JULY 2026

METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY VOL. 23 ISSUE VI JULY 2026

USA

250

CHALDEANS IN

THE AMERICAN

STORY

Featuring:

Elder Care Crisis

Hills Futbol Club

West Bloomfield Elections

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4 CHALDEAN NEWS JULY 2026

METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY | JULY 2026 | VOL. 23 ISSUE VI

ON THE COVER

14 Celebrating 250 Years of America

A nation built around an ideal

By Sarah Kittle

FEATURES

16 What it Means to Be American

Asking Chaldeans

By Jenna Abroo

18 Caring for Those

Who Cared for Us

Navigating elder care

By Sarah Kittle

20 Mental Health Matters

Breaking the stigma

By Jenna Abroo

22 A Life in Service

Sam Poules’ path to the DEA

By Sarah Kittle

DEPARTMENTS

6 From the Editor

Investing New Energy

By Sarah Kittle

8 Foundation Update

Parda Plow, CCF Gala, Little Scholars,

Scholarship Opportunity

28 Economics & Enterprise

Building more than a resort

By Sarah Kittle

30 Economics & Enterprise

Chaldean Spice on Broadway

By Mike Sarafa

14

24 Life Lessons from Lamya

Remembering Mom

By Keira Yono

26 Proudly Chaldean,

Fully Australian

Balancing preservation with integration

By Weam Namou

34 Head for the Hills

Hills Club Futbol

By Steve Stein

36 West Bloomfield Candidates

Landsman and Kallabat

By Crystal Kassab, ED.D.

10 Noteworthy

Promotions, New book, Movie role

12 Iraq Today

Chaldean center for Culture and Arts

By Ghazwan Al-Qass Younan

13 Arabic Translation

32 Sports

Fresh Start

By Steve Stein

38 In Memoriam

40 Event

Alzheimer’s Walk

42 From the Archive

World Cup Revisited

34


FROM THE EDITOR

PUBLISHED BY

Chaldean News, LLC

Chaldean Community Foundation

Martin Manna

EDITORIAL

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Sarah Kittle

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jenna Abroo

Ghazwan Al-Qass Younan

Crystal Kassab, ED.D.

Sarah Kittle

Dr. Adhid Miri

Weam Namou

Mike Sarafa

Steve Stein

Keira Yono

ART & PRODUCTION

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Alex Lumelsky with SKY Creative

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Zina Lumelsky with SKY Creative

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Alex Lumelsky

Jose Marrero

Dr. Adhid Miri

SALES

Interlink Media

Sana Navarrette

CLASSIFIEDS

Sana Navarrette

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Phone: (248) 851-8600

Publication: The Chaldean News (P-6);

Published monthly; Issue Date: July 2026

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Investing New Energy

Now that summer has officially arrived, we

can shake off that spring malaise and step

fully into a season of sunshine, celebration,

and renewed optimism. Across the country,

there seems to be a fresh sense of energy in the air.

Hosting the FIFA Club World Cup has elevated enthusiasm

and camaraderie to new heights, bringing

people together through a shared love of sport

and reminding us of the power of community.

That spirit of momentum is reflected throughout

our own Chaldean community. Everywhere

you look, Chaldeans are making an impact. Revon

Yousif, a young Chaldean American actor from California, has

landed a role in the major Hollywood film Disclosure Day. Two

Chaldean officers in the Sterling Heights Police Department

have earned promotions. And Chaldean American Chamber

board member Renee Tomina was recently named President

and Chief Operating Officer of DTE Gas—an achievement that

speaks not only to her talent and leadership, but to the growing

presence of Chaldeans in influential positions across the

country.

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, there

is much to reflect on and appreciate. This issue explores

what being American means through the eyes of community

members and immigrant families whose stories embody the

perseverance, opportunity, and gratitude that have defined

generations of newcomers. Their experiences remind us that

the American story is enriched by the many cultures and

communities that have contributed to it.

Our community’s growth extends far beyond Michigan.

We recently reported on the formation of a new chapter of

the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce in California,

and in this issue we introduce readers to the vibrant Chaldean

community in Australia. We also highlight a cultural

center in Iraq that shares a mission familiar to many of us:

preserving language, history, and identity while educating

future generations. Much like CCF West in West Bloomfield,

it represents an investment in cultural continuity and pride.

Speaking of investment, soccer—known as futbol

throughout much of the world—has become a vehicle for

SARAH KITTLE

EDITOR

IN CHIEF

community-building here at home. Hills Club Futbol,

founded by a young Iraqi-born Chaldean entrepreneur,

is creating opportunities for athletes and

fans alike. While the club welcomes people from

all backgrounds, it stands as a source of pride for

the Chaldean community. As its founder says, “Soccer

has the power to unite people, create lifelong

friendships, and inspire future generations.” Those

words could easily apply to many of the endeavors

highlighted throughout this issue.

In Northern Michigan and Nashville, Chaldeanowned

businesses are investing in projects that are

drawing attention well beyond our community. From Pattah

Development’s investment in Shanty Creek Resort to Elia

Group’s role in Kane Brown’s Broadway venue, Chaldean entrepreneurs

continue to demonstrate vision, confidence, and a

willingness to help shape the places where they live and work.

Service remains another defining characteristic of our community.

This month, we profile Sameer Poules, Assistant Special

Agent in Charge for the DEA’s Detroit Field Division. His

story reflects the dedication, professionalism, and commitment

to public service that can be found among Chaldeans serving in

law enforcement and government agencies across the country.

Of course, growth and success do not exempt us from

life’s challenges. Our feature on the elder care crisis examines

a concern shared by many families: how to care for aging parents

and grandparents while balancing careers, children, and

countless other responsibilities. We hope the information and

resources included in this issue provide guidance and reassurance

to those navigating these decisions.

You’ll also find a heartfelt tribute from a daughter honoring

her late mother, an update on college athlete Michael Sulaka,

and a nostalgic look back at the 1996 World Cup through photographs

that capture a memorable moment in soccer history.

Happy reading, and enjoy the summer.

Sarah Kittle

Editor in Chief

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PUBLISHER'S CIRCLE

Join the

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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

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ensure that the Chaldean News remains a

vital resource for generations to come.

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To learn more, visit chaldeannews.com

or contact us at 248-851-8600

Let’s grow the circle.


FOUNDATION UPDATE

Cooking Chaldean class participants in Nana Sarafa’s Kitchen.

Cooking Chaldean- Iraqi Parda Plow

Participants gathered in Nana Bernadette Sarafa’s Kitchen at CCF West to learn how to prepare Iraqi Parda

Plow, a beloved Chaldean dish known for its flavorful rice, savory filling, and beautiful presentation.

A special thank you to Sally Najor for sharing her time, talent, and family recipes!

Do you have a favorite Chaldean dish you’d like to teach? If so, reach out to Farah

Shammami at Farah.Shammami@chaldeanfoundation.org or call 248.851.1200 Ext. 118.

For more information about upcoming classes, scan QR code:

Honoring a Servant Leader

This year, the CCF is proud to honor the late John Mansour,

whose life reflected a deep commitment to community service,

generosity, and compassion. In July 2013, John and his wife, Ann

Mansour lost two children, Alexander and Gabrielle, in a tragic

boating accident. In the months that followed, their surviving

daughter, Adriana, was in the hospital fighting for her life. During

this unimaginable time, John and Ann were led by prayers

and support from their community, priests, and seminarians.

In their children’s memory, the Mansours established a foundation

benefiting the Chaldean Seminarian Fund. John served

the community by helping ensure seminarians had the resources

they needed to answer their call to priesthood. Through his involvement

in Grieving with Faith & Hope and his personal journey

of loss, John became a source of comfort, faith, and hope

to many. On September 17, 2025, John passed away after a courageous

battle with cancer. His legacy continues through these

missions and in the dedication of those who support them.

Oh, the Places

You’ll Go

The CCF recently celebrated the

graduation of their Little Scholars

Preschool and Pre-K students as

they completed an important milestone

in their educational journey.

Throughout the year, these young

Little Scholars Pre-K Class of 2026

learners grew in confidence, curiosity,

and friendship while building the

skills that will help them succeed in

their future. A special thank you to the dedicated teachers, staff, and families for

their support and commitment throughout the year.

Visit the Chaldean Community Foundation Facebook page for full gallery of

photos using QR code:

John Mansour, CCF’s 2026 honoree, left a legacy of compassion.

Proceeds from this event will support several impactful CCF

initiatives, including:

• Attainable housing projects

• Programming

• Advocacy efforts for ethnic and religious minorities in the

Middle East

• Endowment Fund

The CCF’s 8th Annual Gala will take place on Friday, September

25, 2026 at the Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township. For

sponsorship questions or inquiries, please contact Stacy Bahri

at stacy.bahri@chaldeanfoundation.org or call 586.722.7253.

Scholarship Opportunity:

Apply by July 6

The University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) Chaldean American Law

Student Association (CALSA) Scholarship is now accepting applications.

One $4,000 scholarship will be awarded to an incoming

or current Chaldean student attending the University of Detroit

Mercy Law School.

This scholarship is made possible through

the partnership of CALSA and the University of

Detroit Mercy Law School.

View all eligibility requirements and apply

using QR code:

Joe Sheena rallies the crowd for the walk.

Alzheimer’s Walk

In partnership with Do What You Love to End ALZ and the Alzheimer’s Association, the CCF and

community members came together on Saturday, June 20 to walk to raise awareness, remember

loved ones, and bring hope to those suffering from this disease.

The activities included more than just walking – Pilates, boot camp, and rhythmic dance joined

the fast walk, casual walk, lake walk, and stroller walk for fun things to do.

Upcoming Events

July 8-Book Presentation (Chaldean Catholic Church

& Heavenly Sacrifices in Mesopotamia) & Signing -

Mar Ibrahim Library (located inside the CCF West 2075 Walnut

Lake Rd, West Bloomfield) 6:00pm-8:00pm.

Register at: Chaldeanchurch.org/book2026


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every project is designed to fit your style, budget, and functional needs.


NOTEWORTHY

From left: Lamar Kashat (center) was promoted to Lieutenant on May 28. Jassin Hakim (third from right) was promoted to Lieutenant on June 18.

Lamar Kashat and Jassin Hakim Advance

in Sterling Heights Police Department

Lamar Kashat was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant

at the Sterling Heights Police Department on

May 28, 2026, becoming the first Chaldean Lieutenant

in the department’s history since its founding

in 1966. His promotion marks a milestone within a

department that currently includes approximately

7.5 Chaldean officers, including one officer of mixed

Chaldean and Filipino heritage. Kashat’s advancement

also highlights a broader moment of recognition

alongside fellow officer Jassin Hakim, who was

promoted to Lieutenant on June 18. Hakim holds

a notable place in department history as the first

Chaldean officer hired more than 25 years ago and

the first to be promoted to Sergeant seven years ago,

further underscoring the steady progression of leadership

through the ranks within the Sterling Heights

Police Department.

New Book Explores

Life Between

Baghdad and

Los Angeles

Chaldean-American writer Dominic Anton has

released Salim, a moving collection of journal

entries and poetry that explores family, immigration,

identity, and belonging. Spanning experiences

from Baghdad to Los Angeles, the book reflects

on political grief, artistic ambition, and the

challenges of building a new life while remaining

connected to one’s roots. Salim offers a resonant

perspective for anyone who has navigated life between

cultures and questioned where they belong.

The book is available on Amazon and through the

author’s website at Violet Venom Books.

Right: Salim is a new release by

Dominic Anton.

CACC Board Member

Promoted at DTE

CACC Board Member Renee

Tomina, previously senior vice

president of the Project Management

Office, was promoted to

president and chief operating

officer of DTE Gas effective June

29, 2026. Tomina will lead DTE’s

natural gas utility, which serves

Renee Tomina

more than 1.4 million homes and

businesses across Michigan.

“Renee is a proven leader with deep operational

experience and a strong track record of delivering results

for our customers, communities and company,”

said Joi Harris, president and chief executive officer,

DTE Energy. “I’m excited to appoint her to lead DTE

Gas as we continue investing in the reliable and increasingly

cleaner energy infrastructure Michigan

families and businesses depend on every day.”

Chaldean Actor Featured

in Spielberg’s Summer

Blockbuster

Chaldean American actor Revon Yousif appears in Disclosure Day, the highly

anticipated science-fiction thriller directed by Steven Spielberg and written by

longtime collaborator David Koepp. The film, which stars Emily Blunt, Josh

O’Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, and Colman Domingo, follows a whistleblower

racing to expose a massive government conspiracy surrounding extraterrestrial

life. Yousif has a small role as Agent Reza, marking another milestone

for Chaldean representation in mainstream Hollywood. Disclosure Day

premiered in Paris on June 2 and was released nationwide on June 12.

