JUNE 2026

METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY VOL. 12 ISSUE V JUNE 2026

A New

Face for

an Ancient

Church

PAUL III NONA

AND THE NEXT

CHAPTER OF

THE CHALDEAN

CHURCH

Featuring:

Road Back to the Cup

Marian’s Chaldean

Connection

Return from Diaspora

JUNE 2026 CHALDEAN NEWS 3

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4 CHALDEAN NEWS JUNE 2026



METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY | JUNE 2026 | VOL. 23 JUNE 2026

PHOTO COURTESY ACI MENA

ON THE COVER

18 A New Face for an

Ancient Church

Patriarch Emil Shimoun Nona

By Hanan Qia

19 Arabic Translation

DEPARTMENTS

8 From the Editor

Roots & Renewal

By Sarah Kittle

10 Guest Column

Rescuing Fatherhood

By Dr. Samir Jamil

12 Foundation Update

Female leaders, Chaldean documentary,

Breakfast of Nations

14 Noteworthy

Stacy Bahri, Tom Haji, Tom Gasso

17 Iraq Today

Chaldeans of Nasierya (Arabic)

By Ghazwan Allyas

38 Culture & History

Iraqi Minorities

By Dr. Adhid Miri


48 Economics & Enterprise

Experience Muse

By Jenna Abroo

50 Event

Chaldean American Month Kickoff;

Charity Soccer game

52 In Memoriam

52 Obituary

Lamya M. Kory

18

FEATURES

20 The Road Back

Iraq’s Journey to the World Cup

By Weam Namou

22 When Soccer Made

a Nation Dream

Iraq’s World Cup memories revisited

By Dr. Adhid Miri


26 Chasing Summer

Family trips, Florida sun, Michigan shores

By Jenna Abroo

28 Marian’s Chaldean Connection

A legacy continues to shape generations

By Sarah Kittle

30 Men’s Mental Health

From 80 proof to the whole truth

By Crystal Kassab, ED.D.

32 Return from Diaspora

Living in the homeland

By Crystal Kassab, ED.D.

34 Meet the Returnees

Rebuilding ties to the homeland

By Christian Youhana

36 PAC vs. Policy

Expanding CACC’s civic role

By Renah Daoud

28


FROM THE EDITOR

PUBLISHED BY

Chaldean News, LLC

Chaldean Community Foundation

Martin Manna

EDITORIAL

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Sarah Kittle

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jenna Abroo

Ghawan Allyas

Renah Daoud

Crystal Kassab, ED.D.

Dr. Samir Jamil

Sarah Kittle

Dr. Adhid Miri

Weam Namou

Hanan Qia

Christian Youhana

ART & PRODUCTION

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Alex Lumelsky with SKY Creative

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Zina Lumelsky with SKY Creative

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dany Ashaka

Sharkey Haddad

Jose Marrero

Dr. Adhid Miri

Dan Moen

Tallal Salah

Christian Youhana

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Interlink Media

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Publication: The Chaldean News (P-6);

Published monthly; Issue Date: June 2026

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Roots & Renewal

Still riding the high from May as Chaldean

American Month in Michigan, our June issue

continues to celebrate the accomplishments

of the Chaldean community around the world.

Our cover story introduces Chaldean Patriarch

Amel Nona. Born in the historic Christian town of

Alqosh in northern Iraq in 1968, Patriarch Nona

has long been recognized as a steady and courageous

shepherd. He served as Archbishop of Mosul

during some of the darkest years in Iraq’s modern

history, guiding Christians through the devastation

brought by the Islamic State and the mass displacement

of thousands of families from the Nineveh Plain.

His calm leadership during that crisis earned him widespread

respect among both clergy and faithful.

Some Chaldean families are now returning to Iraq—or

arriving there for the first time—to reconnect with the land

of their ancestors. Today’s world feels smaller than ever,

with technology allowing people to stay connected across

continents in seconds. For many, stories passed down

through generations have sparked a longing to experience a

homeland they have heard about but never truly known. In

this issue, we share the story of a man with a mission who

built an organization helping make those journeys possible.

That same spirit of determination echoes throughout

these pages. We revisit Iraq’s long-awaited return to the

World Cup stage, a victory decades in the making that united

Iraqis across borders and generations. Soccer is experiencing

a global surge in popularity, and Iraqi fans everywhere—

from Sterling Heights, Michigan to Sydney, Australia, to

Alqosh in Iraq—are enjoying every moment of it.

We also share the remarkable journey of Sameer Poules,

whose path from immigrant to the DEA reflects the resilience,

discipline, and commitment to service deeply rooted

in the Chaldean identity. His story is not only one of professional

achievement, but also of honoring the values instilled

by family, faith, and community—values that continue to

guide Chaldeans across generations as they pursue opportunities

while giving back to the country they now call home.

During Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, we also

SARAH KITTLE

EDITOR

IN CHIEF

examine difficult but necessary conversations

around men’s mental health, identity, and vulnerability

within the Chaldean community. In today’s

society, ideas of strength and masculinity are evolving,

and vulnerability is increasingly recognized as

an essential step toward growth and healing.

Elsewhere in this issue, readers will find stories

grounded in memory and heritage—from Marian

High School’s lasting Chaldean connection to the experiences

of returnees rediscovering life in Iraq. We

celebrate summer traditions, spotlight rising leaders

and entrepreneurs, and continue documenting the

history, culture, and voices that shape the community.

Some Chaldean families are now

returning to Iraq to reconnect

with the land of their ancestors.

This edition also reflects a growing civic awakening within

the Chaldean community. As conversations surrounding

policy, representation, education, development, and local

leadership continue to expand, so too does the willingness

of community members to become more actively engaged

in shaping the future of the places they call home. Across

neighborhoods, schools, townships, and civic institutions,

more Chaldeans are stepping into public conversations, organizing

around shared concerns, supporting candidates

and causes, and recognizing the importance of having a

voice in decisions that affect everyday life.

Thank you for reading, supporting, and contributing to

these stories. Each issue serves as both a record of where we

have been and a reminder of where we are headed.

Sarah Kittle

Editor in Chief

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PUBLISHER'S CIRCLE

Join the

Publishers Circle

As the publication of record for Michigan’s

Chaldean community, the mission of the

Chaldean News is to preserve and archive

Chaldean heritage and history, and to tell the

ongoing story of Chaldean contributions to the

communities in which we live and work — in Michigan

and around the world.

In recent years, the Chaldean News has substantially

increased its readership and social media following,

introduced new digital and website content, and expanded

storytelling with the help of small grant funding. With the

generous help of individuals and organizations, together,

we can ensure that this vital resource continues to educate

and connect the community, while evolving to meet the

needs of future generations.

We truly appreciate your support of our efforts to expand

and strengthen our coverage of the Chaldean community,

both locally and globally. We are excited about the

opportunities ahead, and your support will be essential

in helping us grow our digital presence, preserve our

cultural heritage, and tell even more compelling stories

about the Chaldean community.

You can take part in helping to preserve your

Chaldean heritage by joining the Publisher’s

Circle today. Together, we can continue to

ensure that the Chaldean News remains a

vital resource for generations to come.

wabeekcc.com

To learn more, visit chaldeannews.com

or contact us at 248-851-8600

Let’s grow the circle.


GUEST COLUMN

Rescuing Fatherhood

“It is easier to build strong

children than to repair

broken men.”

—Frederick Douglass (1817-1895)

There is much confusion

and brokenness in the

lives of young men in

our culture today. Many grow

up in fatherless homes, without

guidance on how to become

responsible men, without

discipline, and without

encouragement to set reasonable goals.

At the same time, mass media often

portrays fathers as clueless, ineffective,

oblivious, troubled, or incompetent.

This negative portrayal might be

harmless if it were isolated, but in

popular culture it has become far too

common. Constant exposure to these

images can lead society to conclude

that fathers are irrelevant at best and

DR. SAMIR

JAMIL

SPECIAL

TO THE

CHALDEAN

NEWS

harmful at worst. Fathers,

as authority figures, have increasingly

come under attack

in a culture that promotes

radical individualism and the

independent self.

The irony is that social

science continues to demonstrate

just how vital fathers are

to family life. Research consistently

highlights the importance,

dignity, and nobility of

fatherhood, as well as the critical

role fathers play in the well-being of

their children. According to 2024 data

from the America First Policy Institute:

• Children from single-parent families

are twice as likely to suffer from

mental health problems as those living

with married parents.

• Eighty-four percent of homeless

families are headed by women, and

90 percent of homeless and runaway

children come from fatherless homes.

• Sixty-three percent of youth suicides

come from fatherless homes.

• Eighty-five percent of children

who exhibit behavioral disorders

come from fatherless homes.

• Seventy percent of juveniles in

state-operated institutions come from

single-parent homes.

• One study found that girls whose

fathers left before age five were eight

times more likely to become pregnant

as adolescents.

• Children in single-parent homes

are more likely to experience low selfesteem,

depression, anxiety, and suicidal

thoughts or attempts.

These statistics are sobering, but

they should not lead us to despair.

Instead, they should inspire us to restore

the positive image of fatherhood.

As people of faith, we must reflect on

fatherhood through a spiritual lens.

Threats to family life and faith come

from many directions — from efforts

to secularize society, to entertainment

that glorifies violence and power, to

the endless influences of social media.

Human fatherhood does not end at

the biological level. Bringing a child

into the world is only the beginning.

True fatherhood also requires nurturing

that child through love, guidance,

education, discipline, and moral formation.

A father is called to provide

not only a home and material support,

but also wisdom, virtue, identity, character,

and a sense of belonging.

While a mother brings children into

the world of the family, a father helps

guide them into the larger world of society.

A child is born not only for this earthly

life or to enjoy the temporary goods of

this world, but ultimately for eternal life

and the everlasting joys of Heaven.

When people walk into your home,

is it clear that they are entering a Christian

home? Does Christ reign there? Is

Christ your Lord, your example, and

your guide?

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From routine eye exams to advanced cataract and

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are dedicated to protecting the vision of our Chaldean

community and their families.

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الدكتور سنان ألبري يتحدث العربية.‏

Schedule Your

Appointment:


FOUNDATION UPDATE

Honoring Female Leaders

The CCF’s Sharon Hannawa was nominated for the Athena International

Leadership Awards last month. This recognition honors

individuals who demonstrate professional excellence, make a

meaningful impact in their communities, and support the advancement

of women in leadership.

For over 15 years, Sharon has served as a Program Manager at

the Chaldean Community Foundation, leading the New American

Sustainability Acculturation and Training program and supporting

more than 40,000 individuals each year with essential

social services. Her dedication to serving refugees, immigrants,

and the greater community continues to make a lasting impact.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signing Chaldean American Month pictured with CCF and CACC staff.

Chaldean American Month Bill Signing

Last month, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer held a ceremonial signing officially recognizing

May as Chaldean American Month every year. Members of the Chaldean American Chamber of

Commerce and the Chaldean Community Foundation joined for this meaningful and historic moment

honoring Chaldean heritage, culture, and contributions.

Sharon Hannawa pictured with CCF Staff at the Athena Awards.

Breakfast of Nations

On May 8, the CCF proudly hosted the annual Breakfast of Nations

in partnership with Connect Macomb, Vibe Credit Union,

One Macomb, and Macomb Intermediate School District.

Moderated by Faraz Javed of WXYZ-TV, Breakfast of Nations

celebrates the cultures, stories and experiences that make Macomb

County a vibrant and diverse community

Guests enjoyed a multicultural breakfast featuring Chaldean,

Thai, and American cuisine while hearing stories from panelists

about their personal experiences, initial challenges, and how

they adapted to a newfound American life.

A Chaldean American Story

Every story woven into our community has helped shape the Chaldean American experience.

Woven Tapestry: The Story of Chaldean Americans is a documentary highlighting the history,

resilience, culture, and contributions of Chaldean Americans across the United States.

Presented by the Chaldean Community Foundation, Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce,

and Chaldean Cultural Center, this special documentary shares the voices and journeys that

continue to inspire future generations.

The full documentary can be found on the Chaldean Community Foundation’s YouTube page.

Breakfast of Nations participants shared cultural aspects with

attendees.

Upcoming Events

June 9—Cooking Chaldean-Sheik Mahshe-CCF West (2075 Walnut

Lake Rd, West Bloomfield) from 5:30pm-8:00pm.

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.

June 26-August 7—Girls Youth Basketball Camp at CCF West (2075

Walnut Lake Rd, West Bloomfield) from 2:00pm-3:30pm.



NOTEWORTHY

CCF Leaders Take Seats on

Statewide Advisory Commission

Two

representatives

from the Chaldean

Community Foundation

have been appointed

to a key statewide

advisory body

focused on representation

and policy engagement

for Middle

Eastern Americans in

Michigan.

Stacy Bahri, Strategic Initiatives

Manager, and Tom Haji, Director of

Special Projects, have been appointed

by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to

serve on the Michigan Commission on

Middle Eastern American Affairs.

The commission was established to

advise the Governor and state agencies

on issues affecting Middle Eastern American

communities across Michigan. Its

work includes identifying policy priorities,

improving access to state services,

Stacy Bahri, Strategic Initiatives

Manager and Tom Haji, Director

of Special Projects

strengthening

civic

engagement, and ensuring

that the diverse

voices of Middle Eastern

Americans are

represented in state

government decisionmaking.

The commission

also serves as a

bridge between community

organizations,

residents, and state leadership, helping

to elevate concerns related to education,

economic opportunity, public services,

and cultural inclusion.

Both appointments reflect the

growing role of Michigan’s Middle

Eastern American communities in

public policy and civic leadership, as

well as continued efforts by the state

to strengthen engagement with one of

its most established and fastest-growing

demographic groups.

People Driven Credit Union’s

New President & CEO

People Driven Credit Union has

announced a major leadership

transition, naming Chief Lending

Officer Tommy Gasso as

President and CEO-Elect, effective

immediately. In this role,

Gasso will begin a structured

transition into full executive

leadership of the organization,

preparing to officially assume

the position of President and

CEO on January 1, 2027.

He will succeed longtime

President and CEO Renee DeMarco, who

is set to retire at the end of 2026 after

years of leadership guiding the credit

union’s growth and community impact.

The planned transition is designed to ensure

continuity, stability, and a seamless

handover of executive responsibilities.

According to the credit union’s

announcement, the appointment

also represents a historic milestone

Tom Gasso,

new President

and CEO of

People Driven

Credit Union

for the organization and the

broader financial services

sector. Gasso will become the

first Chaldean American to

serve as CEO of a credit union,

marking a significant moment

of representation for the Chaldean

American business and

professional community.

Gasso’s elevation from

Chief Lending Officer to CEO-

Elect reflects his long-standing

role in shaping the institution’s

lending strategy, member services, and

financial performance. His leadership

trajectory signals both internal confidence

in his experience and a broader

emphasis on developing continuity in

executive succession planning.

The transition period leading into

2027 will allow Gasso to work closely

with DeMarco and the senior leadership

team to ensure operational alignment.

“Lightning actually

struck twice.”

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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

June

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

20-Father’s Day Mass & Reception | 4:00 p.m.

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

July

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

25-Family Picnic & Prayer Appreciation Day | 4:00 p.m.

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

25800 W. 10 Mile Road | Southfield, MI 48033

cfcsdetroit.org

‏-‏‎2‎نساء الكلدان

‏-‏‎3‎جامعة أطفال محبة شيخ الشهداء املطران

فرج رحو

‏-‏‎4‎جمعية اور الكشفية

‏-‏‎5‎فرقة عينكاوا الجنوب للتمثيل

‏-‏‎6‎اخوية محبة ذي قار

‏-‏‎7‎جامعة أصدقاء البيئة الجامعيني

‏-‏‎8‎جامعة الالعنف الطالبية

‏-‏‎9‎منتدى حبيب تومي القومي

‏-‏‎10‎حوار األديان

‏-‏‎11‎صالون سوالقا الثقايف

‏-‏‎12‎موكب اور للمناسبات الدينية

لتجتمع هذه املكونات وتنطلق تحت مسمى

التجمعات الكلدانية يف اور الكلدانيني النارصية

والتي استمرت ما يقارب ربع قرن باعتزازها

بهويتها وقوميتها الكلدانية العظيمة

-4 امل تكن خطوتكم هذه مغامرة وانتم

تتحدون كل األعراف املجتمعية يف ظل بيئة

معروفة بطابعها القومي العريب واملذهبي الشيعي

امللتزم ؟

بل كانت التهلكة !!!

سؤالك هذا اثار يب الشجون واالمل واالحزان

واملشاعر التي كنت ال ارغب بالحديث عنها

بيني وبني نفيس ولكن البد ان نطرقها ليك يعلم

االخرين ما عانينا من مشاكل وامور أخرى كثرية

حيث ان هذا الوليد أي التجمعات الكلدانية

مل يكن له حرية التحرك والتنقل بالشكل الذي

يساعد عيل النجاح ال بل كان مقيدا بالكثري من

االصفاد ومثل ما يقول املثل ( مكروها وجابت

بنت ) فمجتمعنا الجنويب ممكن ان نطلق عيل

كلمة قافل أي ال يستقبل اال األشياء التي هو

مؤمن بها يعني المجال لديك معه بالنقاش او

الحوار حتي انهم بينهم اقصد الفرق الدينية

بالنارصية كلها من منبع واحد وطريق واحد

وكتاب واحد اال انهم ال يوجد بينهم نقاش مفتوح

ينتهي باألقناع ال بل ينتهي بالنزاعات والرصاعات

فكيف وبك وانت تأيت مبسمى اخر ليس له

بالدين اإلسالمي او القومية العربية وتضعه بني

أهايل الجنوب فهذا اليشء بحذ ذاته انتحار.‏

تأيت وتقول لهم انك كلداين بهذه الكلمة

تكون قد حكمت عىل نفسك بالقتل او اإلعدام

ملاذا الن مجتمعنا الجنويب ال يفرق بني مفردة

وأخرى فهو ال يفرق بني الدين والقومية فعندما

تقول له بانني كلداين يقول انت مسيحي وعندما

تقول انا مسيحي فيقول انت مسيحي فانت

هنا سوف تكون مسيحي بكلتا الحالتني مسيحي

فليس لديه معرفة بان هناك فرق بني الديانة

والقومية فرق شاسع لقد لقينا الكثري بل العديد

من املالحقات ومن املراقبات األمنية وحوربنا

بكل يشء حتي يف مجال عملنا وكانت محاوالت

كثرية تحاول ان تثنيني عن امياننا واعتزازنا

بأوصولنا وجذورنا الكلدانية وواجهنا العديد كام

قلت لكم فام كان منا ان نأخذ قول السيد املسيح

‏(هَا أَنَا أُرْسِ‏ لُكُمْ‏ كَغَنَمٍ‏ يفِ‏ وَسْ‏ طِ‏ ذِئَابٍ‏ ، فَكُونُوا

حُكَامَ‏ ءَ‏ كَالْحَيَّاتِ‏ وَبُسَ‏ طَاءَ‏ كَالْحَامَ‏ مِ‏ .” ‏)مت 16). 10:

كون حكامء ولهذا فقد اتجهنا نحو املجتمع

املدين واخذنا غطاء لنا يعطينا نوعا من الحرية

افضل من عيون االخرين ولكن نعاهد الجميع

بانني سوف نبقى ونبقي ونبقى نعتز باصوالنا

وجذورنا الكلدانية ومقولتنا )) كلداين وافتخر

بأصيل (( بل مل نسكت عيل ذلك فقد رفعنا

العلم الكلداين بعد االالف السنني فوق اعيل مبنى

تاريخي اال وهو زقورة اور وأيضا نحمله معنا

أينام ذهبنا ويرتفع هذا العلم بكافة مناسباتنا

ونشاطاتنا واعاملنا

-5 اذا كانت موجودة خانة القومية يف

اإلحصاء او الوثائق الرسمية هل تعتقد ان هناك

من سوف يتجرا ويسجل اسمه كلداين القومية

والديانة اسالم ؟

األشخاص الذين رفعوا العلم الكلداين امام

املئات ال بل امام املاليني ومبال فاهم قالوا نحن

الكلدان وساروا بالطرقات اثناء القانون الجعفري

وهم يرفضون هذا القانون وهم يرفعون الرايات

والالفتات ترفض هذا القانون يف وسط شيعي

ملتزم وسط شيعي ال يستهان بان يتخذ اية اجراء

اذا تعارض مع مذهبه حتي وان قتلك.‏

ماذا تسمي هذه االعامل املتواصلة وهذه

العزمية وهذه االعداد التي تتزايد بني فرتة وأخرى

والدليل مراكز االنتخابات حيث ان قوائم أبناء

شعبنا تأخذ أصوات من النارصية ال بل حتي

ابناءنا الذين يدرسون باملحافظات القريبة سواء

كانت النجف او كربالء والساموة والديوانية حيث

ساهموا اثناء االنتخابات بتشجيع الناس عيل ان

يختاروا تلك القوائم بعد كل هذه السنني التي

تجاوزت 23 سنة من العمل ومن االعتزاز بهويتنا

الكلدانية ومن النرش بالصحف واملواقع وكل

الجهات عرفتنا حق املعرفة

تأيت لتسالنا هذا السؤال !!!

