

more. “This is Iraq. This is where we

come from.”

I stared at the napkin, blankly but

intently.

“You know, Jesus spoke Sureth,”

Baba said. “Just like you.” He smiled.

“In English, it’s called Aramaic.”

I was fascinated.

From that moment on, I loved

learning about our Chaldean heritage,

and I have been proud to be Chaldean

ever since. It was only natural for me

to turn to this identity in my doctoral

research, but I quickly realized there

was a gap: little to no academic work

focused on how Chaldean youth understand

their culture and how that

shapes their experiences.

There was some research on acculturation

and school relationships, but

nothing specific to what I was looking

for. As a result, I had to study other

ethnic groups and draw comparisons

in order to better understand the Chaldean

experience.

The purpose of my mixed methods

research was to understand what

children in the diaspora—specifically

in metro Detroit—know about being

Chaldean, so that we, as elders, can

provide opportunities for them to

grow into and sustain their culture

before it is lost.

Dr. Crystal Kassab’s thesis focused how Chaldean youth understood their culture.

In addition, I examined how

school context, immigrant generation,

and gender influenced their ethnic

identity development. I was especially

interested in whether attending an

“enclave school”—defined as a school

with 20% or more Chaldean students—

made a difference in children’s understanding

of their Chaldean culture.

To explore this, I adapted a new

survey instrument called the EIMCY

(Ethnic Identity Measure for Chaldean

Youth), developed focus group questions,

and assembled a team of Chaldean

experts to review and approve

the tools. I also reached out to several

school districts and church groups for

support.

This process took about seven

months, largely due to waiting for

approvals. Ultimately, I secured participation

from one district on the west

side and one on the east side, both

located within the two major “ethnoburbs”—suburban

areas with large

Chaldean populations. Two Chaldean

churches on the west side also agreed

to participate through their youth

groups. (I am unable to publicly name

any of these locations.)

In total, I collected data from 70

Chaldean middle and high school students,

and I made a concerted effort to

keep the sample as balanced as possible.

However, there were slightly more

girls than boys, and a significantly

higher number of second-generation

participants compared to first- or

third-generation students. (Secondgeneration

students are those with at

least one parent who is an immigrant.)

There were also more middle

school students and west-side participants,

largely due to my role as a middle

school teacher and my proximity to

the west side, which gave me greater

access to students, their friends, and

their extended networks.

Through this research, I found that

Chaldean students in enclave schools

tend to have more Chaldean friends

and speak Sureth more fluently than

students in non-enclave schools. This

is largely because they have more opportunities

to use the language and

build relationships within their peer

group, unlike Chaldean students who

attend schools with few other Chaldean

students. In those settings, most

of their friends are non-Chaldean,

which limits daily exposure to the language

and culture.

However, students in non-enclave

schools (those with smaller Chaldean

populations) demonstrated a stronger

sense of cultural understanding

and slightly higher church attendance

than students in enclave schools. This

appears to stem from their increased

awareness of being “different” in

school, which often prompts them

to seek out cultural knowledge more

intentionally. In addition, because

they have fewer cultural peers in their

schools, they tend to rely more heavily

on the church as a primary source of

cultural connection and reinforcement.

All first-generation students reported

speaking Sureth, as they were

immigrants who grew up in bilingual

or trilingual households and learned

English alongside their parents.

Among second-generation students,

Sureth fluency varied depending on

family immigration history and levels

of acculturation. Some resembled

first-generation students in that they

learned English alongside their parents

and maintained stronger fluency

in Sureth, while others were not fluent

because English had already become

the dominant language in their homes.

None of the third-generation students

spoke Sureth fluently. While

they knew some common words,

phrases, and prayers, they were not

able to hold full conversations in the

language.

The only notable difference I found

between boys and girls was that girls

tended to participate more in cultural

activities than boys. This pattern also

appeared in the research participation

itself, as more girls volunteered

than boys—a trend that is common in

broader American contexts as well.

This may reflect the fact that girls are

often more engaged in nurturing and

communal roles and are frequently

the ones who help transmit cultural

knowledge within families and communities.

It is also important to note that

the statement students most strongly

agreed on was, “My faith in God is the

most important thing to me.” In contrast,

the most inconsistent response

was to the statement, “I can speak

Sureth (Aramaic/Chaldean) fluently.”

This suggests that while faith formation

remains strong and well preserved


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across generations, there is clear room

for growth when it comes to maintaining

fluency in Sureth.

The focus group interviews yielded

five major themes: faith, family, belonging,

image, and Sureth language

fluency. These themes were raised by

nine second- and third-generation

students from both ethnoburbs. Most

of these findings were not surprising.

Faith and family are central pillars of

Chaldean culture, and themes of belonging,

identity, and external perception

are also widely documented in

youth development literature.

What did stand out, however, was

the emphasis on Sureth. Although

research often shows that language

serves as a key vehicle for cultural

transmission and helps youth connect

to their ancestry, I did not anticipate

the level of concern students expressed

about language loss. In fact, all three

third-generation participants in the focus

groups expressed regret about not

knowing Sureth and, in some cases,

placed responsibility on their parents

for not teaching it to them.

Among second-generation participants,

experiences varied. One

student had a speech impediment in

childhood, and his parents—along

with a speech therapist—prioritized

English-only communication. Other

second-generation students reported

being proud to speak Sureth, and some

were also fluent in Arabic, attributing

their language skills to the influence of

parents and grandparents.

Taken together, these findings suggest

that while Sureth—the language

historically associated with Jesus

Christ—remains present within the

community, it is increasingly vulnerable.

At the same time, there is a clear

awareness among youth of its importance,

underscoring both the urgency

and the opportunity to preserve it

within the largest Chaldean diaspora

in the world, here in the United States.

In conclusion, if we want to keep

our culture alive, we must focus on the

youth. It is essential to recognize that

the church, family, and ethnoburb

communities all play a significant role

in shaping Chaldean children’s sense

of identity. These institutions serve as

the primary agents of cultural transmission

and will be central to preserving

our heritage for generations to

come.

I am proud of this work and hopeful

about what it represents. I also

look forward to continuing this line of

research and to seeing other scholars

contribute to building a stronger academic

presence for Chaldean-American

studies within education and related

fields.

The dissertation, Ethnic Identity Development

of Chaldean American Youth

in the Ethnoburbs, is available through

Google Scholar and ProQuest.

For additional information, please

contact: drcrystalkassab@gmail.com.


FEATURE

Between Identity and Duty

The Chaldean pilot who changed history

BY MICHAEL SARAFA

In the shadows of the Cold War,

when global superpowers competed

not only through armies but

through intelligence and technology,

one man of Chaldean/Assyrian ancestry

made a decision that would alter

the balance of power in the Middle

East—and leave a lasting mark on history.

His story later inspired the 1988

HBO film Steal the Sky. My wife came

across it while reading about Israeli

spy Eli Cohen, a story I had not previously

encountered.

That man was Munir Redfa, an

Iraqi fighter pilot born in Baghdad in

1934. A proud member of the Chaldean

Catholic tradition and of Assyrian heritage,

Redfa rose through the ranks of

the Iraqi Air Force at a time when Iraq

was rapidly modernizing its military

with advanced Soviet equipment, including

the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21,

then considered one of the most sophisticated

fighter jets in the world. He

served in the Iraqi Airforce during the

reign of King Faisal II and continued

PHOTO BY KEN LAROCK / U.S. AIR FORCE

PHOTO COURTESY WIKIPEDIA

after Abdal Karim Qasim and other

military officers overthrew the monarchy

in 1958.

But beneath the uniform, Redfa

carried a quiet burden familiar to

many minorities in the region. As a

Christian in a predominantly Muslim

military structure, he faced discrimination

and mistrust. His faith limited

Above: Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21PF “Fishbed-D” at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Left: The late Munir Redfa.

his advancement, and he was often

treated as an outsider within the very

institution he served.

By the early 1960s, global intelligence

agencies were desperate to

understand the MiG-21’s capabilities.

Israel, in particular, sought direct access

to the aircraft, recognizing that

insight into its strengths and weaknesses

could determine survival in

future conflicts. This effort, led by the

Israeli spy agency, Mossad, became

known as Operation Diamond— a bold

and highly risky mission to acquire a

Soviet fighter jet directly from an Arab

air force.

Enter Redfa.

Through a carefully orchestrated

intelligence operation, he was approached

and ultimately agreed to

defect. His motivations were deeply

personal: frustration with discrimination,

concern for his family’s safety,

and moral opposition to military actions

he was ordered to carry out. In

exchange, he was promised a new

life—and most importantly, safe passage

for his entire family.

What followed was one of the most

daring acts in aviation and espionage

history.

On Aug. 16, 1966, Redfa took off in

his MiG-21 on what appeared to be a

routine training mission. Instead, he

altered course mid-flight and crossed

into foreign airspace. As regional forces

tracked the unidentified aircraft,

confusion and miscommunication allowed

him to continue his escape. Low

on fuel, he approached Israel, where

he was intercepted—but not attacked.

Israeli fighter jets escorted him safely

to land.

With that landing, Redfa delivered

not just an aircraft, but a strategic

breakthrough.

The captured MiG-21 was studied

extensively by both Israel and the

United States. The intelligence gained

provided critical insights into Soviet

aviation technology and helped reshape

aerial combat strategy. Within

a year, Israeli forces demonstrated

a decisive advantage against similar

aircraft in combat, validating the mission’s

importance.

For the Chaldean community, Redfa’s

story carries a deeper meaning. He

was not simply a pilot or a defector—he

was a man navigating identity, faith,

and survival in a region often hostile

to minorities. His journey reflects the

difficult choices faced by many Chaldeans

and Assyrians throughout the

20th century, caught between loyalty

to homeland and the realities of discrimination.

After his defection, Redfa lived out

his life outside Iraq, with his family

safely relocated. He died in 1998, leaving

behind a legacy that is both complex

and compelling.


Únete a la diversión

este verano

انضم إىل املرح هذا الصيف

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FEATURE

Clockwise from left: The Nineveh Performance

Group; Dancing the bagiye; Food

is an important part of any culture.

Sharing Culture

International Food Night at Holden Elementary School

BY JENNA ABROO

Culture is one of the many things

that we can all relate to and find

community in. No matter what

country or ethnicity, we are all able to

celebrate where we come from in our

own unique ways. One way that many

cultures celebrate their heritage is

with food.

All countries, ethnic groups, and

identities connect with their cultural

dishes. Different types of cuisine

showcase generations and generations

of traditional recipes passed

down from families to their children.

Our Chaldean community is a culture

that is no stranger to connecting with

each other through cuisine; holidays

and family dinners involve long tables

filled with dolma, kuba, kabobs, tourshi,

and mounds of klecha.

Oftentimes we find ourselves gravitating

towards food as the ultimate

unifier. It provides an opportunity for

communities to get together and foster

strong relationships with one another.

The community at Holden Elementary

School is no exception. Located

in Sterling Heights in the Warren Consolidated

Schools District, the student

population is a bright and beautiful

display of various ethnic diversities.

While having a assorted demographic,

a large percentage of our student population

come from Chaldean and West

Asian/North African descent. Many of

our staff members, including special

education paraprofessionals, language

acquisition aides, and lunch room supervisors,

are Chaldean parents whose

children attend the school/district.

Through the years, many Chaldean

families have called Holden Elementary

their school home, raising their kids

alongside other Chaldean students.

Special education aide Jennifer Jarjis

is one example.

Jarjis started out as a Holden parent

with her daughter Isabella, then lunch

mom/former PTO member, and now

works in our Emotional Impaired Special

Education classroom. This school

year, she revived our school’s formerly

closed Parent Teacher Organization

(PTO) and was elected as president.

She has been part of the PTO for quite

a long time, and “loves seeing the students

happy and excited when we plan

fun activities like popcorn Fridays and

after school movie nights.”

One long-standing Holden tradition

has been International Food

Night, where families and staff members

are encouraged to bring a dish

from their cultural background to all

share in a meal together with their

families after school hours. Jarjis continues

by explaining this most recent

event is meant to “strengthen the

school’s community events, bringing

families, teachers, and staff together

by highlighting the different cultures

and understanding all of our backgrounds

through cuisines.”