Right: Chaldean American actor Revon Yousif (far right) plays Agent Reza.



IRAQ TODAY

Left: The Chaldean Center

for Culture and Arts

in Duhok.

Chaldean Center for

Culture and Arts

3 decades of dedication to identity and heritage

BY GHAZWAN AL-QASS YOUNAN

In the heart of the city of Duhok stands a distinctive

building that catches the eye of passersby

and visitors alike featuring a façade inspired by

the ancient Chaldean-Babylonian legacy. Its architectural

details, ornaments, and harmonious color

palette lend the site a unique visual identity, reflecting

the depth of history and the enduring civilization

from which it draws inspiration.

Upon approaching this edifice, the visitor immediately

realizes that this is no mere venue for events;

rather, it is a comprehensive cultural project dedicated

to preserving Chaldean memory and identity

through sustained effort and diverse programming.

In an exclusive statement to Chaldean News,

Mr. George Toma Isho, head of the Chaldean Center

for Culture and Arts, outlined the Center’s journey

and key milestones. He discussed its objectives,

achievements, and the challenges it has faced since

its inception, emphasizing that the Center has successfully

maintained its presence despite difficult circumstances

and limited resources.

Mr. Isho explained that the Center was established

in 1996 through an initiative by Mr. Ablahad

Afram Sawa with the participation of a group of intellectuals

and individuals dedicated to Chaldean

affairs.

He added that the post-1991 era in the Kurdistan

An audience at one the Center’s community

activities.

Region of Iraq witnessed a period of significant openness,

enabling various communities to establish their

own cultural institutions; this served as a primary

impetus for creating the Center, which was founded

to fill a vital void in the Chaldean cultural landscape.

Mr. Isho explained that the primary goal of establishing

the Center was to preserve Chaldean cultural

heritage and foster national consciousness among

the Chaldean people while also instilling a sense

of cultural identity in new generations. He further

noted that, from its inception, the Center has strived

to serve as a space for dialogue and openness with

various segments of society, thereby promoting the

values of coexistence.

Regarding the organizational structure, Mr. Isho

stated that the Center comprises a General Assembly

and an Administrative Board, alongside specialized

committees covering youth and children, media, donations

and funding, and women’s activities. He emphasized

that these committees have contributed to

expanding the scope of cultural work and engaging

diverse groups in the Center’s programs and events.

Discussing activities, he noted that over the past

years, the Center has organized a wide range of festivals,

seminars, and cultural events focused on

Chaldean heritage and identity in addition to diverse

sports and social activities.

Efforts were also made to establish a cultural library,

housing significant books and reference materials

on history and culture, as well as to organize

courses for teaching the mother tongue—viewed as

fundamental to preserving identity.

The Center places special importance on youth by

involving them in cultural and sports activities, aiming

to cultivate a generation connected to its cultural

roots and capable of carrying the mission forward

into the future.

Mr. Isho noted that cultural work is not limited

to mere events but extends to fostering long-term

awareness that strengthens a sense of belonging and

identity.

Despite these achievements, the Center’s president

did not hide the fact that challenges persist—

most notably, a lack of national consciousness

among some members of the Chaldean community,

alongside financial constraints.

The cessation of government subsidies in 2013

forced the Center to rely on its own resources and

leverage some of its assets to ensure the continuity

of its activities. Mr. Isho also noted intellectual challenges,

such as attempts to cast doubt on the Chaldean

cause, emphasizing that these must be countered

through serious cultural work and by fostering

greater awareness of Chaldean history and heritage.

In conclusion, Mr. Isho expressed his pride in the

achievements realized over nearly three decades of

work, emphasizing that the Center’s continued operations

are a testament to the efforts of its administration

and their deep belief in its mission.

He also underscored the importance of engaging

with the Chaldean community in the diaspora—particularly

in Michigan, home to the largest Chaldean

population outside the homeland—with the aim of

connecting generations to their cultural roots.

The Chaldean Center for Culture and Arts in

Duhok steadfastly continues to fulfill its cultural

mission, maintaining its status as a key institution

within the Chaldean cultural landscape and persisting

in its efforts to preserve heritage and strengthen

identity for future generations.

Ghazwan Al-Qass Younan is the Iraq Office Director

for Chaldean Community Foundation.


The Board of Administrators for the Center.

املركز الكلداين للثقافة والفنون

ثالثة عقود من العطاء يف خدمة الهوية والرتاث

إعداد:‏ غزوان القس يونان

مدير مكتب العراق – مؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية

يف قلب مدينة دهوك،‏ تربز بناية مميزة تلفت

أنظار املارة والزائرين،‏ بواجهتها املستوحاة

من اإلرث البابيل الكلداين العريق.‏ فالتفاصيل

املعامرية والزخارف واأللوان املتناغمة متنح

املكان هوية برصية خاصة،‏ تعكس عمق

التاريخ وامتداد الحضارة التي تستلهم منها.‏

وما إن يقرتب الزائر من هذا الرصح حتى

يدرك أنه أمام مركز ثقايف ال يقترص دوره عىل

النشاطات،‏ بل ميثل مرشوعاً‏ ثقافياً‏ متكامالً‏

يسعى إىل حفظ الذاكرة والهوية الكلدانية عرب

العمل املستمر والربامج املتنوعة.‏

ويف ترصيح خاص ملجلة Chaldean

،News استعرض رئيس املركز الكلداين للثقافة

والفنون السيد جورج توما إيشو مسرية املركز

وأبرز محطاته،‏ متحدثاً‏ عن أهدافه وإنجازاته

والتحديات التي واجهته منذ تأسيسه وحتى اليوم،‏

ومؤكداً‏ أن هذا الرصح الثقايف استطاع أن يحافظ

عىل حضوره رغم الظروف الصعبة واإلمكانات

املحدودة.‏ وأوضح أن املركز تأسس عام 1996

مببادرة من السيد أبلحد أفرام ساوا ومبشاركة نخبة

من املثقفني واملهتمني بالشأن الكلداين.‏ وأضاف أن

مرحلة ما بعد عام 1991 يف إقليم كردستان العراق

شهدت انفتاحاً‏ واسعاً‏ مكّن املكونات املختلفة من

تأسيس مؤسساتها الثقافية،‏ وهو ما شكل دافعاً‏

أساسياً‏ إلنشاء هذا املركز الذي جاء ليمأل فراغاً‏

مهامً‏ يف الساحة الثقافية الكلدانية.‏

وبنيّ‏ السيد جورج أن الهدف األسايس

من تأسيس املركز كان الحفاظ عىل الرتاث

الثقايف الكلداين وتعزيز الوعي القومي بني

أبناء الشعب الكلداين،‏ إىل جانب ترسيخ الهوية

الثقافية لدى األجيال الجديدة.‏ كام أشار إىل أن

املركز حرص منذ بداياته عىل أن يكون مساحة

للحوار واالنفتاح مع مختلف مكونات املجتمع،‏

مبا يعزز قيم التعايش املشرتك.‏

وعن الهيكل التنظيمي،‏ قال السيد جورج

أن املركز يتألف من هيئة عامة وهيئة إدارية،‏

إضافة إىل لجان متخصصة تشمل الشباب

واألطفال،‏ واإلعالم،‏ والتربعات والتمويل،‏

وأنشطة املرأة.‏ وأكد أن هذه اللجان أسهمت

يف توسيع نطاق العمل الثقايف وإرشاك مختلف

الفئات يف الربامج والفعاليات.‏ ويف حديثه

عن النشاطات،‏ أشار إىل أن املركز نظم خالل

السنوات املاضية عدداً‏ كبرياً‏ من املهرجانات

والندوات والفعاليات الثقافية التي ركزت عىل

الرتاث والهوية الكلدانية،‏ إىل جانب أنشطة

رياضية واجتامعية متنوعة.‏ كام عمل عىل

تأسيس مكتبة ثقافية تضم كتباً‏ ومراجع مهمة

يف التاريخ والثقافة،‏ وتنظيم دورات لتعليم

لغة األم باعتبارها أساس الحفاظ عىل الهوية.‏

كام أكد الضيف أن املركز أوىل اهتامماً‏ خاصاً‏

بالشباب،‏ من خالل إرشاكهم يف األنشطة

الثقافية والرياضية،‏ بهدف بناء جيل مرتبط

بجذوره الثقافية وقادر عىل حمل الرسالة إىل

املستقبل.‏ وبنيّ‏ أن العمل الثقايف ال يقترص عىل

الفعاليات،‏ بل ميتد إىل بناء وعي طويل األمد

يعزز االنتامء والهوية.‏

ورغم هذه اإلنجازات،‏ مل يخفِ‏ رئيس

املركز استمرار وجود تحديات،‏ أبرزها ضعف

الوعي القومي لدى بعض أبناء املجتمع

الكلداين،‏ إضافة إىل التحدي املايل،‏ خصوصاً‏

بعد توقف اإلعانات الحكومية منذ عام 2013،

ما دفع املركز إىل االعتامد عىل موارده الذاتية

واستثامر جزء من ممتلكاته لضامن استمرار

نشاطه،‏ ذاكراً‏ وجود تحديات فكرية تتمثل يف

محاوالت التشكيك بالقضية الكلدانية،‏ مؤكداً‏

أن مواجهتها تكون عرب العمل الثقايف الجاد

وتعزيز الوعي بالتاريخ والرتاث.‏

ويف ختام الحديث،‏ عربّ‏ السيد جورج عن

اعتزازه مبا تحقق خالل ما يقارب ثالثة عقود

من العمل،‏ مؤكداً‏ أن استمرار العمل يف املركز

يعود إىل جهود إدارته وإميانها العميق برسالته.‏

كام شدد عىل أهمية التواصل مع أبناء الشعب

الكلداين يف املهجر،‏ وال سيام يف ميشيغان،‏ التي

تضم أكرب تجمع كلداين خارج الوطن،‏ بهدف

ربط األجيال بجذورها الثقافية.‏ ويواصل

املركز الكلداين للثقافة والفنون يف دهوك أداء

رسالته الثقافية بثبات،‏ محافظاً‏ عىل حضوره

كأحد أهم املؤسسات الفاعلة يف املشهد الثقايف

الكلداين،‏ ومستمراً‏ يف جهوده لحفظ الرتاث

وتعزيز الهوية ونقلهام لألجيال القادمة.‏


COVER STORY

Celebrating 250 Years of America

A nation built around an ideal

BY SARAH KITTLE

Ever since I was a little girl, one

of the final lines in my evening

prayers has been, “Thank You

for making me an American.” Even

then, small and sheltered as I was, I

sensed there was something special

about this country. (I also thanked

God for making me female, but that’s

a topic for another day.)

Throughout history, countless

nations have risen and fallen, each

leaving its mark on the world. Yet the

United States occupies a unique place

in human history. Every country has

its own culture, traditions and accomplishments,

but America stands apart

for the extraordinary way it was founded,

the organic way it developed, and

its remarkable ability to continually

reinvent itself.

Unlike most nations, which were

formed around a common ethnicity,

language or religion, the United States

was built around an idea—an ideal, really.

Thirteen British colonies declared

independence, defeated a global empire,

and established a nation grounded

in Enlightenment principles of individual

liberty and self-government.

Those principles became the foundation

of a country where citizenship

was not defined by ancestry or bloodline,

but by a shared commitment to

freedom, opportunity, and democratic

self-rule.

Different is Good

America’s diversity is one of its defining

characteristics. Over the centuries,

millions of immigrants have

arrived from every corner of the

globe seeking freedom, economic

opportunity, and the chance to build

a better life. They brought with them

different languages, customs, and

beliefs, creating a society unlike any

other in history.

Where else can you find neighborhoods

where the smells of shawarma,

tacos, and spaghetti mingle down the

same street?

One could argue that the Roman

Empire was also remarkably diverse,

but it became that way through expansion

and conquest. It absorbed people

from Britain, North Africa, the Middle

East, and beyond, yet there remained

a clear hierarchy. “Oh, to be a Roman,”

may well have been the aspiration of

many conquered peoples, but becoming

Roman came with expectations:

adopt Roman laws, embrace Roman

institutions and, if possible, learn

enough Latin not to embarrass yourself

at the forum.

America took a different path. It

has never had a single ethnic identity,

nor was it founded on one. Its greatest

distinction is the belief that a person’s

future is not predetermined by birthplace,

bloodline, or social status.

From the nation’s earliest days,

people have come to the United States

with little more than dreams, determination,

and a suitcase that may have

been held together by string. They

believed they could create opportunities

unavailable elsewhere. While the

American Dream has evolved over

time—and whether it is still fully attainable

is the subject of endless debate—the

idea itself continues to inspire

millions.

That enduring belief may be America’s

greatest strength: the conviction

that no matter where you come from,

your story is still being written.

