Chaldean News January 2012

VOL. 8 ISSUE XII

METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY JANUARY 2012

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living in the

Young Chaldeans embrace Detroit

INSIDE The End of the Iraq War Chicago Welcomes New Church

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CHALDEAN NEWS

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JANUARY 2012

CHALDEAN NEWS 7

8

CHALDEAN NEWS

JANUARY 2012

CONTENTS THE CHALDEAN NEWS

JANUARY 2012

VOLUME 8 ISSUE XII

on the cover

28

Living in the D

By Joyce Wiswell

Young Chaldeans embrace Detroit

40

features 26 Little fanfare accompanies Iraq War’s end 32

By Lolita C. Baldor and Rebecca Santana/Associated Press

36

27 Guest Column

By Michael Sarafa

With Iraq War over, what are the consequences?

departments

30

By Anthony Samona

10 From the Editor

Resolutions for the New Year

12 Guest Columns

By Jeff Farrington

Meijer deal is bad policy

32

New restaurants emerge

34

Cultural Bridges

By Eddie Bacall

By Keri Cohen

Nineveh: The forgotten side

Building Community celebrates and looks forward

16 Noteworthy 18 Bulletin Board 20

Tastes of the Town

By Crystal Kassab Jabiro

By N. Peter Antone

Thou shall not kill – abolish the death penalty

Chaldean on the Street

Chai Time

36

Home for the Holidays

By Joyce Wiswell

22 Halhole

Illinois welcomes new Chaldean church

24 RELIGION 25 Obituaries 42

38

Classified Listings

44 Events Advent by Candlelight Passion for Fashion

Tending the Temple

By Vanessa Denha Garmo

New book is a 2012 New Year’s Resolution

40

It Takes Two Villages

By Weam Namou

Family ties go back hundreds of years

On the Cover: Their kind of town: Chris Eid, Yvonne Kasgorgis Petrone and Geoff George. Photo

by Alex Lumelsky

JANUARY 2012

CHALDEAN NEWS 9

from the EDITOR Published By

The Chaldean News, LLC

Editorial Editor in Chief

Vanessa Denha-Garmo

Proud of the D

managing Editor

Joyce Wiswell Contributing Writers

N. Peter Antone Eddie Bacall Lolita C. Baldor Keri Cohen Jeff Farrington Crystal Kassab Jabiro Weam Namou Rebecca Santana Michael Sarafa PROOFREADERs

Valerie Cholagh Ken Marten

art & production creative director

Alex Lumelsky with SKY Creative graphic designers

Zina Lumelsky with SKY Creative Joseph Sesi Photographers

David Reed Ramiz Romaya Vasili Shoumanov

operations Interlink Media

director of operations

Paul Alraihani circulation

Paul Alraihani CLASSIFIEDS

Joyce Wiswell

sales

Interlink Media sales representativeS

Interlink Media Lisa Kalou Lamya Kory managers

Vanessa Denha-Garmo Martin Manna Michael Sarafa subscriptions: $25 per year The Chaldean News 29850 Northwestern Highway, Suite 250 Southfield, MI 48034 www.chaldeannews.com Phone: (248) 996-8360 Publication: The Chaldean News (P-6); Published monthly; Issue Date: January 2012 Subscriptions: 12 months, $25. Publication Address: 29850 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 250, Southfield, MI 48034; Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Rates is Pending at Farmington Hills Post Office Postmaster: Send address changes to “The Chaldean News 29850 Northwestern Highway, Suite 250, Southfield, MI 48034”

PY HAPW NE !

YEAR

U

pick up items. Detroit is as p until recently, I had much in my daily fabric as liva difficult time telling ing in my suburban home. people outside of the I spend nearly half my state that I am from Detroit. working hours in the D. I have always been embarKeeping in the theme of rassed by the negative press. highlighting good stories, we I would tell folks that I lived give living in the D our cover in the suburbs just 20 miles spot this month. I am sure north of Detroit. many of you will find it quite Since working with Marge Vanessa out of the ordinary for young Sorge and the Detroit Regional News Hub producing the denha-garmo Chaldean professionals to be Youth Neighborhood News editor in chief living in the 313. co-publisher Joyce Wiswell tells the (YNN) program for them, I story of life in the city. Despite have had a renewed percepthe economic crisis and blight, Detroit tion and appreciation for the city. Today, is on the upswing. There are pockets I am proud of the talent, the dedication of revival. I have learned from John and all the positive stories the Hub has Jamian, executive director of the Detroit promoted over the last three years and Wayne County Port Authority whose the stories YNN has produced about the city and the region.