طبعا سوف يكون الجواب نعم نعم نعم ملاذا

النكتب ونحن لدينا اميان عميق باصوالنا وجذورنا

-6 هل تجمعكم هذا مجاز وهل تتلقون

دعام حكوميا او من جهات أخرى لدميومة

النشاطات ؟

نحن نعمل وفق اطر مجتمعية أي ضمن

منظامت املجتمع املدين ولكن ال يوجد اية دعم

حكومي كيف نلتقي دعام حكوميا ونحن نعمل

بعنوان ونشاط يختلف رصاحة ال نتلقى اية دعم

من اية جهة كانت اال اللهم قبل سنوات عديدة

حصلنا عيل دعم بسيط من الجالية ملساعدة

عوائلنا الفقرية وقد جاء هذا الدعم يف وقته

املناسب وأيضا بعض املساعدات من مؤسسة

كريتاس العراق وبعض االبرشيات التي قدمت

معونة ولكن ليس بشكل مستمر وامنا بني فرتة

وأخرى طويلة.‏

حيث لدينا عوائل فقرية جدا وايتام وارامل

ومعوزين ومرىض ونتمني من خالل موقعكم

العاملي هذا وأيضا ما لديكم من نشاطات

وفعاليات ان تحثوا الجمعيات واملؤسسات

الخريية الكلدانية واالخويات والكنائس ومن

التجار ونتمني مرة أخرى كام قلنا ان تتحرك من

قبلكم وبعد ان يتم قراءة هذه املقالة من قبل

جمعياتنا ومؤسساتنا الكلدانية الخريية مد يد

العون وأيضا من تجارنا ومن اهل الخري بالوقوف

معنا بكل معاين الكلمة حيث مستوى الفقر لدينا

وصل اىل مستويات صعبة جدا.‏

تُظهر هذه املقابلة الصحافية أن االنتامء

القومي ليس نتاجًا مبارشًا للبيئة االجتامعية

أو الجغرافية أو الدينية ، بل هو شعور عميق

الجذور يتشكل عرب االمتداد التاريخي لإلنسان

وارثه الحضاري و الثقايف .

اجرى هذا الحوار : غزوان القس يونان - مدير

مكتب العراق / مؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية


العراق اليوم

الكلدان يف النارصية

توزيع واستالم املساعدات املرسلة من الجالية الكلدانية يف والية ميشيغان عىل عوائل العراقيني يف النارصية

‏“أور”‏ عام 2020.

قد يستغرب البعض من هذا العنوان وتقوده

الذاكرة الستذكار اور الكلدانية ارض ابينا ابراهيم

لكن هذا العنوان يتحدث عن واقع جديد تشهده

محافظة ذي قار وتحديداً‏ مدينة النارصية حيث

ظهرت مجموعة من هذه املدينة اطلقت عىل

نفسها ( الكلدان ) وهم من بيئة مجتمعية

وعرقية مختلفة ملعرفة تفاصيل ادق واوىف كان لنا

حوار مع الدكتور ( عيل صغري ثجيل ) ليوضح لنا

هذه الرؤية الفريدة .

بدايةً‏ استهل الدكتور بحديثه وقال اين

احييكم بتحياتنا الكلدانية العظيمة

شالما الوخني

من ارض الحضارة من ارض اور الكلدانيني من ارض

ابينا إبراهيم من ارض األجداد واالباء ارض الحرف

األول واألرض التي علمت الناس القراءة والكتابة.‏

قبل سنوات تجاوزت الربع قرن عندما كنت

طالبا يف مرص العربية شاهدات مدى اهتاممهم

بتاريخهم رغم ان تاريخهم فقظ لألموات املومياء

عىل عكس من تاريخنا يف اور يضم االثار والدين

فاألثار زقورة اور وأقدم محكمة بالتاريخ وقرص

امللك شولجي واملقربة امللكية اما الدين ففيه بيت

ابونا إبرام حيث قال الرب يف الكتاب املقدس

)) وقال الرب ألبرام اذهب من ارضك

وعشريتك ومن بيت ابيك اىل األرض التي أريك

فأجعلك امة عظيمة واباركك واعظم اسمك

وتكون بركة وابارك مباركيك والعن العنيك

وتتبارك فيك جميع قبائل األرض((‏ .

-1 من انتم ؟

اثناء تدرييس لطلبة كوين أستاذ جامعي كنت

اثناء املحارضة استطرق عن ارثنا الحضاري العظيم

فيتقدم الطلبة يل مبجموعة من األسئلة فكنا

نلتقي خارج الصف الدرايس ومع زيادة العدد

كان البد يل ان اخذ مكان خارج الجامعة ليك

التقي بطلبتي املتعطشني ملعرفة التاريخ والحضارة

الكلدانية العظيمة وبالفعل استأجرت مكانا

واثثته بكافة االحتياجات الرضورية وبعدها قمت

بتأسيس او تشكيل تحت اسم الشباب الكلداين

وكنا نشارك بكافة النشاطات واالعامل الفنية

واألدبية واالجتامعية والثقافية والرياضية التي

تقام باملحافظة من اجل نرش هذا االسم وبالفعل

فقد اقمنا بطولة بكرة القدم حملت اسم بطولة

الكاردينال عامنوئيل الثالث ديل فكانت هذه

البطولة اول اشهار لهذه املجموعة من شباب

الكلدان واستمرت اعاملنا ونشاطاتنا حيث كان

تاريخ انطالقنا هو نفس تاريخ تأسيس الكنيسة

الكلدانية بتاريخ ‎2003‎وتعرف / 7 / 4 الشباب

عن تاريخهم وما قدم للبرشية وأيضا باألدلة باننا

أصحاب هذه األرض األرض الكلدانية .

ولكن شاهدنا اننا بحاجة اىل الطرف االخر

أي النساء فتم تشكيل نساء الكلدان وقد اتخذنا

ذكرى استشهاد البطلة القومية الشهيدة لييل

خمو منطلقا لتأسيس نساء الكلدان وبالفعل

فقد كنا معنا أي الشباب والشابات جنب اىل

جنب فتم تأسيس محو االمية للنساء بتعلمهن

القراءة والكتابة وأيضا تاريخنا الكلداين وفتح

دورات لتعليم الخياطة والتطريز واالعامل اليدوية

للنساء مام كانت هذه النشاطات عنرصا مساعدا

للنساء يف فتح مرشوعهن الخاص بهن وبعد

ان توالت االحداث وحدث ما حدث يف مدينة

املوصل والتي أدت اىل استشهاد مثلث الرحامت

املطران فرج رحو ومن خالل هذه الحادثة تم

تأسيس جامعة أطفال محبة شيخ الشهداء املطران

فرج رحو حيث يتم انضامم األطفال من سن 5

سنوات لغاية 15 سنة وعند تسجيلهم ضمن

الجامعة يتم تحفيظهم الوصية الخالدة التي

تركها الشهيد والتي تحث عيل املحبة واالخوة

والصدق واالبتعاد عن اية أسلوب من أساليب

العنف والقتل وأيضا يتم تعليمهم الرسم ليك

يرسموا رسومات جميلة بعيدة عن اية أسلوب

من أساليب الرعب والخوف باإلضافة اىل تعلم

املوسيقى الن املوسيقى هي غذاء الروح وبالتايل

سوف نخلق نفسية جميلة نفسية هادئة متزنة

بعيدة عن اية طريق او وسيلة من وسائل العنف

املسترشي مبجتمعنا الحايل وبعد ان يبلغ الطفل

سن 15 عام يذهب اىل تشكيل شباب الكلدان

ام البنت فتذهب اىل تشكيل نساء الكلدان

ونظرا لكون مدينتنا اور من املدن املنكوبة لكرثة

املشاكل بها والفقر والعوز وعدم توفر االعامل

التي ممكن ان يسرتزق منها الشخص وتوالت

االحداث من مجازر ومن كرثة الشهداء وليس

هذا فقظ فقد سقط 32 شهيدا كلدانيا عيل احدى

الجسور أيام احداث ترشين مام خلف ايتام

وارمل وامهات وأباء منكوبني فكان االحرى بنا ان

نأسس اخوية محبة ذي قار وتسعى هذه األخوية

بالتواصل مع كافة الجهات الخريية من مؤسسات

ومن جمعيات ومن كنائس ومن رجال دين ومن

القادرين عيل مد يد العون لهذه العوائل وااليتام

والفقراء واملساكني

ولغرض ان نحتوي اكرب عدد ممكن من الشباب

الن شبابنا القومي بدا بالزيادة فكان البد لنا ان

نأسس تشكيل اخر فكان جمعية اور الكشفية

هذه الجمعية تهتم بالشباب وبالجانب الكشفي

واالعامل الكشفية املتنوعة ومل نكتفي بذلك

ولغرض ان ننقل صورة مرشقة عن الطريقة

التي من خاللها ممكن ان نقيض عيل الطائفية

املقيتة والتي حصلت يف أعوام – 2005 2006

وصاعدا وذلك بتأسيس فرقة فنية مرسحية تحمل

اسم فرقة عينكاوا الجنوب للتمثيل لتكون باكورة

اعاملها اال وهي مرسحية )) يسوع رسالة محبة

وسالم (( ابعاد واهداف هذه املرسحية بانها تقول

لكل العراقيني علينا التمسك بكل األشياء التي جاء

بها يسوع املسيح له املجد فان متسكنا بها فيعم

السالم واملحبة بالوطن واستمرت هذه الفرقة

املرسحية بإمكانياتها البسيطة تنقل ما يحدث

باملجتمع فكانت اعاملها الفنية بالشكل التايل :-

أ-مرسحية يسوع رسالة محبة وسالم

ب-مرسحية يونان يف كالخو

وكنا نطمح ان نعرض هذه االعامل بلهجتنا الكلدانية

وقد عرضنا عيل االخرين ان يتم تعليمنا اللغة

الكلدانية ولكن مل تحقق اية جهة كانت لنا ذلك

اليشء.‏

واستمرينا بعملنا فتم تأسيس جامعة أصدقاء

البيئة الجامعيني تهدف هذه الجامعة اىل نرش

ثقافة املحافظة عىل البيئة والسعي اىل خلق بيئة

بعيدة كل البعد عن الجراثيم واالوبئة واستمرت

الجامعة يف نشاطاتها واعاملها التنظيفية.‏

وبعد ذلك تم تأسيس جامعة الالعنف

الطالبية وتهدف هذه الجامعة اىل نرش ثقافة

االبتعاد عن العنف والتوجه نحو نبذ العنف

والعمل باالتجاه نحو الالعنف والتمسك باملبادئ

التي جاء بها يسوع املسيح مام يخلق لنا بيئة

نظيفة خالية من كافة وسائل العنف

واستمرينا بذلك اليشء ومبا اننا نعتز بقوميتنا

الكلدانية فالبد ان يكون لدينا عنوان قومي فتم

اختيار اسم املرحوم

‏))منتدى الدكتور حبيب تومي القومي((‏ يتم

به جمع املصادر العلمية واألدبية والتاريخية التي

تتناول قوميتنا الكلدانية وتاريخنا العظيم

وبعدها تم تأسيس جامعة حوار األديان حتى

نفتح باب اخر للنقاش وللحوار من كافة الديانات

ليكن منطلق اخر لنا

ومل نكتفي بذلك فقد أصبح لدينا صالون

سوالقا الثقايف نسبة اىل أحد االخوان الكلدانيني

املعتز بأصلة الكلداين وأيضا كتاباته

الكلدانية العديدة

ولغرض ادامة التواصل مع الفعاليات الدينية وإظهار

ما لدينا من محبة وسالم فقد تم تأسيس موكب اور

للفعالياتالدينية

‏-‏‎2‎من قادكم لهذا الشعور القومي لتطلقوا عىل

أنفسكم انكم كلدان عرقيا ؟

عزيزي هو شعور مرتسب يف داخلنا حيث كنا

نسأل أنفسنا من اين نحن؟

وكيف جئنا اىل هذا املكان؟

وملاذا أسامء اجدادنا تختلف عن االخرين؟

وملاذا ؟ وملاذا ؟

تساؤالت كثرية جعلتنا نبحث هنا وهناك

قرأنا والتقينا بالعديد من الكتاب ومن هم يف

اختصاص التاريخ ال بل حتي باألنساب والعشائر

ومل نرتك اية مكان او جهة او شخصا او كيان اال

واطلعنا عليه فكلها اثبتت لنا باننا نحن أصحاب

األرض األصليني نحن اهل هذه الحضارة وهذه

املعامل الشامخة واالثار البارزة فزادت عزميتنا

وارصارنا بان نثبت اىل االخرين من نحن وبحكم

عميل كأستاذ جامعي فقد انطلقت بعميل القومي

من بني أروقة الجامعة حيث كنت استقطع من

وقت املحارضة دقائق قد تقارب العرشة وكنت

اتحدث عن اصولنا وجذورنا وحضارتنا وامجادنا

وشواخصنا العظيمة فلمست انجذاب بعض

الطلبة للحديث مام زادين اندفاعا بان استمر

وبالفعل استمريت فكنت التقي بهوالء الطلبة

بني أروقة الجامعة او الطرقات ولعدم توفر املكان

الذي ميكن ان التقي بهوالء الشباب بوقت اكرث

فام كان مني اال ان أقوم باستئجار مكان أي شقة

لتكن منطلقا لعملنا القومي وتجمعا لنشاطاتنا

واعاملنا املستقبلية وبالفعل تم استأجر املكان

وتثاثيه بكافة االحتياجات الرضورية وكل هذه

األمور وهذه املرصوفات كانت تدفع من قبيل انا

وحدي وذلك إلمياين العميق واعتزازي بكلدانيتي

العظيمة وقد تم اتخاذ مقولة لتكن نابعا وعنوانا

ملنطلقنا وأمنيتنا اال وهي )) كلداين وافتخر

بأصيل (( فكلدان الجنوب يختلفون اختالفا جذريا

عن كل الكلدان بالعامل فيوجد بني طياتنا كلداين

مسلم شيعي وكلداين مسلم سني وكلداين صابئي

ولكن يف عملنا مل نستطرق اىل هذه املعلومة

حيث هذه املعلومة خصيناها لكم انتم فقط

فكان عنواننا كلنا كلدان الجنوب كلدان النارصية

‏-‏‎3‎متى تأسس عملكم وماذا يضم تجمعكم من

مؤسسات ؟

بعد احداث عام 2003 م وماحدث من أمور فكان

انطالقنا بتاريخ 2003 / 7 / 4 بنفس تاريخ االحتفال

بتأسيسالكنيسةالكلدانية

وهكذا فقد اجتمعت كل هذه املكونات

والتي كانت بالشكل التايل:‏ -

-1 شباب الكلدان


COVER STORY

A New Face for an Ancient Church

Paul III Nona and the next chapter of the Chaldean Church

BY HANAN QIA

On April 9, 2026, the Synod of

Bishops of the Chaldean Catholic

Church gathered in Rome

in a moment that carried profound

significance for a Church whose roots

stretch back more than two millennia.

Far from being a routine administrative

election, the gathering marked a

pivotal turning point for a community

now facing urgent questions of survival,

identity, migration, and continuity.

After days of prayer, deliberation,

and ecclesial discernment, the Synod

elected Archbishop Emil Shimoun

Nona as the new Patriarch of the Chaldean

Church.

Upon accepting his election, he

chose the name Paul III—a name carrying

both spiritual and historical

resonance, inspired by Saint Paul

the Apostle and the legacy of earlier

Chaldean patriarchs who bore the

same name. In a statement published

on the Patriarchate’s official page, he

explained the meaning behind this

choice:“I chose the name Paul in reference

to two figures. The first is Saint

Paul, because he is a profound personality,

a great theologian, and a teacher

who presents the faith with depth,

while at the same time carrying apostolic

zeal to proclaim this theology and

teach the faith to others.

“The second figure is Patriarch

Paul II Cheikho, who was a model of

humility and pastoral care. For these

two figures, I chose the name Paul.”

From the outset, the choice appeared

less like a formality and more

like a statement of vision for a Church

entering a complex and uncertain era.

Emil Nona was born in Alqosh in

1967, one of the most historically and

spiritually significant towns in the

Nineveh Plains. His early formation

was rooted in a deeply faith-centered

community shaped by memory, identity,

and continuity. He was ordained

a priest in Baghdad in 1991 before

pursuing advanced theological studies

in Rome, specializing in anthropological

theology—a discipline focused

on understanding the human person

The new Patriarch is received in Baghdad by a group of clergy and nuns.

through the lens of faith. This academic

foundation would later shape

his pastoral and human-centered approach

to ministry.

Upon returning to Iraq, he served in

the Diocese of Alqosh in various pastoral

and educational roles before being

ordained a bishop in 2010 at the age of

forty-two, becoming one of the youngest

Chaldean archbishops at the time.

His most defining chapter, however, began

when he was appointed to lead the

Archdiocese of Mosul during one of the

city’s most turbulent periods.

In Mosul, he faced not ordinary

pastoral challenges but a city under

fear, violence, and instability. When

ISIS seized Mosul in 2014, he experienced

displacement alongside his people,

leaving for Erbil with thousands

of Christian families forced from their

homes, churches, and villages. Amid

displacement camps and humanitarian

crisis, his ministry evolved into a

deeply human presence rooted in accompaniment

and resilience.

That experience left a lasting imprint

on his leadership. The man who

now returns to Baghdad as Patriarch

did not study displacement from afar;

he lived it, sharing in the uncertainty

and loss of his community.

In 2015, he moved to Australia

to lead the Chaldean Eparchy there,

transitioning from a Church wounded

within its homeland to one striving

to preserve its identity in diaspora. In

Sydney, Melbourne, and across Chaldean

communities abroad, he faced

the challenges of younger generations

navigating between cultures, questions

of language and belonging, and the

tension between integration and heritage.

There, he increasingly became a

bridge between Iraq and the diaspora,

between memory and modern life.

On May 18, 2026, he returned to

Baghdad—not as a visiting bishop, but

as Patriarch of the Chaldean Church.

The return carried deep symbolism for a

man whose journey had passed through

Alqosh, Mosul, Erbil, Rome, and Australia

before arriving again in the Iraqi capital

at a moment when the Church itself is

seeking to redefine its presence between

homeland and diaspora.

During the final days of May, he was

received in Baghdad amid an atmosphere

of anticipation and hope before

his formal enthronement at Saint Joseph

Chaldean Cathedral—a moment extending

far beyond liturgical ceremony into

broader questions about the future of

Christianity in Iraq and the region.

Today, the Chaldean Church stands

at a crossroads. How can it preserve its

presence in Iraq? How can younger

generations remain connected to their

Chaldean identity? And how can the

Church continue to offer meaning and

hope in a region shaped by displacement

and transformation?

In many ways, the life of Paul III

Nona reflects the recent journey of

the Chaldean Church itself: from the

ancient towns of the Nineveh Plains,

through displacement and diaspora,

and back once more to Baghdad. His

election therefore represents not merely

an institutional transition, but the

beginning of a new chapter in which

the Church reconsiders its relationship

with homeland, diaspora, and

the people it serves.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PATRIARCH