Immigration Today

In today’s immigration debate, the

conversation often centers on policies,

borders, and statistics. For many Chaldean

immigrants, however, immigration

is not an abstract political issue or

a talking point for cable news. It is a

deeply personal story of survival, lived

faith, and hope for the future.

For generations, Chaldeans lived in

Iraq as one of the world’s oldest Christian

communities, tracing their roots

in Mesopotamia back thousands of

years—long before there was an Iraq,

and long before anyone was arguing or

trolling on social media.

Yet despite their ancient presence in

the region, many endured discrimination,

instability, and periods of religious

persecution that made daily life increasingly

uncertain, if not impossible.

Those who ultimately came to the

United States did not leave because

they no longer loved their homeland—quite

the opposite. They left

because they felt they had no choice.

Like so many immigrant communities

throughout American history, they

carried with them not wealth or po-


litical influence, but memories, traditions,

and the strength of character to

begin again.

“We didn’t come looking for a

handout,” is a sentiment echoed by

many first-generation Chaldean Americans.

“We came looking for freedom.”

And in America, they found something

precious: the ability to worship

openly, raise their families in safety,

and build a future that their ancestors

could scarcely imagine.

The decision to leave was often

heartbreaking. Families left behind

homes, businesses, relatives, and the

only life they had ever known. Many

arrived in America with little more

than their most meager possessions,

a few dollars, and an unwavering determination

to create a better future for

their children. As so many immigrant

parents have proven, hope fits into

even the smallest suitcase.

Making Michigan Home

The Chaldean community in Michigan

experienced its most significant

growth following the passage of the

Immigration and Nationality Act of

1965, which opened the door for more

than 1,000 Chaldean families to establish

new lives in the Detroit area. What

began as a small immigrant population

has grown into one of the largest

Chaldean communities outside of

Iraq, with an estimated 200,000 Chaldeans

now calling Michigan home.

According to Chaldean Catholic

Church, a 2025 book by Bishop Bawai

Soro and Jacob Bacall, the first Chaldean

born in the United States was

Daisy Kory in 1917, marking an early

milestone in the community’s American

story.

Today, that story continues to be

defined by the same values that sustained

the earliest immigrants: faith,

family, and an enduring entrepreneurial

spirit (let’s not forget food).

The community remains deeply

rooted in family life. The average Chaldean

household in Michigan consists

of 4.08 people, significantly larger

than the national average of 3.13. In

practical terms, that means Chaldean

family gatherings have more chairs,

more food, and almost certainly, more

opinions.

As immigration continues to shape

the Chaldean-American experience,

recent federal policy changes have

introduced renewed uncertainty for

many immigrant families pursuing

permanent residency. A new guidance

memo issued by the Trump administration

gives immigration officers broader

discretion to require some green card

applicants to leave the United States

and complete the process from their

country of origin, rather than adjusting

their status while remaining in

the country. The change could affect

hundreds of thousands of immigrants

annually.

The policy shift comes at a time

when the nation’s immigration system

is already under historic strain. The active

backlog in U.S. immigration courts

has surpassed 3.2 million cases, while

more than 2.3 million immigrants are

awaiting formal asylum hearings.

For many families, this means life

continues in a kind of prolonged uncertainty—working,

raising children,

and contributing to their communities

while legal outcomes remain years

away (four years on average).

At the same time, researchers at

the Migration Policy Institute have

warned that slowing immigration is

contributing to broader U.S. population

stagnation. Immigrants and their

American-born children have accounted

for the majority of growth in the nation’s

prime working-age population

since 2000, underscoring the critical

role immigration plays in sustaining

the American workforce and economy.

For communities like the Chaldeans—fleeing

religious persecution,

violence, and political instability—

these trends are more than statistics.

They reflect the ongoing challenges

and opportunities that have defined

the immigrant experience for ages.

From the earliest arrivals who established

roots in Detroit to the estimated

200,000 Chaldeans living in

Michigan today, immigration has not

only shaped the community’s growth

but also contributed to the economic

vitality and cultural fabric of both the

state and the nation.

The American Dream Still Exists

Like countless immigrant groups before

them, Chaldeans often started at

the bottom of the economic ladder.

Language barriers, cultural differences,

and financial struggles were common

challenges. Many worked long

hours in small family-owned businesses—convenience

stores, gas stations,

grocery markets, and restaurants. Entire

families contributed, with parents

and children working side by side,

sacrificing together to build stability

and opportunity from the ground up.

What emerged from those sacrifices

is a remarkable success story.

Today, Chaldean Americans own

thousands of businesses across the

country and have become major contributors

to local and regional economies.

In Michigan alone, Chaldeanowned

businesses generate billions of

dollars in economic activity, employ

tens of thousands of people, and serve

communities of every background—

proof that entrepreneurship speaks

every language, even when the owner

is still learning English.

At the same time, Chaldean immigrants

have worked diligently to preserve

their heritage. Churches became

more than places of worship; they

became community centers, cultural

institutions, and support networks for

newly arriving families. Through faith

and fellowship, immigrants found

comfort while navigating an unfamiliar

country.

According to stories shared with

the Chaldean Cultural Center’s executive

director, Mary Romaya, by her father,

Chaldeans were already discussing

how to maintain and preserve their

identity as early as the 1920s. “They

certainly didn’t want to lose the faith

or the language,” she recalled of conversations

her father had with other

Chaldean pioneers—proof that cultural

preservation has long been part of

the community’s survival strategy, not

merely a recent concern.

For first-generation immigrants,

gratitude toward the United States remains

a defining theme.

“We were fortunate America

opened its doors for us,” said Fred Najor

in an interview about his military

service, noting that many Chaldeans

attributed their welcome in the United

States to the fact that they were Christian.

Ironically, he added, that same

identity made them targets in Iraq. “If

we had stayed there,” Fred said, “we

would be dead.”

America provided the unique

chance to start over. It allowed families

fleeing persecution to rebuild their

lives—opening businesses, educating

their children, purchasing homes, and

contributing to their communities. The

success achieved by many Chaldean

Americans is not viewed simply as

personal accomplishment, but as the

fulfillment of the promise that drew

them here in the first place.

Amir Kassab, a retired grocer, investor,

and former US Department of

Defense Military Interpreter/Linguist,

explained, “I got my freedom, I got

better opportunities, and I got my lifestyle,

with no fear of government brutality.

What we did here, we couldn’t

do in Iraq in the 1960s. The main thing

is our freedom!”

Their story serves as a reminder that

immigration is often about more than

economics. It is about people seeking

security, dignity and the freedom to live

according to their beliefs—things most

people do not fully appreciate until

they have had to do without them.

The late Thomas Denha immigrated

from Iraq when he was 19 years

old. “I was the first one in my family

to come to the United States,” he said

in a past interview. “It took me three

months to come to America.” In today’s

world of instant flights and nextday

delivery, that journey alone feels

like its own test of faith and patience.

By 2003, Chaldeans had already

been in the United States for more

than a century, quietly building roots

that would eventually grow into one of

the most vibrant diaspora communities

in the country.

The Chaldean experience reflects a

broader American tradition: individuals

arriving with little, working tirelessly

and building lives that benefit

not only their own families, but the

communities around them.

Two hundred and fifty years after

its founding, America remains an experiment

unlike any other—a nation

united not by bloodline or ancient history,

but by a shared belief in freedom,

opportunity, and the possibility of a

better future. It is a system that has always

been equal parts ideal and workin-progress.

That enduring idea still makes

America one of the most remarkable

nations in history. Despite its shortcomings,

it remains a place where

hope brings millions to its shores and

where the belief that tomorrow can be

better than today still endures.

We are fortunate to be part of that

story.


FEATURE

Clockwise

from top left:

Hussam Abroo

pictured with his

mother, Badia,

and father, Jalal,

at the airport immigrating

to

the US.

Diana Madalo

pictured with

her husband

Naseem, son

Manuel, and

daughter Maria.

Ranald Allos, 17,

pictured with his

mother, Rana,

and his father,

Ray.

What it Means

to be American

Asking Chaldeans

BY JENNA ABROO

On July 4, 2026, the United States of America

will celebrate its 250th birthday, commemorating

a century and a half since the signing

of the Declaration of Independence. Since then,

America has gone through some growing pains:

war, growth, hardship, and renewal, evolving into

the country many of us proudly call home.

Millions of people from all over the world left

their homelands to build brand new lives here. The

United States is known as the “land of opportunity,”

a place for hardworking individuals to pursue the

American Dream of success, security, and freedom.

Our Chaldean community in the American diaspora

is no stranger to the idea of leaving home in

search of a better life. Many families fled religious

persecution, political instability, war, and violence.

The largest wave of Chaldean immigration occurred

between the 1960s and 1980s, helping establish

communities such as Chaldean Town on Detroit’s

east side. Today, Chaldean Americans have made

significant contributions to the nation’s economy,

culture, and society, particularly in Metro Detroit.

In honor of America’s upcoming 250th birthday,

I sat down with members of our community—starting

with my own family—and asked a simple question:

As America approaches its 250th birthday, what

does being an American mean to you?

My Baba, Hussam Abroo, 55, of Sterling Heights,

moved to the United States at the end of 1989.

“Coming to America is a dream that many people

around the world have, and I feel grateful to be

part of that,” he said. “Being an American gave me

the opportunity to raise my family somewhere safe.

We came here for democracy and freedom, and it is

our job to maintain those values and not take them

for granted, especially in today’s uncertain political

times.”

My uncle, John Abroo, 54, of Troy, shared a similar

perspective.

“Being an American means living in a place

where you are free to make your own choices,” he

said. “Our history is unique, and although we have

made mistakes, we are fortunate to have the opportunity

to learn, evolve, and enjoy the freedoms our

country provides.”

It was especially interesting to hear from younger

members of our community. Ranald Allos, 17, of

Sterling Heights, offered this perspective:

“Being a Chaldean American allows me to pursue

my dreams while remaining proud of my culture.

My ancestry comes from Iraq, but I was born

in the United States, so I have a connection to both

countries. Being an American allows me to enjoy

freedom and endless opportunities to express myself

and achieve my goals.”

Diana Madalo, 41, of Sterling Heights, said being

an American means “having freedom, opportunity,

and hope for a better future. I am grateful to call the

United States home for myself and my family.”

Many people I spoke with expressed gratitude

for the freedoms and liberties available in the United

States—freedoms that were often absent in Iraq

for much of our community’s history.

Georgia Kaskorkis, 50, of Troy, reflected on that

reality. “America is a wonderful place to live,” she

said. “Being an American means we are free, and

I am thankful for that. Freedom is important, and

many people around the world do not have the freedoms

we enjoy here.”

Daliyeh Kashat-Abroo, 53, of Macomb, echoed

that sentiment. “Being an American means being

proud of my Chaldean roots while also being proud

to be part of this country,” she said. “Although I was

not born here, I was raised in the land of opportunity,

freedom, and democracy, and that means a lot

to me.”

In addition to freedom, another common theme

emerged throughout these conversations: safety.

Yasar Horamoni, 66, of Utica, recalled why her

family came to the United States. “We came because

it was no longer safe to live in our home country,”

she said. “I am grateful to be an American because I

was able to raise my children in a safe environment.

There is nothing more important than that.”

I ended my interviews with a dear friend, Asmaa

Jamil, 60, of Troy.

“Being an American means having unlimited opportunities,”

Jamil said. “Opportunities to educate

myself at any age, opportunities to start a business

and access resources, opportunities to engage with

people from different cultures and learn from them,

opportunities to participate in my local community,

and the freedom to be the person I want to be.”

What stood out to me most was that nearly every

interview ended with the same phrase: “God bless

America.”

Despite their different ages, backgrounds, and experiences,

each person expressed deep appreciation

for both their heritage and their American identity.

They remain proud of where they came from while

also embracing the lives they have built here.

Their responses were a reminder that being American

means something a little different to each of us.

Yet common themes emerged again and again—freedom,

opportunity, safety, gratitude, and hope. As our

nation prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence,

those values remain at the heart of the American

story and of the stories shared by so many in our

Chaldean community.


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

Caring for Those Who Cared for Us

Navigating elder care in the community

BY SARAH KITTLE

For many Chaldean families, caring

for aging parents is more

than a responsibility—it is a

deeply ingrained expression of love,

respect, and gratitude.

Our parents and grandparents sacrificed

to build better lives for their

children. As they age, many families

feel a strong desire to return that care.

Yet today’s reality looks very different

from previous generations.

Adult children are balancing careers,

raising children of their own,

and managing busy households while

also finding themselves responsible

for aging parents with increasingly

complex medical needs.

“It’s about helping the family as

much as the patient,” said Nancy

Kashat, a senior care expert with more

than 23 years of experience in home

health and hospice care. “They’re the

ones in crisis. They don’t know what

to do with mom or dad after a hospital

stay or a rehabilitation discharge.”