Last year, we produced a piece for YNN about the Detroit Shop at the Somerset Collection in Troy. Perusing the store with nostalgic flair, seeing old photographs and flipping through books about famous homes, I felt a sense of joy and pride. We are home to Faygo Pop and Better Made Chips. We claim Sanders and Motown and as the Motor City, we are home to the Big Three. office overlooks the Detroit River, that I should be proud of the D. I was hundreds of people promenade along born in Detroit. I earned my bachelor’s the river. Part of the city has generated degree from Wayne State University much activity. in the heart of midtown. Employed by This New Year perhaps you will reWJR and then Wayne County, I worked solve to try a new restaurant or shop at in the city for 16 years. a local business in the city of Detroit.

Today, I spend many days in the There are quaint boutiques, bookstores city working on client accounts that and specialty gift shops in Corktown, are headquartered in the city for Denha Midtown, Greektown and downtown.

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many of you have called home for decades, you might want to consider a resolution for self improvement and self discovery. I had the opportunity to interview the authors of the book Tending the Temple, published by Cheryl Dickow’s company Bezalel Books.

This manuscript of daily resolutions using the lives of the saints to guide us enables you to do something small every day to keep on track with your New Year’s promise to find faith and renewed spirituality. I have learned that prayer and meditation are vital in today’s world.

We all know that life if the D can be stressful; why not add a daily exercise to keep you motivated?

We know that sticking to a New Year’s resolution can be challenging.

Statistics have shown that most people give up on their resolutions by February 1. We wanted to know what resolutions some of you have stuck with over the years. Anthony Samona in our Chaldean on the Street section posed that question to readers.

Metro Detroiters are not unlike people around the world. Resolving to change takes time. At the end of the day, you have to be proud of who you are, what you have accomplished and the city in which you live. I am not talking about West Bloomfield, Sterling Heights or Commerce Township. I am talking about being proud to be from the D. Happy New Year, my fellow Chaldean Detroiters!

JANUARY 2012

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CHALDEAN NEWS 11 5/18/11 8:51 AM

GUEST columns

Meijer deal is bad policy

E

we cannot afford it. Fake very time I drive recovery like this certainly through our Motor comes with an expensive City, I see too many price tag, doesn’t it? abandoned homes, too few Now, I’ll be the first available jobs, more vato advocate the need for cant storefronts than I can Michigan to become a betbear, and remnants of what ter environment for job once was the pride of gengrowth, but simply throwerations whose industrial

By Jeff ing hard-earned taxpayer strength showed the world Farrington dollars into the pockets what it means to make SPECIAL TO THE of a corporation — albeit something in Detroit. I CHALDEAN NEWS a Michigan one — that see these things, and while drew in $14 billion last year alone crushed, I know there’s something doesn’t change the environment, it we can do about it. merely creates propped-up jobs on As we work to develop solutions aimed at bringing Detroit back to the government dime. Perhaps even its strongest days, there are generworse, this deal could force smaller ally two paths we can take — real businesses nearby to shut down. reform or fake recovery. Recent news Because we’re only as strong as our of a $3.3 million state tax credit for weakest link, if we are to bring Michigan back we must restore Detroit’s Meijer to build a supercenter on the strength by enacting real reforms to urban fringe of Detroit is a half-sinour entire tax code — for all busicere effort on the part of government nesses, small and large — in order for to engineer synthetic jobs at a time

real jobs to truly take root. And, when these reforms are made, they should be out front, in the public eye, not behind closed doors like the multimillion dollar sweetheart deal the Michigan Economic Development Authority worked out with Meijer.

We can’t afford to throw millions of dollars at big businesses while there are many locally owned grocery stores within the same community — and a Sam’s Club just two miles down the road.

Sure, if this deal were legitimate, completed with no tax subsidy from government, I would have no problem if Meijer opened the store at the Redford High location. Letting market principles lead the transaction, the Detroit Public Schools would still receive the much-needed money it stands to gain from the sale of its property, but our state taxpayers would save millions. Most importantly, the jobs created would be real

— just like the recovery that would come for the surrounding area.

I’m confident Michigan can recover and grow jobs if we abandon the false notion that jobs can be bought.

In fact, every other time the state has subsidized a grocery store chain in Detroit it has failed, leaving even more good workers without a job in its wake. Meanwhile, local family-owned stores risk their investments daily without Michigan tax dollars.