الثقافة والتاريخ

وجهٌ‏ جديد لكنيسةٍ‏ عريقة

بولس الثالث نونا واملرحلة الجديدة للكنيسة الكلدانية

حنّان قيّا

يف التاسع من نيسان 2026، اجتمع سينودس

أساقفة الكنيسة الكلدانية يف روما يف لحظة

حملت الكثري من املعاين لكنيسة متتد جذورها

ألكرث من ألفي عام،‏ وتعيش اليوم واحدة من

أكرث مراحلها حساسية بني تحديات البقاء

والهجرة والحفاظ عىل الهوية.‏ وبعد أيام من

املداوالت والصالة والتمييز الروحي،‏ استقر

االقرتاع عىل انتخاب املطران إميل شمعون نونا

بطريركًا جديدًا للكنيسة الكلدانية.‏

وعند قبوله االنتخاب،‏ اختار اسم

بولس الثالث،‏ يف إشارة حملت أبعادًا

روحية وتاريخية معًا،‏ مستلهامً‏ من شخصية

القديس بولس الرسول ومن إرث البطاركة

الذين حملوا االسم ذاته يف تاريخ الكنيسة

الكلدانية.‏ وقد أوضح يف ترصيح نُرش عىل

صفحة البطريركية أن هذا االختيار مل يكن

عابرًا،‏ بل يحمل داللة شخصية وروحية

عميقة،‏ قائالً:‏

‏“اخرتتُ‏ اسم بولس نسبةً‏ إىل شخصني:‏

األول هو القديس بولس،‏ ألنه شخصية

عميقة،‏ والهويت كبري،‏ ومعلّم يقدّ‏ م اإلميان

بعمق،‏ ويف الوقت نفسه يحمل غرية رسولية

ليُبرشّ‏ بهذا الالهوت ويعلّم اإلميان لآلخرين.‏

أما الشخص الثاين فهو البطريرك بولس

الثاين شيخو،‏ الذي كان مثاالً‏ يف التواضع والرعاية.‏

وألجل هذين الشخصني اخرتتُ‏ اسم بولس”.‏

ولد إميل نونا يف القوش عام 1967،

وهي واحدة من أكرث البلدات الكلدانية

ارتباطًا بالذاكرة التاريخية والروحية لسهل

نينوى.‏ هناك تشكلت بدايات شخصيته يف

بيئة تجمع بني اإلميان والهوية واالنتامء

العميق لألرض.‏ ويف عام 1991 رُسم كاهنًا يف

بغداد،‏ قبل أن ينتقل الحقًا إىل روما ملتابعة

دراساته العليا يف الالهوت األنرثوبولوجي،‏

وهو اختصاص يقوم عىل دراسة اإلنسان يف

ضوء اإلميان،‏ وهي زاوية ستنعكس الحقًا

عىل مقاربته الرعوية واإلنسانية يف مختلف

مراحل خدمته.‏

بعد عودته إىل العراق،‏ خدم يف أبرشية

القوش يف مجاالت رعوية وتعليمية متعددة،‏

قبل أن يُرسم أسقفًا عام 2010 بعمر الثانية

واألربعني،‏ ليصبح آنذاك من أصغر رؤساء

األساقفة الكلدان.‏ لكن املرحلة األبرز يف

مسريته جاءت عندما تسلم مسؤولية

إيبارشية املوصل يف واحدة من أكرث الفرتات

اضطرابًا يف تاريخ املدينة الحديث.‏

يف املوصل مل يكن يتعامل مع تحديات

رعوية عادية،‏ بل مع مدينة تعيش تحت

ضغط الخوف والعنف وعدم اليقني.‏ ومع

اجتياح تنظيم داعش للمدينة عام 2014، عاش

تجربة النزوح مع أبناء شعبه،‏ وغادر املوصل

باتجاه أربيل مع موجة العائالت املسيحية التي

فقدت بيوتها وكنائسها وقراها.‏ هناك،‏ وسط

املخيامت وظروف النزوح القاسية،‏ استمرت

خدمته الرعوية بوصفها حضورًا إنسانيًا وروحيًا

أكرث من كونها مسؤولية إدارية.‏

تلك التجربة تركت أثرًا واضحًا يف شخصيته

ومسريته.‏ فالرجل الذي عاد اليوم إىل بغداد

بطريركًا مل يقرأ عن النزوح والهجرة يف التقارير

أو الدراسات،‏ بل عاشهام عن قرب واخترب

معنى أن تفقد الجامعة استقرارها وتحاول

رغم ذلك الحفاظ عىل إميانها وهويتها.‏

يف عام 2015 انتقل إىل أسرتاليا ليتوىل

رعاية اإليبارشية الكلدانية هناك،‏ لينتقل

من تجربة كنيسة تعيش األمل داخل الوطن

إىل كنيسة تحاول الحفاظ عىل ذاكرتها يف

املهجر.‏ ويف سيدين وملبورن ومدن االنتشار

الكلداين،‏ واجه تحديات مختلفة تتعلق

باألجيال الجديدة واللغة واالنتامء واالندماج

داخل مجتمع غريب رسيع التحول.‏ وهناك برز

دوره كجرس بني العراق واملهجر،‏ وبني الذاكرة

الكلدانية القدمية وواقع الحياة الجديدة يف

بلدان االنتشار.‏

ويف الثامن عرش من أيار 2026 عاد إىل

بغداد،‏ ال كأسقف زائر هذه املرة،‏ بل كبطريرك

للكنيسة الكلدانية.‏ حملت العودة رمزية كبرية

لرجل تنقل بني القوش واملوصل وأربيل وروما

وأسرتاليا،‏ قبل أن يعود إىل العاصمة العراقية

يف لحظة تحاول فيها الكنيسة إعادة تعريف

حضورها بني الداخل واملهجر.‏

وخالل األيام األخرية من شهر أيار،‏

استقبلته األوساط الكنسية والشعبية يف

بغداد وسط أجواء حملت الكثري من الرتقب

والرجاء،‏ قبل أن يُقام تنصيبه البطريريك

رسميًا يف كاتدرائية مار يوسف الكلدانية،‏ يف

حدث تجاوز طابعه الكنيس ليحمل أبعادًا

معنوية تتعلق مبستقبل الوجود املسيحي يف

العراق واملنطقة.‏

اليوم تبدو الكنيسة الكلدانية أمام

مرحلة جديدة مليئة بالتحديات واألسئلة:‏

كيف ميكن الحفاظ عىل الحضور املسيحي

يف العراق؟ كيف ميكن ربط األجيال الجديدة

بهويتها الكلدانية؟ وكيف تستطيع الكنيسة

أن تبقى مساحة رجاء يف منطقة أثقلتها

الحروب والهجرة والتحوالت العميقة؟

وسط هذه األسئلة،‏ تبدو سرية بولس

الثالث نونا وكأنها تلخص كثريًا من مسار

الكنيسة نفسها خالل العقود األخرية:‏ من

القرى التاريخية يف سهل نينوى،‏ إىل النزوح،‏

إىل املهجر،‏ ثم العودة مجددًا إىل بغداد.‏ ورمبا

لهذا السبب تحديدً‏ ا،‏ ال يبدو انتخابه مجرد

انتقال إداري داخل املؤسسة الكنسية،‏ بل

بداية مرحلة تحاول فيها الكنيسة أن تعيد

صياغة عالقتها بالوطن واالنتشار واإلنسان

الكلداين أينام كان.‏


FEATURE

The

Road

Back

Iraq’s journey to

the World Cup

BY WEAM NAMOU

A

year of unseen work—in training grounds, strategy

sessions, and even airports—culminated in

a historic moment when the Lions of Mesopotamia

defeated Bolivia 2–1 in Monterrey, Mexico, earning

Iraq its first World Cup qualification in 40 years.

Yousif Feal Dhumad, Iraq’s National Team Media

Lead, credits the victory to one man, Australian coach

Graham Arnold. “The former coach not having achieved

success, we had a meeting where we placed special importance

on selecting the right coach,” he said.

They reviewed the credentials carefully. Arnold

had previously faced Iraq in 2007 and brought extensive

experience with Asian teams as well as international

competition.

“When we approached him, he agreed immediately,”

said Dhumad, “without asking about salary or

contract length. He was genuinely happy. He respected

the Iraqi national team and felt proud to be chosen.”

Dhumad, who has spent six years serving as the bridge

between the team and the public, said that Arnold’s

influence extended far beyond tactical adjustments.

“He is not only a soccer expert,” Dhumad explained.

“He understands how to work with the Iraqi

players mentally.”

Before fully assuming his role in May 2025, Arnold

studied Iraqi society—its customs, temperament,

and social dynamics—to understand how to

lead the team both individually and collectively. That

cultural awareness became foundational.

“Even before signing his contract, Arnold publicly

stated his belief that Iraq would reach the World

Cup finals,” said Dhumad. “That belief and confidence

reached the players.”

PHOTO BY TALLAL SALAH

Rebuilding from Scratch

Arnold has described his first days in Baghdad in one

word: chaos.

“I thought I was just replacing the technical

staff,” he said in a recent interview. “But they got rid

of everyone—the medical staff, the backroom staff,

the kitman, the media staff. The lot.”

Once stability returned, his focus turned to mindset.

During the final stretch of qualification, Arnold

banned social media. “I did not want them thinking

about what was going on in the Middle East,” he

said. “They had to focus on the job.”

He also reframed the pressure. After a 40-year absence,

Iraq had nothing to defend; only something

to chase.

“We can step onto the field and surprise the

world,” he told his players.

Arnold built close relationships with the squad,

often saying he felt “as proud as a father for his

sons.” Across a grueling 21-match campaign, trust

and belief became the foundation.

“They are fighters,” he said.

For Arnold, the long drought wasn’t discouraging;

it was the challenge that drew him in. He admits

he had his own concerns before relocating.

“On the airplane, I was a little bit worried,” he

said. But once in Baghdad, “from Day One, I felt safe.”

The 2026 conflict involving Iran severely disrupted

the Iraqi national team’s historic 21-match qualification

journey. Airspace closures forced players into long

overland trips to neighboring countries just to catch

international flights. Visa complications required coordination

through foreign embassies. At one point,

Arnold formally requested a postponement because

players were scattered across continents.

Despite the logistical maze, the team stayed focused.

The result was a composed 2–1 victory over

Bolivia in Monterrey—a win that sent Iraq back to the

World Cup after four decades.

Stories Behind the Jersey

The team itself carries powerful personal stories.

Striker Aymen Hussein fulfilled a promise he

made nearly a decade ago: that he would help return

Above: The 2026 FIFA World Cup Iraqi Soccer

Team. Left: Coach Graham Arnold helps raise

the Iraqi flag.

Iraq to the World Cup. His decisive playoff goal sealed

that dream.

Ali Al Hamadi, who scored the opening goal in

Monterrey, left Iraq as a child and later became the

first Iraqi to play in the English Premier League.

Marko Farji, born in Norway to Iraqi parents, will experience

a unique moment when Iraq opens its World

Cup campaign against Norway on June 16 in Boston—the

country of his birth facing the nation he now represents.

“These players travel long distances, face visa issues,

spend time away from their families,” Dhumad

said. “But they come because they believe in representing

Iraq.”

On April 5, 2026, when Arnold landed in Sydney,

he expected a quiet return home.

Instead, hundreds of Iraqi Australian fans filled

the arrivals area, chanting his name—“Arnie, Arnie,

Arnie”—waving Iraqi flags and carrying signs thanking

him for “fulfilling 46 million dreams.”

Because the players had returned to Baghdad for

their own celebrations, which Arnold could not attend

due to airspace closures, he became the face of

gratitude for the diaspora that night.

He was stunned.

More Than a Match

Placed in Group I alongside France, Norway, and

Senegal, Iraq will open its 2026 World Cup campaign

in Boston this June.

“In the beginning, the pressure to win was much

greater than it is now,” said Dhumad. “Now, their

confidence has been lifted and the pressure has eased

significantly. Their focus is to perform and deliver.”

The qualifications have also shifted something

deeper. From Baghdad to Detroit, from Sydney to

London, Iraqis have rallied behind the Lions of Mesopotamia.

The team has become a shared symbol of

pride and proof of what belief and unity can achieve.

Dhumad’s message to the diaspora is simple: “We

need their voices. We need their encouragement. This

game is for all Iraqis around the world.”

As the Lions prepare to step onto the World Cup

stage, their journey represents more than athletic

success—it is a story of belief under pressure and a

shared identity carried across borders.


Support

Jonathan

Landsman

FOR WEST BLOOMFIELD

TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

ABSENTEE BALLOT

VOTING BEGINS

June 24

PRIMARY

ELECTION

August 4

Support

Omar

Kallabat

FOR WEST BLOOMFIELD

TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE

SCAN TO

DONATE TO

LANDSMAN

SCAN TO

DONATE TO

KALLABAT

Jonathan

Landsman

• Active member of Temple Israel

• Retired Blue Cross Blue Shield

Team Director

• Former Oakland community

health network board member

• 30-year West Bloomfield

resident

Working

together

for ALL

residents of

West Bloomfield

Paid for by Jonathan Landsman for West Bloomfield Township Supervisor

5114 Whispering Oak Lane, West Bloomfield, MI 48332

Paid for by Omar Kallabat for West Bloomfield Trustee

6713 Chelsea Brg, West Bloomfield, MI 48322

Omar

Kallabat

• Active member of

St. Thomas Chaldean

Catholic Church

• Lifetime West Bloomfield

resident

• Small business owner

• Wayne State University

Graduate


When Soccer Made a Nation Dream

Iraq’s World Cup Memories Revisited

BY DR. ADHID MIRI

Soccer in Iraq is a unifying cultural

force governed by the Iraq

Football Association, which

was founded in 1948 and joined FIFA

in 1950. Known as the “Lions of Mesopotamia,”

the national team has

qualified for the FIFA World Cup twice

(Mexico 1986 and the expanded 2026

tournament) and famously won the

2007 AFC Asian Cup.

During a period of immense internal

strife in the early 2000s, soccer

became a powerful symbol of

national unity. The so-called “Golden

Generation” had previously made

waves by finishing fourth at the 2004

Athens Olympics. In 2007, operating

with limited preparation and heavily

depleted resources, Iraq shocked the

continent by defeating powerhouses

like Australia, South Korea, and Saudi

Arabia to win their first-ever AFC

Asian Cup.

Qualifying for the 1986 World Cup

stands as a pivotal historical milestone

in the trajectory of Iraqi football.

In this article, we embark on a

journey through Iraq’s footballing

odyssey, revisiting the unforgettable

campaign of the “Lions of Mesopotamia”

at the 1986 World Cup finals held

in Mexico—marking the first and only

historic appearance of Iraqi football

on the global stage.

Mexico will forever be a touchstone

for Iraqi football. Four decades

after a Fernando Quirarte volley

stamped their exit papers from the

1986 FIFA World Cup, the Lions of

Mesopotamia are back on the global

stage having secured their return via

the FIFA Playoff tournament in the

northeastern city of Monterrey. In the

intervening decades Iraq have dazzled

at the Olympics and dominated

Asia but stumbled time and again

in pursuit of a repeat booking at the

sport’s grandest table.

No study of Iraqi football history

can overlook the defining era of the

1980s. The 1986 World Cup squad represented

the pinnacle of that generation,

achieving qualification during a

Fans celebrate the Iraqi team qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

time of regional tension and national

hardship. Although Iraq exited at the

group stage, the team earned respect

for its spirited performances against

some of the world’s strongest sides.

The achievement was built on a

legendary roster of players who remain

icons of Iraqi sport, including

Hussein Saeed, Ahmed Radhi, Adnan

Dirjal, goalkeeper Raad Hammoudi,

Nazem Shaker, Samir Shaker,

Ali Hussein, Khalil Allawi, Nateq

Hashim, Basil Gorgis, Haris Mohammed,

Karim Saddam, and Karim Allawi.

The team was guided by influential

coaches such as the late Wathiq

Naji and the iconic Ammo Baba, with

Brazilian coach Evaristo later taking

charge for the World Cup finals.

More than 40 years later, Iraq has

once again reached the World Cup, securing

qualification for the 2026 tournament

and sparking nationwide celebration.

The victory has been widely

seen as a unifying national moment,

reviving a long-dormant dream first

realized in Mexico in 1986.

This historic qualification was secured

following a 2–1 victory by the

“Lions of Mesopotamia” over Bolivia

in the final match of the inter-continental

play-offs—hosted in the Mexican

city of Monterrey—thereby booking

Iraq’s second-ever berth in the

World Cup.

Christian players have long played

a meaningful role in Iraqi football.

The 2026 qualification squad notably

included several Chaldean and Assyrian

Christian players, among them

Rebin Sulaka, Kevin Yakob, Aimar

Sher, Peter Gwargis, Frans Putros,

and Charbel Shamoon. Many of these

players developed their careers in Europe

and the diaspora, reflecting the

global reach of Iraqi talent.

Historically, Christian athletes

have made foundational contributions

to the national team. The legendary

Ammo Baba—an Assyrian

Christian—scored Iraq’s first international

goal in 1957 and later coached

the national team to its first World

Cup appearance in 1986. In the modern

era, players such as Justin Meram

helped pave the way for diaspora representation

with the “Lions of Mesopotamia.”

As celebrations continue across

Iraq, the return to the World Cup has

reignited a sense of national pride.

The current generation now carries

the opportunity to build on history,

improve upon the 1986 group-stage

exit, and write a new chapter in Iraqi

football.

The Chaldean

American

Chamber

presents a

2026 FIFA

World Cup

Watch Party –

Iraq vs. France

Former Michigan Chaldean

soccer clubs, players, and

Iraqi-Chaldean soccer fans

are invited to a special 2026 FIFA

World Cup Game Watch Party celebrating

Iraq’s matchup against

France.

The event will be held on Monday,

June 22, 2026, beginning with a

reception and program at 3:00 p.m.,

followed by kickoff festivities at 5:00

p.m. The gathering will take place at

the Chaldean Community Foundation

– West, located at 2075 Walnut Lake

Road, West Bloomfield (Main Street).

Designed as a reunion-style celebration,

the event will bring together

former amateur players and community

members to reconnect over shared

memories of Chaldean and Iraqi soccer

history, while cheering on Iraq’s

national team on the world stage.

The evening will include dinner

and dessert, along with beer,

wine, and soft beverages. Guests

will also enjoy a slideshow presentation

featuring submitted photos

from past soccer days—participants

are encouraged to email images to

Shaddad@chaldeanchmber.com for

inclusion. A one-hour video presentation

of historic Iraqi Soccer Club

matches, curated by Thair Nafso,

will also be featured.

Additional highlights include

a guided tour of the new Chaldean

Community Foundation West facility.

Important Details:

• Invitation only; advance registration

required

• Registration deadline: June 15, 2026

• Parking available west of the

building near Walnut Lake Road;

use main entrance

This event is intended to celebrate

community heritage, friendship, and

pride in Iraqi soccer on one of the

world’s biggest sporting stages.


Membership Has Benefits

Chamber events allow members to build valuable connections,

share ideas, and promote their businesses within the community.

These gatherings foster collaboration, provide access to local

leaders and resources, and increase visibility. Members also enjoy

exclusive perks like marketing opportunities, advocacy support,

and educational programs that drive business growth.

Together, we are stronger. Join and grow.