Kashat recently launched the page

Simplifying Senior Care on Instagram

to educate families about elder care

options and empower them to make informed

decisions before a crisis occurs.

Julie Edgar from AgeWays Nonprofit

Senior Services emphasized one

of the biggest misconceptions families

face about senior care: “ Families

think they have to do it alone,” she

said. “They don’t. It takes a village to

care for an older loved one, so don’t be

afraid to ask for help.”

Edgar explained that oftentimes

many people are happy to be of service

if they’re only asked—a ride to an appointment,

grocery store run, or even

sitting for an hour or so to give the

caregiver a break.

The Overwhelming Reality

A fall. A hospital stay. A new diagnosis.

For many families, it happens suddenly.

“We’re expected to still be a mom,

still work our full-time jobs and do

everything else—but then also take

care of mom and dad,” Kashat said.

“People don’t realize how much work

Shamama Oram was born in Iraq in 1924.

it entails until they’re living it.”

Along with the practical challenges

come powerful emotions: guilt, fear,

and the difficult role reversal of becoming

a parent to one’s own parents.

For many in the Chaldean community,

these emotions are intensified by

cultural expectations.

“Our parents took care of their parents,”

Kashat explained. “Most of our

mothers didn’t work outside the home,

so they were able to manage that. Our

generation is different.”

One of Kashat’s greatest concerns

is that many families simply do not

know what resources exist. Home

health care, for example, can provide

skilled nursing, physical therapy, and

occupational therapy in the home following

hospitalization.

Physical therapists focus primarily

on strength, mobility, and preventing

falls, while occupational therapists

help patients safely perform daily activities

such as bathing, dressing, and

getting in and out of bed.

“The advantage of home health is

that therapists are working in the patient’s

natural environment,” Kashat

said. “They’re seeing the throw rugs

that could cause a fall or the bathroom

setup that might not be safe.”

In-home services can be a valuable

bridge between hospital discharge and

independent living, but sometimes

families need more support.

Warning signs that a loved one

may need additional care include:

• Confusion

• Missed medications

• Mood changes

• Frequent falls

• Increased hospital visits

• Weight loss or decreased appetite

• Memory issues or wandering

• Withdrawal from family and social

activities

• Difficulty performing daily tasks

When these signs appear, families

may need to consider additional options

such as in-home caregivers, rehabilitation

facilities, assisted living,

PHOTO BY ALEX LUMELSKY

group homes, or long-term care.

Adult day services are another option

for families struggling with elder

care. “Weekday programs, often held

in a senior center, where your loved

one can go to meet other people, have

lunch, play games, sing, etc.,” is a

good option according to Edgar.

“If your loved one has cognitive issues

such as dementia, an adult day

program is a wonderful alternative to

staying home with a caregiver,” she

said. “It provides the stimulation they

need—and gives caregivers a break.”

A Stigma Surrounds Assisted Living

Perhaps no issue carries more emotion

in the Chaldean community than the

decision to place a parent in assisted

living or long-term care.

“There is a stigma around putting

mom or dad in a facility,” Kashat said.

“But choosing the safest environment

for them isn’t saying, ‘I don’t love you.’

It’s saying, ‘I love you enough to make

sure you’re getting the care you need.’”

This can be particularly true for individuals

living with dementia or Alzheimer’s

disease. Those with advanced

memory disorders may wander, become

confused, or even unintentionally create

dangerous situations in the home.

“You may also call organizations

such as the Alzheimer’s Association

or Parkinson’s Foundation to find

support groups if you are caring for

a loved ones with a particular health

condition,” Edgar said.

“The people who work in memory

care are trained to help these

patients,” Kashat said. “Sometimes

that’s the safest place for them.”

Still, many families struggle with

feelings of guilt, and primary caregivers

often neglect their own needs.

“Caregivers often don’t see themselves

as caregivers,” said Edgar, “and as a result

they may neglect their own care.”

Kashat believes the community

would greatly benefit from culturally

sensitive senior housing and long-term

care options specifically designed for

Chaldean elders. “I always envision


a place with Chaldean staff, Chaldean

food, and activities that feel like

home,” she said. “I think it would take

away some of the guilt families feel.”

It’s an idea that has circulated in

the community for years and one that

many believe would fill a growing

need. The Chaldean Community Foundation

has been meeting to discuss

this issue and ways they can support

the community’s elders and their caregivers

for some time now.

Another common misconception

involves long-term care and insurance.

Many families assume that Medicare

automatically covers long-term

nursing home care. It does not. “People

are shocked to learn that Medicare

and supplemental insurance generally

do not pay for long-term care,”

Kashat said.

“Medicare will cover certain services

following a hospitalization, including

physical and speech therapy, wound

care, etc., for a limited period and with a

doctor’s order,” explained Edgar.

Long-term care is often covered

through Medicaid, which has its own

eligibility requirements and planning

considerations. Kashat encourages

families to speak with an elder law attorney

and begin discussing finances

long before a crisis occurs.

“It’s so important to have these

conversations early,” she said. “Talk

to your parents while they can still answer

your questions and tell you what

they want.”

“You, a family member or caregiver

can take advantage of MI Options, a

cost-free, confidential, long-term care

counseling program funded by the

Michigan Department of Health and

Human Services,” said Edgar. “An action

plan helps you stay on track, along

with follow-up by a trained counselor.”

AgeWays provided some other resources

the general public may not

know about:

MI Choice is a Medicaid-based

program that provides long-term care

services in the home to people 18 and

older who meet financial eligibility

and need a nursing-level of care.

PACE is a program funded by Medicaid

and Medicare that also provides

long-term care services in the home

and in PACE centers throughout southeast

Michigan. The program is for people

55 and older who need a nursing

home-level of care.

Julie Edgar

Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers

is a program that provides a range of

support services to older and disabled

adults so they remain safe and independent

in their own homes.

Meals on Wheels is a weekday program

that provides meals for people

60 and older who cannot get out of the

home.

The Community Living Program is

offered by AgeWays to adults 60 and

older who need additional support to

enable them to live at home. CLP offers

a continuum of care services that can

include assistance such as light housekeeping,

respite care or personal care.

Eligibility is based on need.

Understanding Hospice

Few services are as misunderstood as

hospice.

Many people associate hospice

with giving up or an imminent death

sentence. Kashat sees it differently.

“Hospice is such an underutilized service,”

she said. “It absolutely does not

mean giving up.”

Hospice provides additional support

for patients who are no longer

pursuing curative treatments and who

want comfort-focused care. Services

can include nursing visits, pain management,

spiritual counseling, music

therapy, massage therapy, and emotional

support for the entire family.

Patients can remain on hospice for

months and, in some cases, more than

a year.

“It’s a beautiful program,” Kashat

said. “I would rather my parents be

comfortable at home, surrounded by

their loved ones, than constantly going

back and forth to the hospital.”

Families often tell her they wish

they had called hospice sooner. “I’ve

Nancy Kashat

never heard anyone say they wish they

had waited,” she said.

This is a message I heard firsthand

from my cousin Elaine, an oncology

nurse whose guidance helped my sister

and me make one of the most important

decisions of our lives.

On New Year’s Eve 2010, we were

preparing to call hospice for my mother.

We considered waiting until after

the holiday, but Elaine urged us not to.

“Call now,” she said. “You won’t be

sorry.”

When I accompanied the hospice

nurse into my mother’s bedroom and

saw her through a stranger’s eyes, I almost

didn’t recognize her. Just weeks

earlier, she had been diagnosed with

metastatic melanoma. The cancer had

spread throughout her body.

Her 78-year-old face was etched

with lines that seemed to have appeared

overnight, and her features

were nearly unrecognizable.

“That’s not my mom,” I told the

hospice nurse.

After administering a small dose of

pain medication, the nurse watched as

those lines began to soften. The relief

must have been enormous. My mother

reached for the nurse’s hand and

kissed it.

“There she is,” I said aloud.

In that moment, I understood the

gift hospice can provide—not just for

patients, but for the families who love

them. I was so grateful for my cousin’s

expert advice as we navigated Mother’s

homecoming journey.

Over the next several days, hospice

staff patiently answered our questions

and helped us understand some of the

experiences my mother was having,

including visions that seemed both

mysterious and comforting.

When Mother asked, “Do you see

that beautiful baby? I wonder if that’s

the baby Jesus?” the hospice worker

asked whether she had ever experienced

a miscarriage. She had—after

baby number nine and while baby

number seven, no longer a baby, was

in the hospital with a broken arm.

“That’s her baby she’s seeing,” the

nurse told us.

It still gives me chills.

Becoming More Open

to Conversation

As attitudes toward elder care evolve,

younger generations are becoming

more open to seeking help and using

available resources. However, many

aging parents remain reluctant to accept

assistance.

Kashat recalls working with one

family whose elderly parents repeatedly

refused outside help despite serious

health concerns. “Those are the

conversations we need to have sooner

rather than later,” she said.

The Chaldean community has already

begun responding to this growing

need. Organizations such as the


and the Eastern Catholic Re-Evangelization

Center (ECRC) have introduced

programs and support groups aimed

at helping caregivers navigate the

challenges of aging loved ones.

For Kashat, education remains the

ultimate goal. “If I can help one family

make an informed decision, I’ll be

a very happy person,” she said. “Our

community needs this information.”

For families caring for aging loved

ones, being informed may be one of

the most meaningful ways to honor

those who once cared for us.

Families seeking resources or guidance

can follow Kashat’s educational

content on Instagram at Simplifying

Senior Care, where she shares information

on home health, hospice, caregiving,

and planning for the future.

AgeWays Nonprofit Senior Services’

Information and Assistance Resource

Center houses a vast database of

services, resources and programs for

seniors, caregivers, and adults with

disabilities in six counties: Livingston,

Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair

and Washtenaw. You can reach the

AgeWays Resource Center by calling

800-852-7795.


FEATURE

Mental Health Matters

Understanding the challenges, breaking the stigma

BY JENNA ABROO

We all know that prioritizing

mental health is important.

Paying attention to our

emotional well-being is a critical part

of caring for our overall health. Fortunately,

conversations about mental

health have become more common

and less stigmatized in recent years.

That shift is also taking place

within the Chaldean community. More

young adults are helping break down

barriers by engaging in honest conversations

about anxiety, depression,

trauma, and other mental health challenges.

By making these discussions

part of our everyday lives, we create

opportunities to better support one

another.

Chaldean-Lebanese American Nicole

Massoud, 25, of Sterling Heights

understands the importance of those

conversations. A Licensed Master Social

Worker, Massoud recently completed

her graduate studies and has

spent the past three years working

in the mental health field. A graduate

of both Oakland University and

the University of Michigan, she works

primarily with adolescents and adults

experiencing anxiety disorders, mood

disorders, ADHD, trauma, life transitions,

relationship concerns, and other

mental health challenges.

Massoud also teaches Pilates and

believes physical and mental health are

closely connected.” Physical and mental

health go hand in hand,” she said.

Her interest in the profession began

at a young age. “I’ve always been

fascinated by human behavior and

people’s stories,” Massoud explained.

“As I learned more about psychology

and mental health, I realized therapy

offered an opportunity to help people

better understand themselves and

take actionable steps toward healing.”

She recalls first considering the

profession when she was about 12

years old after a middle school counselor

encouraged her to consider the

field. That interest continued through

Nicole Massoud, LMSW, works primarily with adolescents and adults experiencing

anxiety disorders, ADHD, trauma, and other mental health challenges.

high school psychology courses and

eventually led her to pursue a degree

in psychology before earning a Master

of Social Work.

Today, Massoud works with individuals

facing a wide range of challenges,

from anxiety and depression

to trauma, relationship concerns, and

major life transitions.

What continues to inspire her, she

says, is witnessing people’s resilience.

“Many people come to therapy

feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected

from themselves,” she said.

“It’s inspiring to see them discover

strengths they didn’t realize they had

and begin moving toward healing and

growth.”

Living Lives that Align

Mental health professionals often

emphasize the importance of setting

realistic goals and building practical

coping skills. For Massoud, helping

people improve their quality of life remains

a central focus of her work.

“I want people to live lives that

align with their values and goals,” she

said. “That starts with creating an environment

where they feel comfortable

sharing their experiences without fear

of judgment.”

That sense of judgment has long

been one of the biggest barriers to

mental health care.

Historically, conversations about

mental health were often avoided in

many cultures, including within the

Chaldean community. Many older

generations grew up at a time when

emotional struggles were considered

private matters, and professional mental

health services were less accessible

or less understood.

While some stigma still exists, attitudes

have changed significantly over

the past two decades. More families are

recognizing that mental health deserves

the same attention as physical health.

“I wish more people understood

that mental health is simply part of

overall health,” Massoud said. “Seeking

support isn’t a sign of weakness. It

takes courage and vulnerability to ask

for help.”