There are no shortcuts to recovery. We cannot allow government to pick winners and losers. Our strongest industries in Detroit began not from a government handout, but instead, risk and ingenuity unique to the spirit of Michigan. Here in America, we don’t buy jobs, we create them, and here in Michigan, we can’t mistake fake recovery for real reform.

Jeff Farrington is the Michigan state representative for the 30th District.

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Thou shall not kill – abolish the death penalty

W

wise. Most serious studies hile watching a show that countries and recent Republican states with the death penpresidential dealty do not enjoy fewer bate, I was amazed by the auviolent crimes, but that dience reaction when a questhe opposite is often true. tion was raised about Texas Consider the historic use Governor Rick Perry approvof execution: people during ing the execution of several medieval times were exhundred inmates. Before the

By N. Peter ecuted for stealing a piece moderator finished the quesAntone of bread; yet that did not tion (seeking concerns about the possible innocence of any special to the produce more peaceful sochaldean news cieties. And while execuof those executed), the audition will deter the convict from comence exploded into applause. It felt mitting future crimes (since he will that something was not right. be dead), the same can be achieved One of the Ten Commandments is “Thou Shall Not Kill.” The gospel by a mandatory life sentence. teaches us to be merciful. Yet, some in Retribution satisfies some with our society, many of whom consider the feeling of revenge. Others believe themselves “value voters,” seem to take that it will comfort the families of vicpleasure that so many are executed. tims. That is doubtful, but even if so, Supporters of execution claim a victim is not the only arbiter on how society should behave. This certainly it has a deterrent effect and acts as does not mean that a victim’s feelings retribution. As to the deterrent part, should be ignored; on the contrary: history and statistics prove other-

they must be expressed and heard; however, society should not decide public policies based on the sole view of those emotionally affected.

The death penalty involves the possibility of executing the innocent, as evidenced by the thousands of previously convicted persons found in-

The death penalty involves the possibility of executing the innocent. nocent later through DNA testing.

The death penalty has many other shortcomings: it can create serious dilemmas for executioners and witnesses; it eliminates the possibility that the guilty will reform and repent; and it degrades life and might be the product of excessive harshness

against discriminated groups. Even if abolishing the death penalty would not affect crime rates, it will make us a more civilized society. That is also consistent with our Catholic teachings and principles.

We who live in Michigan can take pride that our state was the first government in the English-speaking world to abolish the death penalty as far back as 1846, to be an example followed later by England and Canada. Sadly, that cannot be said of other states, which together have had more executions in recent years than most countries except China, Congo, Iran and Iraq. Obviously, those are not good examples for our great country to follow.

N. Peter Antone is an immigration attorney in Farmington Hills and an adjunct professor of Immigration and Nationality Law at Michigan State University School of law.

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12/21/11 12:43 PM CHALDEAN NEWS 13

GUEST column

Nineveh: The forgotten side

T

he Chaldean News I believe this has a lot has become a readto do with the newspaper ing ritual since being policy as well. Some of the published. My family and I head staff was at this event have enjoyed many articles when Osama Al Nujaifi met on a variety of topics that with our community. are informative. I am proud “Unity at Last” (Deceto say that we Chaldeans ber 2011) states that “many consistently work to keep groups back the Nineveh

By Eddie our future generations inPlan,” but fails to include Bacall formed of our past history the numerous amount of special to the and current events through chaldean news people who stand against it. present-day media such as Just as in the previous arthe Chaldean News. ticle, everyone interviewed However, I would like to point in this piece is known to sympathize out that some of the recent subjects with the Nineveh Plan. Most of being covered were distorted and these people that are for the plan are twisted, mainly when it comes to from the CSAPC, which was created covering autonomy and province for and funded by the Kurdistan governChristians in Iraq’s Nineveh Plains. ment and consist of many people In “Double Standard” (August who are looking out for their interest 2011), the words of Osama Al Nuonly and not that of the people they jaifi were portrayed as “threats,” should be representing. when really he was giving his advice The article doesn’t mention the without wanting to interfere, leaving people who stood and spoke against the decision up to us. The article the Nineveh Plan during this meetfocused only on one opinion, which ing. Those against, who did not is that of the Kurds and their followattend the meeting, include our ers, the Chaldean Syriac Assyrian Chaldean Church, including the Popular Council (CSAPC). It was patriarch, bishops, and multiple poknown in advance that these opinlitical and civil society organizations. ions were against Al Nujaifi. The They stand against this project for article also focused on Dr. Odisho numerous reasons including: Khoshaba, who is a representative of • The Nineveh Plains is a disputed the CSAPC in the U.S., and quoted boiling area between Arabs and Kurds. him as saying, “We sense a threat in This area includes not only Christians, your words to our community” tobut Yezidis, Shabaks, Arabs and Kurds. ward Al Nujaifi. The several voicThe Christian population is about 30es and opinions that were against 35 percent in this area.