مباريات املوسم وكالسيكو دوري العراق التي كان

الجميع يحرص ملشاهدتها ومنهم نحن لقوة الفريقني

وما يضمونه من أحسن العبي ألعراق عند ذاك مثل

عمو بابا ويورا إيشايا وهشام عطا عجاج وقاسم

زوية وحامد فوزي وصاحب خزعل – كلوي-‏ ‏)صخرة

العراق السمراء(.‏ ومن الجانب أألخر ملصلحة نقل

الركاب محمد ثامر-‏ ألقط األسود - وقيس حميد

وألربت خوشابا وحسني هاشم وقيرص حميد ومحمد

نجم-‏ شعيطة وغريهم.‏

ويف مباراة تأريخية عام 1965 حصلت مفارقة

طريفة وهي حكاية قصتنا ألحقيقية هنا،‏ أبطالها

جوقي القصاب وصاحب خزعل وأحد أملتفرجني

ألقادمني من الشامية بزيه الديواين ألجنويب ووقاره

ألفرايت أملتميز وكان متفرج مجهول الهوية ال نعرفه

ليومنا هذا ولكننا نتذكر هيبته ووقاره.‏ وملن له دراية

مبدرجات ملعب الكشافة يعلم بأنه تتوسطه مقصورة

عالية،‏ وعىل جانبيها مدرجات شبه مغطاة وهناك

أعمدة ‏)دنك(‏ يف ألخلف لتحمي السقيفة وأملدرج

واملتفرجني من أملطر والشمس.‏ وهناك يف ركن

بعيد جنب ألدنكَة جلس واستقر صاحبنا ألزائر من

الديوانية بكل خشوع ووقار متلحفا بعباءته ويدخن

وحيدا وبهدوء والتمتع باملباراة.‏

نزل الفريقني إىل امللعب وسط تشجيع وصياح

12 ألف متفرج ‏»من كايلك تلعب طوبة«‏ وكان

أعالهم صياحا وحامسا بالطبع صاحبنا ألرهنجي

جوقي.‏ وتصافح الكابتنان محمد ثامر وهشام عطا

عجاج وفاز بالقرعة فريق املصلحة،‏ وأخذ جانب

الكرسة عىل أليسار - جانب أألعظمية لالستفادة من

غروب الشمس ليك تشوش عىل خط رؤية كولجي

املصلحة محمد ثامروهذا يعني بالطبع أن صاحب

خزعل - مدافع يسار القوة ألجوية سيكون قريبا من

مكان جلوسنا وبجوار مكان تشجيع جوقي القصاب.‏

بدأت املباراة بني القوة ألجوية واملصلحة،‏ وبدأ

معها صياح ورصاخ جوقي الذي عىل ما يبدوا راهن

كثريا عىل فوز القوة ألجوية.‏ وكلام كانت الكرة

تأيت قريبا وتكون بني أقدام ألكَلوي صاحب خزعل

ألقريب لنا ولجوقي ولسياج خط التامس وهو أملدافع

أملهاجم ألرسيع،‏ ينهض جوقي وكرشه ووزنه من

مكانه ويصيح بأعىل صوته ‏...عيوين صاحب...عليهم

صاحب ‏...شُ‏ كَهم صاحب ‏...إجفتهم صاحب ‏...إركَعهم

صاحب وهكذا.‏ وحني تنكرس وترتد الهجمة ويرجع

صاحب خزعل مدافعا إىل موقعه يجلس صاحبنا عىل

مضض وهو يدردم بصوت مسموع...موخوش حكم...‏

كرسوا لصاحب...جان الزم بنلتي..‏ مراقب الخط

وألحكم مرتاهنني ضدنا اليوم!‏

ويف الهجامت املتتالية ومع كل ‏»هجمة = كَومة

« يتكرر املشهد وكلام جاءت الكرة تحت أقدام

صاحب خزعل ينهض جوقي ويحجب بوقفته خط

نظر بعض أملتفرجني فينزعجون من مسباته وهو

غري مكرتث لذلك ويصيح بصوت مبحوح....‏ دادة

صاحب ‏...خش بيهم خوش...عيوين صاحب...كصب

بيهم تكصّ‏ ب ‏...ولك صاحب شكَهم شكَ‏ .. دير باللك

من شبه اليمنى ترّه ناوي يكرسك..‏ وينهيها بفدوة

صاحب..‏ إجفتهم صاحب...‏ وشكَهم صاحب......‏

ويجلس عىل مضض.‏

ويف كَومة من ألكومات املصريية وهجمة من

الهجامت ألخطرة نهاية الشوط األول وصاحب خزعل

يدحرج الكرة مهاجام قرب خط التامس،‏ وقف جوقي

مشجعاً‏ ‏...عيوين صاحب...‏ شكهم صاحب...فدوة

صاحب،‏ وإذا بصاحب خزعل يفقد السيطرة عىل

الكرة وانكرست الهجمة وبدأت أنواع املسبات تنهار

عىل مراقب الخط وألحكم ومن كل الجهات يتقدمهم

بالطبع صوت جوقي ومبسبات سامعي فقط ال يجوز

كتابتها هنا ‏...وفجأة وبال توقع جاء أحدهم ‏»بزيج –

عفطة«‏ عراقية أصلية ترددت ذبذبات أصداؤها بني

أربعة أركان ملعب الكشافة وموجهة صوب جوقي

نفسه،‏ ويقال إنها سمعت كاطالقة مدفع ووصل صوتها

لوزارة الدفاع ألقريبة يف باب املعظم،‏ فاستنفرت ألرسية

والقطعات ألعسكرية متوقعني انقالب،‏ إذ كان وقتها

موسم االنقالبات يف ألعراق حينذاك.‏

وهنا استدار جوقي ببطء وبرهبة القصاب ينظر

الكباش والخراف وجال بعيونه صعودا ونزوال،‏ ميينا

ويسارا،‏ وإىل الوراء صوبنا وصوب زاير الشامية وبقية

أملتفرجني لتثبيت اإلحداثيات وملعرفة مصدر ‏)ألزيج(‏

ولكن هيهات معرفة ذلك،‏ فعدد الجامهري كبري والكل

ينظر برباءة إىل السقف أو يتصنع ألحديث ويتحاىش

النظر اىل عيون جوقي التي غدت تقدح نارا ورشا،‏

كام وأن التشجيع والصياح يف أملدرج كان يأيت من

كل الجوانب مام يتعذر عليه أن يعرف بدقة ويحدد

مصدر خياط هذا الزيج املحرتم.‏

ولكن جوقي الذي هومعروف وموزون يف كل

املنطقة ومثل هذا ‏)الزيج(‏ ال يعترب نوط شجاعة

وغار،‏ بل وصمة عار وهناك أالن شهود وعيون

يف امللعب وسوف ترتنح سمعته بني ألرهنجية وال

ميكن ان يخليها تعرب وتفوت سالمات.‏ وليك يحدد

اإلحداثيات ويهندس املسبات،‏ وقف جوقي ‏)أبو

فتاح(‏ عىل دكة مصطبته يف أسفل أملدرج وهو

يتفحص أوجه الجميع وأمسك بنطاق حزامه وسكينه

وقال بصوت جهوري:‏ شوفوا كًواويد ، كلكم ، ونحن

طالب الجامعة منهم،‏ ‏»من ألدنكَة ألبو العكًال«‏

هيجي من خواتكم..‏ هيجي من أمهاتكم ‏...كذا

بأعراضكم ‏...كذا بنسوانكم .... وألله ألثرمكم لحم،‏

وألله ألقطعكم واحد واحد وأشوي عىل أذانكم

بُصل وأذب عظامكم للجالب والبزابزين والواوية يا

كًوواويد يا عفطية يا هتلية يا بلشتية يا مقربازية يا

رسرسية يا أهل ألسيتة فيتة ويا سختجية.‏

وإذ هو يهم باالستدارة والجلوس صاح أحدهم

فجأة من ألخلف وبصوت جهوري تساؤيل....‏ عيوين

رزاق...‏ سؤال...«أبو ألعكَال داخل بالفشار لو ما

داخل؟«‏ وهنا استشاط جوقي جمرا من السؤال

السخيف ومن ألسائل ألخبيث وعدّل قيافته ووقفته

وحزامه وسحب نفس طويل ووضع يده أليمنى عىل

سكينه ونظر لثواين صوب مكان ألسائل وهو ال يدري

من هو أو أين يجلس ومكان اإلحداثيات بالضبط وإال

لرثمه وأكلهُ‏ ‏...وهنا قال جوقي قوله أملشهور«‏ ‏»إي

بيل أبو ألعكال داخل بالفشار وانته ‏...انته بالذات

ومرتك واختك وأمك وعمتك وخالتك...‏ داخلني بكل

ألفشار يا كًواد يا أبو الزيج وألعفاط.‏

هنا عرفنا ماذا سيحدث ألبو العفاط ولنا فرتكنا

امللعب هربا وخوفا مام قد سيحصل الحقا وسط

هتافات مشجعي فريق املصلحة ‏»من كايلك تلعب

طوبة«‏ ... ‏»من كايلك تلعب طوبة«...‏ وردات الرداده

يف أملدرج أملقابل...‏ سمحوله بس هاي النوبة...‏

سمحولة بس هاي النوبة”.‏

وليومنا ال نعلم مصري أبو ألعكًال أملسكني الذي

جاء من الديوانية ملشاهدة مباراة كرة القدم فإذا به

يصبح طرفا يف مسبات ال كبش له فيها وال طيل،‏ أما

أبو الزيج وخياطه ألشهري،‏ فيقال بأنه هاجر وهرب

إىل ألربازيل خوفا من بطش جوقي وأن أبو فتاح

مازال يبحث عنه سنويا بني جموع أملشاركني يف

مالعب وبطوالت كاس العامل!‏

يف أمان ألله أغايت


من كًايلك تلعب طوبة ‏...من كًايلك تلعب طوبة؟

بقلم د عضيد مريي

يعد إنجاز التأهل إىل مونديال 1986 محطة تاريخية

مهمة يف مسرية الكرة العراقية ويف هذه املقالة نُبحر

يف مشوار العراق الكروي ونتصفح أوراق املشاركة

التي ال تّنىس ألسود الرافدين يف نهائيات كأس العامل

عام 1986 والتي أقيمت يف املكسيك،‏ حيث الظهور

التاريخي األول والوحيد للكرة العراقية يف الحدث

العاملي وال ميكن لقارئ التاريخ الكروي العراقي

أن مير مرور الكرام دون تسليط األضواء عىل أبرز

الذكريات واملحطات الهامة للمنتخب العراقي.‏

شارك منتخب العراق يف كأس العامل لكرة القدم

يف مونديال عام 1986 يف املكسيك،‏ وكانت تلك املرة

الوحيدة للعراقيني يف التظاهرة العاملية وقد كان إنجازًا

كبريًا للجيل الذهبي حينذاك الذي نجح يف تحقيق

هذا الهدف والتواجد يف املحفل العاملي.‏

رغم الظروف الصعبة التي كانت مير بها العراق،‏

لكن املنتخب نجح يف حصد بطاقة التأهل التاريخية

وكان التأهل مونديال وشيئًا مُبهرًا بحد ذاته للعراقيني،‏

والتواجد يف بطولة يشارك بها أبرع املواهب وأشهرها

يف العامل يف جميع املنتخبات الكبرية من أوروبا

وأمريكا الجنوبية.‏ رغم أن مشوار العراق يف نهائيات

كأس العامل 1986 مل يستمر طويالً‏ ، وخرج من دور

املجموعات لكنه نجح يف املشاركة بطريقة فعالة.‏

الجامهري العراقية تستذكر النجوم التي صنعت

إنجاز التأهل وضمت العديد من األسامء الالمعة

كحسني سعيد وأحمد رايض وعدنان درجال والحارس

رعد حمودي وناظم شاكر وسمري شاكر وعيل حسني

وخليل عالوي وناطق هاشم وباسل كوركيس وحارس

محمد وكريم صدام وكريم عالوي وغريهم من

النجوم.‏ وووضع املدربان الراحالن واثق ناجي وعمو

بابا بصمتهام يف مشوار الفريق،‏ حيث أرشف األول

عىل مسريته،‏ بينام أُسندت للثاين املهمة يف اللقاء

الحاسم أمام سوريا فقط قبل أن يتم تعيني الربازييل

إيفاريستو مدرباً‏ يف كأس العامل.‏

واألن وبعد طول انتظار وللمرة الثانية يف

تاريخه تأهل العراق إىل كأس العامل 2026 بعد

أربعة عقود من الغياب،‏ وعاد املنتخب العراقي

لكرة القدم إىل نهائيات كأس العامل،‏ حامالً‏ معه

فرحة استثنائية اجتاحت الشارع العراقي،‏ وتحولت

املناسبة إىل لحظة وطنية جامعة أعادت إحياء حلم

طال انتظاره منذ مونديال املكسيك 1986

وجاء التأهل التاريخي عقب فوز ‏»أسود

الرافدين«‏ عىل منتخب بوليفيا 2-1، يف املباراة النهائية

للملحق العاملي املؤهل للمونديال،‏ التي احتضنتها

مدينة مونتريي املكسيكية،‏ ليحجز العراق مقعده

الثاين يف تاريخه بكأس العامل،‏ ومازالت األفراح تجتاح

العراق إذ أن حلم املونديال يوحد األجيال،‏ ويكتب

فصالً‏ جديداً‏ يف سجل ذكريات الكرة العراقية.‏

ذكريات كروية

وملناسبة مشاركة العراق واسود الرافدين يف دورة كأس

العامل 2026 نستعيد يف هذه املقالة مجموعة من

ذكريات اهازيج املشجعني ايام الستينات والسبعينات،‏

عندما كان فريقنا يفوز مبباراه ما كان الجمهور العراقي

يرصخ بتحدي وبأهازيج ساخرة ويهتف:‏

‏“من كًايلك تلعب طوبة ‏...من كًايلك تلعب

طوبة”‏ لريد عليهم بعض املشجعني ‏»سمحوله بس

هاي النوبة«‏

‏“هذا الكاس يلمع وعيونهم تدمع”‏

‏“جاكم ابو جاسم هو ولواعيبة…‏ يلعب ابو

جاسم حلوة مالعيبة”‏

من منا ومن جيلنا وطالب الجامعات ال يتذكر

ذكريات الالعبني أيام الخمسينات والستينات مثل

عامنويل بابا ‏)عمو بابا(‏ وجميل عباس ‏)جمويل(‏ ونارص

جكو ‏)قاطو(‏ وجبار رشك وحسن بلة وقاسم زوية

وهشام عطا عجاج ويورا إيشايا وخوشابا وأرام كرم

وألربت خوشابا وأديسون وكوركيس إسامعيل ‏)كًيكً‏ )

وحسني هاشم وعادل عبد الله ونوري ذياب وحامد

فوزي ومحمد ثامر وأنور مراد ولطيف شندل وشدراك

يوسف وعبد كاظم وجاسب شند ودوكلز عزيز ومظفر

نوري وطارق عزيز ومجبل فرطوس وقيس حميد

وشامل فليّح ‏)شامل بروانّة(‏ ومحمود أسد وباسل

مهدي وعمو يوسف وطرزان وغريهم من األفذاذ.‏

ومللعب الكشافة ذكريات جميلة معي إذ كنت

أرتاده مع أصدقاء ألجامعة ألعلوميني لقربه من ساحة

عنرت وكلية العلوم ولرخص ألتذاكر ومن اجل التمتع

بالسوالف ألطريفة التي تحصل أثناء املباريات وهو

يف درب عودتنا بالنفرات اىل بيوتنا .

ملعبالكشافة

يعد ملعب ‏)الكشافة(‏ يف منطقه الكرسة التابعة

لألعظمية ضمن بني أقدم مالعب العراق وله تاريخه

الكبري مع تطور لعبة كرة القدم إذ تم تأسيسه عام

1931 وعىل تربة أرضه يتذكر الجمهور الريايض

أجيال من العبي كرة القدم والساحة وامليدان واجمل

الذكريات ، لعل اعزها عىل اإلطالق يوم /1966 /4 10

نهايئ بطولة كأس العرب الثالثة ، وفاز بها الفريق

العراقي 2-1 عىل الفريق السوري القوي بحارس مرماه

ألرشيق واألشقر املالمح ‏)فارس السلطجي(‏ الذي ذاع

صيته يومها وكان نجم الفريق السوري األبرز،‏ وكذلك

مهاجمه الفذ اوفاديس،‏ وبهديف الالعب كوركيس

إسامعيل ‏-كَيكَ‏ - ليحصل الفريق العراقي عىل اول

بطولة وعىل أرضه وبني جمهوره،‏ وكان أحسن العب يف

الدورة بال منازع العب ألوسط شدراك يوسف ومازلت

أذكر وجودي بني أملتفرجني يف ساحة الكشافة ليلة تلك

املباراة التأريخية كأس العرب عام 1966.

وشهد ملعب الكشافة ركضه العداء الذهبي

خضري زالطة الشهرية العام 1964 ضد الفريق االيراين

يف سباق )4×400 مرت(‏ عندما تسلم العداء خضري

عصا التتابع متأخرا وطار بها ليصل خط النهاية قبل

العداء االيراين الذي كان يسبقه بنحو 50 مرتا،‏ ووقف

الجمهور يصفق ويحيي العداء العراقي الذهبي.‏

هذه وتلك هي ذكريات واسامء كبرية افنت شبابها

لرفع اسم العراق عاليا،‏ ومل يصل لألجيال الالحقة

منهم يشء يذكر سوى التمثال الربونزي لالعب الكبري

جمويل وقرب مهلهل التصميم لعمو بابا امام ملعب

الشعب يشكو بدوره من اإلهامل.‏

وقصتنا هنا تبدأ يف مدرجات هذا امللعب

التاريخي،‏ إذ بعد أن قررت الحكومة ألعراقية يف

منتصف الستينات من غلق مضامر الفروسية يف

أملنصور ‘ مل يجد ألريسسجية وألقام رجية وألرهنجية

مكان ومجال ملزاولة هوايتهم يف الرهان والقامر

سوى مدرجات ملعب الكشافة ومباريات كرة القدم

ألتي تقام فيه ومل يكن مهم من هي الفرق الالعبة

ومن سيفوز إذ كان الرهان أهم وهو سبب الحضور

للملعب ، وكان ألرهنجية يتساومون عىل كل يشء –

من سريبح القرعة ، وأي فريق سيسجل أول هدف،‏

وكيف ستنتهي نتيجة الشوط أألول ، وماذا سيحصل

يف الشوط ألثاين ، وأي الالعبني سيسجل أكرث األهداف

ومن هو هداف اليوم،‏ وأي فريق سيسجل أوال أو

أخريا،‏ وطبعا نتيجة املباراة ألنهائية.‏

الرهان عىل املباريات

كان كبار ألرهنجية يتجمعون يف الجهة أليمنى من

املدخل واملقصورة،‏ ويستقرون يف أملدرجات ألسفلية

ألقريبة من خط التامس والسياج ليكونوا بقرب الالعبني

ومراقب الخط أملسكني لغرض التشجيع أو التهديد

والرتويع وملرونة ألتحرك ألرسيع الرضوري للمراهنات

بعيدا عن أعني الرشطة ومراقبات االنضباطية

والفضوليون الصغار من أمثالنا طالب ألجامعة.‏

وبالطبع القامرجية يعرفون بعضهم ألبعض

ويتكلمون بلغة اإلشارات والعيون واألصابع ولهم

ثقة متداولة فيام بينهم،‏ وأحيانا ال يقبضون الرهان

حتى نهاية الشهر ويوم الراتب أو من دخل األسبوع

ألقادم،‏ وليس هناك وسيط بينهم أو شباك تذاكر أو

أوراق للرهان فكل يشء مبني عىل الثقة إذ أن وعد

ألقامرجي دين ووعد ألرهنجي ذهب وكمثل وعد

ألعاشق أو املؤمن إذا وعد وىف!‏

معظم ألرهنجية كانوا من الكسبة البسطاء

وألفيرتجية وألتنكجية وامليكانيكيني وحدادي

شارع ألشيخ عمر وعامل املطاعم وسواق التاكيس

وألعلوجية والقصابني وقليل من صغار أملوظفني،‏

وكان جوقي القصاب ‏)أبو فتاح-‏ وأسمه ألحقيقي

رزاق(‏ واحد من كبار أملقامرين والنزال الدامئني يف

املباريات،‏ بل وكان رئيس وعراب ألرهنجية يف بغداد.‏

والرجل كان ضخم الجثةو جندّله،‏ عريض األكتاف

واألرداف،‏ عايل الهندام طويل ذا كرش متميز ويلبس

دشداشة الشغل الداكنة ‏)واملطكًعة(‏ بالدم وذات

رائحة متميزة عندما يهفى ومير قريبا منا،‏ وكانت

عدته وقيافته تتكون من حزام جلد قهوايئ عتيق

عرض–‏ 5 إنجات - يتوسطه حديدتني كقفل ألكلبجة

يعلّق يف بدايتها سلسلة زنجيل فضية ثخينة عرض

حلقاتها 2 انج وكانت أم الحلقات متتد حول كرشه

كله ويزينها يف النهاية األخرى وعىل الجانب أأليرس

سكينة القصاب ألحادة ألصغرية مع مربد خاص طوله

12 انج ، والعدة هذه عادة تستعمل لجز صوف

الخروف أو أحيانا يف عركات املسلخ.‏ وكان صاحبنا

يلبس ألجراوية ألبغدادية ومظهره حدي وجدي كأي

شقي وكان مشاكسا ذا صوت عايل فيه بحة متميزة

ولسان سليط أطول من سكينته ألحادة،‏ يجود به

بأجود أنواع ألسباب ووإبداعات القسم والحلفان إذ

يعرف عن ألريسسجية بأنهم من أملبدعني يف فنون

املسبات واصولها وبحورها.‏

جوقي شيخ الرهنجية

جوقي ‏)أبو فتاح(‏ كان شيخ الرهنجية يف ساحة الكشافة

وكام يف اسمه يفتح امللعب ويصل مبكرا وقبل املباراة

بساعتني ويأخذ محله أملعتاد يف أملدرج يف أول صف

قرب الدرج وأول ركن قرب السياج،‏ وهو طابو له

وال يحق الحد بالجلوس فيه حتى إن مل يحرض،‏ وكان

يجلس بزاوية 30 درجة وعينه إىل ألخلف يتلفت حوله

وخلفه لريى ألصاعد والنازل من أملقامرين ويقف

بني الحني وألحني لينادي عىل أملتفرجني وكأنه يجمع

تربعات للفقراء من أملحسنني ويصيح بنربة وبشفرة

يفهام أهل العرشة وال يفهمها الرشطة،‏ إذ يتقدم جوقي

ويفتتح سوق الرهان وينادي بصوته العايل؟ ها وين

السباع؟ منو يقص؟ ربع لو نص؟ هسه لو بالشوط

الثاين؟ ها وين الزمل؟ وين ألخواردة؟ وين أليدعي بيها؟

شدكًولون؟ منو اليل يب خري؟ منو يجيّيت ‏ّ؟ علينه لو

عليهم؟ ويانة لو وياهم؟؟

وكنا نحن الطالب الشباب نجلس قرب أعايل

أملدرج وقرب أقرب باب تحضريا للهزمية وخوفا

من ألعركات واللزمات ألقادمة ال محالة وبعيدا

عن ألفشخات أألكيدة من جراء رمي قناين الببيس

ألزجاجية الفارغة وربعيات العرك ألخفية والسميط

أليابس عىل الالعبني أو عىل الحكم ومراقبي الخط،‏

وكنا نحرض مبكرا لنتمتع قبل املباراة بهذه أملشاهد

والشخصيات ألبغدادية أألصيلة وهي تتداول املسبات

والعملة ألصعبة يف بورصة ساحة الكشافة وكنا نفرح

ملشاهدة أبرز مشجعي فريق املصلحة محمد نقش

املوظف يف مصلحة نقل الركاب إذ كان يحرص عىل

حضور جميع مباريات الفريق مستصحباً‏ معه كيساً‏

كبرياً‏ مليئاً‏ بالربتقال لتوزيعها عىل الحكام والالعبني

والجمهور يف منظر بهيج قل نظريه يف املالعب.‏

كالسيكو القوة الجوية ومصلحة نقل

الركاب

وكانت مباراة القوة ألجوية واملصلحة من أهم


FEATURE

Chasing Summer

Family trips, Florida sun, and Michigan shores

BY JENNA ABROO

Summertime always feels like the

season of fun and adventure. As

children, we wait for the end of

the school year and impatiently look

forward to days spent playing outside,

swimming, and enjoying homeworkfree

fun. As adults, many of us are simply

looking forward to a break from the

cold, relentless Michigan winters. Summer

also brings time off work, family

reunions, and, best of all—vacations.

Summer is consistently the busiest

time to travel, driven by tourist season

and great weather. Beating the crowds

is often worth it for the chance to spend

quality time with family, relaxing and

unwinding in a new place. Fun trips

can include road trips up north, flights

to tropical destinations, or even overseas

travel. The possibilities are endless

with a plan and a packed suitcase.

Heading South for the Summer

Rana Soka of Sterling Heights shared

details about her upcoming summer

trip. After the school year ends in mid-

June, she and her two children, Melania,

13, and Roman, 15, will fly to Tampa,

Florida, for a week with two other

families. Soka said she loves traveling

to Florida for the weather and chose

Tampa specifically because it is a safe,

family-oriented place to vacation. In

years past, the family has taken six

trips to various parts of the state but

continues to return to Tampa.

“Tampa is a great city where I feel

comfortable and familiar going all

around with my kids,” Soka said. “When

we travel, our comfort and my kids’

safety in the area we are staying in is the

most important part of the planning.”

She also selected a resort featuring

a large water park, golf course, state-ofthe-art

gym, and five restaurants. Her

children are especially excited for the

trip and the week of planned activities.

The itinerary includes visits to Busch

Gardens, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium,

and Discovery Cove, where guests

can interact with marine life, snorkel

in the Grand Reef, swim with dolphins

Rana Soka and her two children on one of their Florida vacations visiting

Universal Studios.

in Dolphin Lagoon, and explore an immersive

rainforest setting. The family

will also spend a day shopping at outlet

malls, along with time relaxing at the

beach and swimming in the ocean.

Soka said that while the excursions,

shopping, and sightseeing are

exciting, she is especially looking forward

to relaxing by the water.

“I am ready to sit at the beach with

my kids and work on getting the perfect

tan,” she said. “Our olive skin gets

so pale in the winter, and I can’t wait

to come back feeling relaxed and refreshed

after a week in the sunshine

with a sun-kissed glow.”

She added that these trips are an

important part of family life.

“Each trip we take is genuine, quality

time with each other,” Soka said. “I

have great kids, and I love taking them

to do new and exciting things in a new

place. Everyone needs time to reset

and recharge, and these memories are

ones our family will cherish for the rest

of our lives.”

Closer to Home

One of the best parts of living in Michigan

is being a short drive from some

of the most beautiful lakefront towns

in the United States. Yara Shadda of

Shelby Township, 25, said she will be

visiting St. Joseph, Michigan, in early

June for work and is excited to spend

time there. She previously spent a 10-

day work trip in the city last summer

and loved it.

PHOTO COURTESY RANA SOKA

St. Joseph is roughly a 189-mile,

three-hour drive from Metro Detroit

and is nicknamed the “Riviera of the

Midwest” for its scenic views, sandy

beaches, lighthouse attractions, and

location along Lake Michigan. The

city features landmarks such as the

St. Joseph North Pier Inner Lighthouse,

the Silver Beach Carousel, local

parks, the Curious Kids’ Museum,

and a charming downtown district. It

is also known for its sunsets, boating,

and relaxed lake town atmosphere.

Shadda recalled her previous visit.

“I spent evenings and weekends

exploring the shops, trying new restaurants,

and spending time at the beach,”

she said. “The town was so cute, cozy,

and charming, and I am so excited to go

back. I highly recommend it.”

Each year, many people travel to

the Great Lakes to enjoy Michigan

summers. A road trip to St. Joseph

makes for an easy and worthwhile

summer getaway.

Summer has a way of drawing

families out in every direction—

whether it’s a flight to Florida for sun

and theme parks, a short drive up to

Michigan’s lakefront towns like St.

Joseph, or a longer journey across the

country or overseas. For many Chaldean

families, these trips are more

than vacations; they are traditions

built around togetherness, shared

meals, and time away from the pace

of everyday life.