She believes education remains

one of the most effective ways to continue

reducing stigma. “The more we

talk about mental health in our families,

schools, workplaces, and churches,

the more we normalize seeking

support,” she said. “By sharing experiences

and encouraging one another,

we can create a culture where mental

health care is viewed as a normal part

of healthcare.”

For those concerned about a loved

one, Massoud encourages approaching

the conversation with empathy

rather than criticism.

“Sometimes the most powerful

thing you can do is simply listen and

let someone know they’re not alone,”

she said. “You don’t need to have all

the answers.”

She offers the same message

to anyone struggling themselves.

“Whether that means speaking with

a trusted friend, family member, faith

leader, therapist, or healthcare provider,

support is available,” she said.

“You do not have to navigate difficult

times alone.”

Massoud also believes cultural identity,

faith, and mental health support

can complement one another. “Mental

health, cultural values, and religious

beliefs can absolutely coexist,” she said.

“Faith, community, and professional

support can work together to promote

healing and help people thrive.”

If there is one message to take

away from these conversations, it is

that mental health matters. Asking for

help when needed—and offering support

when others are struggling—can

strengthen not only individuals, but

the community as a whole.

Sidebar: Mental health challenges

can affect anyone, regardless of age,

background, or life experience. If you

are struggling, consider reaching out

to a licensed counselor, healthcare

provider, trusted clergy member, or

community support organization.

Many local agencies and healthcare

systems offer counseling services, support

groups, and referrals.

For immediate emotional support

or crisis assistance, call or text 988 to

connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline,

available 24 hours a day, seven

days a week.

Remember: asking for help is a

sign of strength, and no one has to face

life’s challenges alone.

Nicole may be contacted by email at

nicolemassoudmsw@gmail.com or by

phone at (248) 274-6532.


8TH

ANNUAL

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AWARDS

2026

GALA

DINNER • AWARDS • CELEBRATION

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For more information email Stacy.Bahri@chaldeanfoundation.org or call 586-722-7253


FEATURE

A Life in Service

Sam Poules’ Path from Immigrant to DEA Leader

“We are not going to police our way

out of this,” he said. “It takes prevention,

education, and community support.

“Drugs don’t have a specific zip

code.”

BY SARAH KITTLE

Sameer “Sam” Poules didn’t grow

up imagining a career in federal

law enforcement, but looking

back, the path now seems almost inevitable.

Born in Iraq and brought to the United

States at around age seven or eight,

Poules spent his early years in Chicago

before settling in Detroit, where he was

raised. It’s the city that shaped his identity,

his work ethic, and ultimately his

career in law enforcement.

Today, Poules serves as the Assistant

Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit

Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement

Administration (DEA), a role that

places him at the center of complex investigations

spanning local neighborhoods,

international trafficking routes,

and rapidly evolving drug networks.

“I think growing up in Detroit had

something to do with wanting to be in

law enforcement,” Poules said. “And I

always joke that I’m inherently nosy.”

After earning a degree in criminal

justice from Wayne State University,

Poules entered local policing through

the Michigan Police Corps, attending

the police academy and beginning his

career with the Plymouth Police Department.

Four years later, he made the leap

to federal service with the DEA, a move

that required intensive training at Quantico

and eventually took him to Philadelphia

to launch his federal career.

Although his family was very supportive

of his career choice, they were

understandably underwhelmed by his

move out-of-state. “That was like a funeral,

“ he recalled.

From Philadelphia, his work expanded

far beyond Michigan’s borders.

“I’ve been from Afghanistan to Nigeria

to all of South and Central America,”

he said, reflecting on his time conducting

polygraph examinations and supporting

international investigations.

“The DEA has been really good to me.”

After six years in Pennsylvania,

family brought him home. With two

young children at the time—and now

three children total—Poules and his

wife made the decision to return to

Detroit. “Family is so important in our

culture,” he explained.

Back in Michigan, he served as

a DEA polygraph examiner for five

years, a role that exposed him to investigations

across the globe and gave

him a unique lens into the agency’s

worldwide reach.

Despite the intensity of his work,

Poules is quick to emphasize the importance

of balance, humility, and

trust. “ I always like to surround myself

with really smart people,” he said.

“You have to be vulnerable,” he said,

describing the leadership philosophy

that guides him. “My boss tells me to get

comfortable in uncomfortable places.”

Bridging Law Enforcement and

Community

In his current role, Poules sees himself

not only as a federal agent, but also

as a connector between law enforcement

and the communities it serves—

particularly immigrant communities,

although with his blond hair and blue

eyes, he jokes he’s always undercover.

Regardless, “When someone

knows your culture, understands you,

the language, immediately that barrier

comes down,” he said. “Representation

matters, but we’re still professionals

with a mission.”

That dual responsibility—professional

duty and cultural understanding—has

made Poules a visible figure

in conversations about trust between

law enforcement and the public.

“Trust starts with communication

and is strengthened by building the

relationship.”

He now works closely with local

and regional partners through DEA

task forces embedded with agencies

across Metro Detroit, including Sterling

Heights and other communities.

That structure, he said, allows local officers

to maintain the strongest sense

of what is happening on the ground

while federal partners provide additional

resources and reach.

Poules also points to communitybased

initiatives as a growing priority,

Samir Poules visited CN studios for

a podcast interview.

including partnerships with programs

like Detroit PAL (Police Athletic League)

and Operation Engage, which bring law

enforcement into youth sports, mentoring,

and educational outreach.

“We’re not here to tell communities

how to engage,” he said. “We’re here

to support what already works…You

know your communities best.”

A Changing Drug Landscape

Poules has witnessed firsthand how

dramatically the drug landscape has

shifted over the course of his career.

What once centered largely on heroin

has evolved into a more complex and

dangerous environment dominated by

synthetic opioids, especially fentanyl.

“It’s a game changer,” he said.

“Just two millimeters of fentanyl can

literally kill you.”

Unlike heroin, fentanyl is often

manufactured through global supply

chains involving precursor chemicals

shipped from countries like China and

processed in clandestine labs before

distribution. Increasingly, Poules said,

it is being found in counterfeit pills designed

to mimic prescription medications

such as Xanax or Adderall.

The result, he warned, is a growing

wave of accidental poisonings.

“That’s why we don’t always call it

overdoses anymore,” he said. “We call

it poisoning—because people often

don’t even know what they’re taking.”

Poules stressed that enforcement

alone cannot solve the crisis.

Trust as a Cornerstone

For Poules, trust is not a secondary

part of policing—it is the foundation.

“If you don’t trust me, you’re not going

to talk to me,” he said. “And if people

don’t talk to us, we lose everything.”

That belief drives much of his community

engagement work, including

youth programs that aim to build relationships

early and offer positive alternatives.

Youth programs started by the

DEA include basketball, flag football,

and even fishing.

It also shapes how he speaks to

families about drug awareness, especially

in tight-knit communities like the

Chaldean community, where stigma can

sometimes prevent open conversations.

“I think you have to be nosy as a

parent.

“Know your kids. Know who they’re

with. Pay attention,” he said. “And

don’t wait until it’s too late to ask the

hard questions…It’s the world we live

in.”

To young people considering a career

in law enforcement—especially

those from immigrant or Chaldean

backgrounds—Poules offers straightforward

guidance.

“Lean into your background,”

he said. “We’re resilient. We’re hard

workers. Stay in school, stay fit, stay

out of trouble, and take opportunities

when they come.

“God opens up certain doors for

you , and you have to be willing.”

He credits his own success not to a

perfectly mapped-out plan, but to willingness—being

ready when unexpected

doors opened, from local policing

in Plymouth to federal work that has

taken him across the world.

“If I can do it, anybody can do it,”

he said. “Nothing is impossible.”

Despite global experience and a

demanding federal role, Poules remains

deeply tied to Detroit and the

community that raised him. His work,

he said, is ultimately about connection—between

law enforcement and

civilians, between generations, and

between cultures.

“It’s about bridging that gap,” he

said. “And I’m here for that.”


Membership Has Benefits

Chamber events allow members to build valuable connections,

share ideas, and promote their businesses within the community.

These gatherings foster collaboration, provide access to local

leaders and resources, and increase visibility. Members also enjoy

exclusive perks like marketing opportunities, advocacy support,

and educational programs that drive business growth.

Together, we are stronger. Join and grow.

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presents

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FEATURE

Life Lessons from Lamya

Remembering Mom

BY KEIRA YONO

Lamya Kory believed that we are

here for one reason: to learn

how to give and receive love. It

was a belief she spoke about often,

but more importantly, it was a belief

she lived. She lived life fully and invited

everyone around her into it. She

measured life not by possessions or

achievements, but by love, connection,

and the lives she touched along

the way.

Whether she was gathering family

around a Sunday dinner, helping

a friend through a difficult time, guiding

meditation, exploring a new country,

or simply sharing a conversation,

Lamya had a gift for making people

feel seen, valued, and welcomed. She

approached the world with curiosity,

compassion, and an open heart,

always seeking to understand rather

than judge.

One of Lamya’s greatest joys was

feeding the people she loved. Her

kitchen was the heart of her home,

and her meals brought family and

friends together around the table.

Cooking was one of the ways she expressed

love, and those who knew her

will always remember her extraordinary

meals, cherished recipes, and the

warmth and connection that accompanied

them.

To be loved by Lamya was often

to be fed by Lamya. Whether it was a

holiday feast, a Sunday dinner, or a

favorite meal prepared simply because

someone was visiting, food was one

of the ways she cared for others. Her

table was a gathering place, and many

of her family’s most treasured memories

were created around it.

Those who knew her remember

her generosity, adventurous and energetic

spirit, wisdom, and ability to

find beauty in ordinary moments. She

found joy in nature, travel, learning,

family, and meaningful connection.

She could spend hours talking with

a friend, watching birds outside her

window, learning something new, or

preparing a meal for the people she

loved.

Clockwise from top: Lamya lived her life in communion with nature, Lamya

and her daughter, her bright smile brightened any room.

Her greatest gift, however, was

not what she did, but how she made

people feel. She had a remarkable ability

to bring people together, encourage

them, comfort them, and remind them

of their own worth. Many people can

trace an important friendship, opportunity,

healing moment, career, or

even a marriage back to Lamya. She

quietly changed lives, often without

realizing the impact she had.

She believed that kindness matters,

that forgiveness brings freedom,

and that every person deserves compassion.

She reminded those around

her to keep their hearts open, remain

grateful, and never lose their sense

of wonder. She loved nature, flowers,

birds, butterflies, sunsets, and the

simple beauty of the world around

her. She taught by example that life

is meant to be experienced fully, not

merely endured.

Her family was the center of her

world and her greatest source of pride.

She raised her children with strength,

resilience, and unconditional love,

and found some of her greatest happiness

in being a grandmother. She often

said that grandchildren were life’s

greatest gifts, and nothing brought

her more joy than spending time with

them.

Lamya often described herself as

simple. But the countless lives she

touched tell a larger story. Her legacy

lives on in the family she cherished,

the friendships she nurtured, the people

she helped, the lives she connected,

and the love she shared so freely.

She leaves behind a lasting reminder

that a meaningful life is not measured

by what we accumulate, but by how

deeply we love, how fully we live, and

how many people are better because

we were here.

The final chapter of Lamya’s life revealed

what those who loved her had

always known: love was stronger than

suffering.

She believed that our souls come

into this life to experience both joy and

hardship, and that even our most painful

moments have something to teach

us. She often reminded those around

her that life is happening for us, not to

us, and that every experience, no matter

how difficult, is an opportunity to

grow in love, compassion, gratitude,

and understanding. She believed that

God never gives us more than we can

carry and trusted that every season

of life had a purpose, even when we

could not yet understand it.

When ovarian cancer entered

her life, she lived those beliefs with

extraordinary courage. She never

stopped fighting, not because she was

afraid to die, but because she loved life

so deeply and loved her family even

more. Every extra day meant one more

conversation, one more Sunday dinner,

one more memory with her children

and grandchildren. She fought

with remarkable strength because every

moment she could spend with the

people she loved was worth fighting

for.

During her illness, I once asked

her if she thought it would have been

easier to die suddenly than to endure

so much suffering. Her answer forever

changed me. She said that while

it may be easier for the person to die

quickly, dying slowly gives the family

more time together. In that moment, I

understood the depth of her love. Even

in the greatest suffering of her life, she

was still thinking of us before herself.

If enduring more pain meant giving

her family more time, then to her, every

moment was worth it.

That was Lamya. She lived exactly

as she believed. She found meaning in

hardship, beauty in ordinary moments,

gratitude in every season of life, and

love until her very last breath.