Khoshaba and the Nineveh Plan • The idea of both autonomy were not mentioned. For example, and province for Christians was creLouie Boji and Amir Jamil both had ated and marketed by the Kurds for valid viewpoints on why the project their own agenda and self-interests. wouldn’t serve us.

They have open funds to market this

14

CHALDEAN NEWS

JANUARY 2012

project with their power and capital. With this, they started bribing or “buying” our churches, bishops and other religious clergy in Northern Iraq, in addition to a majority of the political Chaldean Syriac Assyrian parties and media figures. This caused divisions in the Chaldean Churches in Iraq • During the civil war between Kurdish rebels and the central government in the last 50 years, tens of thousands of Christians left their villages and homes in the Kurdistan area. After the fall of the Saddam regime, the Kurdistan government has full control, but ignores the duty to compensate the Christians and bring them back to their homes. They recently took hundreds of acres from the Christians for different reasons. If they are so concerned, they could offer land in the Kurdistan area, which already houses many Christians, instead of recommending going to a place that Kurdistan doesn’t own.

• All know that Iraq is an unstable place right now with continued chaos (burning of churches, kidnappings, bombings, etc.). Our population was more than 1 million before 2003, and now is less than 300,000.

The remaining feel insecure and want to focus on saving their skin.

They need security for themselves and for their families in jobs and education. They stand as a soft target with no militia and no regional or superpower supporting them. Iraq is unpredictable right now, which leaves them in fear of their future.

• In the last two years, the majority of Christians in Mosul were attacked and displaced. One of the

reasons was because of the idea of autonomy. We do not need more tragedy.

• Christians are not obligated to take sides of the ones who are quarreling. It is not the right timing of this right now nor does it hold the proper elements, including military, financing, security, resources, governing, etc.

These facts do not mean I am against the Kurds, who I believe have stood with us during some of our hardships. I believe in having good relations with the Kurds, Arabs and all other minorities. We are in a situation where we cannot favor

Christians are not obligated to take sides of the ones who are quarreling. sides right now. My main concern is for our people and covering the other side. Both sides of a serious matter like this should be equally covered, letting the reader decide in the end.

Reading these specific articles sounds like it was written from a Kurd, allowing me to lose respect in the editorial and its transparency. As a father watching my children read about these current events, I want to make sure they are well informed as it’s our responsibility they know the truth, especially living in America.

Eddie Bacall is a commercial real estate developer who sits on the board of the United Chaldean Democratic Forum.

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noteworthy

Yosemite Hikers Found Hundreds of mourners packed the Mar Zaia Cathedral of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church in Modesto, California, on December 17 to mourn Ramina Badal, 21, and Ninos Yacoub, 27, whose bodies were finally recovered after a tragic accident in July.

The two, along with Hormiz “Nenos” David, 22, died when they fell into the Merced River and were swept over Vernal Fall on a day trip to Yosemite National Park. David’s body was recovered in August.

Chamber Has New Board Saad Hajjar has been named chairman of the Chaldean American Board of Directors. This is Hajjar’s second stint as chamber chair, having served in the position in 2006.

Also on the 2012 executive board are Jeffrey Denha, executive vice chairman; Kevin Jappaya, vice chairman; Mark Sarafa, secretary; Sylvester Sandiha, treasurer; and Saad Abbo, executive committee member. The board also consists of Iyad Alosachie, Jim Loussia, Jay Yasso, Salim Gasso, Sharona Shapiro, Gerard van Grinsven, Klint Kesto, Michael Romaya and Eric Younan.

Fares Fouad Atto

Another Chaldean Killed at His Business

Sterling Heights Honors Chaldeans

Yet another senseless store murder occurred last month when Fares Fouad Atto, 54, was killed around midnight on Sunday, December 18, at Star Liquor on the 1800 block of Coolidge in River Rouge. Police say he was shot and killed by two masked men during a robbery. They then stole his car, a red 2001 Pontiac Aztec with the license plate CAB 5798. The men are considered armed and dangerous.