From beach days along Lake

Michigan to resort stays in Tampa

and even visits to relatives abroad

or new destinations across the U.S.,

summer travel reflects both familiarity

and exploration. Each trip—big or

small—becomes part of a larger story

of connection, where culture, family,

and adventure meet.

In the end, whether it’s the Gulf

Coast, the Great Lakes, or somewhere

entirely new, summer remains a season

of making memories that travel

home with you long after the suitcases

are unpacked.


Medicare Card Scams

Tips for Protecting Yourself and Your Medicare

In 2018, Medicare updated the Medicare card from containing a person’s Social Security number

to a random identifier that includes numbers and letters. That was the last time the card was

updated and there is no plan to update it again.

What Does the Card Look Like?

• The card from Medicare is a paper card that has a blue banner on the top, a white middle,

and a red banner on the bottom. However, you can print your own in black and white.

Examples of Medicare Card Scams

• Someone calls you claiming:

o You are getting a new, plastic Medicare card.

o Medicare is switching to a card with chip in it.

o It’s a new year so you need a new card.

o You need a black and white card.

o They need your Medicare number to see if you have received your new one yet.

o They need you to verify your Medicare number so they can confirm you have the

correct Medicare card.

What Can You Do to Stop New Medicare Card Scams?

• Do not answer calls from numbers you do not recognize.

• Do not confirm your Medicare number or answer “Yes” to any question.

• Guard your Medicare card and number like a credit card! Don’t share your number,

laminate it, make copies, or let anyone else make a copy.

How Can Your Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) 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

teams 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 local 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.


FEATURE

Marian’s Chaldean Connection

A legacy of faith, scholarship, service continues to shape generations

BY SARAH KITTLE

PHOTOS COURTESY MARIAN HIGH SCHOOL

From left: Madeline Kouza (left) and Violet Kainaya; Dr. Dunya Atisha

For generations, Marian High

School has held a singular place

in Metro Detroit’s Chaldean

community—a place where faith, academic

rigor, leadership, and cultural

identity meet. From accomplished

alumnae to top-ranked graduates,

Marian has helped shape Chaldean

American young women into leaders

in medicine, business, service, and

beyond.

That bond came into focus again

this year when Marian named nationally

respected plastic and reconstructive

surgeon Dr. Dunya Atisha, Class of

1994, its 2026 Distinguished Alumna

and commencement speaker. At the

same time, two Chaldean American

students—Violet Kainaya and Madeline

Kouza—earned recognition as

salutatorians in the Class of 2026.

Taken together, their stories offer

more than a snapshot of individual

achievement. They reveal an enduring

relationship between Marian and

the Chaldean community, grounded in

Catholic faith and a shared pursuit of

excellence.

Dr. Dunya Atisha’s path from Marian

student to nationally recognized

surgeon carries particular meaning

for many Chaldean families, for whom

education and service are deeply intertwined.

Double board-certified in

general and plastic surgery, Atisha has

spent the past decade at Henry Ford

Health as Director of Breast Reconstruction

and Director of Microsurgery, helping

women heal physically and emotionally

after breast cancer treatment.

Marian President Heather Sofran

described Atisha as someone who “exemplifies

what it means to lead with

both skill and compassion.”

Long before she stepped into an operating

room, Atisha’s future seemed

to announce itself in childhood. Her

mother recalled that as a little girl, she

would play pretend and declare, “Dr.

Atisha, you’re needed in the ER, stat!”

At Marian, that early sense of purpose

was sharpened by a community

that nurtured both conviction and

confidence.

“Marian gave me the courage to

speak my mind and not worry about

what others think,” she said. “It gave me

the confidence to excel, even in a field

that has often been male-dominated.”

She immersed herself in campus

life through the Marian Rice Players,

Model United Nations, National

Honor Society, and French Honor Society,

while also serving as a cantor

at church. Throughout it all, faith remained

the throughline of her educational

and professional journey.

“I always say God leads me where I

need to go,” she said. “The path is not

always clear, but I try to heed His voice

and pray to do His will.”

That same faith-centered ethos

continues to draw many Chaldean

families to Marian. For a community

rooted in faith, family, and ambition,

the school’s emphasis on Catholic values

and leadership formation feels like

a natural fit.

That legacy is now being carried

forward by students like Violet Kainaya

of Rochester Hills, one of Marian’s

Class of 2026 salutatorians. She

plans to attend Wayne State University

to study biological sciences on the

pre-med track before continuing on to

medical school.

“After undergrad, I want to go to

medical school and become a doctor,”

Kainaya said. “I want to make a big

impact on others’ lives and be a kind,

compassionate, and understanding

provider to all.”

Her resume reflects the kind of wellrounded

leadership Marian hopes to

cultivate. Kainaya played varsity softball,

served on multiple student boards,


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and held roles in the National STEM

Honor Society and the Business Entrepreneurship

Alliance Marian & Rice. She

was also active in Marian’s Chaldean

American Student Association, helping

foster community and cultural connection

among Chaldean students.

Looking back, Kainaya described

Marian as a place of both personal and

spiritual growth.

“My Marian experience has truly

been so meaningful,” she said. “I was

able to learn so many new lessons,

meet some of my best friends, and

make lasting memories.”

She also praised the environment

created by Marian students themselves.

“The girls at Marian stand apart

from others,” she said. “Not only is everyone

intelligent and diligent, but the

young women are faithful, kind, compassionate,

and genuine.”

Fellow salutatorian Madeline Kouza

shares much of that same perspective.

A Belleville native, she will attend

the University of Michigan to study

biopsychology, cognition, and neuroscience

on a pre-dental track.

Like many students arriving from

smaller schools, Kouza initially had

to find her footing at Marian. It did not

take long, however, for the school’s

sense of community to make itself felt.

“Marian was great for me,” she

said. “Coming from a small school, it

was a big adjustment, but it was for

the best because it introduced me to

some of my best friends.”

Kouza credits Marian’s rigorous

academics with preparing her for college,

but she said the school’s faith life

left the deepest impression.

“The most impactful experience

was the faith life at Marian,” she said.

“Marian gave opportunities for homeroom

Mass, rosaries, and Stations of

the Cross that helped me feel more

connected to my faith.”

She immersed herself in Marian’s

Medical Club, National Honor Society,

National STEM Honor Society, and

Spanish Honor Society, while also attending

the March for Life in Washington,

D.C., and participating in a mission

trip to Honduras.

For many Chaldean families, stories

like those of Atisha, Kainaya, and

Kouza capture what Marian has come

to represent: a place where young

women are pushed to excel academically

while remaining rooted in faith,

culture, and service.

Over time, Marian has quietly become

more than a school within the

Chaldean community; it has become

a touchstone. Here, students are encouraged

not only to excel in the classroom,

but also to lead with compassion,

deepen their faith, and embrace

a life of service.

And as Dr. Atisha addressed Marian’s

graduating seniors, her message

distilled the values that have long resonated

across generations of Marian

graduates and Chaldean families alike.

“Work hard. Keep your head down.

Have faith,” she said. “Keep the Lord in

front of you in everything you do, and

trust that He is guiding your path.”


FEATURE

From 80 Proof to the Whole Truth

BY CRYSTAL KASSAB, ED.D

June is recognized as Men’s Mental

Health Awareness Month, a time

dedicated to encouraging honest

conversations about emotional wellbeing,

addiction, depression, anxiety,

and the silent struggles many men

face behind closed doors. For generations,

men have often been taught to

suppress pain rather than confront

it, leaving many to cope in unhealthy

ways. In the Chaldean community and

beyond, the stigma surrounding mental

health and addiction can make asking

for help even more difficult.

For Steven Hannosh, healing began

the moment he stopped hiding.

While some people search for answers

at the bottom of the bottle, a

higher power is seeking them out.

That is Hannosh’s story: blackout

binging as a coping mechanism during

both good times and bad, followed

by a sudden spiritual awakening after

he pleaded with God to save him from

alcoholism.

“I do not just want to be sober,”

said Hannosh, 40. “I want to live with

a purpose.”

Hannosh grew up in the liquor

store business and began drinking at

age 21. Like many young adults, he

frequented bars and clubs and found

almost any excuse to drink. As he built

a career in real estate, alcohol became

tied to both celebration and disappointment—drinking

after closing a

deal or coping with a loss.

By 2017, his drinking had spiraled.

“The more I drank, the more problems

I had,” he admitted. “I had made

alcohol my master. Those blackouts

were demons numbing my mind.”

The following year, a close friend

encouraged him to attend Alcoholics

Anonymous. Between 2018 and 2025,

he returned to AA five separate times,

half-heartedly and often unprepared.

He never made it past 60 days sober.

Until now.

This past January, during what he

describes as a drunken stupor, Hannosh

prayed to God to save him and to

get rid of this disease that was hurting

him and his family. His drinking had

become uncontrollable. He was lashing

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We have to

break the stigma and break our generational

curses. I love my life so much more now.”

out at people, losing friends and clients,

and hurting his own reputation.

A half-pint every night. Sometimes

a beer afterward to top it off.

Anxiety. Isolation. Panic attacks.

Then he called his sponsor from

AA and told him he wanted to get serious.

His sobriety began a week later,

on January 12.

“I really had to do this for myself,”

claimed Hannosh, a husband and

father of four. “I did not know who I

was anymore because the drinking

was masking my emotions. I needed

to learn to live with and deal with my

emotions.”

– Steven Hannosh

Alcoholics Anonymous is his therapy;

AA began in 1935 in post-Prohibition

Ohio, when a doctor and a stockbroker—

two severe alcoholics—first met and

discovered they could maintain their

sobriety by helping others. It has since

become a global fellowship, with 2 million

members across 180 countries.

Hannosh benefits from daily AA

meetings. He wants to hear God’s messages

through the human spirit, and

that is what keeps him sober. After

completing the 12-step program, he

became a sponsor, helping others battle

the demons he once grappled with.

He is honored to be a part of AA.

“I wasn’t ready before, but this was

part of God’s plan. God was there the

whole time—I’m just now paying attention.”

What concerns Hannosh most,

however, is how few Chaldeans he

sees attending AA meetings, despite

knowing many people who could

benefit from them. He believes stigma

and shame—the “aab”—continue to

prevent many in the community, especially

men, from seeking help.

According to the National Institutes

of Health, men are less likely to

seek mental health treatment and experience

higher rates of alcoholism,

substance abuse, and suicide than

women.

“If we don’t talk about it, we’ll

continue dying,” Hannosh asserted.

“There is nothing to be embarrassed

about. We’re all human at the end of

the day. None of us is perfect.”

Hannosh is sharing his truth in

hopes of it becoming part of someone

else’s survival guide. He is grateful

for his sobriety now that he has the

awareness and clarity he needed. He is

also thankful for the friends and business

associates he made amends with.

They have congratulated and encouraged

him.

Learning to forgive himself has

been one of the hardest parts of recovery,

but he refuses to erase the past.

“I don’t want to close the door on

it,” he explained. “I want to remember

where I came from so I can see where

I’m going.”

Recovery, he says, is a daily commitment.

“Every day is different,” Hannosh

affirmed. “Don’t be afraid to ask for

help. We have to break the stigma and

break our generational curses. I love

my life so much more now.”

Steven Hannosh is open to sharing

his story and supporting others who

struggle with alcohol addiction. He

can be found on Facebook or reached

by phone or text at 248-854-3490. For

additional resources, visit Alcoholics

Anonymous, National Institutes of

Health, and MentalHealth.gov.


CHALDEAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

2026ACADEMIC

Monday

SCHOLARSHIP

PROGRAM

apply now!

Application Opens

June 1, 2026

The Chaldean Community Foundation’s Academic

Scholarship Program helps Chaldean students achieve their

academic goals and support their efforts at higher education.

FIELDS OF STUDY

• Science

• Technology

• Engineering

• Mathematics

• Education

• Accounting

• and more!

SCHOLARSHIPS

• w3r Consulting STEM Scholarship

• Drs. Nathima and Peter Atchoo Family

Foundation Scholarship

• Yvonne Nona Memorial Scholarship

• The Abdul Karim and Jameela Sesi

Memorial Scholarship

• DA Advisory Group Scholarship

• Derek J. Dickow Scholarship

• Karim and Bernadette Sarafa General Scholarship

• Hana Manna Memorial Scholarship

• Jacob Bacall Scholarship

• Huntington Bank Scholarship

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

• Open to Chaldean students and learners.

• Must be a Michigan resident.

• Status: Must maintain U.S legal status as an immigrant,

refugee, asylee, permanent resident or U.S. Citizen.

• Preference will be given to applicants who are not past recipients.

• Scholarship money is intended to help subsidize financial

burden of education-related costs and will be paid directly

to the student’s institution.

• Student must be enrolled concurrently in the same accredited

program for the Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 semesters.

APPLICATION PROCESS

For more information call 586-722-7253 or visit

www.chaldeanfoundation.org/scholarships

DEADLINE

Monday, July 6th, 2026 at 5:00pm EST


FEATURE

Return From Diaspora

Living life in the homeland

BY CRYSTAL KASSAB, ED.D.

Dilan Adamat addressing the European Parliament.

A

few weeks before his 29th

birthday, Dilan Adamat returned

to Ankawa, Erbil, Iraq,

from France, where he had lived since

he was one year old. His family had

escaped the aftermath of the Persian

Gulf War in 1991 and settled in Nantes,

a town in the western region where his

dad’s friend from Iraq had relocated.

Like many other diaspora kids, he

grew up French, but with Chaldean

traditions, food, and language; yet

as an adult, he longed for something

deeper– reclaiming his roots on ancestral

land.

“Our culture and our existence are

at risk if we don’t remain,” asserted

Adamat, now 35.

He was no stranger to the country,

its people, or its customs. Adamat and

his family regularly visited Iraq in the

summers, and it profoundly impacted

him. He realized it was such a different

world from what he was used to.

He saw firsthand the struggles, and

though he felt useless at the time, he

found meaning in the experiences that

led him to decide to go back home.

In 2015, Adamat graduated with his

master’s in business law from Université

Paris XII Val de Marne, four hours

away from Nantes, and began working

as a business development manager

for a law firm. He would visit Iraq once

or twice a year on his own and was

deeply attracted to being there. Going

back to France became sad and frustrating;

he thought to himself, “I’m

working to pay bills, not living!” Then

the idea of returning for good became

stronger.

His parents and relatives thought

he was crazy.

“I’m not crazy,” he said. “I just

think outside the box! People normalize

being slaves to their way of life in

America, France, and other places.

Life here in Erbil is more humane.”

Adamat’s family had built a house

in Ankawa in the early 2000s and

leased it out. When the renters moved

away in 2019, he moved in and is very

happy with his decision to stay, despite

the recent bombings and drone

strikes in Erbil by Iran and its affiliated

proxy militias.

To him, the simple life there is real

freedom. Expenses are few and taxes

are little to none. This alone gives

people a lot of flexibility with time

and finances. One can live comfortably

off a few hundred American dollars a

month, which is becoming increasingly

attractive to the Chaldeans, Assyrians,

and Syriacs in diaspora. There

is also a “rural exodus” happening in

Iraq–people are leaving the villages

and moving to the cities.

Telkeppe, for example, has less

than a couple of hundred Chaldeans

left there. Meanwhile, Erbil has built a

few churches in recent years to accommodate

the faithful.

After settling in, Adamat began

working at Babylon FM, the only all-

English hit radio station in Iraq, as a

morning co-host and host of a weekly

French show. He also worked for nongovernment

organizations (NGOs),

such as Oxfam and Catholic Relief Services,

until last year, when the Trump

administration imposed sweeping

freezes and reductions on foreign assistance

and reshaped the U.S. Agency for

International Development (USAID).

In the meantime, Adamat founded

The Return in 2023, an NGO registered

in Iraq and France that supports “return

mobility,” a term he uses to focus

on adjustment in the homeland for

those returning.

He started with his own three

goals:

Do it myself.

Help others come back.

Normalize life here.

“I can’t help others if I’m not a part

of it,” he said. “I came here because

I wanted to dedicate myself to the

cause. If we don’t do it for ourselves,

nobody will do it for us. If we take the

lead, we will thrive.”

He wants returnees to know there

are people like him in Erbil who can

help them, even if they do not speak

Sureth or Arabic. English is commonly

spoken there. The group has assisted

nearly 50 people from around the

world who have diverse connections to

Iraq in finding homes, jobs, and workspaces.

Some of them left as adults, so it is

fairly easy for them to adjust. Some of

PHOTO COURTESY DILAN ADAMAT

them left within the past couple of decades,

obtained citizenship elsewhere,

and returned before fully integrating

into their host countries. Some of them

are second or third generations in the

diaspora who have no memories or ties

to Iraq but their parents’ and grandparents’

stories, yet they are conscious of

losing the culture and identity outside

of Iraq. Nearly half of the returnees are

American, yet Detroit’s Chaldean population

exceeds that of Iraq.

Adamat said Sureth is used daily

in Ankawa because Chaldeans are

the majority, and there are neighboring

areas with high concentrations as

well. There is no worry of ethnic or

religious intimidation; his main fear

is that Aramaic will become like Latin

vernacular, where its everyday tongue

will cease to exist except in liturgical

or scholarly writings.

“Language is living culture and

identity,” he remarked. “We belong to

it, and we don’t want it to disappear.”

The Return has physically helped

people move in, and they have also

been there to provide moral support.

Adamat claims that a sense of belonging

was the primary motivation for

most people. But a prospective returnee

must not be naive about life in Iraq.

He points out that choosing a life there

means sacrificing something one has

in the place one is currently in, be it

family, home, job, identity, language,

or roots.

The group has plans for an ambitious

project called “The Hub,” a community

center in Ankawa that will welcome

returnees and serve their needs,

which includes business offices, conference

rooms, and an exhibition hall.

They are currently working on funding

and hope to get some projects completed

within the next decade or so. He

insists this is not an overall humanitarian

project, but a social one that invites

people home where they belong.

“We kill ourselves slowly by leaving

the homeland. The only way we

can survive as a people is to come

back.”

For more information on The Return,

including testimonials and a Guide to

the Homeland, go to the-return.co/ or

follow on IG @the_return_org. Dilan

Adamat can be found on Facebook,

IG @dilan.adamat, and his blog

dilanadamat.com.



FEATURE

Meet the Returnees

Rebuilding ties to the ancestral homeland

BY CHRISTIAN YOUHANA

As the sun was setting over Ankawa,

locals, expats and returnees

gathered at the Space,

where an art exhibition by a young artist

from Mosul was being held. The visitors

reflected the diverse membership

of this coworking space, founded by

the NGO ”The Return”, which supports

the ongoing return movement in Iraq.

In recent years, indigenous Chaldeans,

Assyrians and Syriacs, who

numbered 1.4 million in Iraq back in

1987, but have since declined to an

estimated 150,000, are returning from

the West. Their reasons vary.

For the young adults born and

raised in the diaspora, it can be the

longing for something they never got

to experience.

“I was very lost in America,” Melinda

Khubiar, a 36-year-old US-born

entrepreneur, said. ”I knew I wasn’t

from there, didn’t belong there and I

always felt very misplaced.”

Melinda Khubiar has roots in Urmia,

Iran, which once had a large Assyrian

and Chaldean population. She

visited northern Iraq for the first time

in 2013 with Gishru, who organizes

trips to the homeland for members of

the diaspora. She immediately felt a

sense of belonging.

“I remember walking across the

street and crying for myself, like Oh My

God this is where my kings and queens

used to walk,” she said.

She has made around 20 trips

back and forth between the US and

Iraq since then. Between 2018 and

2022, she lived in Iraq and eventually

launched her own Mesopotamian-inspired

clothing brand, called Original

Ancient, which she ran as a hobby at

first but now focuses on.

In a few months she is going to the

US again. Next year, however, she is

getting married to a local man and settling

down in the village of Bekhetme

near Duhok.

“It was hard for me to connect with

people in the West when it came to marriage,”

she said. ”I have known him for

a couple of years, got to know him better

last year and it just kind of clicked.

So my fairytale is coming true.”

Another returnee connected to the

Space is Ornina Ochana, a 30-year-old

from Canada with roots in Khabour,

northeastern Syria. She has spent

most of the past two years in Iraq.

Like Melinda Khubiar, her introduction

to the Iraqi part of the homeland

was through Gishru in 2023 and 2024.

She experienced a “whirlwind of emotions”

during the trips.

“You come here for two weeks and

halfway through you don’t want to

leave. Everyone tells you living here is

different and that it’s just a fantasy or

just a trip,” she said over a cup of tea

at a café across the street from the coworking

space.

Back in Canada, she missed the

chaos in Iraq, such as jaywalking. Eager

to return, she applied for various

jobs. Her experience in childcare eventually

landed her a job as a teacher.

“I was terrified,” she said about

moving across the world, but she

thought she could always try it out

for a month. ”If worst comes to worst,

I lose some money. But if I don’t do

it, it’s an experience I’ll always think

about, like what if I’d gone.”

Now she spends ten months in Iraq

and heads to Canada in the summertime

to be with her family.

The Space may be a hub for returnees,

but not all of them are found

there. In fact, there are plenty of cafés

and restaurants across Ankawa,

owned mainly by people who have returned

from Sweden.

In addition, there is the Syriac Heritage

Museum, which lies a five-minute

walk from the coworking space.

Archeologist Bernard Yousuf Ashour,

45, who serves as its director, returned

from Sweden in 2012.

“My case was special, I didn’t move

back because I consider Iraq to be better

than Sweden,” he said as Arabic

coffee and chocolate was served in his

office.

It is clear that he is very fond of

Sweden, its structured system and its

cooler weather. He has kept up his

Swedish, despite the fact that he only

lived there for five years. What made

him return was the love of his life,

whom he eventually married.

“As soon as I hear visitors at the museum

speaking Swedish, I invite them

in for coffee,” said the father of three.

Unlike Melinda Khubiar and Ornina

Ochana, Bernard Yousuf Ashour did

not really face any challenges moving

back. For him, it was rather the psychological

aspect of leaving the Swedish

nature and calm people and returning

to the heat, dust and lack of order.

The two women, however, faced a

language barrier when moving here,

as they only speak Sureth and neither

Arabic nor Kurdish.