This year, many traditional Chaldean

and Iraqi dishes found their way

to the table, like Mrs. Jarjis’ homemade

dolma, tabbouli, pita bread, falafel,

tourshi, khahee bread with geymar,

kabobs, olive cheese pies, and trays of

baklava for dessert. “Sharing my Chaldean

culture and heritage with other

Chaldean families and students at

Holden means more than just talking

about where we come from,” explains

Jarjis. “It’s about passing down our traditions,

sharing our language and customs—all

of that starts with our food.”

Holden 1st/2nd grade teacher and

PTO Secretary Michelle Clarke beautifully

echoes the mission that President

Jarjis shares. Clarke has been a teacher

with Warren Consolidated since 2010,

and even throughout layoffs and

switching around to other schools,

she managed to come back and always

considered Holden her home.

Clarke believes that the PTO’s mission

and events like International

Food Night are meant to strengthen

the community bond while also supporting

the students. “We have such a

beautiful and diverse population,” she

says, “and want to ensure that all feel

that they have a voice and value.”

Clarke goes on to say that she feels


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Nineveh Performance Group answered questions from the students.

this event is a great example of how

food is something that always seems

to bring everyone together. “This night

is a way for our families to share joy,

while enjoying amazing foods from so

many different cultures.”

The main highlight of the event

was the exciting performance done

by Nineveh Performance Group, led

by WCS alumna Nadin Razoki. Razoki

has been doing her part in keeping

our Chaldean/Assyrian culture alive

by teaching dance classes across the

metro Detroit area for adults, children,

and anyone interested in learning our

traditional dances. With over 15 years

of experience, she is well-versed in over

20 styles of traditional line dances.

She is also the director/choreographer

for the Nineveh Performance

Group, a dance ensemble in Michigan

created to showcase Suraye heritage.

They perform for wedding zaffes, dinner

shows, and all kinds of special

events with cause for celebration. We

were lucky enough to host them at

Holden for a special stage performance

of traditional Chaldean/Assyrian dances

while they were dressed in culturally

modern costumes; they even gave our

students a first-hand line dance lesson.

While many of our Chaldean students

were in attendance, the stage

was filled with students of all backgrounds

dancing alongside the group

and staff members dancing with each

other throughout the cafeteria.

Fourth grader Liana Osachi attended

with her mother and led the

bagiye line for us, dancing all around.

Osachi joyfully mentioned to me that

the dancing was the best part of the

entire night, and how much she loved

leading our bagiye line, which is not

an easy feat for a 10-year-old.

“Sharing my culture with my

friends was so fun! I loved to see the

big pot of dolma, and eating good food

from our culture with my friends after

school.” She ended our interview by

saying that she is excited to see other

kids learn our super fun dances, and

even more happy to see Chaldean

performers at her school. “I can’t wait

for my mom to sign me up for Nadin’s

dance class for kids this summer!”

Chaldean culture has always been

a woven fabric of rich heritage passed

down through hundreds of generations.

To be able to share just a small

piece of that with the Holden community

has been a truly wonderful thing.

International Food Night was just one

example from the Chaldean culture and

beyond of how food, music, dance, and

heritage can bridge people together.

If you would like to bring this cultural

experience to your own special

occasion, Nineveh Performance Group

is now accepting bookings for weddings,

performances, and events. You

can contact them through their Instagram

@NinevehPerformance or their

additional contact information listed

here; (248) 274-6301, NinevehPerformance@gmail.com.

To book dance

lessons with Nadin, please visit her Instagram

page @dancewithnadin.

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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

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immigrated

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properties and quickly built a reputation as a successful and

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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),

Community co-authored Foundation with Bishop and Bawai the Chaldean Soro.

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

forward-thinking entrepreneur. His business portfolio focuses on real

estate development and property MAY 2026 management, CHALDEAN with NEWS investments 29

expanding over the years to include shopping centers, office

buildings, senior living communities, hospitality ventures, and multi-

FEATURE

Young people display their pride in a “home country” many have never seen.

Soccer on the World Stage

Lions of Mesopotamia bring joy to Michigan

BY WEAM NAMOU

In a historic match that ended

late March 31, 2026, in Monterrey,

Mexico, Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1

to qualify for the World Cup. With the

late kickoff, the Lions of Mesopotamia

officially secured their first spot since

1986, as the calendar turned to April 1

in both Michigan and Baghdad.

The victory sparked celebrations

across Iraq and thousands of miles

away in Michigan, home to the nation’s

largest Iraqi American community.

A Night of Pride in Michigan

Across metro Detroit, Iraqis gathered

in homes, cafés, banquet halls, and

community spaces to watch the historic

match together. One of the largest

crowds formed at Al Mashriq Banquet

Club in Sterling Heights, where hundreds

of men stayed late into the night,

following the game on satellite television

and streaming apps.

Among them was Sam Yatooma,

who brought his sixteen-year-old son,

despite it being a school night.

“I was surprised to see that almost

half the place was the new generation,

young boys who were born here,” Sam

said. “Many were dressed in Iraqi jerseys

and flying the Iraqi flag.”

When asked why he and his friends

were eager to go, his son replied simply,

“Iraq was playing. That’s it.”

The excitement inside the banquet

hall was electric. Some fans watching

on FIFA Live apps saw goals nearly 30

seconds before they appeared on satellite

TV. They would jump onto chairs

and shout, “We made a goal!” Moments

later, the rest of the room would

see it unfold on screen.

When the final whistle confirmed

the 2-1 victory, with goals from Ali

Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein, Iraqi

music blasted through the speakers.

Men danced inside the hall until

well past midnight, and celebrations

spilled into the streets.

“From the roar of the crowd to the

pride of a nation—in every pass, every

goal, and every heartbeat—this win

belongs to all of Iraq, and it’s a reminder

that hope still knows how to

score,” said Nabil Roumaya, a community

leader and “a proud Iraqi.”

From Shopping Centers to Parks

The following day, word spread

through social media and phone calls

that larger gatherings were taking

place. A DJ and drummers initially assembled

at Dream Market Plaza at 18

Mile and Ryan Road around 4 p.m., but

police redirected the growing crowd to

Halmich Park in Warren.

Rhythmic drumming and chanting

turned the park into a small corner

of Baghdad, where hundreds of Iraqi

American families gathered in a sea

of red, white, black, and green. Flags

waved high as children ran through

the crowds and elders looked on

proudly. The celebration marked Iraq’s

return to the World Cup after a 40-year

absence—a milestone many thought

they might never witness again.

The music seemed to never stop.

Despite the chilly weather, some

young men removed their shirts as

they danced, while Chaldean and Assyrian

groups formed circles to perform

the traditional chopia.

A miniature World Cup trophy was

lifted and passed around the crowd

as a symbol of pride. Some spectators

watched from the bleachers, taking in

the moment, but most joined the dancing

as children weaved through the

celebration and elders smiled at the

scene before them.

Dearborn Erupts in Celebration

Meanwhile, several major roadways

in Dearborn experienced significant

disruptions due to spontaneous fan

gatherings.

Greenfield Road, the primary site of

celebration, was shut down by police

Tuesday night as thousands of fans

flooded the street on foot and in cars,

waving Iraqi flags, honking horns, and

chanting as traffic came to a standstill.

Car caravans formed, with passengers


University of Detroit

HIGH SCHOOL AND ACADEMY

Celebrating Faith & Community Together

Spontaneous celebration at Dream Market Plaza in Sterling Heights.

leaning out of windows in celebration.

Warren Avenue was not officially

closed, but heavy traffic and jubilant

fans waving flags slowed movement

near popular gathering spots. For many

Iraqi Americans, even those born in the

United States, the victory provided a

powerful connection to their heritage. “It

feels like we won,” said one young celebrant.

“This [Iraq] is our country too.”

Euphoria in Iraq and Around

the World

In Baghdad and across Iraq, celebrations

were massive. The government

declared a two-day national holiday as

thousands poured into public square

waving flags and chanting patriotic

songs. Street vendors handed out free

tea to strangers, caught up in the collective

euphoria. After four decades

away from the World Cup stage, many

described the victory as cathartic—a

symbolic shedding of a traumatic past.

Emad Hukmat, a Chaldean living

in Baghdad, said, “People from all

backgrounds were happy and poured

into the streets without hesitation to

celebrate. There was no distinction

between Muslim, Christian, or Kurd—

faces were filled with love for the nation,

which is Iraq.”

Across the diaspora, from Michigan

to Sweden, Iraqi communities

mirrored the scenes unfolding in

Baghdad. Many expressed overwhelming

joy mixed with a heavy awareness

of the hardships their homeland has

endured. International supporters and

neighboring countries also celebrated,

viewing the Lions of Mesopotamia as a

symbol of perseverance for the region.

In Australia, when the final whistle

confirmed Iraq’s victory, celebrations

spilled into the streets, most notably at

Fairfield Square, where crowds sang,

danced, and filled the night air with

the sound of car horns for hours.

Bashar Hanna, OAM, recipient of

the Medal of the Order of Australia,

said the victory represented more than

a win on the field.

“For many, it was a moment of collective

relief and joy,” said Hanna. “Football

[soccer] has always been a powerful

unifier for Iraqis in the diaspora, bringing

people together across generations

and backgrounds. This time, the pride

was even stronger, as the team is led by

an Australian coach, creating a shared

sense of belonging and connection between

Iraq and Australia.”

He added that in that moment

of celebration, “identity, resilience,

and hope came together,” reminding

the community not only of where

they have come from, but also of the

strength they carry forward.

As Iraq prepares to compete in

Group I against France, Senegal, and

Norway, excitement continues to

build. If the scenes in Sterling Heights

and Dearborn are any indication,

World Cup matches this summer may

once again turn metro Detroit into a

sea of Iraqi flags.

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

www.uofdjesuit.org


FEATURE

From Side Hustle to Center Court

Juliana Rabban’s Detroit moment

BY SARAH KITTLE

Detroit’s creative pulse has always been

defined by reinvention—and right now,

it’s beating a little louder with the rise

of Juliana Rabban.

Known professionally as Just By Juliana, the

24-year-old Chaldean American artist is stepping

into one of the city’s brightest spotlights

yet: a high-profile collaboration with the Detroit

Pistons as part of their annual 313 Day campaign,

curated this year by Big Sean.

The project merges fashion, music, and visual

art into a celebration of Detroit identity,

with Rabban’s work sitting squarely at its center.

For an artist who built her brand from

scratch, often quite literally painting late into

the night, the moment feels less like a surprise

and more like a natural next step.

“I believe in myself so much to where these

opportunities don’t necessarily surprise me,”

Rabban said. “It’s more like—yeah, this makes

sense.”

A Style Rooted in Detroit

Rabban’s work is instantly recognizable: bold,

layered, and alive with motion. Her signature

collage-style compositions blend linework, hidden

imagery, and cultural references into pieces that reward

a second, and even third look.

That philosophy carries directly into her Pistons

collaboration. The 313 Day design is packed with visual

Easter eggs: Detroit landmarks, sports culture,

and musical influences woven together into a single,

high-energy composition.

“The more you look, the more you see,” she explained.

“From afar, it’s this crazy graphic, but then

you start noticing all the little details.”

That layered storytelling isn’t accidental. Rabban

approaches her work with both artistic instinct and

strategic precision, an approach shaped by her education

at the College for Creative Studies where she

studied advertising with minors in graphic design

and entrepreneurship.

“I don’t just think creatively—I think commercially,”

she said. “Who’s the audience? What do they

want to see? How is this going to live on a hoodie or a

hat? There’s a lot that goes into it.”

Detroit isn’t just a theme in Rabban’s work but

rather the foundation of her story.

Long before brand collaborations and sold-out

collections, she was a kid making art in her family’s

orbit of local businesses. Her father, a business

owner in Detroit, would sell her early creations in his

Juliana visited the CN podcast studio in April.

store. Customers called in for custom work before she

even considered art as a career.