Meanwhile, the search continues for the killer of Karim Khamarko, who was fatally shot at his Ferndale store in late 2010. The family, Crime Stoppers and the Chaldean Chamber’s Waad Murad Advocacy Fund have raised funds to erect these billboards in hope of finding the assailant. The reward now stands at $20,000.

For information on either killing, call Crime Stoppers at (800) SPEAKUP.

Two Chaldean men were among six people honored by the Sterling Heights Ethnic Community Committee with its annual Diversity Distinction Awards on December 6. The awards recognize Ed Bahoura deserving individuals and organizations and Nick Najjar that make a difference in the community.

Ed Bahoura has served as an executive board member with Gleaners Food Bank, dedicating countless hours in the form of leadership, labor, awareness and fundraising.

Nick Najjar is active throughout Macomb County in several organizations and has served on the Sterling Heights Ethnic Community Committee and the Michigan Advisory Council on Arab and Chaldean American Affairs.

CALC Offering Scholarships Owner Defends His Detroit Store A Chaldean store owner shot one of two men attempting to rob his Detroit store on November 29.

Two men entered the Thrifty Scot on Harper near closing time at 8 p.m. They pulled out guns and ordered everyone on the ground. Owner Alaa Naimi was able to grab his gun and shoot one of the men in the chest. The men then fled the store. Later, one showed up at the hospital, which led to the arrest of both suspects.

“I figure I shoot him first before he shoots me,” Naimi told a reporter.

State Approves Millions for Meijer Nearly $10 million in state brownfield tax credits has been approved to lure Meijer and other chain stores into Detroit.

The Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) approved a $6.1 million brownfield tax credit on December 13 for the Gateway Marketplace on Woodward Avenue south of Eight Mile. In November, the MEGA approved a $3.3 million brownfield tax credit for a Meijer in the city’s northwest side, on the site of the old Red16

CHALDEAN NEWS

JANUARY 2012

ford High School. Meijer won’t confirm the new stores until the developer finalizes financing.

The Gateway Marketplace will encompass 360,000 square feet and include Meijer and Marshall’s as anchors. The Meijer super store is expected to total 195,000-square-feet including a gas station.

These tax credits, which have been long expected, continue the controversy of the city and state doing much to lure chain stores to Detroit, despite a pattern of failure of similar past efforts. Many of the city’s independent grocers say they are taken for granted despite their loyalty to Detroit.

Prestigious Spot for Jonna Frank Jonna has been appointed to the new Talent Investment Board by Gov. Rick Snyder. This 47-member board housed within the Michigan Economic Development Corporation is charged with advising and assisting the governor regarding compliance with the federal Workforce Investment Act and overall talent development. Jonna, the only Chaldean on the board, is CEO of Jonna Companies and immediate past chairman of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce.

The Chaldean American Ladies of Charity has launched the Nadia Atisha Education Fund to provide financial support to high school seniors and college students from the Chaldean community. Six scholarships of $500 or $1,000 will be awarded to students who show commitment to their education and future. The application deadline is February 1 and winners will be announced in the spring. Call (248) 538-8300 or write to jshallal@CALConline.org.

E’rootha Seeks Mentors E’rootha’s 2012 Youth Refugee Mentoring Program needs volunteers. The program pairs mature high school- and college-aged mentors with bilingual students in an after-school program to emphasize homework help, reading development and social mentoring. Volunteers also become big brothers or sisters to refugees at Utica District’s Jeanette Junior High School or Walled Lake Central School District’s Walnut Creek Middle School. The program launches at both schools on January 11. Regular attendance is required for this weekly commitment.

E’rootha is also seeking volunteers to act as chief public affairs officer and professional mentoring program director. Visit www. erootha.org.

Adopt-A-Refugee Nears $2 Million About 9,000 refugees of the Iraq War were assisted by AdoptA-Refugee-Family in October and November. The program sent $98,782 in those two months to refugees living in Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. To date, a total of $1.956 million has been sent overseas. Call (248) 406-2052 or visit AdoptARefugeeFamily.org to contribute.

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Photos courtesy of Ramiz Romaya/Rembrandt Photography

Community Bulletin Board On the Path

Two seminary students made a big step on their pa th to priesthood on December 3.

Matthew Zeto una (left) and Bas har Sitto beca me deacons in a sp ecial mass by Mar Ibrahim Ibrahi m at St. Th omas Chaldean Cat holic Church.