“It was quite hard learning to rely

on so many people because I couldn’t

do much in the beginning. But now it’s

so easy,” said Melinda Khubiar.

The city of Erbil, where Ankawa is

situated, is modernized, and it is common

to hear English being spoken by

the locals.

“When you are born in Western

society, it is easier living in Ankawa or

Erbil than in other parts of the country,

because a lot of the amenities we

are used to can be found here,” said

Ornina Ochana.

When reflecting on whether the return

movement is a lasting trend, the

From left: Dilan Adamat, founder of The Return; Melinda Khubiar is planning to stay in Iraq for good; Ornina Ochana in

front of a colorful wall with the Syriac alphabet on it, near The Space.

answers among the returnees differ. As

of today, the number of Chaldeans, Assyrians

and Syriacs migrating is higher

than the number returning, Bernard

Yousef Ashour noted. And when the

war between Iran, Israel and the US

broke out earlier this year, it became

a reminder of the instability of the region.

At the same time, people who grew

up in the diaspora and are not traumatized

by wars, persecution or other

hardships are likely more open to visit

the homeland.

“As long as we have relative stability

here, I see people coming back,”

said Ornina Ochana.

Melinda Khubiar encourages people

to at least come and see the homeland

for themselves.

“Life is nice here. I’m thriving,” she

emphasized.

PHOTOS BY CHRISTIAN YOUHANA



FEATURE

PAC vs. Policy

Expanding the CACC’s civic role amid rising

concerns over township permitting process

BY RENAH DAOUD

The Chaldean American Chamber

of Commerce PAC has steadily

expanded its role in local civic

life in recent months, positioning itself

as a growing voice for increased transparency,

accountability, and resident

participation in township decisionmaking

across West Bloomfield.

That effort took a visible step forward

on April 13, when the PAC helped

convene a town hall meeting that

brought together residents from diverse

backgrounds to raise concerns

about township leadership, communication

practices, and transparency.

Speakers included business and civic

leaders such as Martin Manna, alongside

other community representatives,

including the president of Shenandoah

Country Club.

Attendees also discussed permitting

and zoning concerns affecting

both residents and local institutions,

including challenges involving

Shenandoah Country Club itself, demonstrating

broader frustrations with

how township processes are applied

across different applicants.

According to information provided

by Shenandoah representatives, the

club spent more than two years navigating

the township approval process

for a stormwater infrastructure project

intended to maintain, replace, and improve

existing detention pond systems

on the property. The project involved

replacing clogged discharge pipes

and improving stormwater flow conditions

connected to two main detention

ponds.

Representatives said the proposal

underwent multiple rounds of township

review involving the Planning,

Engineering, and Environmental departments,

including seven separate

engineering reviews. While the project

received the necessary permits from

the Oakland County Water Resources

Commission (OCWRC) without significant

difficulty, Shenandoah officials

said additional concerns raised by the

PAC Chair Kevin Denha addresses the attendees at a May 19 event at CCF West.

township’s Environmental Manager

delayed the process from advancing

to the Environmental Commission for

consideration.

According to Shenandoah’s engineering

consultant, the project was

eventually brought before the Environmental

Commission despite those objections

and received unanimous approval.

The Planning Commission also

unanimously approved the proposal,

which supporters say raised questions

about whether earlier concerns and

delays were warranted.

Since the April town hall, the PAC

has continued its push to broaden civic

engagement, with a particular focus

on voter outreach and encouraging

higher participation in local elections.

As part of that effort, the CACC PAC

has chosen to support Omar Kallabat

for West Bloomfield Trustee and Jonathan

Landsman for West Bloomfield

Supervisor.

Landsman, a longtime West

Bloomfield resident, is running for

Supervisor on a platform centered on

improving township responsiveness,

restoring public trust, and streamlining

permitting and administrative

processes. Kallabat, a small business

owner and community member, is

running for Trustee with a focus on

increasing transparency, improving

communication between residents,

business owners, and township departments,

and ensuring more consistent

and accessible decision-making.

Both candidates entered the race

after expressing frustration with what

supporters describe as inconsistent

township procedures and a lack of

clarity in how regulations are applied.

Their campaigns have unfolded

against a backdrop of heightened

community attention to zoning and

permitting practices in West Bloomfield

Township, particularly following

a series of disputes that have drawn

local and regional scrutiny.

One such case recently detailed by

the Detroit News involves Andrew and

Natalie Main, a West Bloomfield couple

who have spent nearly two years

attempting to secure approval for a

residential fence. According to reporting

and a related federal lawsuit filed

in May, the family says they incurred

significant expenses navigating township

requirements, hiring multiple

consultants and attorneys, yet still

have not received approval.

The Mains’ request, they say, was

driven in part by safety concerns for

PHOTO BY SHARKEY HADDAD

their child with autism, who they described

as at risk of wandering. (Incidentally,

the same situation Landsman

found himself in). Their complaint

alleges that the permitting process

escalated into a complex dispute involving

environmental classifications,

woodland and wetland buffer rules,

and repeated revisions to compliance

requirements.

The lawsuit also describes interactions

with township staff, which the

family says were distressing and contributed

to the breakdown in communication.

The township has declined

public comment on the litigation, citing

pending legal proceedings.

Adding to the general public

discussion, Sharkey Haddad of the

Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce

issued a detailed letter calling

for “modernization, reform, and common-sense

leadership” in West Bloomfield

Township. In his statement, Haddad

argued that residents are being

burdened by outdated ordinances, excessive

bureaucracy, and inconsistent

enforcement, noting that some regulations

date back decades and may

no longer reflect modern community

needs.

His letter called for clearer standards,

more predictable timelines,

improved communication between departments

and applicants, and stronger

accountability within township

administration.

The cases have become part of

a broader community conversation

about how local regulations are applied

and communicated, and whether

residents and organizations are receiving

clear and consistent guidance

when navigating township processes.

For many residents and civic leaders,

the disputes have reinforced longstanding

concerns about accessibility,

consistency, and responsiveness in local

government.

Within this context, the Chaldean

Chamber PAC has framed its expanded

civic engagement efforts as part of

a push to ensure residents feel heard

and represented. Supporters of the

candidates say they hope Landsman

as Supervisor and Kallabat as Trustee

will prioritize modernizing ordinances,

improving permitting clarity, and

ensuring township decision-making

is more predictable, transparent, and

responsive to residents’ needs.


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CULTURE & HISTORY

Yazidi victims of Islamic State militants,

exhumed from a mass grave

in Sinjar, are carried during a 2024

funeral ceremony in Baghdad, Iraq.

Fortunes, Future, and Fate

Iraqi minorities face an uncertain environment

BY ADHID MIRI, PHD

Iraq is a land of profound religious,

ethnic, and sectarian diversity—a

place where some of the world’s

oldest faiths first emerged, where civilizations

flourished for millennia, and

where communities coexisted long

before the formation of the modern

nation-state. From the plains of Mesopotamia

to the mountains of the north,

Iraq’s mosaic of peoples has shaped

the country’s culture, language, traditions,

and identity for centuries.

Yet today, many of Iraq’s minority

communities face uncertainty about

their future. Decades of war, political

instability, extremism, displacement,

and emigration have dramatically altered

the demographic and cultural

landscape of the country. Communities

that once thrived now struggle to

preserve their presence, traditions, and

identity in their ancestral homeland.

Under United Nations classifications,

these groups are identified as

“minorities,” though many are indigenous

peoples whose roots in Iraq

stretch back thousands of years. Others

arrived later as settler populations

but became woven into the fabric of

Iraqi society over generations. Together,

alongside Iraq’s broader population,

they have played a vital role in

shaping the modern Iraqi state.

This article explores the fortunes,

future, and fate of Iraq’s minority

groups, examining both their historical

experiences and the contemporary

challenges they continue to face.

Early History

Iraq has long stood at the crossroads of

empires, civilizations, and political transformation.

Throughout its history, the

region has been ruled by numerous powers,

including the Babylonians, Hittites,

Kassites, Chaldeans, Greeks, Romans,

Persians, and, beginning in the early seventh

century, Muslim Arab forces.

The Islamic conquest, completed

around 650 A.D., dramatically reshaped

the region’s religious and cultural landscape.

Soon afterward, a major division

emerged within the Muslim community.

Those who supported Ali—the

cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet

Muhammad—as his rightful successor

became known as Shi’a Muslims,

while those who rejected his leadership

formed what later became the Sunni

tradition. This historic schism continues

to influence Iraq’s political and social

dynamics to this day.

From 1534 until the end of World

War I, Iraq remained under the rule

of the Ottoman Empire. Following the

empire’s collapse, Britain assumed

control under the 1920 San Remo

Agreement and established a mandate

over Iraq. In an effort to stabilize

relations among the country’s diverse

communities, the British installed

King Faisal I, a descendant of the

Prophet Muhammad, as ruler of the

newly formed Iraqi state.

On July 14, 1958, Iraq’s monarchy

was overthrown in a military coup

that established a republican government.

The decades that followed were

marked by continued political instability

and successive coups. In 1963,

Arab nationalists seized power, and in

1968 the Ba’ath Arab Socialist Party assumed

control of the government.

Although interim constitutions were

adopted in 1968 and 1970, meaningful

democratic institutions and constitutional

restraints on the regime never fully

developed. Ba’athist rule continued

for decades under increasingly authoritarian

leadership, culminating in the

regime of Saddam Hussein. The Ba’ath

government ultimately collapsed following

the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.

Iraq Today

Modern Iraq is a complex mosaic of

ethnic and religious identities. While

Arabs and Kurds make up the majority

of the population, the country is

PHOTO BY HADI MIZBAN / AP

also home to numerous minority communities,

including Turkmen, Chaldeans,

Assyrians, Syriacs, Armenians,

Sabean-Mandaeans, Shabak, Yazidis,

Zoroastrians, Bahá’ís, and Kakai.

As of 2025, Iraq’s population is estimated

at approximately 47 million

people. The country is predominantly

Muslim and divided primarily between

Shi’a and Sunni communities, alongside

smaller religious minorities. Current

estimates suggest that roughly

60–65% of Iraqis are Shi’a Muslims and

32–37% are Sunni Muslims, though

precise demographic data remains uncertain

due to the lack of recent census

information and the political sensitivities

surrounding population statistics.

Before the rise of ISIS, Iraq was

home to an estimated 1.5 million Christians—including

Chaldeans, Assyrians,

and Syriacs—along with approximately

600,000 Yazidis, 200,000 Kakai, 70,000

Sabean Mandaeans, 20,000 Armenians,

and a small Bahá’í community.

Ethnically, Arabs account for roughly

75–80% of Iraq’s population, while

Kurds comprise an additional 15–20%.

Some minority groups identify as distinct

ethnic communities, while others

consider themselves connected to the

broader Kurdish population.

Human Rights Challenges

Iraq’s minority populations have long

faced political, cultural, and social

pressures, including campaigns of

forced Arabization and Kurdification

in disputed territories. Although the

2005 Iraqi Constitution guarantees

certain protections and rights, many

minority communities continue to report

inadequate security, political underrepresentation,

and limited access

to education in their native languages.

Human rights concerns remain

widespread. Insecurity, displacement,

unresolved property disputes, and economic

marginalization continue to affect

many minority communities. Thousands

remain unable to return to their

ancestral homes due to destroyed infrastructure,

occupied property, or ongoing

instability in contested regions.

Reports from international human

rights organizations have also

documented discrimination, obstacles

in obtaining civil identification

documents, and exclusion from full

MINORITIES continued on page 40


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MINORITIES continued from page 38

participation in public life. For many

minorities, these challenges have contributed

to continued emigration and

concerns about the long-term survival

of their communities within Iraq.

Lack of Religious Freedom

Islam is the official religion of Iraq,

and the constitution guarantees freedom

of religious belief and practice

for Muslims, Christians, Yazidis, and

Sabean Mandaeans. However, these

protections do not fully extend to followers

of all religious traditions.

The constitution defines Islam as

both the state religion and a “foundational

source” of legislation, prohibiting

the enactment of laws that

contradict the “established provisions

of Islam.” At the same time, it states

that no law may violate democratic

principles or the rights and freedoms

guaranteed by the constitution.

The constitution also explicitly

protects the “Islamic identity” of the

Iraqi people. In personal status matters—including

marriage, divorce,

child custody, inheritance, and

charitable endowments—Islamic law

takes precedence whenever one of

the parties belongs to a faith not officially

recognized by the state. When

disputes involve only non-Muslims,

civil courts are required to consult the

appropriate religious authorities and

apply the relevant religious laws of

that community.

In addition to the faiths recognized

by Iraq’s federal government, the

Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)

officially recognizes the Bahá’í, Jewish,

Kaka’i, and Zoroastrian religions.

Iraq’s civil status laws also reflect

religious restrictions. Women identified

as non-Muslim in official documents

may marry Muslim men, but Muslim

women are prohibited from marrying

non-Muslim men. Muslim men may

marry non-Muslim women only if the

women belong to the Christian, Jewish,

or Sabean Mandaean faiths.

Additional economic pressures

have also affected minority communities.

The 2023 law banning the possession

and sale of alcohol significantly

impacted the livelihoods of many

Christian, Yazidi, and Sabean Mandaean

merchants, who have historically

worked within the alcohol trade.

Original art depicting Pope Francis’ 2021 historic visit to Iraq on display at

the Chaldean Community Foundation in Sterling Heights.

Squeezing Vulnerable Minorities

Historically, Iraq was celebrated for

its remarkable religious and sectarian

diversity—much like India in the ancient

world or the United States in the

modern era. For centuries, the region

served as a homeland for some of the

world’s oldest religions and belief systems,

including Christianity, Judaism,

Mandaeism, Islam, Yazidism, Kaka’i

traditions, Zoroastrianism, Naqshbandi

Sufism, and the Bahá’í faith.

Its many communities—including

Chaldeans, Assyrians, Syriacs, Armenians,

Sunni and Shi’a Muslim Arabs,

Shabak, Kurds, and Faili Kurds—coexisted

across generations and contributed

significantly to Iraq’s cultural,

intellectual, and historical identity.

Some of these communities are

indigenous peoples whose ancestry

reaches back to the earliest civilizations

of Mesopotamia. Others arrived later

as migrant or settler populations and

gradually became woven into the social

fabric of Iraqi society. Together, they

played an essential role in shaping the

modern Iraqi state and preserving the

country’s rich civilizational heritage.

The Christians: Chaldeans, Assyrians,

and Syriacs

Iraq’s Christians—Chaldeans, Assyrians,

and Syriacs—trace their roots

to the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia

and were once the majority

population in Iraq and Persia before

the rise of Islam. Over centuries, they

endured persecution under various

empires, including massacres such

as the 1915 Sayfo Genocide, the 1933

Simele Massacre, the 1969 Sorya Massacre,

and most recently the atrocities

committed by ISIS in Mosul and

the Nineveh Plains. Once numbering

more than 1.5 million, Iraq’s Christian

population has declined to fewer than

125,000, primarily living in Baghdad,

the Nineveh Plains, Erbil, and Duhok.

The Yazidis

The Yazidis are an ancient indigenous

religious community centered in

northern Iraq, particularly around Lalish,

their holiest site. Their faith blends

elements of older Mesopotamian traditions,

Zoroastrianism, Christianity,

and Islam, with Melek Tawus, the

Peacock Angel, at the center of their

beliefs. Yazidis have endured centuries

of persecution, culminating in

the 2014 ISIS genocide in Sinjar and

the Nineveh region. Today, many remain

displaced, though communities

continue to exist in Sinjar, Shekhan,

Duhok, and surrounding areas.

The Mandaeans

The Mandaeans, also known as Sabians,

are the world’s last surviving Gnostic religion

and have lived for centuries along

the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Their

faith centers on monotheism, spiritual

knowledge, and repeated baptism in

flowing water. They revere John the Baptist

as their greatest prophet and preserve

their teachings in the sacred text

Kanza Rba. Once numbering around

70,000 in Iraq, most Mandaeans fled

after 2003, with many now living in Sweden,

Australia, and the United States.

The Armenians

Armenians have lived in Iraq for centuries,

with communities established

in Basra, Baghdad, Mosul, and Kirkuk.

Many fled to Iraq during the 1915 Armenian

Genocide under the Ottoman

Empire. Despite their relatively small

numbers today—estimated at around

3,000—Armenians have made important

contributions to Iraqi society in

commerce, medicine, engineering,

and the arts. Most now live in Erbil,

Duhok, and Zakho.

The Zoroastrians

Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s

oldest monotheistic religions, predates

both Christianity and Islam. Its

teachings emphasize “Good Thoughts,

Good Words, Good Deeds.” Many

Kurdish Zoroastrians preserved their

faith quietly for generations until the

Kurdistan Regional Government officially

recognized the religion in 2015.

Today, Zoroastrian communities and

temples operate openly in Erbil and

Sulaymaniyah.

The Yarsan–Kakai

The Kakai, also known as Yarsan or the

“People of the Truth,” are a religious

minority concentrated in northern

and eastern Iraq. Their faith blends

elements of Islam, Zoroastrianism,

and ancient Mesopotamian traditions

and is largely passed down orally. For

years, they have faced persecution

from extremist groups such as ISIS

and al-Qaeda, prompting some communities

to form self-defense groups

to protect their villages and identity.

The Bahá’ís

The Bahá’í Faith has historical ties to

Iraq through Bahá’u’lláh, the religion’s

founder, who lived in the Sulaymaniyah

region during his exile. While the

faith remains restricted under Iraqi

federal law, Bahá’ís are officially recognized

in the Kurdistan Region,

where they are able to practice openly

and celebrate religious holidays.

The Jewish Community

Jewish communities lived in Iraq for

more than 2,500 years and once played

a major role in the country’s cultural

and economic life. Cities such as Baghdad

and Basra were home to thriving

Jewish populations before mass emigration

in the mid-20th century.

Today, those echoes are fading. According

to unofficial estimates from

the KRG Ministry of Endowments and

Religious Affairs, only 100 to 250 Jew-



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ish individuals remain in the Kurdistan

Region, and none in Baghdad or Iraq’s

other provinces. They do not worship

publicly. Many do not reveal their identity,

fearing discrimination or violence

from extremist actors. Their presence is

quiet, almost invisible—a reminder of a

community that once shaped the cultural

and economic life of Iraq. Their

survival is an act of courage.

Fractured National Identity

Iraq’s national identity remains deeply

fractured, shaped by competing religious,

ethnic, and political narratives.

Sunni, Shi’a, and Kurdish visions of

Iraq’s past and future often conflict,

making national reconciliation difficult

and weakening a shared sense

of belonging. As a result, many Iraqis

place loyalty in tribe, sect, or political

faction rather than in the state itself.

Minorities often bear the greatest

burden of this instability. Religious extremism,

fragile institutions, discrimination,

and insecurity continue to fuel

fear and uncertainty among vulnerable

communities. Despite their deep historical

roots and loyalty to Iraq, many minorities

have faced repeated violence,

displacement, and marginalization.

Since 2003, external influence—particularly

from Iran—has further intensified

these divisions. Many Iraqis believe

growing Iranian political, religious, and

militia influence has weakened Iraq’s

sovereignty and diluted its national

identity. The widespread presence of

Iranian political imagery and affiliated

armed groups has heightened fears

among many citizens of increasing foreign

domination over Iraqi public life.

The 2003 U.S.-led invasion also deepened

sectarian divisions by institutionalizing

a quota-based political system that

tied political power to sectarian and ethnic

identity. Rather than fostering unity,

this system reinforced mistrust and competition

among communities.

Iraq’s diversity could have served

as the foundation for a strong and inclusive

national identity. Instead, decades

of conflict, foreign interference,

and sectarian politics have deepened

social fragmentation. Until Iraq can

build a national identity that embraces

all of its communities equally, the

country will likely continue to struggle

with instability, mistrust, and division.

Is There Still a Future for Iraq’s

Minorities?

Across the Middle East, minority communities

are increasingly asking a

painful question: Is there still a future

for us here?

For many minorities in Iraq, daily

life remains marked by fear, uncertainty,

and instability. Religious extremism

persists, institutions remain fragile, and

Iraq’s national identity continues to be

deeply divided. In this environment, minority

communities—despite their deep

historical roots and loyalty to their homeland—often

bear the brunt of violence,

displacement, and discrimination.

Christians, in particular, have

watched their numbers decline dramatically.

Families have sold homes

that had belonged to generations of

ancestors, leaving behind churches,

villages, memories, and centuries of

history in search of safety and stability

abroad. Each family that leaves represents

not only a loss for the Christian

community, but also a loss for Iraq’s

cultural and historical richness.

This reality has forced many minorities

to confront difficult and deeply

personal questions:

What is our future in Iraq?

Who will protect us from persecution

or displacement?

How can equal rights and genuine

religious freedom be guaranteed?

How can minorities participate politically

in ways that serve the common

good rather than sectarian interests?

These questions remain largely

unanswered. Yet they are essential to

Iraq’s future because minorities are

not outsiders or temporary guests in

the country. They are indigenous communities

whose histories are woven

into the foundations of Mesopotamian

civilization and the modern Iraqi state.

Their languages, traditions, faiths,

and cultural heritage continue to enrich

Iraq’s identity. Protecting these

communities is not simply a humanitarian

obligation—it is vital to preserving

Iraq’s diversity, stability, and future

as a pluralistic society.

Despite decades of hardship, many

minorities continue to hold onto hope:

hope for equal citizenship, hope for

security, and hope that future generations

may still live freely in the land of

their ancestors.

REFERENCES: PATRIARCH LOUIS SAKO;

IVAN NASSIR HASSAN; WIKIPEDIA.