“I was in elementary school making a couple

thousand dollars,” she said with a laugh. “All that

support came from Detroit.”

That early validation planted something deeper

than confidence. It created a sense of responsibility

to reflect the city back to itself.

“Detroit supported me before I even knew what

this could become,” she said. “So it’s always had a

huge meaning to me.”

Built on Community and Culture

Rabban’s identity as a Chaldean American artist also

plays a central role in her journey. She credits the

Chaldean community’s strong entrepreneurial culture

with helping fuel her growth.

“The support is constant,” she said. “Every day

it’s, ‘Can you paint this? Can you do that?’ That backing

means everything.”

Rather than feeling pressure to represent her

community, Rabban sees it as motivation.

“It’s about making my people proud,” she said. “I

know they’ll back me no matter what.”

That same inclusive mindset shows up in her

work. Whether she’s designing apparel or painting

murals, Rabban intentionally creates pieces that resonate

across age, background, and identity.

“I have friends of every race, every religion,”

she said. “I want my work to reflect that—something

everyone can connect to.”

Rabban’s career trajectory reads like a blueprint

for modern creative entrepreneurship.

In 2020, a pair of hand-painted sneakers she

posted online went viral, racking up nearly two

million views. What started as boredom quickly

turned into a flood of commissions, and eventually,

a full-fledged business.

Since then, her work has expanded across

mediums: custom sneakers, canvases, murals,

apparel, and even unconventional surfaces like

tequila bottles. Along the way, she’s collaborated

with Detroit’s major sports teams, painted

cleats for professional athletes, and built a loyal

following.

Her 313 Day collection marked a new level

of visibility and demand. The merchandise sold

out before arena doors even opened, with fans

scrambling to find her designs.

“People were running through the store

looking for my pieces,” she said. “I still don’t

have words for that.”

Despite the rapid rise, Rabban isn’t interested

in staying still. She’s constantly experimenting—taking

new classes, exploring different materials,

and pushing beyond her established style.

“I think you don’t grow if you stay too comfortable,”

she said.

Next on her horizon: expanding into large-scale

murals across different cities, opening a collaborative

studio space, and continuing to build her presence in

the sports and fashion worlds. She’s also exploring

ways to incorporate more cultural storytelling into

her work.

And while she’s already collaborated with some

of Detroit’s biggest names, she remains intentionally

open-ended about what comes next.

“I just have so many ideas,” she said. “I’m going

to let them unfold.”

For young creatives, especially within the Chaldean

community, Rabban’s journey offers a clear

message: drive matters more than permission.

“You have to prove it to yourself first,” she said.

“If you put everything into what you love, people will

back you.”

It’s a mindset she’s carried from her earliest days

through college, through late-night deadlines, and

now onto one of Detroit’s biggest creative stages.

In a city defined by resilience and reinvention,

Juliana Rabban isn’t just participating in the culture,

she’s helping shape what it looks like next.


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Adults (55+)

Gather around the

village

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featuring

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inventive menus

no cost to attend

guests were treated to Paqota with

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


CULTURE & HISTORY

Book donations are coming in from the community.

The Heart of Knowledge

Inside Bishop Ibrahim’s Library

BY ADHID MIRI, PHD

It is often said that “the library is the

community; the community is the

library.” Libraries are trusted spaces

where people of all backgrounds

can connect, learn, and build a shared

future. They serve as safe, neutral environments

outside of home and work,

where everyone is welcome regardless

of socioeconomic status.

Beyond books, libraries are no longer

simply repositories of knowledge. They

have become vital community hubs that

provide internet access, educational

resources, programs, and events. They

also serve as a safety net for students

and teachers, fostering reading, selflearning,

and academic growth—yet

many people remain unaware of the full

range of services they offer.

The heart of the community

At the heart of the community, libraries

continuously adapt to meet the

evolving needs of their patrons. By

offering access to essential information,

language resources, cultural and

historical materials, and opportunities

for social connection, they play a critical

role in modern society.

By making books, magazines, online

databases, and educational tools

readily available, libraries provide diverse

pathways to knowledge. In doing

so, they promote literacy and empower

individuals to learn, grow, and thrive.

Libraries make a significant impact

on the communities they serve. They

are crucial places for knowledge and

information access, function as vital

centers for their local communities,

strengthen community bonds, host

events, offer services like language

classes, address issues for the betterment

of the community. Increasingly,

they also offer critical social and civic

services like voter registration, citizenship

and language classes, history and

culture sessions and more.

By continuing to innovate and

expand the scope of their services, libraries

remain pillars of inclusiveness,

the heart of lifelong learning and community

support. Their role transforms

these spaces into hubs of opportunity,

empowerment and belonging for everyone

they serve.

Bishop Ibrahim’s vision

People of vision shape the world around

them. For years, Bishop Ibrahim Ibrahim

envisioned a vibrant, inclusive

community hub—one that would foster

lifelong learning while preserving precious

archives and historic church documents.

His goal was to create a welcoming

space for connection, cultural

preservation, and intellectual freedom.

That vision, sustained by years

of determination, has now come to

fruition with the establishment of the

Bishop’s Library at the new Chaldean

Community Center in West Bloomfield.

This is not a typical library; it is a living

archive of faith, language, and identity.

The library occupies approximately

3,000 square feet within the

41,000-square-foot CCF West building,

which offers a wide range of amenities

for the community. Supported by private

donors, the space includes a children’s

area, individual study rooms, a

dedicated manuscripts and archives

room, a reading lounge, and expanded

shelving for library materials. Its collection

is thoughtfully organized into

three primary sections: Aramaic/Chaldean,

Arabic, and English.

The library officially opened to the

public in February 2026. In just its first

few weeks, it has been met with overwhelmingly

positive feedback and has

already welcomed its first registered

patrons.

The Historic Archives section

The archives room houses an extraordinary

collection of manuscripts,

some more than 400 years old. Preserving

these fragile works will require

careful digitization and collaboration

with leading institutions such as the

University of Pennsylvania, the British

Museum, the Pergamon Museum

in Germany, the Vatican, and UNESCO.

Similar preservation efforts offer a

valuable model. In Erbil, Iraq, Bishop

Mikhael Najib Michael—Archbishop

of Mosul—has led a groundbreaking

initiative to digitize Chaldean archives

and share them with the world. Many

of these manuscripts had been housed

in the library of the Dominican monastery

in Mosul since 1750. Beginning

in 2007, as violence against Christians

and other minorities intensified, they

were relocated for safekeeping.

That same year, Archbishop Najeeb

and his team undertook the urgent

task of rescuing and protecting these

historic texts from likely destruction

at the hands of ISIS extremists. Since

then, more than 8,000 previously unpublished

manuscripts, dating from

the 10th to the 19th centuries, have

been preserved through digitization.

This effort stands as a powerful example—and

a valuable resource—for

similar work on the Bishop’s collection

in the United States.

Father Marcus Shammami and

Deacon Khairi Foumia serve as the curators,

experts, and managing directors

of the Bishop’s Library, overseeing

both its preservation efforts and its

continued growth.

The Arabic section is the largest in

the library, serving as a gateway to a

rich and diverse collection of Arabiclanguage

works. Centrally located, it

anchors the library’s mission of accessibility

and cultural preservation.

The collection spans more than

fifty subject categories, including the

Chaldean Church (with both Arabic

and Aramaic texts), Chaldean/Assyrian/Syriac

studies, the towns of the

Nineveh Plain, Arabic language and

literature, poetry, religion, politics,

philosophy, sociology, culture, business,

and history—with particular

emphasis on Iraq and its turbulent

years. It also features a dedicated collection

on Baghdad, along with works

by renowned Chaldean, Assyrian, and

Syriac authors.


The archival room is a temperature-controlled space for study of old manuscripts.

This extensive collection has been

made possible through the generosity

of community donors, including Adil

Bacall, the family of the late Fouad

Misho, George Mansour Makhay, Zuhair

Garmo, Fouad Manna, and others.

Together, they have contributed books

across a wide range of disciplines—

from literature and history to business

and politics—helping to preserve and

share the depth of Arabic intellectual

and cultural heritage.

Library partners

Partnership is essential to the success

of any library. One of the reasons libraries

remain so vital is their role as

community connectors—working with

local, regional, and national partners

to create initiatives that might not otherwise

exist.

By collaborating with community

organizations, nonprofits, and state and

government agencies, libraries expand

their reach, share resources, and better

align services with the needs of the people

they serve. Just as importantly, they

stay connected to the broader community—keeping

families engaged, informed,

and invested as both partners and supporters.

Library leadership plays a key

role in ensuring the institution remains

an active participant in community conversations

and initiatives.

Beyond books, libraries offer a host

of opportunities and literacy programs,

teen spaces, and professional development

resources. They create social capital

by hosting events like book clubs,

classes, makerspaces, workshops, voter

registration, community meetings,

round table discussions, book of the

month events, author meet and greets,

and educational programs on local issues.

These programs help participants

connect with neighbors, build skills,

shape how community issues are approached

and solutions are addressed,

and foster a sense of belonging.

The community is strong and resilient

when its members work together

and are weak and brittle when they

work alone. We encourage everyone to

learn more about the bishop’s library.

We ask our community partners to celebrate

the contributions and leadership

the library brings to metro Detroit

and the state of Michigan.

Library hours

The library welcomes visitors for short

walkthroughs of the main reading

room and its collections. Public viewing

hours are Tuesday, Wednesday,

and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

We encourage guests to review library

policies in advance to ensure a smooth

and enjoyable visit.

Tours are limited in size, and visitors

are asked to follow all bag policies.

For information about book donations,

hours, tours, and programs,

please contact the Chaldean Community

Foundation at 248-851-1200 or

visit www.chaldeanfoundation.org

As we highlight the importance of

Bishop Ibrahim’s Library, it is essential

to recognize that libraries are a vital part

of our Chaldean social infrastructure—

alongside churches, schools, social

clubs, and community organizations.

As champions of lifelong learning,

libraries serve as spaces to spark

curiosity, access knowledge, and explore

new ideas, hobbies, and careers.

Bishop Ibrahim’s Library is community-oriented,

offering a welcoming

environment where patrons can meet

friends, discuss current events, engage

in meaningful dialogue, and

build new connections.

Through book clubs, workforce

programs, and community events,

libraries remain at the forefront of

community growth—creating spaces

where people connect across differences.

They strengthen civic engagement,

support advocacy efforts, and

serve as extensions of larger cultural

and educational initiatives.

Let us continue to promote and preserve

the library’s mission by supporting

its role in personal enrichment, cultural

and educational programming, and

community partnership development.

Community members are encouraged

to support the library by donating

books, visiting, and celebrating

Bishop Ibrahim’s Library at the CCF-

West facility.

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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!