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3601 15 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48310


FEATURE

Proudly Chaldean, Fully Australian

Balancing cultural preservation with integration

BY WEAM NAMOU

Chaldeans began arriving to Australia

in significant numbers

during the 1990s, driven by war,

persecution, and the gradual unraveling

of life in Iraq. The population

grew quickly, and by the 2021 Australian

Census, more than 60,000 people

identified with Neo-Aramaic origins,

settling primarily in Sydney and Melbourne.

While Australia’s Chaldean community

is smaller than the one in

Michigan—which is estimated at

nearly 200,000 people—the two communities

share remarkably similar

stories. Both were built by immigrants

who arrived seeking safety and opportunity,

and both have worked hard to

preserve their language, faith, and traditions

while establishing themselves

as active contributors to their adopted

countries.

One of those immigrants is Bashar

Hanna, of Syriac-Chaldean heritage,

who arrived in Australia from Baghdad

in 1998. Like many of his generation,

his journey was shaped by conflict,

uncertainty, and the grief of leaving

behind everything familiar.

“Starting again in a new country

taught me how important community,

belonging, and cultural identity are,”

he says. “It also showed me the challenges

migrants face when they are

trying to rebuild their lives.”

Those challenges were not only

practical—finding work, navigating

unfamiliar institutions, and building

new networks—but deeply personal.

Hanna reflected on the emotional

weight of migration that outsiders

rarely see: leaving behind family, lifelong

friendships, and a way of life that

can never be fully recreated.

For Hanna, those early years of displacement

became the foundation of a

life’s work.

In 2014, he established an Arts and

Community Development Centre in

Fairfield City in Western Sydney, one

of Australia’s most culturally diverse

regions and home to a large Iraqi population.

Five years later, he founded

Clockwise from top: Bashar Hanna, back row center with black t-shirt, leads

Chaldean community efforts in Australia; Hanna and Ban Hindi mark the

beginning of the Colours of Mesopotamia Festival 2026; Harmony Day

Celebration, with Hanna, introducing a community member proudly wearing

traditional Iraqi cultural attire.

the Australian Mesopotamian Cultural

Association in New South Wales, creating

what he describes as a platform

to celebrate and preserve Mesopotamian

culture while introducing it to

the broader Australian community.

“Our community has a rich history,”

he says, “but there were limited

platforms dedicated to promoting that

heritage through arts, culture, education,

and community engagement.”

The work is both cultural and deeply

practical. Through music, theater,

storytelling, and visual arts, the center

creates spaces where younger generations—many

of them born in Australia

with no direct memory of Iraq—can

encounter their heritage in ways that

feel alive rather than ceremonial.

It is a challenge familiar to Chaldeans

in the United States as well.

Whether in Sydney, Melbourne, Detroit,

or San Diego, diaspora communities

face the same question: How do

you pass on a culture that was lived by

one generation but inherited by the

next?

When asked how Chaldeans in

Australia balance maintaining a distinct

cultural and linguistic identity

while integrating into Australian society,

Hanna was clear that he does not

see cultural preservation and integration

as competing goals.

“Chaldeans can be fully Australian

while also maintaining their language,

traditions, faith, and cultural practices,”

he says. “They preserve their identity

through family, church, community

events, language, music, and cultural

education. At the same time, they participate

actively in Australian society

through education, employment, business,

and civic life. That’s what successful

multiculturalism looks like.”

His answer could just as easily

describe the Chaldean experience in

the United States. In both countries,

churches remain at the center of community

life, family ties remain strong,

and entrepreneurship continues to be a

defining characteristic of the diaspora.

That dual identity—proudly Chaldean,

fully Australian—is increasingly

visible. Chaldeans have established

themselves as business owners, educators,

artists, healthcare professionals,

and community leaders across the

country. Their contributions, Hanna

argues, reflect both the opportunities

Australia has offered and the resilience

migrants bring with them.

“Australia has given us opportunities,

and in return we are proud to contribute

to Australia’s future.”

In 2024, Hanna was awarded the

Medal of the Order of Australia (the

OAM) in recognition of his contributions

to the community.

“Receiving the OAM was a great

honor,” he says. “But I see it as recognition

of a collective effort rather than

an individual achievement. It reflects


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the contributions of many people who

have worked tirelessly to strengthen

our communities and support others.”

At the same time, he acknowledges

what the recognition means beyond

his own accomplishments—a signal,

particularly to those who still feel like

outsiders, that their presence and contributions

matter.

“For people who sometimes feel

like outsiders, it is a reminder that

they belong here and that their stories

matter.”

Today, Hanna is a Ph.D. researcher

at Central Queensland University,

where his work examines how arts

and cultural participation contribute

to community development, social

inclusion, and well-being among Iraqi

migrant and refugee communities.

In many ways, his academic research

is simply a continuation of the

work he has spent decades doing on

the ground. It seeks to demonstrate

something many immigrant communities

already know instinctively: culture

is not a luxury. It is the glue that holds

communities together.

Looking ahead, Hanna’s vision for

the Chaldean community in Australia

is one of confidence and continuity.

“Success means having a community

that is confident, connected, and

thriving,” he says. “It means young people

succeeding in education and leadership

while remaining connected to their

language, culture, and heritage.”

The greatest obstacle, he believes,

is not hostility from the outside but the

quieter erosion that comes with time

and assimilation—the gradual loosening

of the ties that bind a community

to its past.

“As communities become more

established, there is always a risk of

losing connections to heritage. Maintaining

those connections requires ongoing

effort and investment.”

That concern may sound familiar

to many Chaldean Americans. As second-,

third-, and fourth-generation

families become further removed from

the immigrant experience, questions

about language retention, cultural

identity, and community engagement

become increasingly important. The

challenge is not unique to Australia; it

is one faced by Chaldean communities

throughout the diaspora.

For a people whose culture has

survived empires, invasions, and centuries

of displacement, that effort is

nothing new. It is, in many ways, simply

what Chaldeans have always done.

Sometimes that continuity reveals

itself in unexpected ways.

As Iraq’s national soccer team

competed for a World Cup berth in

June under Australian coach Graham

Arnold, Iraqis across Australia found

themselves glued to their television

screens. The excitement reflected

something much deeper than sports.

“This was about a connection to

our homeland, to shared memories,

and to a sense of national pride,”

Hanna says. “People from different regions,

backgrounds, and generations

came together to support the team.

Football becomes a way of maintaining

community ties and celebrating

something positive about the country

we come from.”

Whether in Australia, the United

States, or elsewhere around the world,

that connection to heritage remains a

defining part of the Chaldean experience.

Different countries may offer

different opportunities, but the goal

remains remarkably similar: to build a

successful future without losing sight

of the past.

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ECONOMICS & ENTERPRISE

Building More Than a Resort

One family’s vision for Shanty Creek

BY SARAH KITTLE

In Northern Michigan, where rolling

golf greens meet ski slopes

overlooking Lake Bellaire, a new

chapter is beginning for one of the

state’s most recognizable four-season

destinations. Pattah Development has

officially acquired Shanty Creek Resort,

marking not only a major business

milestone, but also a moment of

pride for Michigan’s Chaldean community.

For the Pattah family, the acquisition

represents something more than

a real estate transaction. It is the continuation

of a story that began generations

ago with Chaldean immigrants

arriving in America from Iraq with

little more than faith.

“This acquisition represents a defining

milestone for the Chaldean community,”

the Pattah family said in a

statement announcing the purchase.

“It reflects not only how far our community

has come, but the strength and

unity that continue to shape our story.”

Shanty Creek Resort, long known

as a staple of Northern Michigan tourism,

features five championship golf

courses, including a course designed

by legendary golfer Arnold Palmer

(aptly named The Legend), along

with two ski areas—Alpine and Nordic—plus

hiking and biking trails,

restaurants, pools, event spaces, and

hundreds of hotel rooms and luxury

accommodations spread across the

property.

But the Pattah family sees even

greater potential ahead.

“We were attracted to Shanty Creek

because it is an iconic Michigan destination

with incredible natural beauty

and a rich history,” said Clark Pattah.

“We saw a tremendous opportunity to

build upon a strong foundation while

investing in the future of the property.”

That vision includes significant

capital improvements and operational

enhancements aimed at elevating the

resort into a premier Midwest destination

for year-round tourism. Plans

currently under development include

modernized guest accommodations,

upgraded golf and ski facilities, expanded

dining and entertainment

experiences, infrastructure improvements,

and new family-oriented programming.

At the same time, the Pattah family

insists preserving the resort’s identity

remains central to their mission.

“Our goal is not to change what

makes Shanty Creek special but to enhance

it,” Pattah explained. “We want

to honor the history and traditions

that guests have enjoyed for generations

while investing in improvements

that elevate the overall experience.”

The acquisition builds upon decades

of entrepreneurial experience

for the Pattah family, whose business

journey mirrors the broader story of

Chaldean success in Michigan.

“Our family’s journey prepared

us for opportunities like this long before

Shanty Creek,” Pattah said. “We

learned the business from the ground

up, working alongside our father and

uncles, who came to this country with

humble beginnings and built everything

through hard work, determination,

and faith.”

From grocery stores to commercial

real estate, the family steadily

expanded its footprint over the years.

One pivotal moment came with the acquisition

of 14 Farmer Jack stores and

their associated shopping centers—a

move that helped establish what has

since grown into a portfolio exceeding

two million square feet of commercial

real estate.

Those experiences, Pattah said,

reinforced a philosophy rooted in patience,

discipline, and long-term investment.

“Our father and uncles taught us

that success doesn’t come from chasing

short-term gains but from creating

lasting value,” he said. “Growth comes

from consistency, relationships, and

staying committed through both good

times and challenging times.”

That philosophy has shaped Pattah

Development’s approach to investment.

Rather than pursuing rapid

expansion for its own sake, the company

evaluates opportunities through a

long-term lens, focusing on assets with

strong fundamentals and the potential

to serve communities for generations.

The family’s greatest strength,

however, may be its collaborative approach.

“Our biggest strength is that we operate

as a family,” Pattah said. “Every

major decision benefits from the collective

experience and perspective of

family members.”

Beyond the Business

The Shanty Creek acquisition also

carries significance beyond business.

For many in Michigan’s Chaldean

community, it symbolizes another

milestone in a decades-long

immigrant success story shaped by

entrepreneurship and perseverance.

“Like many Chaldean families,

our parents and relatives came to

this country seeking opportunity and

worked tirelessly to build a better

future,” Pattah said. “Through our

businesses, we hope to create jobs,

revitalize communities, and demonstrate

that with hard work, integrity,

and perseverance, anything is possible.”

The family also plans to deepen

community engagement at the resort

through annual Chaldean golf outings,

charitable events, and ski packages

tailored for families within the

community.

As part of its ownership role, Pattah

Development was granted the

opportunity to exempt two players

into the prestigious Michigan Open

Golf Championship, which Shanty

Creek will host for the third consecutive

year. One of those exemptions

has been awarded to Sam Yono Jr.,

a talented young Chaldean golfer

whose involvement carries symbolic

meaning for the community.

“His participation represents

not only a proud moment for the

Chaldean community, but a welldeserved

opportunity to showcase

his abilities on a larger stage,” the

family said.

The Pattahs also see mentorship

and giving back as part of their longterm

responsibility.

“We have benefited from the

guidance and wisdom of those

who came before us,” Pattah said.

“Whether through sharing experiences,

offering advice, or creating

opportunities, we want to help the

next generation understand the

value of hard work, resilience, and

relationship-building.”


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Heritage and Honor

Underlying that philosophy are values

deeply connected to the family’s Chaldean

heritage.

“One of the biggest lessons is the

importance of trust, relationships,

and reputation,” Pattah said. “In our

culture, a person’s word and character

carry tremendous weight.”

Those values, he believes, are just

as important as financial calculations

in navigating major business decisions.

“We’ve always believed that treating

people fairly, honoring commitments,

and maintaining strong relationships

are just as important as the

numbers in any deal,” he said.

Beyond the Chaldean community,

the acquisition could have a major

impact on Northern Michigan’s economy.

Shanty Creek already serves as

one of the region’s largest employers

and tourism drivers. Pattah Development

hopes continued investment will

further strengthen local businesses,

create jobs, and increase year-round

tourism.

“We believe we can increase tourism,

support local businesses, create

more jobs, and strengthen the resort’s

role as a source of pride for the entire

community for generations to come,”

Pattah said.

For the Pattah family, the purchase

of Shanty Creek represents both an

arrival and a beginning—the culmination

of an immigrant journey, the

power of family collaboration, and a

commitment to building something

lasting—for their family, for Northern

Michigan, and for the generations that

will follow.

U P C O M I N G

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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.

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ECONOMICS & ENTERPRISE

Chaldean Spice on Broadway

Zaid Elia brings Detroit hospitality to Nashville

BY MIKE SARAFA

Detroit restaurateur and developer

Zaid Elia is making a

bold play in one of America’s

fastest-growing cities.