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الثقافة والتاريخ

ملحات عن املُكونات العراقية - الحظوظ واملستقبل واملصري

بقلم د.‏ عضيد مريي

قبل صعود تنظيم داعش،‏ كان العراق موطنًا

ملا يُقدَّر ب‎1.5‎ مليون مسيحي ( مبا يف ذلك

الكلدان واآلشوريون والرسيان(‏ إىل جانب نحو

600 ألف إيزيدي،‏ و‎200‎ ألف كاكايئ،‏ و‎70‎ ألفًا

من الصابئة املندائيني،‏ و‎20‎ ألف أرمني،‏ إضافة إىل

مجتمع بهايئ صغري.‏ ومن الناحية العرقية،‏ يشكّل

العرب ما يقارب 75–80٪ من سكان العراق،‏

بينام يشكّل األكراد نسبة إضافية ترتاوح بني

15–20٪. وتعرّف بعض جامعات األقليات نفسها

كمجتمعات عرقية متميزة،‏ بينام يعترب آخرون

أنفسهم مرتبطني بالسكان األكراد.‏

العراق أرضٌ‏ ذات تنوع ديني وعرقي وطائفي

عميق،‏ مكانٌ‏ ظهرت فيه بعض أقدم الديانات يف

العامل ألول مرة،‏ وازدهرت فيه الحضارات آلالف

السنني،‏ وتعايشت فيه املجتمعات قبل وقت

طويل من نشوء الدولة القومية الحديثة،‏ فمن

سهول بالد ما بني النهرين إىل جبال الشامل،‏ شكّل

هذا التنوع البرشي فسيفساء العراق الثقافية

واللغوية والتقليدية والهوياتية عرب قرون طويلة.‏

ومع ذلك،‏ تواجه اليوم العديد من املُكونات

العراقية حالة من عدم اليقني بشأن مستقبلها،‏

فقد أدت عقود من الحروب،‏ وعدم االستقرار

السيايس،‏ والتطرف،‏ والنزوح،‏ والهجرة إىل تغيري

املشهد الدميوغرايف والثقايف للبالد بصورة جذرية،‏

فاملجتمعات التي ازدهرت يومًا ما أصبحت تكافح

اليوم بصعوبة للحفاظ عىل وجودها وتقاليدها

وهويتها يف وطن أجدادها.‏

وبحسب تصنيفات األمم املتحدة،‏ تُعرَّف هذه

الجامعات بأنها ‏“أقليات”،‏ رغم أن الكثري منها

شعوب ومكونات أصلية متتد جذورها يف العراق

إىل آالف السنني،‏ بينام وصلت جامعات أخرى

الحقًا كمستوطنني ولكنها اندمجت عرب األجيال يف

نسيج املجتمع العراقي،‏ ولعبت هذه املجموعات

مجتمعة،‏ إىل جانب بقية سكان العراق،‏ دورًا أساسيًا

يف تشكيل الدولة العراقية الحديثة.‏

يستعرض هذا املقال حظوظ ومستقبل

ومصري املكونات العراقية،‏ التي اصبحت أقليات

متناوالً‏ تجاربها التاريخية والتحديات املعارصة

التي ما تزال تواجهها.‏

التاريخ املُبكر

كان العراق عىل الدوام ملتقى لإلمرباطوريات

والحضارات والتحوالت السياسية،‏ وعىل امتداد

تاريخه،‏ خضع حكم املنطقة لقوى عديدة،‏ منها

البابليون،‏ والحثيون،‏ والكاشيون،‏ والكلدانيون،‏

واليونانيون،‏ والرومان،‏ والفرس،‏ ثم القوات العربية

اإلسالمية منذ بدايات القرن السابع امليالدي.‏

وقد أعادت الفتوحات اإلسالمية،‏ التي

اكتملت نحو عام ‎650‎م،‏ تشكيل املشهد الديني

والثقايف يف املنطقة بصورة جذرية،‏ وبعدها بفرتة

قصرية،‏ ظهر انقسام كبري داخل املجتمع اإلسالمي.‏

فالذين أيدوا عليًا ‏)ابن عم النبي محمد وصهره(‏

بوصفه الخليفة الرشعي،‏ عُرفوا الحقًا بالشيعة،‏

بينام أصبح الذين رفضوا قيادته نواة ما بات

يُعرف بالتقليد السني.‏ وال يزال هذا االنقسام

التاريخي يؤثر بقوة يف الديناميكيات السياسية

واالجتامعية يف العراق حتى اليوم.‏

ومنذ عام 1534 وحتى نهاية الحرب العاملية

األوىل،‏ بقي العراق تحت حكم الدولة العثامنية،‏

وبعد انهيار اإلمرباطورية العثامنية،‏ تولت بريطانيا

السيطرة مبوجب اتفاقية سان رميو عام 1920

وفرضت انتدابها عىل العراق.‏ ويف محاولة لتحقيق

االستقرار بني مكونات البالد املتنوعة،‏ نصّ‏ بت

بريطانيا امللك فيصل األول،‏ ‏)وهو هاشمي من نسل

النبي محمد(،‏ حاكامً‏ للدولة العراقية الناشئة.‏

ويف 14 يوليو/متوز 1958، أُطيح بالنظام املليك

يف انقالب عسكري أُعلنت عىل إثره الجمهورية.‏

وشهدت العقود الالحقة استمرار عدم االستقرار

السيايس واالنقالبات املتعاقبة.‏ ويف عام 1963

استوىل القوميون العرب عىل السلطة،‏ ثم تسلّم

حزب البعث العريب االشرتايك الحكم عام 1968

ورغم اعتامد دساتري مؤقتة يف عامي 1968

و‎1970‎‏،‏ فإن املؤسسات الدميقراطية الفاعلة

والقيود الدستورية الحقيقية عىل السلطة مل

تتطور بشكل كامل،‏ واستمر حكم البعث لعقود

تحت قيادة سلطوية متزايدة،‏ بلغت ذروتها يف

عهد صدام حسني.‏ وانتهى حكم البعث يف نهاية

املطاف عقب الغزو األمرييك للعراق عام 2003

العراق اليوم

العراق الحديث عبارة عن فسيفساء معقدة

من الهويات العرقية والدينية،‏ وبينام يشكل

العرب واألكراد غالبية السكان،‏ يضم البلد أيضً‏ ا

العديد من األقليات،‏ منها الرتكامن،‏ والكلدان،‏

واآلشوريون،‏ والرسيان،‏ واألرمن،‏ والصابئة

املندائيون،‏ والشبك،‏ واإليزيديون،‏ والزرادشتيون،‏

والبهائيون،‏ والكاكائيون.‏

يُقدَّر عدد سكان العراق اليوم بنحو 47

مليون نسمة.‏ ويُعد العراق بلدًا ذا أغلبية

مسلمة،‏ منقسامً‏ أساسً‏ ا بني الشيعة والسنة،‏ إىل

جانب أقليات دينية أصغر.‏ وتشري التقديرات

الحالية إىل أن نحو 60–65٪ من العراقيني شيعة،‏

و‎37٪–32‎ سنة،‏ رغم أن البيانات الدميوغرافية

الدقيقة ما تزال غري مؤكدة بسبب غياب تعداد

سكاين حديث والحساسيات السياسية املرتبطة

باإلحصاءات السكانية.‏

تحديات حقوق اإلنسان

لطاملا واجهت األقليات يف العراق ضغوطًا سياسية

وثقافية واجتامعية،‏ مبا يف ذلك حمالت التعريب

والتكريد القرسي يف املناطق املتنازع عليها.‏

وعىل الرغم من أن دستور العراق لعام 2005

يضمن بعض الحاميات والحقوق،‏ فإن العديد

من مجتمعات األقليات ال تزال تُبلغ عن نقص يف

األمن،‏ وضعف يف التمثيل السيايس،‏ ومحدودية

الوصول إىل التعليم بلغاتها األصلية.‏

وال تزال املخاوف املتعلقة بحقوق اإلنسان

واسعة االنتشار.‏ إذ يواصل انعدام األمن،‏ والنزوح،‏

والنزاعات غري املحسومة حول امللكية،‏ والتهميش

االقتصادي التأثري عىل العديد من مجتمعات

األقليات،‏ وال يزال آالف األشخاص غري قادرين عىل

العودة إىل منازلهم األصلية بسبب تدمري البنية

التحتية،‏ أو احتالل املمتلكات،‏ أو استمرار عدم

االستقرار يف املناطق املتنازع عليها.‏ كام وثّقت

تقارير صادرة عن منظامت حقوقية دولية حاالت

من التمييز،‏ والعقبات يف الحصول عىل وثائق

الهوية املدنية،‏ واالستبعاد من املشاركة الكاملة

يف الحياة العامة.‏ وبالنسبة للعديد من األقليات،‏

ساهمت هذه التحديات يف استمرار الهجرة

ويف تصاعد املخاوف بشأن البقاء طويل األمد

ملجتمعاتهم داخل العراق.‏

غياب الحرية الدينية

اإلسالم هو الدين الرسمي للعراق،‏ ويضمن

الدستور حرية املعتقد واملامرسة الدينية للمسلمني

واملسيحيني واإليزيديني والصابئة املندائيني،‏ ومع

ذلك،‏ فإن هذه الحاميات ال متتد بالكامل إىل أتباع

جميع التقاليد الدينية،‏ ويعرّف الدستوراإلسالم

بوصفه دين الدولة و»مصدرًا أساسيًا«‏ للترشيع،‏

ويحظر سنّ‏ قوانني تتعارض مع ‏»الثوابت

اإلسالمية«.‏ ويف الوقت نفسه،‏ ينص عىل أنه ال يجوز

ألي قانون أن ينتهك املبادئ الدميقراطية أو الحقوق

والحريات التي يكفلها الدستور.‏

كام يحمي الدستور رصاحةً‏ ‏»الهوية اإلسالمية«‏

للشعب العراقي يف مسائل األحوال الشخصية مبا يف

ذلك الزواج،‏ والطالق،‏ وحضانة األطفال،‏ واملرياث،‏

واألوقاف،‏ تكون الرشيعة اإلسالمية هي املرجع

األسايس كلام كان أحد األطراف ينتمي إىل ديانة غري

معرتف بها رسميًا من قبل الدولة،‏ وعندما تشمل

النزاعات غري املسلمني فقط،‏ تكون املحاكم املدنية

ملزمة بالرجوع إىل السلطات الدينية املختصة وتطبيق

القوانني الدينية ذات الصلة الخاصة بتلك الجامعة.‏

كام تعكس قوانني األحوال املدنية يف العراق

قيودًا دينية.‏ فالنساء املصنّفات كغري مسلامت يف


نساء وفتيات من هورمان يف شامل العراق بأزاء زاهية يف رقصة تقليدية


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HIRING

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bettering the lives of others?

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Sterling Heights

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Sterling Heights

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Sterling Heights and West Bloomfield

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

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أزيديون يستذكرون املفقودين

وضحايا داعش اإلرهايب

الوثائق الرسمية ميكنهن الزواج من رجال مسلمني،‏

لكن النساء املسلامت ممنوعات من الزواج من رجال

غري مسلمني.‏ ويُسمح للرجال املسلمني بالزواج من

نساء غري مسلامت فقط إذا كانت النساء ينتمني إىل

الديانات املسيحية أو اليهودية أو الصابئية املندائية،‏

كام أثّرت ضغوط اقتصادية إضافية عىل مجتمعات

األقليات،‏ فقد أثّر قانون عام 2023 الذي يحظر حيازة

وبيع الكحول بشكل كبري عىل مصادر رزق العديد

من التجار املسيحيني واإليزيديني والصابئة املندائيني،‏

الذين عملوا تاريخيًا يف تجارة تسويق وببع الكحول.‏

التضييق عىل األقليات الضعيفة

تاريخيًا،‏ كان العراق يُحتفى به بسبب تنوعه

الديني والطائفي الالفت ‏،عىل غرار تنوع شعوب

الهند يف العامل القديم أو الواليات املتحدة يف

العرص الحديث.‏ وعىل مدى قرون،‏ شكّلت

املنطقة وطنًا لبعض أقدم الديانات وأغرب

أنظمة املعتقدات يف العامل،‏ مبا يف ذلك املسيحية،‏

واليهودية،‏ واملندائية،‏ واإلسالم،‏ واإليزيدية،‏

والتقاليد الكاكائية،‏ والزرادشتية،‏ والتصوف

النقشبندي،‏ والديانة البهائية وغريها.‏

وقد تعايشت مجتمعاته املتعددة ، مبا يف

ذلك الكلدان،‏ واآلشوريون،‏ والرسيان،‏ واألرمن،‏

واألزيديون والعرب املسلمون السنة والشيعة،‏

والشبك،‏ واألكراد،‏ واألكراد الفيليون،‏ عرب األجيال

وأسهمت جميعها بشكل كبري يف الهوية الثقافية

والفكرية والتاريخية للعراق.‏ وبعض هذه

املجتمعات تُعد من الشعوب األصلية التي تعود

جذورها إىل أقدم حضارات بالد ما بني النهرين.‏

بينام وصلت جامعات أخرى الحقًا كمهاجرين أو

مستوطنني واندمجت تدريجيًا يف النسيج االجتامعي

للمجتمع العراقي.‏ ومعًا،‏ لعبت هذه املكونات دورًا

أساسيًا يف تشكيل الدولة العراقية الحديثة والحفاظ

عىل اإلرث الحضاري الغني للبالد.‏

املسيحيون:‏ الكلدان،‏ اآلشوريون،‏

والرسيان

يعود أصل مسيحيي العراق ( الكلدان واآلشوريني

والرسيان(‏ إىل الحضارات القدمية يف بالد ما بني

النهرين،‏ وكانوا يف وقت من األوقات يشكلون

غالبية السكان يف العراق وبالد فارس قبل ظهور

اإلسالم.‏ وعىل مر القرون،‏ تعرضوا لالضطهاد تحت

إمرباطوريات مختلفة،‏ مبا يف ذلك املجازر مثل

اإلبادة الجامعية املعروفة باسم سيفو عام 1915،

ومجزرة سميل عام 1933، ومجزرة صوريا عام

1969، وأخريًا الفظائع التي ارتكبها تنظيم داعش

يف املوصل وسهل نينوى.‏ وبعد أن تجاوز عددهم

1.5 مليون نسمة،‏ انخفض عدد املسيحيني يف

العراق إىل أقل من 125 ألفًا،‏ يعيش معظمهم يف

بغداد،‏ ونينوى،‏ وأربيل،‏ ودهوك.‏

اإليزيديون

اإليزيديون هم جامعة دينية أصلية قدمية تتمركز

يف شامل العراق،‏ ال سيام حول اللش،‏ أقدس

مواقعهم.‏ ميزج دينهم بني عنارص من التقاليد

القدمية لبالد ما بني النهرين،‏ والزرادشتية،‏

واملسيحية،‏ واإلسالم،‏ ويحتل ملك طاووس،‏

املالك الطاووس،‏ مركز معتقداتهم.‏ وقد عاىن

اإليزيديون قرونًا من االضطهاد،‏ بلغ ذروته يف

اإلبادة الجامعية التي ارتكبها داعش عام 2014 يف

سنجار ومنطقة نينوى.‏ واليوم،‏ ال يزال الكثري منهم

نازحني،‏ رغم استمرار وجود مجتمعات إيزيدية يف

سنجار،‏ وشيخان،‏ ودهوك،‏ واملناطق املحيطة بها.‏

املندائيون

املندائيون،‏ املعروفون أيضً‏ ا باسم الصابئة،‏ هم

آخر ديانة غنوصية باقية يف العامل،‏ وقد عاشوا

لقرون عىل ضفاف نهري دجلة والفرات،‏ وتتمحور

عقيدتهم حول التوحيد،‏ واملعرفة الروحية،‏

والتعميد املتكرر باملياه الجارية.‏ ويجلّون يوحنا

املعمدان باعتباره أعظم أنبيائهم،‏ ويحفظون

تعاليمهم يف الكتاب املقدس كنزا ربا.‏ وبعد أن

كان عددهم يقارب 70 ألفًا يف العراق،‏ فرّ‏ معظم

املندائيني بعد عام 2003، ويعيش الكثري منهم

اليوم يف السويد وأسرتاليا والواليات املتحدة.‏

األرمن

عاش األرمن يف العراق لقرون،‏ مع وجود

مجتمعات لهم يف البرصة،‏ وبغداد،‏ واملوصل،‏

وكركوك.‏ وقد لجأ الكثري منهم إىل العراق خالل

اإلبادة الجامعية األرمنية عام 1915 تحت الحكم

العثامين.‏ ورغم قلة عددهم اليوم إذ يُقدّر

عددهم بنحو 3,000 شخص فقد قدم األرمن

مساهامت مهمة للمجتمع العراقي يف مجاالت

التجارة،‏ والطب،‏ والهندسة،‏ والفنون.‏ ويعيش من

تبقى منهم اآلن يف أربيل،‏ ودهوك،‏ وزاخو.‏

الزرادشتيون

الزرادشتية،‏ تعترب إحدى أقدم الديانات التوحيدية

يف العامل،‏ وهي تسبق كالً‏ من املسيحية واإلسالم.‏

وتؤكد تعاليمها عىل ‏“األفكار الطيبة،‏ الكلامت

الطيبة،‏ األعامل الطيبة”.‏ وقد حافظ العديد من

الزرادشتيني األكراد عىل دينهم بهدوء ألجيال حتى

اعرتفت حكومة إقليم كردستان رسميًا بالدين

عام 2015. واليوم،‏ تعمل املجتمعات واملعابد

الزرادشتية بشكل علني يف أربيل والسليامنية.‏

اليارسان – الكاكائيون

الكاكائيون،‏ املعروفون أيضً‏ ا باسم اليارسان أو

‏“أهل الحق”،‏ هم أقلية دينية ترتكز يف شامل

ورشق العراق.‏ ميزج دينهم بني عنارص من اإلسالم،‏

والزرادشتية،‏ والتقاليد القدمية لبالد ما بني النهرين،‏

ويتم تناقله إىل حد كبري شفهيًا.‏ ولسنوات،‏ واجهوا

االضطهاد من جامعات متطرفة مثل داعش

والقاعدة،‏ مام دفع بعض املجتمعات إىل تشكيل

مجموعات للدفاع الذايت لحامية قراهم وهويتهم.‏

البهائيون

للديانة البهائية روابط تاريخية مع العراق من خالل

بهاء الله،‏ مؤسس الديانة،‏ الذي عاش يف منطقة

السليامنية خالل فرتة نفيه.‏ وبينام ال تزال الديانة

مقيدة مبوجب القانون االتحادي العراقي،‏ يتم االعرتاف

بالبهائيني رسميًا يف إقليم كردستان،‏ حيث ميكنهم

مامرسة شعائرهم علنًا واالحتفال بأعيادهم الدينية.‏

اليهودية

عاشت املجتمعات اليهودية يف العراق ألكرث من

2,500 عام،‏ ولعبت يومًا دورًا رئيسيًا يف الحياة

الثقافية واالقتصادية للبالد.‏ وكانت مدن مثل

بغداد والبرصة والحلة موطنًا لجاليات يهودية

مزدهرة قبل الهجرة الجامعية يف منتصف القرن

العرشين.‏ أما اليوم،‏ ووفقًا لتقديرات غري رسمية

من وزارة األوقاف والشؤون الدينية يف حكومة

إقليم كردستان،‏ مل يتبقَّ‏ سوى ما بني 100 و‎250‎

فردًا يهوديًا يف إقليم كردستان،‏ وال يوجد أي منهم

يف بغداد أو محافظات العراق األخرى.‏ وهم ال

ميارسون عباداتهم علنًا.‏ كام أن الكثريين ال يكشفون

عن هويتهم خوفًا من التمييز أو اإلضطهاد.‏

الهوية الوطنية العراقية املتصدعة

ال تزال الهوية الوطنية العراقية تعاين من انقسامات

عميقة،‏ تشكلت بفعل روايات دينية وعرقية

وسياسية متنافسة.‏ فكثريًا ما تتعارض الرؤى

السنية والشيعية والكردية ملايض العراق وحارضه

ومستقبله،‏ مام يجعل املصالحة الوطنية صعبة

ويضعف اإلحساس املشرتك باالنتامء.‏ ونتيجة

لذلك،‏ يضع العديد من العراقيني والءهم للقبيلة أو

الطائفة أو الفصيل السيايس بدالً‏ من الدولة نفسها.‏

وغالبًا ما تتحمل األقليات العبء األكرب من هذا

االضطراب.‏ إذ ال يزال التطرف الديني،‏ وهشاشة

املؤسسات،‏ والتمييز،‏ وانعدام األمن يغذي الخوف

وعدم اليقني بني املجتمعات الضعيفة،‏ وعىل الرغم

من جذورها التاريخية العميقة ووطنيتها ووالئها

للعراق،‏ فقد تعرضت العديد من األقليات مرارًا

للعنف والتهجري والتهميش واإلضطهاد.‏

ومنذ عام 2003، ساهم التأثري الخارجي

‏)وخاصة من إيران(‏ يف تعميق هذه االنقسامات.‏

ويعتقد كثري من العراقيني أن تنامي النفوذ اإليراين

السيايس والديني ونفوذ امليليشيات قد أضعف

سيادة العراق وقلل من وضوح هويته الوطنية.‏

كام أن االنتشار الواسع للصور الدينية والسياسية

اإليرانية والجامعات املسلحة املرتبطة بها زاد من

مخاوف العديد من املواطنني من تزايد الهيمنة

األجنبية الفارسية عىل الحياة العامة العراقية.ةكام

أدى الغزو الذي قادته الواليات املتحدة عام 2003

إىل تعميق االنقسامات الطائفية من خالل ترسيخ

نظام سيايس قائم عىل املحاصصة يربط السلطة

السياسية بالهوية الطائفية والعرقية،‏ وبدالً‏ من

تعزيز الوحدة،‏ عزز هذا النظام انعدام الثقة

والتنافس والتناقض بني املكونات املختلفة.‏

كان من املمكن أن يشكل تنوع العراق

أساسً‏ ا لهوية وطنية قوية وشاملة.‏ لكن عقودًا

من الرصاع،‏ والتدخالت الخارجية،‏ والسياسات

الطائفية عمّقت التفكك االجتامعي.‏ وما مل

يتمكن العراق من بناء هوية وطنية تحتضن

جميع مكوناته عىل قدم املساواة،‏ فمن املرجح أن

يواصل البلد معاناته من عدم االستقرار،‏ وانعدام

الثقة،‏ واالنقسام لعقود قادمة.‏

هل ال يزال هناك مستقبل لألقليات

يف العراق؟

يف مختلف أنحاء الرشق األوسط،‏ تطرح األقليات سؤاالً‏

مؤملاً‏ بشكل متزايد:‏ هل ال يزال لنا مستقبل هنا؟

بالنسبة للعديد من األقليات يف العراق،‏ ال

تزال الحياة اليومية مشوبةً‏ بالخوف وعدم اليقني

وعدم االستقرار.‏ فالتطرف الديني ال يزال قامئاً،‏

واملؤسسات الحكومية هشة وفاسدة،‏ والدولة

مفككة وضعيفة والهوية الوطنية العراقية

منقسمة بشدة.‏ يف ظل هذه الظروف،‏ غالباً‏ ما

تتحمل األقليات عىل الرغم من جذورها التاريخية

العميقة ووالئها لوطنها وطأة العنف والتهجري

والتمييز.‏

فمثالً‏ شهد املسيحيون،‏ عىل وجه الخصوص،‏

انخفاضاً‏ حاداً‏ يف أعدادهم،‏ وباعت عائالت منازل

كانت ملكاً‏ ألجيال من األجداد،‏ تاركةً‏ وراءها كنائس

فارغة وقرى مهجورة وذكريات وقروناً‏ منسية من

التاريخ،‏ ورحلت بحثاً‏ عن األمان واالستقرار يف دول

اخرى،‏ فكل عائلة تغادر ال متثل خسارة للمجتمع

املسيحي فحسب،‏ بل خسارة أيضاً‏ لرثاء العراق الثقايف

والتاريخي.‏ وأجرب هذا الواقع العديد من األقليات عىل

مواجهة أسئلة صعبة وشخصية للغاية مثل:‏

• ما هو مستقبلنا يف العراق؟

• من سيحمينا من االضطهاد أو التهجري؟

كيف ميكن ضامن املساواة يف الحقوق والحرية

الدينية الحقيقية؟

كيف ميكن لألقليات املشاركة سياسياً‏ مبا يخدم

الصالح العام بدالً‏ من املصالح الطائفية؟

ال تزال هذه األسئلة بال إجابة شافية،‏ مع

أنها جوهرية ملستقبل العراق،‏ ألن املكونات

واألقليات ليسوا غرباء أو ضيوفاً‏ عابرين يف البالد،‏

بل هم مجتمعات أصيلة،‏ تاريخها متجذر يف

أسس الحضارة الرافدية والدولة العراقية الحديثة،‏

وتستمر لغاتهم وتقاليدهم ومعتقداتهم وتراثهم

الثقايف يف إثراء هوية العراق ، وإن حامية هذه

املجتمعات ليست مجرد واجب حكومي وإنساين،‏

بل رضورية للحفاظ عىل تنوع العراق واستقراره

ومستقبله كمجتمع تعددي مسامل.‏

وعىل الرغم من عقود من املعاناة ومآيس

الحروب والنزوح،‏ ال تزال العديد من األقليات

متمسكة باآلرض وأألمل:‏ أمل يف املساواة يف املواطنة،‏

وأمل يف األمن والسالم،‏ وأمل يف أن تعيش األجيال

القادمة بحرية يف أرض أجدادهم.‏



PRESCHOOL

(AGES 3 4)