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Connect with top local employers. Discover new career opportunities. Interview on the spot.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT ELIAS KATTOULA

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


الثقافة والتاريخ

املتطرفني.‏ ومنذ ذلك الحني،‏ تستمر الجهود لحفظ

أكرث من 8000 مخطوطة رقمياً،‏ تعود إىل القرن

العارش حتى التاسع عرش،‏ وميكن لنا االستفادة من

هذه التجربة يف رقمنة مخطوطات مكتبة املطران

ل إبراهيم يف الواليات املتحدة.‏

القسم العريب

القسم العريب يُعد األكرب مساحة يف املكتبة،‏ ويضم

أكرث من خمسني فئة موضوعية تشمل مصادر

وكتب عن الكنيسة الكلدانية،‏ والكلدان واآلشوريني

والرسيان،‏ وبلدات سهل نينوى،‏ والشعر واألدب،‏

واللغة العربية،‏ والثقافة،‏ واألديان الرافدينية،‏

والسياسة،‏ والفلسفة،‏ وعلم االجتامع ، وتاريخ

العراق،‏ إضافة إىل كتب عن بغداد ومؤلفات مؤلفني

بارزين من أبناء الجالية يف املهجر.‏

وقد ساهم العديد من أفراد الجالية يف إثراء

هذا القسم بكتب قيّمة جاءت كهبات وتربعات،‏

من بينهم:‏ األخ عادل بقال،‏ وعائلة املرحوم فؤاد

ميشو،‏ جورج منصور مخاي،‏ زهري كرمو،‏ فؤاد منا،‏

وآخرون.‏

مكتبة األسقف إبراهيم إبراهيم

بقلم:‏ د.‏ عضيد مريي

يُقال إنّ‏ املكتبة هي املجتمع،‏ واملجتمع هو املكتبة«.‏

فاملكتبات ليست مجرد أماكن لحفظ

الكتب،‏ بل فضاءات معرفية مفتوحة تتيح لألفراد

من مختلف الخلفيات التواصل والتعلّم وتبادل

الخربات وبناء الذكريات،‏ وهي بيئات آمنة

ومحايدة خارج نطاق املنزل والعمل،‏ تستقبل

الجميع دون متييز اجتامعي أو اقتصادي،‏ وتشكل

بوابة أساسية للوصول إىل املعرفة واملعلومات.‏

مل تعد املكتبات اليوم مستودعات للكتب

فحسب،‏ بل أصبحت مراكز مجتمعية نابضة

بالحياة تقدّم خدمات متنوعة تشمل املطالعة

والدراسة واإلنرتنت،‏ وتوفّر مصادر معرفية ،

وتستضيف فعاليات ثقافية وتعليمية،‏ كام تؤدي

دورًا محوريًا يف دعم الطالب واملعلمني والدارسني،‏

وترسيخ ثقافة القراءة والتعلّم.‏ ومع ذلك،‏ ما يزال

كثريون يجهلون قيمة هذه املوارد القريبة منهم،‏

ودوراملكتبة الذي يتجاوز مجرد إتاحة الكتب

للقراء.‏

قلب املجتمع

تحتل املكتبات موقعًا حيويًا يف املجتمع الحديث،‏

فهي القلب النابض ملؤسساته.‏ ومن خاللها يصل

األفراد إىل مصادر اللغة والتاريخ والثقافة،‏ وفرص

التواصل االجتامعي،‏ وتُوفَّر املوارد التعليمية،‏ إذ

تعمل املكتبات باستمرار عىل تلبية احتياجات

روّادها املتجددة،‏ وتقديم طيف واسع من

املعلومات،‏ وتعزيز الثقافة العامة،‏ ومتكني األفراد

من التطور عرب إتاحة الكتب واملجالت وقواعد

البيانات واملواد التعليمية بسهولة.‏

وتُحدث املكتبات أثرًا ملموسً‏ ا يف املجتمعات

التي تخدمها،‏ إذ تعزز الروابط املجتمعية،‏

وتستضيف فعاليات ثقافية وتعليمية،‏ وتقدّم

خدمات مهمة مثل املحارضات ودروس اللغات

وبرامج املواطنة،‏ كام باتت تضطلع بدور متزايد

يف تقديم خدمات اجتامعية ومدنية،‏ مثل تسجيل

الناخبني وتنظيم جلسات ثقافية وفنية.‏ ومن

خالل االبتكار وتوسيع خدماتها،‏ تظل املكتبات

ركائز أساسية يف املجتمع،‏ ومراكز حيوية للتعلّم

والدعم والتمكني،‏ ومكانًا يشعر فيه الجميع

باالنتامء وهم ايضاً‏ رشكاء.‏

رؤية املطران إبراهيم

‏“«أصحاب الرؤى يصنعون الوجود«‏

لسنوات طوال كان للمطران إبراهيم إبراهيم

حلامً‏ بإنشاء مركز مجتمعي شامل يعزز املعرفة

والتعلّم ويحفظ الرتاث.‏ ومتثلت رؤيته يف تأسيس

موقع متميز يحفظ املخطوطات الثمينة والوثائق

الكنسية واملصادر الرتاثية يف قلب أحد مراكز

الجالية الكلدانية يف والية ميشيغان.‏

وتحققت هذه الرؤية بإنشاء مكتبة األسقف

إبراهيم إبراهيم يف مركز الجالية الكلدانية

الجديد يف ويست بلومفيلد املكتبة ومبساحة

3000 قدم مربع،‏ تضم مساحات للدراسة،‏ وغرفة

لحفظ املخطوطات واألرشيف الكلداين،‏ وأماكن

للقراءة،‏ ومنطقة صغرية لألطفال،‏ وأقسامًا للمواد

املختلفة.‏ واملكتبة الحديثة ليست مكتبة تقليدية،‏

بل أرشيف ومصدرحي لإلميان والهوية واللغة

والرتاث،‏ وتضم ثالثة أقسام رئيسية:‏ اآلرامية/‏

الكلدانية،‏ والعربية،‏ واإلنجليزية

افتُتحت املكتبة للجمهور يف فرباير 2026،

والقت منذ أسابيعها األوىل ترحيبًا واسعًا.‏ ويشغل

األب ماركوس شاممي والشامس خريي فوميا

منصبَي القيّمني واملديرين التنفيذيني للمكتبة.‏

قسم األرشيف واملخطوطات

تضم غرفة املخطوطات مجموعة من الكتب

واملخطوطات التي يزيد عمر بعضها عىل 400

عام،‏ وتتطلب جميعها عمليات حفظ وصيانة

ورقمنة ومبساعدة خربات جهات عاملية مرموقة

ومختصة مثل جامعة بنسلفانيا واملتحف الربيطاين

ومتحف البريغامون يف برلني وجامعة السوربون يف

فرنسا والفاتيكان واليونسكو.‏

وتجري حاليًا جهود حثيثة يف أربيل بقيادة

املطران ميخائيل نجيب ميخائيل،‏ رئيس أساقفة

املوصل،‏ املعروف ب«بطل رقمنة املحفوظات

الكلدانية«،‏ وهو مرشوع يحظى بدعم مؤسسات

أكادميية ومتحفية عاملية.‏

وللتأريخ والعلم فمنذ عام 1750،

حافظت مكتبة دير الدومينيكان يف املوصل

عىل مخطوطات ال تقدّر بثمن،‏ قام األسقف

نجيب بنقلها وحاميتها من خطر الدمار عىل يد

رشكاء املكتبات

يكون املجتمع قويًا عندما يعمل أفراده معًا،‏

وضعيفًا عندما يعملون منفردين.‏ لذلك تُعد

الرشاكات عنرصًا أساسيًا يف نجاح املكتبات ،

فاملكتبات رشيك مجتمعي مهم يعمل مع

املنظامت املحلية لتبادل املوارد وتعزيز الخدمات،‏

كام تجمع أبناء املجتمع عرب اللقاءات والفعاليات،‏

وتقدّم برامج واسعة تشمل نوادي قراءة الكتب،‏

الصفوف الدراسية،‏ ورش العمل،‏ تسجيل الناخبني،‏

االجتامعات وحلقات النقاش،‏ واستضافة املؤلفني،‏

مام يعزز االنتامء واملشاركة وإبقاء العائالت عىل

اطالع دائم بشؤون الجالية.‏

دعوة ونداء

وإذ نعمل عىل إبراز دور مكتبة األسقف إبراهيم

إبراهيم،‏ يجب التذكري بأنها جزء أسايس من البنية

االجتامعية الكلدانية التي تشمل الكنائس واملدارس

والنوادي واملنظامت املدنية،‏ فاملكتبات تقف يف

طليعة التعلّم،‏ وتقدّم عرب برامجها وفعالياتها فضاءً‏

للمعرفة واستكشاف األفكار وتنمية الهوايات وتعزيز

التواصل.‏ وندعو أفراد الجالية إىل دعم املكتبة عرب

التربع بالكتب،‏ ، واالحتفاء مبكانتها يف قلب مؤسسة

الجالية الكلدانية يف ويست بلومفيلد ونشجع الجميع

عىل زيارتها،‏ واملشاركة يف برامجها ودعم رسالتها ونرش

أدوارها وأخبارها اإليجابية يف ديرتويت وميشيغان.‏

ساعات العمل

تفتح املكتبة أبوابها أيام الثالثاء واألربعاء والجمعة

من الساعة 9:00 صباحًا حتى 3:00 مساءً.‏

وتستقبل الزوار يف جوالت تعريفية تشمل

قاعات املطالعة واألقسام املختلفة،‏ ونظرًا

ملحدودية األعداد،‏ يُرجى االطالع عىل سياسات

الزيارة وتنسيق املواعيد مع إدارة املكتبة.‏

لالستفسار عن التربعات والربامج وساعات العمل،‏

ميكن التواصل مع مؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية يف

ويست بلومفيلد عرب املوقع اإللكرتوين والرقم :

www.chaldeanfoundation.org

248-851-1200


SPORTS

Going Green for the Gold

CHL Champs rebound to claim Telga Cup

BY STEVE STEIN

PHOTOS BY JONAH KEJBOU

Team Green, Chaldean Hockey League Champions.

CHL Facts ’n’ Stats

Semifinals

Team Green vs. Team Black

— Black 1, Green 0

(triple overtime)

— Green 4, Black 1

— Green 3, Black 2

Team Red vs. Team Gold

— Red 3, Gold 0

— Red 3, Gold 2

Championship Round

Team Green vs. Team Red

— Green 4, Red 0

— Green 3, Red 2

Sometimes a team wins by losing.

That was certainly the case

this season for Team Green, the

Chaldean Hockey League champions.

Team Green dropped its first playoff

game in heartbreaking fashion—a

1–0 triple-overtime loss to Team Black

in the opener of a best-of-three semifinal

series.

“We hadn’t played in three weeks.

We were rusty, we were flat, and it

showed. We were disappointed,” said

Team Green captain Michael Sana.

“We said all season that if we played

our game, nobody could beat us.

“Team Black played well and scored

a great goal to win it, but we beat ourselves.

We watched them celebrate like

they’d won the championship.”

The game-winner came off the stick

of Jack Abbo, who buried a rebound of

his own shot during 3-on-3 play.

Abbo recently wrapped up his fouryear

career with the Oakland University

club hockey team, tallying 60 goals

and 105 assists in 118 games for the

Golden Grizzlies.

Ahead of Game 2, Team Green captain

Michael Sana brought the team

together for a pasta dinner and film

session, where they rewatched the

overtime loss.

Facing elimination, Team Green

responded with urgency, erupting for

four first-period goals on the way to a

4–1 victory. They followed it up with

another win to take the semifinal series,

then swept Team Red in the bestof-three

championship to capture the

coveted Telga Cup.

It marked a milestone season for

Sana, a first-year captain who previously

spent four years playing for

Team Black.

His opponent in the championship

round was Jonathan Kello. The two also

served as league co-commissioners this

season, stepping in for Kyle Kassa, who

is headed to dental school in the Chicago

suburb of Downers Grove.

Sana and Kello oversaw a preseason

draft that produced one of the

league’s most competitive seasons in

years.

“All the captains did a great job

drafting,” Sana said. “Four teams had

a chance to finish in first place in the

final week of the regular season. We

even had six former Team Black players

on our roster.”

According to Sana, Team Green’s success

ultimately came down to chemistry.

That chemistry extended beyond the

ice, reflecting the league’s strong emphasis

on family. Nick Saroki’s 9-yearold

son, George, was a constant presence,

attending nearly every game and

watching from the Team Green bench.

“He even skated with us in practices,”

said Nick, a league veteran who

has been playing since 2009 and has

Championship Rosters

Team Green: Michael Sana (captain),

Brendan Danou, Anthony

Dickow, Matthew Dickow, Andrew

Jaboro, Alex Jaboro, Matthew Toma,

Anthony Faranso, Nick Saroki, J.P.

Ayar, Matt Essaki, Nick Matti, Drake

Danou

Team Red: Jonathan Kello (captain),

James Kakos, Josh Garmo, Jacob

Garmo, Joey Sheena, Daniel Kassab,

Dom Kassab, Brandon Kassab, Mike

Yaldo, Joe Shina, Kenny Koza, Jon

Koza, Alex Shamoun

won multiple championships.

Founded in 2004, the league has

endured its share of interruptions, including

a two-season pause to refocus

its mission and a shutdown during the

COVID-19 pandemic.