Through his Michigan-based company,

Elia Group, Elia has emerged

as one of Nashville’s most ambitious

hospitality developers, bringing a distinctly

Detroit—and Chaldean—entrepreneurial

spirit to the heart of Tennessee’s

booming entertainment district.

Drawn by Nashville’s explosive growth

in population, jobs, and income, Elia

saw an opportunity to establish a presence

in a city increasingly viewed as

one of the country’s most dynamic

business and tourism markets.

His latest headline project is Kane

Brown’s on Broadway, a four-story

entertainment destination developed

in partnership with country music

superstar Kane Brown. Located at

312 Broadway in the heart of Nashville’s

famed Lower Broadway district,

the venue occupies more than

11,000 square feet and was designed

to stand out in a landscape increasingly

dominated by celebrity-backed

restaurants, bars, and music venues.

The venue blends several Nashville

experiences under one roof.

Guests enter through a high-energy

main floor anchored by a live music

stage before moving to a mezzanine

level overlooking the action. A thirdfloor

lounge offers a more intimate atmosphere,

while the rooftop—known

as Dusk—features panoramic views of

the Nashville skyline, cocktails, DJs,

and an upscale nightlife experience.

The venue also serves elevated American

comfort food and Southern-inspired

cocktails, creating an all-day

destination that transitions seamlessly

into late-night entertainment.

Brown attended the grand opening

celebration in May and is expected

to make regular appearances at the

venue, adding another layer of star

power to one of Broadway’s newest

attractions.

Elia’s path to hospitality success

was anything but traditional. Armed

with degrees in biology and law, he

initially appeared destined for a more

conventional professional career.

Instead, he found his calling in real

estate development and hospitality,

where he combined business instincts

with a flair for creating memorable

experiences.

He first built his reputation in Metro

Detroit through upscale restaurant

and nightlife concepts, including 220

in Birmingham and Parc Restaurant

and Zuzu in Detroit. He later expanded

into Nashville with Zuzu Nashville,

an immersive Asian-inspired

dining and nightlife concept known

for its dramatic interiors, sushi offerings,

craft cocktails, and Miami- and

From above:

The heartbeat of Kane Brown’s on

Broadway starts on the Main Floor.

Dusk Rooftop has stellar views of

the city skyline.

Zaid Elia and Kane Brown partner

up for success in Nashville.

The Mezzanine offers an elevated

perspective of the Main Floor stage

while delivering its own distinct

atmosphere.

Las Vegas-style energy.

Kane Brown’s on Broadway is only

part of Elia’s broader Nashville vision.

His hospitality strategy includes

as many as five projects in the city

by 2028, with another artist-backed

concept and an upscale Italian steakhouse

already in development.

The opening weekend itself became

something of a Detroit-to-Nashville

reunion. Roughly 150 friends,

family members, investors, and patrons

traveled from Michigan to celebrate

the launch, demonstrating both

Elia’s extensive network and the grow-


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ing connection between the two cities.

For Elia, the expansion is about

more than business growth.

His goal, he said, is “to bring a little

Chaldean spice to one of the smallest

big towns in the United States and

make an impact on the market.”

The grand opening drew a celebrity-filled

crowd that included NFL

quarterback Patrick Mahomes, along

with athletes, entertainers, music executives,

and hospitality leaders. The

event further cemented the venue’s

status as one of Nashville’s most anticipated

new destinations.

As Lower Broadway continues to

evolve into one of the country’s premier

entertainment districts, Elia has

positioned himself among a new generation

of developers helping shape

its future. His projects blend hospitality,

entertainment, and experiencedriven

design—an approach that has

become his signature.

For a Chaldean entrepreneur who

began his journey in Detroit, the success

of Kane Brown’s on Broadway is

more than another hospitality venture.

It is a testament to the entrepreneurial

drive that has long defined the Chaldean-American

community: creating

jobs, building destinations, and proving

that opportunities can be found

wherever vision, determination, and

hard work come together.

Check out Elia Group’s new venture at

kanebrownsonbroadway.com.


SPORTS

Fresh Start

Michael Sulaka leaves Western Michigan University

and lands at Saginaw Valley State University

BY STEVE STEIN

Above: Michael Sulaka strikes a defensive

pose while playing in a game

for Western Michigan University.

Right: This demonstrative dunk by

Michael Sulaka brought Warren De La

Salle fans to their feet during a Division

1 state tournament game in 2022

at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

It was a big deal when Warren De

La Salle High School basketball

star Michael Sulaka decided a few

years ago to continue his court career

at Western Michigan University.

He became one of the few Chaldeans

playing Division I basketball in

college.

After red-shirting in the 2023-24

season and getting limited playing

time the next two years while earning

Academic All-Mid-American Conference

honors twice, Sulaka has transferred

to Saginaw Valley State University,

a Division II program in Saginaw

County.

New Western Michigan coach Kahil

Fennell, who was hired in March to replace

Dwayne Stephens, who was fired

after compiling a 42-84 record in four

seasons, and Sulaka met after Fennell

arrived on campus.

That meeting changed the course

of Sulaka’s life.

“Coach Fennell told me in a nice

way that it was best for me to look for a

new place to play,” Sulaka said.

So he did, and the 6-foot-9,

215-pound forward from Macomb is happy

he’s a new Saginaw Valley Cardinal.

First of all, he knows the Saginaw

Valley coach. Chris Fowler was an assistant

coach at Western Michigan for

three years before coming to Saginaw

Valley prior to last season.

“I worked with Coach Fowler for

two seasons. He’s a good coach, a very

passionate coach, who is great with

details,” Sulaka said.

Sulaka said Fowler helped him get

an internship in the finance department

at Garber Chevrolet in Saginaw.

“My first ‘real’ job,” he said. “So much

of my time has been taken up with basketball

the last few years.”

Another plus for Sulaka at Saginaw

Valley is former De La Salle teammate

Triston Nichols is on the Cardinals’

roster.

Saginaw Valley went 13-15 overall

and 7-13 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate

Athletic Conference this past

season in Fowler’s first year in charge.

The Cardinals could use some help in

improving those numbers, and Sulaka

is ready to do that.

Sulaka is confident he’ll get a lot of

time on the court at Saginaw Valley in

his final three years of collegiate eligibility.

As for academics, Sulaka plans to

remain a superstar in the classroom at

Saginaw Valley. He had a 3.68 gradepoint-average

at Western Michigan

and he intends to graduate from Saginaw

Valley in May 2027 with a bachelor’s

degree in finance.

Despite his early departure from

Western Michigan, Sulaka said he has

PHOTOS COURTESY WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

no regrets about his decision to go there.

“I’m not sad, although I’ll miss the

people there,” he said. “I would have

been satisfied to stay there as a backup

on a good team, but that opportunity

wasn’t offered by Coach Fennell.”

Sulaka played 47 games over two

seasons for Western Michigan, with

one start. That came against Kent State

in the final game of the Broncos’ 2025-

26 season. His average playing time

was 9.5 minutes per game.

He averaged 2.6 points and 2.0 rebounds

per game, shot 53% from the

field and was 18-for-25 at the free throw

line. He had 17 assists, 16 blocks, 10

steals and 14 turnovers.

Sulaka excelled on the court and

academically at De La Salle.

He was a key member of Pilots

teams that made it to the Division 1

Final Four when he was a sophomore

and won the Division 1 state championship

when he was a junior. He averaged

12 points and 12 rebounds a game

in the state championship season.

Here’s another impressive De La

Salle number: Sulaka, the son of Larry

and Ann Sulaka, graduated from the

academically excellent school with a

4.004 grade-point average.


Jacob Bacall

Jacob Bacall

Jacob Bacall

Jacob Bacall

Scan Code to Purchase

Jacob’s Books on Amazon





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

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

Christian family. He completed high school in Baghdad and pursued

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

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

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

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

Jacob calling.

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 true

studies calling.

Mechanical Engineering in the United Kingdom. In 1977, he

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

immigrated

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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

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focuses

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on real

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

development and property management, with investments

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calling.

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

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

estate colleagues, development family and or friends? property Explore

management, with investments


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, office

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estate

Jacob

family historian, development

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deeply

properties.

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to his heritage with

and investments

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involved in over

the the

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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

One residential hundred properties. percent of the author’s organization and is actively

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

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 American

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

various Chaldean non-profit organizations.

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

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

three Commerce, books: Chaldean

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

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

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

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

Cultural Center.

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

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

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

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

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

Catholic Church (2025),

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

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

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

are proud parents of four children and grandparents to seven

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

seven

grandchildren. grandchildren.

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

business transitioned into real estate, where Jacob found his true

calling.


properties and quickly built a reputation as a successful and

forward-thinking entrepreneur. His business portfolio focuses on real

estate development and property JULY 2026 management, CHALDEAN with NEWS investments 33

expanding over the years to include shopping centers, office

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

FEATURE

Fadi Tatar, founder

and president of The

Hills Club Futbol.

Head for the Hills

Chaldean-owned Hills Club Futbol team

bursts onto the soccer scene

BY STEVE STEIN

In the same year the World Cup

dominated soccer headlines, the

debut of a semi-professional club

team founded by a 22-year-old Chaldean

American made waves closer to

home.

Former high school, club, and college

soccer goalie turned soccer advocate

and entrepreneur Fadi Tatar of

Sterling Heights is the driving force behind

the Hills Club Futbol team, based

in the Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills,

and Bloomfield Hills area.

Three Chaldean players—Jackson

Gano, Andy Goro, and Kreistian

Hirmiz—are part of the team’s all-college-player

roster. Founded in 2025,

Hills Club Futbol competes in the Premier

Division of the prestigious Michigan

Premier Soccer League (MPSL).

“Starting a club team from the

ground up at age 22 has been one of

the biggest challenges I’ve taken on,

but also one of the most rewarding experiences

of my life,” said Tatar, who

was born in Iraq.

“One of the best parts about doing

this is doing it as a Chaldean. There’s

a different level of pride that comes

with representing your community

while welcoming players, supporters

and partners from all backgrounds

and creating an inclusive

environment that represents

the diversity of metro Detroit.

“Soccer has the power to

unite people, create lifelong

friendships, and inspire future

generations.”

Tatar said growing up in the Chaldean

community, he witnessed the talent,

passion, and love for soccer shared

by so many and wanted to build something

that reflected that spirit.

That vision is reflected in the club’s

commitments:

• Representing the Chaldean community

with pride.

• Creating opportunities for local

soccer talent.

• Building a strong, professional

club culture.

• Inspiring youth through leadership

and visibility.

Gano, a University of Olivet junior

from Shelby Township, is an occasional

starter at left back for the Olivet

men’s soccer team.

“I was looking for a summer team

to play on, and this one felt welcoming—like

family,” said Gano, a Utica

High School graduate. “The training

is intense, and there’s a great culture.

Everyone is supportive, whether or not

you’re having your best day on and off

the field.”

Helping players achieve their soccer

dreams is one of Tatar’s primary goals.

“The club was created with the belief

that talent exists everywhere, but

opportunity does not come equally to

everyone,” he said.

“Throughout my soccer journey, I

saw countless players with the ability,

work ethic, and passion to succeed,

but many never received the opportunities

they deserved.

“Some were overlooked because

they came from smaller programs,

lacked the right connections, or simply

weren’t given a platform to showcase

their talent when it mattered

most. I founded the Hills to help

change that.”

The club’s first game produced a

memory Tatar will never forget. Hills

defeated Imlay City FC 2-1 in a State

Cup match on May 22, winning on a

late goal.

“Seeing our players, staff, and

supporters celebrate together after

everything it took to get to that point

was something I’ll never forget,” he

said. “It truly felt like the beginning of

something special.”

Another milestone came on June

21, when Hills upset Michigan Athletic

FC 2-1 in an MPSL match. Michigan

Athletic entered the game undefeated

at 4-0 and sat atop the Premier Division

standings.

Dressed in distinctive black,

gold, and aqua marble uniforms

and coached by Christian Sipley,

Hills is playing its home

matches this season at Oakland

University. The club plans

to move to Birmingham Brother

Rice High School next season.

Future plans also include launching

a women’s team.

When he’s not focused on soccer,

Tatar is focused on his education. He

is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree

in business at Walsh College in

Troy.

Tatar previously earned an associate

degree in business administration

from Macomb Community College after

graduating from Stevenson High

School in Sterling Heights.

For more information about Hills Club

Futbol, visit the team’s Instagram

page, @thehillscf.


BALANCE

&

BREATHE

Participants gather at 11:00AM.

Classes run through December 2026.

FOR CAREGIVERS AND ADULTS 60 YEARS AND UP

MONDAY’S AND FRIDAY’S | 11:30AM - 12:15PM

Confortable activewear and gym shoes suggested.

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

Holocaust Survivor Care and Institute on Aging and Trauma.