Helps young children learn through play and daily routines.

MONDAYS – THURSDAYS

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

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

Supports early learning through songs, stories, and

movement while building language, early literacy,

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

$200 REGISTRATION

(NON REFUNDABLE)

FEE

Little

Scholars

PRESCHOOL AND PRE-KINDERGARTEN

2026-2027 School Year

September 1 – June 11

GREAT START READINESS PROGRAM

PREKINDERGARTEN

GSRP (AGES 4 5)

Prepares children for Kindergarten using HighScope curriculum.

MONDAYS – THURSDAYS

FULL-TIME 8:45 A.M. – 3:50 P.M.

Fosters early academic and social development through

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

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

teamwork, and emotional growth.

NO COST

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

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

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


ECONOMICS & ENTERPRISE

The new business offers

signature drink creations

such as Banana Caramel

Iced Coffee and Matcha

and Coconut Clouds.

Experience Muse

Two brothers, one dream

BY JENNA ABROO

It is no secret that the Chaldean

community has long been home

to small business owners, firsttime

entrepreneurs, and family-run

ventures. Time and again, our community

has demonstrated a deep

commitment to hard work and a

strong work ethic—taking risks in

the diaspora, building businesses

from the ground up, and making

countless sacrifices to provide better

opportunities for their families.

According to a 2024 Walsh College

survey commissioned by the Chaldean Chamber

of Commerce, the Chaldean community in Metro Detroit

contributes $18 million annually to Michigan’s

state economy, largely driven by high rates of small

business ownership. With nearly 60% of households

owning at least one business, the community significantly

contributes to the state’s retail, food, and service

industries.

Among those contributing to that impact are

brothers Luis and Lavan Odisho, small business owners

and members of the Chaldean American Chamber

of Commerce, who opened the café EXPERIENCE

Owners Luis (right) and Lavan

Odisho.

MUSE in May 2025 at 15 Mile and

Ryan in Sterling Heights. I sat down

with the brothers to hear their story.

Luis, 28, and Lavan, 22, began by

reflecting on their journey to Michigan.

Eleven years ago, they emigrated

from Iraq to the United States with

their family in search of greater opportunity

and a better life.

Now adults, Luis and Lavan have

partnered with their father to turn their

passion into a family business. Lavan

shared that their family has always

had an interest in coffee, matcha, and entrepreneurship,

making the café industry feel like a natural fit.

While the family has owned and operated other

businesses over the past four years, their greatest

success has come with EXPERIENCE MUSE. The

brothers oversee the café’s day-to-day operations, including

working closely with their marketing team to

create fresh, dynamic menus, while their father manages

the financial side of the business.

Lavan and Luis share a nearly equal role in the

creative direction of the business, working closely

with their team on everything from menu development

and marketing to advertising and specialty coffee

and matcha creations.

Since their grand opening in spring 2025, EXPERI-

ENCE MUSE has gained major attention on social media

platforms like TikTok and Instagram, thanks to

eye-catching content showcasing the café’s signature

drinks. Among their most popular creations is the

“Cloud Matcha” —a unique drink featuring smooth

matcha cold foam layered over refreshing coconut

water, and one of my personal favorites.

When asked what they enjoy most about running a

family-owned business, the brothers’ answers quickly

began to mirror one another. Luis shared that his favorite

part is “the trust of working with my brother every

single day. We get to share ideas with each other

and also share the same values and goals.”

Lavan added that, despite having opposite personalities,

the brothers have strong working chemistry

and “complete each other.” Together, they emphasized

how working side by side each day has strengthened

their bond as brothers, with their parents serving

as their biggest supporters throughout the journey.

From the moment the business opened last

spring, success came quickly. In just three months

during the summer, the brothers surpassed all their

financial goals and expectations, doubling their original

projections.

Spending nearly every day together—from open

to close, seven days a week—proved worthwhile.

Lavan reflected that “the long days were absolutely

worth the commitment,” while Luis added that “our

hard work and sacrifice always pays off in the end; it

is the best feeling of reward.”

As a regular customer myself, I was curious to

learn what inspired the brothers to create a business

like EXPERIENCE MUSE. Walking into the beautifully

designed café, customers are consistently welcomed

by a friendly and positive staff that goes above and

beyond to create a memorable experience.

Lavan explained that both as individuals and as

business owners, they approach everything with intention.

Their commitment to using high-quality ingredients

in their matcha, coffee, and food is reflected

in every aspect of the business. Even the café’s

name was chosen carefully, with the goal of giving

customers the “best coffee experience” possible.

“By putting passion behind our menus and our

space, we hoped to create a place where everyone feels

welcome,” Lavan said. “That was our mission from the

beginning — to create a collaborative space for people

of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles. We want to

connect with people from all walks of life in our community

and make them feel comfortable while enjoying

our drinks. Our business is meant for everyone.”

This level of thoughtfulness and attention to detail

is what truly sets EXPERIENCE MUSE apart. Open

364 days a year, the brothers prioritize both the highest-quality

ingredients and exceptional customer

service—a commitment that has quickly built a loyal

customer base. Many regulars visit multiple times a

week, and some even stop by twice in a single day.


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

31000 Northwestern Hwy. • Suite 110

Farmington Hills, Ml 48334

Over 46 years of experience.

Gabe Gabriel

Associate Broker,

Certified ABR, SFR

29444 Northwestern Hwy, ste. 110

Southfield, Michigan 48034

Office (248) 737-9500

Direct (248) 939-1985

Fax (248) 737-1868

Email MortgageGabe@aol.com

Angela Kakos

Producing Branch Manager - VP of Mortgage Lending

o: (248) 622-0704

rate.com/angelakakos

angela.kakos@rate.com

2456 Metropolitan Parkway, Sterling Heights, MI 48310

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

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

NMLS ID: 166374

Experience • Knowledge • Personal Service

Experience • Knowledge • Personal Service

TOP 1% OF REALTORS

2015 REAL ESTATE

TOP IN OAKLAND

ALL STAR -

TOP 1% 1% OF OF REALTORS REALTORS IN

2015 2025 REAL ESTATE

OAKLAND COUNTY COUNTY 1993 – 2015 - 2025

HOUR MEDIA ALL STARS –

IN OAKLAND

ALL STAR -

HOUR MEDIA

COUNTY 1993 – 2015

Proudly servingHOUR Birmingham, MEDIA

Bloomfield, Proudly Farmington serving Birmingham, Hills, Bloomfield,

Each office Each office is independently

is independently

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

Proudly serving Birmingham,

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

Bloomfield, Farmington Hills,

Associated Broker

Each office is independently

West Bloomfield, the Lakes

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

Owned and Operated

(248)752-4010

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

Broker

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

Office (248) www.BuyingOrSellingRealEstate.com

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

Email: Toll brianyaldoo@remax.net

Free (866) 762-3960

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

Websites: www.brianyaldoo.com

www.BuyingOrSellingRealEstate.com

For all your business and family

immigration needs

CAMARON M. VOYLES

Immigration Attorney & Partner

DIANE E. HUNT

Immigration Attorney & Partner

(248) 406-4100

www.antone.com | law@antone.com

31555 30150 West Telegraph 14 Mile Road, Road, Suite Suite 410 100

Farmington Bingham Farms, Hills, MI MI 48025 48334

JACQUELINE RAXTER, LMSW, LPC

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

PROGRAM MANAGER

RANDI SULAIMAN

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH THERAPIST

ELIAS KATTOULA

CAREER SERVICES MANAGER

3601 15 Mile Road


TEL: (586) 722-7253

FAX: (586) 722-7257

jacqueline.raxter@chaldeanfoundation.org

www.chaldeanfoundation.org

3601 15 Mile Road


tel: (586) 722-7253

fax: (586) 722-7257

randi.sulaiman@chaldeanfoundation.org


3601 15 Mile Road


TEL: (586) 722-7253

FAX: (586) 722-7257

elias.kattoula@chaldeanfoundation.org


Since opening, the café has expanded its focus

beyond coffee and matcha by creating curated experiences

for customers, including private events that

complement their seasonal menu offerings. Now,

EXPERIENCE MUSE is celebrating its one-year anniversary,

marking a major milestone for the growing

family business.

Both brothers credit their strong work ethic to

their Chaldean upbringing and cultural values. “As

Iraqi people, we are known for our hospitality,” they

shared. “We always go the extra step for our customers,

and even for our staff, through generosity and attention

to detail.”

One example of that philosophy is their commitment

to personally serving drinks directly to customers

at their tables rather than calling them to the

counter, a small gesture that reflects the welcoming atmosphere

they strive to create at EXPERIENCE MUSE.

During the interview, regular customer Raneen Allos,

27, stopped by to share that EXPERIENCE MUSE

is her “favorite local coffee shop.” She said the café’s

“creative and curated menus, friendly staff, and welcoming

environment” are what keep her coming back

regularly to enjoy its drinks, food, and sweet treats.

While the brothers are proud of their success, they

also acknowledge the unique challenges that come with

running a small, family-owned business. Their biggest

piece of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to “have

patience, start young, and give yourself time to make

mistakes, while also recovering from them,” Luis said.

Lavan added that while their past experiences

helped shape their growth, it is important to keep

moving forward: “You should never look back. Once

you put your trust in your family, and in our faith,

God will carry you on your mission.”

The partnership, trust, and dedication between

brothers Luis and Lavan Odisho is a true testament to

their work ethic and passion as small business owners.

As the saying goes, “blood is thicker than water,”

and that sentiment rings especially true for owners

who are so deeply committed not only to their family

bond, but also to delivering the highest quality products,

care, and customer experience.

The shop can be found on Instagram at EXPERI-

ENCE_MUSE and on TikTok at EXPERIENCE.MUSE.

The storefront is located at 2133 15 Mile Road, Sterling

Heights, MI 48310, and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to

10:00 p.m.


EVENT

Chaldean American

Month Kickoff

PHOTOS BY DANY ASHAKA/ DMA PRODUCTIONS

On May 1, the Chaldean Community Foundation and Chaldean

American Chamber kicked off the first official May as

Chaldean American Month beginning in 2026. The event featured

traditional cuisine, beloved Iraqi performers including

singer and dancers, and the premiere of the documentary

“Who Are the Chaldeans?” produced by the CCF.

Clockwise from top left:

Spontaneous dancing

broke out in CCF West’s

Main Street. Event emcee

Shoki Konja (right) posed

for a photo in the Mar

Ibrahim library with Razan

Ramzi (center) and Ameel

Assofi. Raad Hakeem

played the oud to greet

guests as they entered

the lobby. Habiba Kassab,

“The Bread Lady,” demonstrates

traditional technique

for making bread

the Iraqi way.

Clockwise from above:

The 2026 Chaldean

Soccer League.

Justin Meeram

controls the ball

on the field.

Christian Hajjar, left

and Julian Khemmoro.

Chaldean Soccer

League Charity Game

PHOTOS BY PROVIDED ????? BY CHRISTIAN HAJJAR

The Chaldean Hockey league, established in 2024, hosted

a fundraising game in May . According to league commissioner

Christian Hajjar, the event raised $17,000 for the

Chaldean Community Foundation.


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

Adults (55+)

Gather around the

village

table

featuring

celebrity chefs

inventive menus

no cost to attend

guests were treated to Paqota with

Jacob Bacall at a recent event

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


IN MEMORIAM

OBITUARY

Lamya M. Kory

Ragdan Fares

Aug 5, 1980 –

Apr 10, 2026

Odeesh Yawanees

Jul 1, 1952 –

Apr 20, 2026

Wajeda Yaqoob

Jan 30, 1933 –

Apr 26, 2026

Sanaa Allous

Oct 27, 1958 –

Apr 13, 2026

Nidhal Yousif

Jabiru

Jul 28, 1945 –

Apr 21, 2026

Mari Zoma

Yatooma

Jul 1, 1935 –

Apr 26, 2026

Adeeb Simman

Dec 25, 1937 –

Apr 16, 2026

Nedhal Savaya

Danno

Mar 3, 1950 –

Apr 23, 2026

Souad Jabboori

May 5, 1937 –

Apr 27, 2026

Youhana (John)

Soo Soo

Nov 17, 1940 –

Apr 18, 2026

Allan Mallan

Dec 10, 1967 –

Apr 23, 2026

Jibralta Korkis

Jul 1, 1931 –

Apr 29, 2026

Scherie Isho

Dec 25, 1966 –

Apr 19, 2026

Morey Behnan

Gergis

Apr 1, 1948 –

Apr 24, 2026

Jovan Samir Tueni

May 3, 1988 –

Apr 29, 2026

Anthony

George Matti

Dec 7, 2012 –

Apr 19, 2026

Dalaly Shammami

Karana

Jul 1, 1940 –

Apr 26, 2026

Wedad Kaji

Sandiha

Jul 1, 1943 –

Apr 30, 2026

Lamya M. Kory,

beloved mother,

grandmother, sister,

and friend, was

born on October 14,

1960 and passed

away on May 19,

2026. She leaves

behind her cherished

children, Laith, Tyson

(Rhana), Keira, and Norman

Jr. (Madison), and her beloved

grandchildren, Delilah,

Hendrix, and Dempsey. She

is survived by her loving

siblings, Teresa Saroki, Raad

Qasguargis , and Carmen

Qasguargis , and reunited in

peace with her late brother,

Robbie Qasguargis.

Lamya touched countless

lives through her kindness,

wisdom, and years with

The Chaldean News. One

conversation with her could

leave a lasting impact. Her

beautiful spirit will forever

live in the hearts of those

who knew and loved her. As

her favorite Bob Marley song

reminded us, “Everything is

gonna be alright.”

George Said

Askar

Jan 19, 1943 –

May 1, 2026

Simon Malan

Mar 27, 1981 –

May 1, 2026

Nova Markos

Mar 28, 1979 –

May 3, 2026

Santa Kassab

Jan 12, 1980 –

May 4, 2026

Mary Shina Nofar

Jul 1, 1933 –

May 4, 2026

Farid Farhat

Feb 28, 1948 –

May 6, 2026

Adnan Tobya

Gappy

Jul 1, 1946 –

May 7, 2026

Louis Kasha

Jul 1, 1943 –

May 7, 2026

Assad Yousif

Apr 15, 1950 –

May 9, 2026

Kamil Hana

May 20, 1954 –

May 10, 2026

Kushaba Hermiz

Jul 1, 1949 –

May 10, 2026

Abdallahad

(Sam) Yako

Jul 1, 1951 –

May 12, 2026

Husseina Sooma

Jul 1, 1940 –

May 14, 2026

General Ghanim

H Jirjis

Jul 1, 1938 –

May 15, 2026

Charam Karam

Gataa

Aug 13, 1975 –

May 16, 2026

George Yousif

Kesto

Mar 26, 1949 –

May 16, 2026

This section honors the lives and legacies of those we have recently lost. The listings are provided by Southfield Funeral Home & Cremation Services

and Mercy Funeral & Cremation Services, whose support helps ensure that each individual is recognized with dignity and care.



FROM THE ARCHIVE

Iraqi Soccer Club

A group of Chaldean immigrants who arrived in

Michigan in the late 1960s from Iraq founded the Iraqi

Soccer Club (ISC) in 1970. The founding members included

Nadhir Zoma, Majid (Mike) Koza, Mike Robin,

Fawzi Noocha, Emad Kassawa, and Raad Dawood.

The club joined the Detroit Soccer League and captured

the league championship in its very first season.

During the 1970s, ISC’s home field was located

on 8 Mile Road, just east of Dequindre Road in Detroit.

In the early 1990s, the City of Southfield constructed

the Pebble Creek Professional Soccer Field,

which became the club’s new home ground.

Since its founding, the Iraqi Soccer Club has won

more than 20 championships. In 2001, Coach Waad

Sana was named National Coach of the Year, alongside

team manager Raad Sana.

1. Standing left to right: Walid Sami, Talal Mukhtar,

Sahir Jerjis, Tony Hermiz, O.J. Jabero, Masoud Zoro.

Seated from left: Essam Rassam, Hussam Sami, Raad

Sana, Sharkey Haddad, Dany Fisher, Khalid Farid

Ayoub, Disho Shamoun.

2. Standing left to right: Nadheer Zoma, Raghid

Esshaki, Sharkey Haddad, Danny Fisher, Unknown,

Tony Hermiz, Walid Sami, Haybat Allose, Amanoel

Jerjis, Coach Sabah Marcuss, Ramiz Summa. Seated

from L to R: Kamel Kirma, Hussam Sami, Mike “Majid”

Koza, Thair Nafso, Unknown, Nameer Jidda, Alaa

Jarbou, Osama “OJ” Jabero, Robert Shammami


Jacob Bacall

Jacob Bacall

Jacob Bacall

Jacob Bacall

Scan Code to Purchase

Jacob’s Books on Amazon





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

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

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 pu

immigrated studies in to Mechanical the United States, Engineering where he in joined the United his brother, Kingdom. Eddie, In 19

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

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

Jacob calling.

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

Christian

business family.

transitioned He completed

into high

real school

estate, in Baghdad

where and

Jacob pursued

found his

studies calling.

Mechanical Engineering in the United Kingdom. In 1977, he

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

immigrated

Jacob to the United

Bacall

States, where he joined his brother, Eddie,

properties and quickly built a reputation as a successful and

in the

forward-thinking

By family the early business

entrepreneur.

1990s, operating Jacob retail

His business

began drug stores.

portfolio

investing Over

focuses

in time, income-prod

the

on real

business

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

development and property management, with investments

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calling.

expanding forward-thinking over the entrepreneur. years to include His shopping business centers, portfolio office focuses o

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estate colleagues, development family and or friends? property Explore

management, with investm


family residential properties.

properties expanding the latest quickly over books the built from years a reputation author to include and

as a successful shopping and centers,

forward-thinking buildings, senior entrepreneur. living communities, His business portfolio hospitality focuses ventures, on real and m

estate

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family historian, development

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deeply

properties.

property Bacall. connected management,

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and investments

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expanding

involved in over

the the

Chaldean years to

community. include shopping

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buildings,

leadership position on the board of the Chaldean Iraqi American

Association Jacob senior has of Michigan remained living communities, (CIAAM), deeply the connected hospitality ventures,

oldest Chaldean to his heritage and multifamily

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in the involved United States, in the founded Chaldean in 1943. community. Additionally, He he has has served served on in

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

donated his of heritage of Commerce, the to Chaldean and is actively Chaldean Iraqi Ame

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

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 serv

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: Cha

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 b

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 Associat

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 (2

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

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

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 management, with investments

expanding over the years to include shopping centers, office

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

AWARD-WINNING ATTORNEY

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comprehensive legal strategy from an experienced lawyer is required.

HONORS & RECOGNITION

Super Lawyers (Business Litigation, Michigan)

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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

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

024) 1

10/20/23 10:20 AM

JUNE 2026

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