This season, regular-season games

were held at the Novi Ice Arena, while

playoff matchups took place at the Detroit

Skating Club in Bloomfield Hills.

CHL awards

— Most valuable player: Jonathan Kello

— Most points: Jonathan Kello

— Most goals: Jack Abbo

— Best goalie: Isaac Garmo

— Best rookie: Matthew Dickow

— Best defenseman: Joey Sheena

Final Regular Season Standings

Team Red: 10-4-2, 22 points

Team Green: 10-5-1, 21 points

T-3. Team Black: 9-5-2, 20 points

T-3. Team White: 9-5-2, 20 points

Team Gold: 6-9-1, 13 points

Team Blue: 4-11-1, 9 points


Getting Personal

Clockwise from top left: Captain

Michael Sana (left) and Nick Matti

celebrate after Team Green’s Chaldean

Hockey League championshipclinching

win. Alex Jaboro congratulates

teammates after Team Green

beat Team Red in the first game of

the best-of-three Chaldean Hockey

League championship series. Team

Green’s Nick Saroki and his son,

9-year-old George.

Five Team Green players answered

a quick Q&A. Here’s what they had

to say:

Anthony Dickow

Position: Forward

Hometown: Novi

Occupation: Student

High school: Novi Detroit Catholic

Central

College: Michigan State University

(attending)

Favorite hockey player (not on your

team): Alex Ovechkin

Something people may not know:

Plans to move to Chicago after

graduating from MSU.

Matthew Dickow

Position: Defenseman

Hometown: Novi

Occupation: Student

High school: Novi Detroit Catholic

Central

College: Wayne State University

(attending)


team): Steve Yzerman


A 3-handicap golfer.

Michael Sana

Position: Forward

Hometown: Bloomfield Township

Occupation: Self-employed; owner

of @SanaDetroit apparel

High school: Bloomfield Hills

College: Oakland University

Favorite hockey players (not on

your team): Patrick Kane and

Pavel Datsyuk


Once scored 11 goals in a CHL game.

Nick Saroki


Hometown: Birmingham

Occupation: Technology and

operations leader

Family: Wife, Becky; children

Frankie, 6, and George, 9

High school: University of Detroit

Jesuit

College: Michigan State University


team): Pavel Datsyuk


Coaches both of his sons’ hockey

teams.

Matthew Toma


Hometown: West Bloomfield

Occupation: Attorney at Kostopoulos

Rodriguez in Birmingham

High school: University of Detroit

Jesuit

College: Loyola University Chicago


team): Matthew Kesto (Team Black)


Enjoys playing golf.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

I’m Getting Married and God Bless Me

Bringing Iraqi comedy and chaos to the stage

BY WEAM NAMOU

and quick memorization skills.

“What I loved most is the reality of

this play,” Gappy says. “It shows what

really happens in marriage, especially

the problems with in-laws.”

Along with her husband, Hani

Gappy, she joined Two Rivers Theatrical

Group after being involved in previous

community church productions.

She says teamwork is key. “When the

team understands each other, everything

works.”

The cast of I’m Getting Married and God Bless Me.

What happens when an Iraqi

Chaldean man decides he’s

ready to get married—but isn’t

ready for everything that comes with it?

That’s the hilarious premise of I’m

Getting Married and God Bless Me, the

seventh production by the Two Rivers

Theatrical Group. Deeply rooted in Iraqi

culture, the play is performed primarily

in Arabic with moments of Chaldean

and English woven throughout, delivering

nonstop laughter while holding

up a mirror to real-life family drama.

At the center of the story is a man

named Dibis (“date syrup”) who is determined

to find love and finally settle

down. But finding “the one” proves to

be anything but simple.

First, there’s Tutu: the woman of his

dreams. She’s beautiful, confident, and

completely overwhelming. She arrives

with a long list of expectations that

threaten to destroy his already fragile

wallet. A lavish henna party is nonnegotiable.

Designer details are a must.

Every demand adds financial panic,

leaving the groom-to-be wondering

whether love is worth the price tag.

Trying to play it safe, he instead

follows tradition and marries the

neighbor his mother carefully selected.

What could possibly go wrong?

Everything. Instead of financial

stress, he finds himself caught in daily

domestic warfare. Living under one

roof with his wife and his mother becomes

a battleground of generational

differences, pride, and cultural expectations.

The clash between tradition

and modern ambition fuels much of the

play’s humor—and much of its truth.

The Writer Behind the Story

The script was written by Nadeer Warda,

who also plays the main character, Dibis.

A videographer by profession, Warda

balances filming weddings and raising a

family with his passion for the stage.

“This is my hobby,” he says. “Some

people play cards or go to bingo. I do

theater.”

The story was inspired by real-life

experiences shared by friends, including

divorce and family tensions. It took him

nearly two and a half months to write

and several more months to prepare.

“You have to memorize 25 to 30 pages,”

he explains. “That’s the challenge.”

Despite the work and commitment

involved, Warda says the reward is

worth it. “Even when we argue, it’s

fun,” he adds.

Strong Women on Stage

Among the standout performers is Dunya

Fareda, a vice president and branch

manager at Comerica Bank with more

than 25 years in banking. This was her

first theatrical production.

“I didn’t want to just do comedy,”

Fareda says. “If I do something, it has

to be creative and have a message.”

She portrayed three roles reflecting

real women in the community: a bride

obsessed with appearance and wedding

trends, a devoted mother rooted

in tradition, and a friend navigating

jealousy and emotional support.

“The most challenging part was

switching from one character to another,”

she says. “But my favorite one is

the mother. I can truly relate to that.”

Balancing rehearsals with work

and family required careful planning

and support from her workplace. “With

proper planning and support, you can

follow your passion,” she says.

Dina Gappy, a journalism graduate

from Iraq whose early media career

was interrupted by war, also brought

realism and emotional depth to the

production. Encouraged by fellow actors

to audition, she impressed the

team with her strong stage presence

A Familiar Face

Hani Gappy has appeared in four

stage productions and previously had

a small role in the feature film Pomegranate.

While theater is a passion,

many in the community know him for

something else entirely.

An Iraqi American chef with decades

of experience, Hani studied culinary

arts at the University of Baghdad and

has prepared Middle Eastern cuisine

for numerous notable figures. Known

online as Mr. Hani, he shares traditional

recipes and his signature spice blends

with a large following. Since launching

his teaching video series in 2018, he has

become one of the most recognizable

Middle Eastern chefs on social media.

(Instagram: @RealMr.Hani)

For Hani, the play’s message hits

close to home.

“It’s a reminder for people to slow

down,” he says. “Marriage isn’t about

gold or extravagant demands. Many

young men are under enormous financial

pressure just to get married. We

want people to think about that reality.”

A Veteran Presence

Adding weight and experience to the

production is Iraqi director and actor

Ricardos Yousef. A respected veteran

of Iraqi theater, cinema, and television,

Yousef has appeared in productions

such as Theyab Al-Lail (1992), Mawasem

Al-Hob (1993), The Shadow Men

(1996), and more recently Raid (2023).

With a PhD in this field and decades

COMEDY continued on page 53


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ECONOMICS & ENTERPRISE

Powerhouse Gym

recently opened its

largest location.

Offerings include a

full-sized

swimming pool and

a cold plunge

Stronger Than Ever

Powerhouse Gym opens new, larger facility

BY PAUL NATINSKY

The Dabish family, fitness industry innovators

for more than half a century, are at it again.

This time, however, their focus is not on expanding

their exercise expertise nationwide or internationally,

refining their self-taught marketing approach,

or even partnering with other gyms during

the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure safe reopenings.

“We just opened the largest Powerhouse Gym in

the world,” said Powerhouse CEO Henry Dabish.

Located on the endcap of the old Lakeside Mall, the

new club occupies both stories of a space previously

occupied by now-bankrupt Carson’s department store.

The mall is now called Partridge Creek and is located at

17480 Hall Road in Clinton Township in Macomb County.

The 120,000-square-foot space surpasses Powerhouse

Gym’s previous largest location, which measured

70,000 square feet. Powerhouse founder Will

Dabish, Henry’s father, scouted the site alongside

Henry’s younger brother, Victor, conducting much of

the early research on both the property and the surrounding

market.

“It’s gigantic, it’s huge,” said Henry Dabish. “I

don’t want to say that this is the model going forward,

but the club is doing well,” he said.

Presales began in August and have been strong.

“When the gym opened in January…it was a really

incredible turnout as far as new memberships, people

who just wanted to check the club out,” he said.

“People were driving for an hour just to see the club

and the new equipment that we brought in from pretty

much all over the world.”

Competition for the new club abounds, beginning

with and LA Fitness location in the parking lot and

Planet Fitness and Lifetime Fitness nearby.

Powering Ahead of the Competition

“Everyone’s already there…some of the clubs are older,

they’re tired, they’ve been there 10 or 15 years,”

said Dabish. “So we figure if we come in with a new

club that is bigger and nicer than everything in the

area, we should do really well with that.”

Powerhouse Gym has a long history and solid reputation

for running serious workout facilities. Its gyms

feature top-end equipment, well-researched and innovative

amenities, and a safe and positive fitness environment

for female members, among their selling points.

In addition to its trademark abundance of hardto-find

equipment and serious workout environment,

the new facility leases space to a Pure Green

Juice Bar and Detroit Medical Center Physical Therapy

location. It also features a pro shop, Wellness

House recovery area featuring cold plunges and a

posing room for taking photos for social media.

More traditional offerings include a yoga studio,

a cycle room, swimming pool, hot tub and dry sauna,

full size basketball court, locker rooms, personal

trainers and fitness classes.

Competitors are all over the map, literally and in

terms of pricing and offerings. Planet Fitness doesn’t

offer the same level of amenities, but features a price

point of around $20. LA Fitness offers members more

workout options and amenities for $30 to $44 per

month. Lifetime Fitness comes closest to what the new

Powerhouse offers, but charges $180 to $240 per month.

By comparison, Powerhouse Gym memberships

range from $55 to $75 per month, according to Dabish.

“We feel we are just as nice if not nicer than Lifetime

and much newer, and they are charging triple

what we’re charging.”


Looking Ahead

The new club was a long time coming and created

its share of challenges. But there always seems to be

more on the horizon for the Dabishes.

Alongside Henry, the business includes his father

Will, brother Victor, brothers William Jr. and Michael,

and cousin Jonathan Dabish, each involved in different

aspects of operations. Henry said he expects the

next year to be another busy one for the family.

Henry envisions continued out-of-state and international

growth through licenses. He expects to

maintain a pace of eight to 10 U.S. licenses per year

and another five or six international licenses. Additionally,

Dabish would like to open one corporate

club per year in the 30,000 to 70,000 square foot

range.

With all this time spent at work, does Henry find

time to work out?

Dabish maintains a slender, but fit, build. And

yes, amid all of the work he puts in at Powerhouse,

he still finds his way to the gym floor. “I’m doing like

three days a week, but not too intense right now,” he

said.


ECONOMICS & ENTERPRISE

A Slice of Detroit

New ownership for iconic Buddy’s Pizza

BY SARAH KITTLE

For generations of Detroiters, Buddy’s

Pizza has been more than a

place to eat good pizza— it’s been

a ritual, a reward, and a deeply personal

part of the city’s identity. Now, after

80 years, the iconic brand is entering

a new chapter, moving forward led by

a trio of Chaldean American business

leaders determined to honor its legacy

while building its future.

“I’ve been a big fan of Buddy’s for a

very long time,” shared Andrew Dickow,

one of the three main investors. “I

grew up on the brand.”

In a recent conversation with Chaldean

News, Dickow offered insight

into the acquisition, his partnership

with Saber Ammori and Kevin Denha,

and what each brings to the table.

First, he explained, the deal was

not opportunistic but intentional.

“We had been tracking Buddy’s

for years,” Dickow

explained. “It’s something

we proactively

pursued.” When the

opportunity finally

came, it was competitive,

but ultimately

they were able to show

that they were the right

group to take it forward.