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


3601 15 mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48310


FEATURE

West Bloomfield Candidates

Make Their Case

Frustrated by township policies and processes,

Landsman and Kallabat are stepping forward

BY CRYSTAL KASSAB, ED.D.

It has been said that owning a home

is the ultimate American Dream.

But for many West Bloomfield residents

lately, that dream has become a

nightmare.

“If there is one more thing Chaldeans

value besides God and family,

it is the home. It’s where you raise

your kids and host your relatives

and friends,” said Omar Kallabat, a

31-year-old resident of West Bloomfield.

“The home is sacred.”

Kallabat has lived in West Bloomfield

for most of his life. He attended

Doherty Elementary, Orchard Lake Middle

School, and West Bloomfield High

School before graduating from Orchard

Lake St. Mary’s Preparatory in 2013.

Over the years, he began hearing

complaints from friends, relatives,

and neighbors about the township’s

permit process and local ordinances.

As he looked deeper into the issue, he

learned that some families were living

in unfinished homes while businesses

and property owners faced delays and

uncertainty due to a lack of clear guidance

from township officials. Despite

the township’s large Chaldean population,

only one Chaldean currently

serves on the Board of Trustees.

“We’re living in a township that

worships ordinances over the residents,”

claimed Kallabat. “You cannot

worship the wetlands over the people.

Without the residents, none of the

beauty of West Bloomfield matters.”

Kallabat is running for township

trustee on a platform of improving the

permitting process and holding township

officials accountable for delays

that have cost residents and business

owners both time and money.

This includes St. Thomas Chaldean

Catholic Church, whose grotto project

faced several delays, and Shenandoah

Country Club, which because of the

permitting process, took two years

to fix drainage problems on the golf

course. However, Kallabat emphasizes

that these concerns extend beyond the

Chaldean community.

The Main family spent two years

seeking a fence permit to protect their

son, who has autism and is prone to

running away. Rather than directly

deny the request, the township effectively

blocked the fence by enforcing

strict environmental wetlands ordinances

and citing unpermitted additions

on the property. According to

the family, a township environmental

manager suggested they build a

“temporary dog enclosure” to contain

their disabled son instead of erecting a

standard backyard fence. The dispute

escalated into a federal lawsuit filed

two months ago. The suit alleges that

the township’s rigid enforcement of

its ordinance violated the family’s due

process rights and their right to reasonable

accommodation.

“The permit process is downright

disrespectful to the hard-working professionals

who live in West Bloomfield,”

Kallabat said. “People deserve respect,

and the township needs to give it.”

Kallabat also recognizes that there

are ordinances for a reason, and that

is why West Bloomfield is beautiful.

Like many others in the township, he

is pro-environment, but he believes

there has to be compromises, especially

when some of those ordinances

could possibly be outdated. He plans

to look into that once elected.

Kallabat graduated from Wayne

State University with a Bachelor of

Science in Business Administration in

2013. He manages his family’s pharmaceutical

transportation business and is

also the owner and operator of Vintage

Luxury Rentals, a car rental service for

special events.

His commitment to service began

nearly a decade ago at St. Thomas

when he became a youth group leader

for CREW, a middle school boys’ group

that met once a week. He had a newfound

love for the church, made new

friends, and even became a Eucharistic

Minister. He still serves and now leads

CLC (Chaldeans Loving Christ), the coed

high school group at the church.

Kallabat says his values are rooted

in his Chaldean Catholic faith and encourages

young residents to become

more involved in local government.

“We are the future of this township,”

he said. “If we want to stay here,

we have to get involved in our community.

If you live in West Bloomfield, you

are successful, hard-working, and you

have sacrificed to live here. Our parents

did that, so let’s make a change.”

Kallabat is not the only candidate

seeking change.

Running alongside him for township

supervisor is Jonathon Landsman,

30-year resident of West Bloomfield who

retired last year from a management

career with Blue Cross Blue Shield. He

moved to West Bloomfield when he got

married and blended his family.

Like Kallabat, Landsman believes

the township’s planning, development,

and environmental departments need

reform. He cites a lack of accountability

and an outdated approach to permitting

and development.

“The leadership lacks knowledge

and sophistication when it comes to

changes in the environment,” claimed

Landsman, 70. “People haven’t

evolved with environmental development

and building technologies. The

processes are archaic, and they are

just cozy in their jobs.”

As township supervisor, Landsman


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Producing Branch Manager - VP of Mortgage Lending

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ELIAS KATTOULA

CAREER SERVICES MANAGER

JACQUELINE RAXTER, LMSW, LPC

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

PROGRAM MANAGER

3601 15 Mile Road

Sterling Heights, MI 48310

TEL: (586) 722-7253

FAX: (586) 722-7257

3601 15 Mile Road


TEL: (586) 722-7253

FAX: (586) 722-7257

elias.kattoula@chaldeanfoundation.org

www.chaldeanfoundation.org

jacqueline.raxter@chaldeanfoundation.org


RANDI SULAIMAN

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH THERAPIST

SANA NAVARRETTE

Membership Director

3601 15 Mile Road


tel: (586) 722-7253

fax: (586) 722-7257

randi.sulaiman@chaldeanfoundation.org


248.851.1200 office

248.925.7773 cell

chaldeanchamber.com

snavarrette@chaldeanchamber.com



says he would review ordinances and

administrative processes that have

caused so much vexation for residents

and businessowners. He also wants to

foster a culture of professionalism and

respect within township departments.

Landsman was frustrated to hear

about the Main Family’s experience

because he too wanted to create a safe

environment for his autistic grandson.

It took four surveys and two years to get

approved for a fence that goes through

the middle of their yard—because the

township officials were interpreting

the surveys in ways that did not make

sense to the original 1985 deed.

Landsman believes he got the runaround

so that he would simply go

away. But he did not. The experience

fueled his desire to serve the township.

“We need a board that looks and

acts like the diversity of this township,”

he noted. “We have a beautiful

township, great woods and parks,

but people should be able to make

improvements to their home without

fighting the township.”

Like Kallabat, Landsman stresses

that protecting the environment remains

important and wants to make clear that

both candidates believe in maintaining

the beauty and nature of trees and

wildlife, but within reason. Residents

and other property owners should not

feel frustrated and intimidated by the

process of beautifying their homes or

repairing their properties.

The duo are not suggesting getting

rid of ordinances and permits, but

making the process more user-friendly,

courteous, and collaborative, especially

in order to avoid costly court

battles that the residents ultimately

pay through taxes.

As supervisor, Landsman wants to

bring civility back to the board meetings;

he has said he won’t tolerate

meetings that get personal and out of

control. Kallabat wishes for the same;

both candidates credit their faith, values,

and life experiences for motivating

their campaigns.

“I am driven by faith and a strong

moral compass,” Landsman said.

“When things aren’t right, I get upset.

Chaldeans and Jews, like me, have the

same sense of values, and that goes

across the board of all cultures in West

Bloomfield. Everyone deserves an opportunity

to be heard.”

“My faith teaches me that leadership

is about serving others, treating

people with dignity, and acting with

integrity,” Kallabat said. “And that’s

what we will do.”

Both Kallabat and Landsman are

on the ballot in the special Democratic

primary on August 4, 2026.


IN MEMORIAM

Robert Michael

Asmar

Jan 27, 1958 –

May 18, 2026

Farideh

Khairluqian

Halaseh

Jan 1, 1941 –

May 20, 2026

Lamei Naser

Dawood Alqus

Abdullah

Apr 4, 1947 –

May 21, 2026

David Scott

Boersma

Aug 5, 1969 –

May 21, 2026

Salah Kulato

Mar 21, 1952 –

May 22, 2026

Dorra Dawood–

Zaia Salmo

Jul 1, 1950 –

May 23, 2026

Ibtisam Shamaya

Dabish Khoshiko

May 10, 1960 –

May 25, 2026

Raja Hajji Kinaya

Oct 23, 1952 –

May 25, 2026

Najiba Barash

Miram

Apr 10, 1947 –

May 25, 2026

Salima Mikha

Jul 1, 1929 –

May 26, 2026

Nazhet Yousif

Putrus

Nov 20, 1937 –

May 28, 2026

Naim Jajo Abdaal

Jul 1, 1931 –

May 30, 2026

Ismael Yokhana

Jul 1, 1947 –

May 30, 2026

Khorre Salman

Esho

Jul 1, 1940 –

May 31, 2026

Abid Abdullah

Jul 1, 1952 –

Jun 1, 2026

Mariam Marotha

Markos Kasha

Jul 1, 1938 –

Jun 1, 2026

Sabah Babbie

Jul 1, 1952 –

Jun 2, 2026

Jamila Kashat

Kamposh

Jul 1, 1937 –

Jun 3, 2026

Daoud Sepo

Jul 1, 1942 –

Jun 3, 2026

Nassir “Mike”

Babby

Nov 1, 1951 –

Jun 4, 2026

Salima (Tawiatha)

Dakki

Jan 1, 1934 –

Jun 4, 2026

Gorgis Gasso

May 10, 1943 –

Jun 4, 2026

Omar Riadh

Karana

Jan 23, 1997 –

Jun 4, 2026

Saleem Raouf

Kassab

Jul 1, 1937 –

Jun 4, 2026

Jibraeel Yousif

Toma Aboona

Jan 19, 1930 –

Jun 5, 2026

Mazeen Antwan

Mikhail

Nov 30, 1963 –

Jun 6, 2026

Khadhoori Butrus–

Jeji Mizo

Jul 1, 1944 –

Jun 6, 2026

Yalda Qoja

Jul 1, 1937 –

Jun 6, 2026

Bassam Hanna

Dawood

Nov 10, 1971 –

Jun 7, 2026

Jenna Valente

Jadan

Oct 19, 1966 –

Jun 8, 2026

Bahaa Rashid

Jul 1, 1946 –

Jun 8, 2026

Marguerite Nafso

Feb 12, 1932 –

Jun 9, 2026

Emmanuel Toma

Jul 1, 1952 –

Jun 9, 2026

Sameer Wardi

Mar 11, 1972 –

Jun 9, 2026

Muayad Michael

Orow

Mar 9, 1948 –

Jun 12, 2026

Amad Naamo

Moshe

Nov 4, 1960 –

Jun 13, 2026

Haris Sleewa

Hakim

Aug 20, 1964 –

Jun 14, 2026

Bassima Sinnawi

Jul 1, 1943 –

Jun 14, 2026

Ferial Aoussaj

Nov 19, 1951 –

Jun 15, 2026


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HIRING

Do you possess a passion for

bettering the lives of others?

Behavioral Health Therapist

Sterling Heights

Event Coordinator

Sterling Heights and West Bloomfield

Immigration Coordinator

Sterling Heights

Marketing Specialist

Sterling Heights

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

www.chaldeanfoundation.org/careers


EVENTS

Walk for Alzheimer’s

PHOTOS BY JOSE MARRERO

On Saturday, June 20, the Chaldean Community Foundation

partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association and the group

Do What You Love to End ALZ to host the Walk for Alzheimer’s

at CCF West. The Chaldean Catholic Church took part

with a blessing from Fr. Marcus and Fr. Pierre, and MCCFAD

(Michigan Center for Contextual Factors in Alzheimer’s

Disease) participated with remarks from Joe Sheena and

Wassim Taraf. Dr. Tanav Popli, a dementia specialist and

professor at the University of Michigan, shared insights on

brain health and Alzheimer’s.

Clockwise from top left:

Preparing for the walk.

Fr. Marcus Shammami with Joe Sheena.

The volunteers who made the event possible.

Walking to end ALZ.

End ALZ t-shirts.



FROM THE ARCHIVE

Clockwise

from top of page:

Pontiac Silverdome

was packed with

fans of all sorts.

From left: Joseph

Miri, Nawar Miri,

Brazil soccer fans,

Dr. Miri.

A section of mostly

Brazilian fans.

From left: Nawar

Miri, Dr. Mohammad

Ali, Dr. Miri, random

fans from Brazil.

World Cup

Revisited

The last time Team Iraq qualified

for the World Cup was in the 1980s,

but that was not the last time Iraqi

American fans rooted for a team.

These photos are from the World Cup

in 1994, when Detroit hosted at the

Pontiac Silverdome. Our resident

historian, Dr. Adhid Miri, was lucky

enough to attend a match between

Sweden and Brazil on June 28 with

his sons and provided some photos

to prove it. The 1994 FIFA World Cup

in Detroit was a historic milestone,

featuring four group-stage matches.

It also hosted the first-ever indoor

match in World Cup history, requiring

an experimental portable grass

pitch engineered by Michigan State

University scientists.


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Avvo Rating: Superb (highest rating)

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Go To Business Litigators, Michigan Lawyers Weekly

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Attorney on the Rise, Chaldean American Bar

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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

JULY 2026

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