The trio’s longstanding

business relationships helped

solidify the deal. Dickow and Ammori

previously partnered on Detroit-based

food ventures like Pop Daddy Snacks,

while Denha’s experience in real estate

and large-scale operations rounds out

the team’s capabilities.

Together, they represent a blend of

operational expertise, strategic vision,

and deep-rooted connection to the Detroit

community.

“It’s an unbelievable group,” shared

Dickow. “We also have some smaller

investors that bring a lot of capability.”

“I am very confident in Juan Rojas’s

ability to build culture, inspire

high performing teams, and create an

amazing, best in class pizza company,”

adds Saber Ammori.

PHOTOS COURTESY BUDDY’S PIZZA

Andrew Dickow Saber Ammori Kevin Denha

Ammori, known for scaling Wireless

Vision into the nation’s largest

T-Mobile franchisee, offers a proven

blueprint for managing large, multiunit

operations with a focus on culture,

people, and customer experience.

“Saber has one vision and a

50,000-foot strategy,” Dickow noted.

Kevin Denha contributes extensive

real estate expertise, a critical asset as

the group evaluates Buddy’s physical

footprint and future expansion opportunities.

“That’s going to be really critical

for us as we think about the brand and

where our footprint is today and where

it will be tomorrow,” said Dickow.

Dickow himself brings a background

in food and consumer brands,

having spent a decade at General Mills

Top: All Buddy’s locations have decor that gives a nod to the city where it began.

Bottom: Buddy’s Pizza has 19 locations, including this one in Dearborn.

before transitioning into investment

and advisory roles in the food and

beverage sector. He also has hands-on

experience operating restaurants and

growing consumer packaged goods

brands; experience that will be key as

Buddy’s continues expanding its presence

in grocery stores nationwide.

“Our focus is not on changing what

makes Buddy’s special, “ says Saber

Ammori, “but on elevating it.”

While expansion is part of the longterm

vision, Dickow is clear that growth

will not come at the expense of quality.

“We don’t have the right to think

about growth until we get the product

and experience exactly where it needs

to be across all our locations,” he said.

That means focusing first on consistency—ensuring

that a pizza served


Top: The original Buddy’s Rendezvous Pizzeria at Six Mile and Conant on Detroit’s east side.

Bottom: Buddy’s Pizza at the Fountain Walk in Novi.

in Warren matches one served in

Farmington Hills, every single time.

Only then will the team look to scale

further, both in restaurants and in

retail. “It starts with having a culture

that thinks about the customer first.”

Still, the opportunity is significant.

Detroit-style pizza is one of the fastestgrowing

segments in the frozen pizza

category, with national brands entering

the space. As the originator, Buddy’s

is uniquely positioned to lead.

“Our goal is to make this a true

national brand,” Dickow said, saying

that he envisions Buddy’s merchandise

selling alongside other Detroit

iconic brands such as Vernors and

Better Made.

One of the biggest hurdles lies in

translating the restaurant experience

into a frozen product, something

Dickow acknowledges is inherently

difficult.

“It’s very, very challenging to make

a frozen product—made even with the

best ingredients, the best processes,

the same dough—and have it taste the

same as in-store pizza.”

Authentic Detroit-style Pizza

In Buddy’s kitchens, pizzas are baked

in signature blue steel pans (a nod to

Detroit’s automotive heritage), creating

the crisp, caramelized crust that

defines the style. Replicating that

exact experience in a manufacturing

facility isn’t yet possible, though the

company continues to innovate.

“It’s very hard to match the restaurant

product,” Dickow admitted.

“But if it says Buddy’s on it, it better be

Buddy’s Pizza.”

That commitment to authenticity

is central to the brand’s expansion

strategy, especially among Detroiters

whose expectations are famously

high. Ammori’s pledge is, “a relentless

commitment to making the best

Detroit-style pizza possible.”

For the partners, the acquisition is

more than a business deal. It’s deeply

personal.

Dickow recalls childhood memories

of celebrating at Buddy’s after

baseball games, sitting in the booth

with his family, even going so far as

to scrounge up spare change in the

parking lot with his cousin just to buy

a slice.

“It wasn’t just pizza,” he says. “It

was an experience.”

Now, as owners as well as Detroiters,

that emotional connection translates

into a sense of stewardship.

“This is a Detroit icon, and it wasn’t

owned by Detroiters,” explained Dickow.

Now that it is, “it’s an absolute

privilege, and a lot of responsibility.”

The acquisition is also part of a

broader story tied to both Detroit’s

resurgence and the evolution of the

Chaldean American community. “This

wouldn’t be possible without our parents’

generation,” Dickow said. “They

came here with very little and built

businesses one customer at a time.”

From small grocery stores to major

enterprises, that foundation has

enabled a new generation to pursue

larger-scale opportunities—including

acquiring one of Detroit’s most beloved

brands.

“If it’s symbolic of anything,” Dickow

said, “it’s what’s possible.”

“We honor the history and team

members who have built Buddy’s over

generations,” added Ammori. “From

ingredients and execution to consistency

and flavor, pizza is at the center

of everything we do, supported by our

amazing people and a guest experience

worthy of Buddy’s legacy.”

Despite the excitement surrounding

the deal, the new ownership group

is taking a measured approach. Their

immediate focus is clear: refine operations,

listen to longtime employees,

and restore consistency across all locations.

Growth will come later—and

only if it’s earned.

For a brand so deeply woven into

Detroit’s fabric, that restraint may be

exactly what’s needed.

Because for Dickow and his partners,

success isn’t just about expansion—it’s

about ensuring that Buddy’s

Pizza remains what it has always been:

a slice of Detroit.


RELIGION

Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

More than a century of service and sacrifice in the heart of Iraq

BY HANAN QIA

The Congregation of the Daughters

of the Most Sacred Heart

of Jesus is one of the Chaldean

women’s religious communities in

Iraq. Founded and rooted in the country,

it has carried out an uninterrupted

mission of service for decades despite

wars, displacement, and profound

loss.

I met with Sister Samar Kamil

Mikha, the Superior General of the

congregation, and she answered my

questions clearly about the history of

this institution, its challenges, and its

aspirations.

The congregation was officially

founded on Aug. 15, 1911, in the village

of Araden in northern Iraq by Father

Abd al-Ahad Rais, under Bishop Francis

Dawud, under the name “Congregation

of the Daughters of the Most Sacred

Heart of Jesus.” From the start, its

path was marked by hardship—World

War I broke out in 1914 while the sisters

were in the midst of their service,

visiting the sick, guiding women, and

helping the poor, relying on simple

handicrafts and the generosity of

benefactors for their livelihood.

The founder himself paid a heavy

price, dying in 1916 from typhoid fever

contracted while performing priestly

services for the sick. The challenges

did not stop there; waves of displacement

continued decade after decade,

the last of which was what ISIS committed

in Mosul—expelling its Christians,

closing its churches and monasteries,

and demolishing them.

In 1998, the religious constitution

was renewed in light of the Second

Vatican Council, and the congregation

transitioned from episcopal to patriarchal

jurisdiction on May 26 of that

year, entering a new phase in broader

harmony with others working in the

Church.

The charism upon which the congregation

was founded from its very

first day was born of deep spiritual

inspiration, drawing from the mission

of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, who

inspired the founder Father Abd al-

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS

Sister Samar Kamil Mikha, head of the order, in center, with sisters flanking.

Ahad in building this institution. He

focused on the pierced side of Jesus,

making the congregation’s first duty

to make the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

known and to plant His love in all

hearts, coupled with devotion to the

Holy Eucharist and evangelical simplicity

in embodying Christ’s humility

and the gentleness of His heart.

This mission has been expressed

across a wide range of ministries,

shaped from the beginning by an

openness to the needs of Iraqi society.

In pastoral service, the sisters took

on Christian education, managing

confraternities and choirs and home

visits to families. In the educational

field, the congregation managed kindergartens,

schools, institutes, and

even colleges — such as the Babel College

of Theology, which the congregation

managed for many years and continues

to serve to this day.

Social service extended to guiding

mothers and women in child-rearing

and family management. Alongside

this, the sisters practiced handicrafts

such as sewing, embroidery, organizing

spiritual retreats, and responding

to the everyday needs of the Church

and the faithful.

The congregation has an emblem

presented to a sister when she makes

her simple vows. Rendered in red and

white, it carries a series of layered spiritual

symbols.

At its center is the Most Sacred

Heart of Jesus with the flame of love

surrounded by the Cross of the Resurrection,

signifying unconquerable

love. The heart is encircled by a crown

of thorns as a reminder of the suffering

Jesus, with a call to each sister to strive

to replace that crown with a wreath of

roses of love.

The white circle surrounding the

heart symbolizes the congregation

itself as the closest to His heart and

striving to follow His teachings. The

red Babylonian star affirms that this

mission originates from Iraq; a symbol

of witness through both word and life,

a witness every Daughter of the Sacred

Heart must embody.

Rays extend from the emblem in all

four directions, expressing a mission

that aspires to reach every corner of

the earth.

Perhaps what best captures the

spirit of this congregation is the story

of Sister Cecilia Mushi Hanna.

She was born in the village of Bibozi,

one of the predominantly Chaldean

Christian villages on the slopes

of the Kurdistan mountains belonging

to the Diocese of Amadiya. She made

her simple vows on Dec. 12, 1948, taking

the name Cecilia in honor of the

Italian martyr, then made her perpetual

vows on August 15, 2000, and later

professed her perpetual vows on Aug.

15, 2000, as part of the first group of

sisters in the congregation to do so.

SISTERS continued on page 49


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RELIGION

راهبات قلب يسوع األقدس

اكرث من قرن يف الخدمة والتضحية يف قلب العراق

حنّان قيّا

The sisters host an activity at a nursing home.

SISTERS continued from page 46

She lived faithfully as a simple nun,

taking on the responsibility of several

monasteries until she became Superior

General of the congregation. Her journey

ended in martyrdom on the night of

Aug. 15–16, 2002, at the “Monastery of

Love” on Palestine Street in Baghdad,

at the hands of a group of extremists.

On Oct. 10, 2018, the Vatican’s

Dicastery for the Causes of Saints declared

her a “Servant of God,” advancing

her cause for sainthood.

The congregation marks its heritage

through annual celebrations that

anchor its spiritual life. Each June, it

observes the Feast of the Sacred Heart.

On Aug. 15, it commemorates its founding

in Araden. On Aug. 16, it remembers

the martyrdom of Sister Cecilia,

and on Feb. 16, it recalls the death of

its founder, Father Abd al-Ahad Rais.

Today, the congregation continues

its mission with 21 sisters in perpetual

vows and one postulant, serving in monasteries

in Ankawa, Mangesh, Araden,

and Baghdad. It also maintains a presence

in France (Sarcelles) and Canada

under the name “Mission of the Servant

of God Sister Cecilia Mushi Hanna.”

Although the Monastery of Al-Nassar

in Mosul and the Monastery of Love

in Baghdad were abandoned, the congregation

continues its work through

active ministries, including the “House

of the Child” in Ankawa, “Dar Tuba for

the Merciful,” a home for elderly women

in Dohuk, and liturgical workshops

in Ankawa and Baghdad.

At the close of the interview, Sister

Samar said, “Continuing this journey

that has surpassed 100 years is a great

trust and responsibility.” She extended

an open invitation through the magazine:

“Our doors and hearts are open to

every young woman who sees in herself

a spirit of service and wishes to dedicate

her life to the Most Sacred Heart of

Jesus. Belonging to this congregation is

a call to love and sacrifice for others — a

journey we live together as one family

to be witnesses of hope in our land.”

Contact the Congregation

General Monastery: Sacred Heart

Monastery, Kariz 415, next to

Mar Eilia Church, Ankawa, Erbil

P.O. Box: 54/981, Ankawa, Erbil

Email: fscg.iraq19@gmail.com

Phone: +964 750 745 8196

Website: https://www.d-sacredheart.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/

dsacredheart.official

رهبنة بنات قلب يسوع األقدس واحدة من

الرهبنات الكلدانية النسوية املحلية يف العراق،‏

نشأت يف أرضه وتجذّرت فيه،‏ وحملت عىل مدى

عقود متتالية رسالة خدمة مل تنقطع رغم كل ما مرّ‏

عىل هذا البلد من حروب وتهجري وخسائر.‏

التقيتُ‏ باألخت سمر كامل ميخا،‏ الرئيسة

العامة للرهبنة،‏ وأجابت عىل أسئلتي بوضوح عن

تاريخ هذه املؤسسة وتحدياتها وما تطمح إليه.‏

البداية كانت يف الخامس عرش من آب عام

1911، حني أُسست الرهبنة رسمياً‏ يف قرية أرادن

شامل العراق،‏ عىل يد األب عبد األحد ريّس،‏ يف

عهد املطران فرنسيس داود،‏ تحت اسم ‏“رهبنة

بنات قلب يسوع األقدس”.‏ مل تكن البدايات

هادئة،‏ فقد اندلعت الحرب العاملية األوىل عام

1914 واألخوات يف خضم خدمتهن،‏ يزرن املرىض

ويرشدن النساء ويساعدن الفقراء،‏ معتمدات يف

معيشتهن عىل االعامل اليدوية البسيطة وعطاء

املحسنني.‏ ودفع املؤسس ذاته مثناً‏ باهظاً،‏ إذ فارق

الحياة عام 1916 متأثراً‏ مبرض التيفوئيد الذي أصابه

أثناء تأديته خدماته الكهنوتية للمرىض.‏ ومل تتوقف

سلسلة التحديات عند ذلك،‏ بل توالت الهجرات عىل

الرهبنة عقداً‏ بعد عقد،‏ كان آخرها ما ارتكبه تنظيم

داعش يف املوصل،‏ حني هجّر مسيحييها وأغلق

كنائسها وأديرتها وهدمها.‏

ويف عام 1998، جُدِّد الدستور الرهباين عىل ضوء

املجمع الفاتيكاين الثاين،‏ وتحوّلت الرهبنة من الحق

األسقفي إىل الحق البطريريك يف السادس والعرشين

من أيار من العام ذاته،‏ لتنطلق يف مرحلة جديدة

بانسجام أوسع مع سائر العاملني يف الكنيسة.‏

الكاريزما التي قامت عليها الرهبنة منذ يومها

األول كانت وليدة إلهام روحي عميق،‏ إذ استقت

من رسالة القديسة مارغريتا ماريا أالكوك التي

ألهمت املؤسس األب عبد األحد يف بناء هذا الرصح.‏

ركّز عىل جنب يسوع املطعون،‏ وجعل الواجب

األول للرهبنة التعريف بقلب يسوع األقدس وغرس

حبه يف كل القلوب،‏ مقروناً‏ بعبادة القربان املقدس

والبساطة اإلنجيلية يف تجسيد تواضع املسيح

ووداعة قلبه.‏

وتجىلّ‏ هذا يف ميادين متعددة اتسمت منذ

البداية باالنفتاح الشامل عىل احتياجات املجتمع

العراقي.‏ عىل صعيد الخدمة الرعوية،‏ اضطلعت

األخوات بالتعليم املسيحي وإدارة األخويات

والجوقات والزيارات امليدانية للعائالت.‏ ويف

املجال الرتبوي،‏ تولّت الرهبنة إدارة رياض األطفال

واملدارس واملعاهد وحتى الكليات مثل كلية بابل

لالهوت التي اهتمت الرهبنة يف ادارتها لسنوات

طويلة وال زالت الخدمة متواصلة اىل االن.‏ أما

الخدمة االجتامعية فامتدت لتشمل توجيه األمهات

والنساء يف تربية األوالد وتنظيم شؤون األرسة.‏ وإىل

جانب ذلك،‏ مارست األخوات املهن اليدوية من

خياطة وتطريز وإعداد التقويات الروحية وكل ما

تحتاجه الكنيسة والشعب املؤمن.‏

وللرهبنة شعار يُسلَّم لألخت عند مجاهرتها

بالنذور البسيطة،‏ يجمع بني اللونني األحمر واألبيض

ويحمل رموزاً‏ ذات داللة.‏ يف وسطه قلب يسوع

األقدس مع شعلة الحب محاطةً‏ بصليب القيامة،‏ يف

إشارة إىل الحب الذي ال يُقهر.‏ ويُطوّق القلبَ‏ إكليلُ‏

الشوك تذكرياً‏ بيسوع املتأمل،‏ مع دعوة لكل أخت إىل

أن تسعى الستبدال ذلك اإلكليل بإكليل من ورود

املحبة.‏ الدائرة البيضاء املحيطة بالقلب ترمز إىل

الرهبنة ذاتها بوصفها األقرب إىل قلبه والساعية إىل

اتباع تعاليمه.‏ أما النجمة البابلية الحمراء فتأكيد

عىل أن هذه الرسالة تنطلق من العراق،‏ وهي رمز

للشهادة بالكلمة والحياة معاً،‏ وهي شهادة ينبغي

لكل بنت من بنات القلب األقدس أن تتحىل بها.‏

ومتتد من الشعار أشعة نحو الجهات األربع،‏ تعبرياً‏

عن رسالة تطمح إىل الوصول إىل أصقاع األرض كافة.‏

ولعل أكرث ما يخترص روح هذه الرهبنة هو قصة

األخت سيسيليا مويش حنا.‏ وُلدت يف قرية بيبوزي،‏

إحدى القرى ذات األغلبية املسيحية الكلدانية

املنترشة عىل سفوح جبال كردستان والتابعة ألبرشية

العامدية.‏ نذرت نذورها البسيطة يف الثاين عرش

من كانون األول 1948 متخذةً‏ اسم سيسيليا تيمناً‏

بالشهيدة اإليطالية،‏ ثم أعلنت نذورها الدامئة يف

الخامس عرش من آب 2000، ضمن الوجبة األوىل

من األخوات يف الرهبنة اللوايت أعلنّ‏ نذورهن الدامئة.‏

عاشت بأمانة كراهبة بسيطة،‏ وتولّت مسؤولية

عدة أديرة حتى صارت رئيسة عامة للرهبنة.‏ غري أن

مسريتها انتهت بالشهادة ليلة الخامس عرش والسادس

عرش من آب 2002 يف ‏“دير املحبة”‏ بشارع فلسطني

يف بغداد،‏ عىل يد مجموعة من املتطرفني.‏ ويف

العارش من ترشين األول 2018، أعلنها مجمع دعاوى

القديسني يف روما ‏“خادمة الله”.‏

وللرهبنة احتفاالتها السنوية التي تُعيد فيها

استحضار هذا اإلرث؛ ففي حزيران من كل عام

تحتفل بعيد قلب يسوع،‏ ويف الخامس عرش من آب

تُحيي ذكرى تأسيسها يف أرادن،‏ ويف السادس عرش

من الشهر ذاته تتذكر استشهاد األخت سيسيليا،‏

ويف السادس عرش من شباط تستعيد ذكرى وفاة

مؤسسها األب عبد األحد ريّس.‏

اليوم،‏ تواصل الرهبنة مسريتها بإحدى وعرشين

راهبة نذور دائم وراغبة واحدة،‏ موزعات بني أديرة

يف عنكاوا ومانكيش وأرادن وبغداد،‏ إضافة إىل

حضور يف فرنسا بسارسيل وكندا تحت اسم ‏“إرسالية

خادمة الله األخت سيسيليا مويش حنا”.‏ وعىل الرغم

من هجران دير النرص يف املوصل ودير املحبة يف

بغداد،‏ تتواصل الرهبنة عملها من خالل مشاريع

فاعلة ك”بيت الطفل”‏ يف عنكاوا،‏ و”دار طوىب

للرحامء للمسنات”‏ يف دهوك،‏ واملشغل الليتورجي

يف عنكاوا وبغداد.‏

ويف ختام اللقاء،‏ قالت األخت سمر:‏ ‏“إن االستمرار

يف هذه املسرية التي تجاوزت ال‎100‎ عام هو أمانة

ومسؤولية كربى”.‏ ووجّهت عرب مجلتنا دعوةً‏ مفتوحة:‏

‏“أبوابنا وقلوبنا مفتوحة لكل شابة ترى يف ذاتها روح

الخدمة وترغب يف تكريس حياتها لقلب يسوع األقدس.‏

إن االنتامء لهذه الرهبنة هو دعوة للمحبة والتضحية يف

سبيل اآلخرين،‏ وهي مسرية نعيشها معاً‏ كعائلة واحدة

لنكون شهوداً‏ للرجاء يف أرضنا.”‏

للتواصل مع الرهبنة:‏

الدير العام:‏ دير القلب األقدس/‏ محلة كاريز 415

/ بجوار كنيسة مار إيليا / عنكاوا / أربيل.‏

صندوق بريد:‏ 54/981 عنكاوا / أربيل

عنوان الربيد االلكرتوين:‏ fscg.iraq19@gmail.com

رقم الهاتف:‏ 009647507458196

املوقع اإللكرتوين:‏ https://www.d-sacredheart.com

/https://www.facebook.com

dsacredheart.official


EVENT

Clockwise from tp left:

CACC Awards Dinner 2026

PHOTOS BY WILSON SARKIS PHOTOGRAPHY

On April 23, 2026, the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce hosted its

23rd Annual Awards Dinner at Shenandoah Country Club, bringing together

community leaders, business professionals, and public officials for an

evening of celebration and connection. The sold-out event honored entrepreneur

Saad Nadhir as Businessperson of the Year, recognizing his impact

and leadership. Social media highlights captured a vibrant atmosphere, with

notable guests—including state legislators, who joined CACC President Martin

Manna on stage. The evening featured networking, recognition of community

achievements, and a strong display of Chaldean pride and unity.

1. Saad Nadhir, CACC’s

Businessperson of the

Year 2026.

2. From left: Mayor

Mike Duggan, Sheriff

Michael Bouchard, and

Congressman John

James.

3. Huntington Bank

(presenting sponsor)

Chairman Gary Torgow.

4. Guests pose

for a photo.

5. Congresswoman

Haley Stevens.

6. Bishop Ibrahim

greets guests.

7. A trio of guests

at the Preglow.

8. A trio of guests at the

Afterglow.

9. Saad Nadhir poses

with his family on the

terrace.


PROJECT LIGHT

PROJECT LIGHT

MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM

Emotional wellness is the ability to understand your

emotions and adapt to difficulties, stress, or changes

in life. Emotional wellness is important for overall

health and can lead to better physical health, stronger

relationships, and emotional resilience.

Project Light trilingual (Arabic, Chaldean, English)

licensed, professional therapists are here for you and your

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

self-destructive behaviors and habits, resolve painful

emotions, improve relationships, and explore issues that

may be hard to face alone.

Your therapist will help you to establish person centered

goals and determine the steps you will take to reach those

goals. Your relationship with your therapist is confidential

and our common therapeutic goal is to improve the quality

of life, no matter the challenge.

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

Serving Michigan residents ages 13 years and up regardless

of insurance status. Please call to request a Project Light

Intake at (586) 722-7253

CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY: The CCF and Project Light is committed to your

privacy and confidentiality and are sensitive to the stigma and stress that come with

seeking mental health support. Therefore, all counseling records are kept strictly

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

confidentiality are rare and include persons who threaten safety of themselves others or in

circumstances of a court order.

Chaldean Community Foundation

3601 15 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48310


IN MEMORIAM

Jalal Attisha

Jul 1, 1940 –

Mar 17, 2026

Faraj Shaker

Hanna

Jul 1, 1931 –

Mar 18, 2026

Salmah Jirjees

Dakho

Sep 6, 1969 –

Mar 18, 2026

Mari Dawood

Toma

Jul 1, 1940 –

Mar 20, 2026

Shamoun

Naamo

Jul 1, 1941 –

Mar 20, 2026

Nergis Hermiz

Jul 1, 1948 –

Mar 20, 2026

Adnan Hanna

Jul 1, 1953 –

Mar 21, 2026

Salim Zaia

Kachkocha

Jun 10, 1936 –

Mar 21, 2026

Mari Yatooma

Shammas

Jul 1, 1933 –

Mar 22, 2026

Nasser Ibrahim

Saman Habash

Jul 1, 1941 –

Mar 23, 2026

Majad Marcus

Apr 4, 1966 –

Mar 23, 2026

Manuel Tobia

Abdaal

Feb 3, 1936 –

Mar 24, 2026

Wasim Ibrahim

Bony

Aug 1, 1954 –

Mar 24, 2026

Mary Yousif

Mikha Kammo

Mekhana

Jul 1, 1930 –

Mar 24, 2026

Amera Butres

Jamoua

Jan 1, 1958 –

Mar 25, 2026

Habi Razoky

Boudagh

Jul 7, 1937 –

Mar 27, 2026

Fayez Batarseh

Apr 22, 1944 –

Mar 29, 2026

Charbel George

Kashat

Sep 19, 2024 –

Mar 30, 2026

Helen Mansour

Karim

Mar 7, 1935 –

Mar 31, 2026

Amira Semaan

Oct 25, 1936 –

Apr 1, 2026

Mari Yousif

Potres

Jul 1, 1942 –

Apr 2, 2026

Malvina De

Lourdes Ribeiro

Jan 31, 1953 –

Apr 1, 2026

Victoria

Mansour Joja

Jul 1, 1932 –

Apr 3, 2026

Ann Adil Dally

Mar 6, 1986 –

Apr 4, 2026

Alice Benjamin

Jul 1, 1936 –

Apr 5, 2026

Marta Benyamin

Jul 1, 1943 –

Apr 5, 2026

Jina Matti

Sep 20, 1961 –

Apr 6, 2026

Fadhel Pola

Jul 1, 1941 –

Apr 7, 2026

Wahida Hanna

Petros

Jul 1, 1951 –

Apr 7, 2026

Thaer Mousa

Sorro

Oct 18, 1958 –

Apr 9, 2026

Nazhat Mansoor

Jul 1, 1939 –

Apr 13, 2026

Sabria

“Haseebi”

Zetuna

Mar 9, 1952 –

Apr 16, 2026

Victoria Al Kas

Matosh

Jan 10, 0942 –

Apr 17, 2026

Sahira Kirma

Antoin

Jul 1, 1940 –

Apr 18, 2026

Edward

Nicholas Roye

Jun 15, 1941 –

Apr 18, 2026

Ibrahim Elias

Albakal

Aug 9, 1951 –

Apr 20, 2026

Anwar Zakaria

Hanoosh

Mar 22, 1934 –

Apr 20, 2026

Florence Zora

Mar 1, 1945 –

Apr 21, 2026

Habiba Khudhur

Toma Al-Kas Butrus

Jul 1, 1948 -

Apr 8, 2026

Martta Sawa

Jan 12, 1932 -

Apr 9, 2026


PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS

Authorized Agent for:

Jeffrey Brikho

Principal Broker

Founder | Owner

info@brikhoproperties.com

www.brikhoproperties.com

direct: 248.237.4742

office: 248.835.2303

Phone: (248) 851-2227

(248) 851-BCBS

Fax: (248) 851-2215

rockyhpip1@aol.com

ROCKY H. HUSAYNU

Professional Insurance Planners

Individual & Group Health Plans

Medicare Supplement Plans

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Over 46 years of experience.

Gabe Gabriel

Associate Broker,

Certified ABR, SFR

29444 Northwestern Hwy, ste. 110

Southfield, Michigan 48034

Office (248) 737-9500

Direct (248) 939-1985

Fax (248) 737-1868

Email MortgageGabe@aol.com

Angela Kakos

Producing Branch Manager - VP of Mortgage Lending

o: (248) 622-0704

rate.com/angelakakos

angela.kakos@rate.com

2456 Metropolitan Parkway, Sterling Heights, MI 48310

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

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

NMLS ID: 166374

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SANA NAVARRETTE

Membership Director

RANDI SULAIMAN

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH THERAPIST

248.851.1200 office

248.925.7773 cell

chaldeanchamber.com

snavarrette@chaldeanchamber.com



3601 15 Mile Road


tel: (586) 722-7253

fax: (586) 722-7257

randi.sulaiman@chaldeanfoundation.org


JACQUELINE RAXTER, LMSW, LPC

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

PROGRAM MANAGER

ELIAS KATTOULA

CAREER SERVICES MANAGER

3601 15 Mile Road


TEL: (586) 722-7253

FAX: (586) 722-7257

jacqueline.raxter@chaldeanfoundation.org


3601 15 Mile Road


TEL: (586) 722-7253

FAX: (586) 722-7257

elias.kattoula@chaldeanfoundation.org


COMEDY continued from page 40

of experience on stage and screen, Yousef

brings classical theatrical discipline and

cultural authenticity to the group. Cast

members say his presence serves as both

inspiration and informal mentorship,

bridging generations of Iraqi performers.

“An artist is a mirror for society,”

he said.

His long-standing career reflects

the depth of Iraqi dramatic arts, a tradition

the Two Rivers Theatrical Group

continues to preserve abroad.

Keeping Iraqi Theater Alive

Behind the production is Thair Al-Attar

(Terry), Director of Operations of the

Two Rivers Theatrical Group, founded

in 2014. A passionate stage director

and occasional actor, Terry has been

committed to preserving Iraqi theater

in Michigan for decades. He is also the

Director of Operations at Merchant

Tree, a credit card processing company,

and former Macomb County Sherrif

Reservist.

“It’s not about money,” Terry says.

“It’s about the arts.”

Since first appearing on stage in

2001, he has worked to continue the

legacy of pioneers like Hussam Zorro

and Hani Nouri, bringing culturally relevant

stories to life for local audiences.

The group frequently performs at

Sterling Heights High School, drawing

around 500 attendees per show. Terry

hopes that number will grow as more

families embrace live theater.

“We want our community to enjoy

this elegant environment,” he says. “Our

stories come straight from real life.”

More Than Laughter

While I’m Getting Married and God

Bless Me keeps audiences laughing, its

message runs deeper. It tackles financial

pressure, generational tension,

unrealistic expectations, and the delicate

balance between tradition and

modern life.

For both cast and audience, the

story feels personal.

“When people are happy, we are

happy,” Terry says. “And even when

they tell us what we did wrong, we listen.

We want to improve.”

With plans to continue expanding

and perhaps one day participate in

Iraq’s National Week of Theater, Two

Rivers Theatrical Group is proving that

Iraqi theater is alive, evolving, and

thriving in Michigan. Because while

marriage may be a blessing, navigating

it—especially in an Iraqi household—is

pure comedy.

And sometimes, God really does

need to bless the groom.


The Cha

The Chaldeans

1750 BC Hammurabi

introduces his

Code of Laws

1750 BC Hammurabi

introduces his

Code of Laws

HISTORY

HISTORY

Chaldeans are indigenous to Iraq

History spanning 5,500 years dating back to

Mesopotamia, the land between two rivers

Chaldeans Predate the Arabs, are Turks, indigenous and Kurdsto Iraq

From the Arab world but are not Arabs

History spanning 5,500 years dating back to

Mesopotamia, the land between two rivers

The Chaldean King, Nebuchadnezzar created the

Hanging Gardens of Babylon (one of the Seven Wonders

of the Ancient World)

Predate the Arabs, Turks, and Kurds

Abraham, the Father of three Faiths, was from Ur of Chaldeans

From the Arab world but are not Arabs

The King of Ur created Hammurabi’s Stele, one of the

first known codes of law, currently on display at the Louvre

The Chaldean King, Nebuchadnezzar created the

Hanging Gardens of Babylon (one of the Seven Wonders

of the Ancient World)

RELIGION

RELIGION

Chaldeans are Eastern-rite Catholic, converted by the

Apostle St. Thomas in 45 A.D.

The Chaldean Church is led by the Patriarch of Babylon

for the Chaldeans

The Chaldean Catholic Church is in full Union with the

Roman Catholic Church and the Pope is the highest authority

Two Chaldean Catholic dioceses in the United States: the

Chaldean Catholic Eparchy for of Saint the Chaldeans

Thomas the Apostle

in Michigan and the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of Saint

Peter the Apostle in California

DEMOGRAPHICS

Estimated 2,000,000 Chaldean

Assyrian/Syriac people in the world

Estimated 500,000 Chaldeans in the U.S.

Chaldeans are Eastern-rite Cat

Apostle St. Thomas in 45 A.D.

The Chaldean Church is led by

The Chaldean Catholic Church is

Roman Catholic Church and the P

Two Chaldean Catholic diocese

Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of S

in Michigan and the Chaldean C

Peter the Apostle in California

LANGUAGE

Abraham, the Father of three Faiths, was from Ur of Chaldeans

The King of Ur created Hammurabi’s Stele, one of the

first known codes of law, currently on display at the Louvre

The Chaldean language—called Syriac—is the oldest

continuously spoken language in the world and a dialect of Aramaic

Aramaic, Arabic, and Hebrew all share the same alphabet and

are all Semitic languages

Aramaic is the oldest continously spoken language and the

language spoken by Jesus Christ

LANGUAGE

PERSECUTION

The Chaldean language—called Syriac—is the oldest

continuously spoken language in the world and a dialect of Aramaic

Since the United States invasion of Iraq in

2003, more than three fourths (1,000,000+) of

Iraq’s Christian population have fled due to

religious persecution and remain displaced as

refugees throughout the world

Iraq’s Christian population has declined from

1.5 million to less than 200,000 today

300,000 Chaldeans & Assyrians killed during

the Armenian genocide

Christians were subjected to deportation,

abduction, torture, massacre, and starvation

Aramaic, Arabic, and Hebrew all share the same alphabet and

are all Semitic languages

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)

captured the city of Mosul, Iraq on June 10,

2014. Christians were given 24 hours to leave

the city or convert, pay a tax, or be killed

Aramaic is the oldest continously spoken language and the

language spoken by Jesus Christ

The Arabic letter “n”, signifying “Nasrani”

(Christian), was placed on Christian homes

and businesses

There are 187,000 Chaldeans DEMOGR

living

in Southeast Michigan, mostly in

Macomb and Oakland Counties

Since 2007, more than 50,000

Iraqi refugees have migrated to

Michigan

Nearly 60% of Chaldean households

own one business

Chaldean businesses contribute

nearly $18 billion to the Michigan

economy

Estimated 2,000,000 Chaldea

Assyrian/Syriac people in the

Estimated 500,000 Chaldeans in t

Chaldean Pioneers from 1910s in

Michigan before Iraq

was a country or named as such.

(Putrus Shamem and Yousif Shamem)

There are 187,000 Chaldeans l

in Southeast Michigan, mostl

Macomb and Oakland Countie

Since 2007, more than 50,000

Iraqi refugees have migrated to

Michigan

Nearly 60% of Chaldean house

own one business

Chaldean businesses contribu

nearly $18 billion to the Michi

economy

3601 15 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48310 | www.chaldeanfoundation.org | 586-722-7253

PERSECUTION


AWARD-WINNING ATTORNEY

ALEXANDER A. AYAR

Alexander Ayar is a highly respected attorney who focuses his

law practice on complex business litigation disputes. His clients

appropriately seek his legal counsel in matters of the highest

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

comprehensive legal strategy from an experienced lawyer is required.

HONORS & RECOGNITION

Super Lawyers (Business Litigation, Michigan)

DBusiness Top Lawyers (Business Litigation)

Avvo Rating: Superb (highest rating)

Martindale-Hubbell: AV Preeminent (highest rating)

Go To Business Litigators, Michigan Lawyers Weekly

Oakland County Executive Elite 40 Under 40

Up & Coming Lawyers, Michigan Lawyers Weekly

Attorney on the Rise, Chaldean American Bar

Special Tribute Recipient from the Michigan Legislature

PRACTICE AREAS

Business Litigation

Real Estate Disputes

Business Breakups & Owner Disputes

Healthcare Litigation

Construction Litigation

Appellate Litigation

A powerhouse attorney who delivers.

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

024) 1

10/20/23 10:20 AM

MAY 2026

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