The two men w ill become priests sometime this summer.

Gian n from i (secon d pictu left) is r his s ed with i pare ster Gab b n Mays ts Likaa y, & s e r M Aliss ikah a Noah Abro, b ail, A b ro an aby Gena d at th ll Kasmik e eve ha nt.

Isabelle H 6, dona aio, te inches d 10 of hair to W her for Kids igs .

Fundraiser a Cut Above Gianni Mikahail, a 10-year-old living in West Bloomfield, was struck one day by a TV commercial for St. Jude Children’s Hos pital. “One day I was watching TV with my mom and saw all these kids who were bald [from chemotherapy],” he said. “Right that second I asked my mom if I could do a fundraiser.” The fifth-grader at Twin Beach Elementary School in Walled Lake organized a special event on December 17 at Orchard Salon, which is owned by his mother, Likaa. Twenty percent of that day’ s proceeds went to St. Jude. “I want to help make money to help them get research and get well,” said Gianni. “It makes me feel really goo d to know I am helping these children.”

18

CHALDEAN NEWS

JANUARY 2012

Fun to Spare

s,” ue, “The Gem Bowling Leag n ea em ld ec ha D C on es as Party The Ladi in annual Christm r d ei te th pa r ci fo rti ed pa gather e group nated ency Manor. Th ber 13 at Reg , which was do 00 ,4 $1 ed is is ra d an oo e da Daw d a cash raffl amily. Ruwai -F d ee an ug t ef en -R id -A es to Adopt is vice pr Shirley Kinaia t, en id es pr league the secretary.

Dunia Kassa is

School Adds Up for

Brothers

mselves to are distinguishing the Darin (top) and Ryan Sit ess Adsin Bu of l iversity Schoo at the Wayne State Un rin was Da g. ntin cou nt of Ac ministration’s Departme by the nding Student Member recently awarded Outsta nts. nta cou Ac Certified Public Michigan Association of yne Wa a is and m MBA progra He is in his first year of an an is to Sit an Ry , hile ar. Meanw State Presidential Schol hon an apter of Beta Alpha Psi, officer for Epsilon Pi Ch and ts den stu ncial information orary organization for fina orter. rep as g vin professionals, ser

Have an item for the Bulletin Board? Send it to Chaldean News, 29850 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, MI 48034, or e-mail info@chaldeannews.com.

Call 866-501-DOCS (3627) for a Providence physician

Isn’t their health worth making the appointment, today?

Call before noon for a same day appointment.

Providence and Providence Park Hospital primary care physicians are available to see you for same day or next day appointments. Tell us what works for your schedule! To make an appointment with a high quality primary care physician, call 866-501-DOCS(3627).

We’ll work together with you to find the most appropriate doctor for you and your family. We’ll give you information to decide which physician is right for you such as certification, education, location, hours, insurances accepted and more.

A PA S S I O N f o r H E A L I N G

HOSPITALS IN SOUTHFIELD AND NOVI JANUARY 2012

CHALDEAN NEWS 19

CHAI time

chaldeans conNecting

community events in and around metro detroit JANUARY 2012

[Friday, January 13 Saturday, January 14] Girls: Marian High School in Bloomfield Hills hosts its Fourth Annual Caritas Leadership Conference to show eighth-grade girls how to achieve a balanced life of prayer, work, study and play, and how to make a difference in the world. The conference runs from 6-9 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday. The fee is $15, and preregistration is required by January 6.

(248) 644-1946.

[Saturday, January 14 – Sunday, January 22] Auto Show: The 2012 North American International Auto Show features more than 500 vehicles on display at Cobo Hall in Detroit. Show times are 9 a.m.10 p.m. (no admittance after 9 p.m.) except Sunday, January 22, when it closes at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 adults; $6 seniors (65+) and students (7-12) free for children under 6. naias.com.

Steinway Piano Gallery of Detroit, 2700 E. West Maple Road in Commerce Township. The event features the Nofar Sisters, the Ardan Academy Regional Winners of Irish Dance, and more. Tickets available at the door. (734) 744-4597.

[Sunday, January 15] Benefit: A Musical Extravaganza to benefit the Lighthouse Organization for the Visually Impaired beings at 2 p.m. at

[Thursday, January 26] Networking: The Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce holds a Quarterly Networking Meeting from

6-8 p.m. Visit ChaldeanChamber.com or call (248) 996-8340 for location and other details.

[Saturday, January 28 – Sunday, January 29] Cats: Pedigreed cats and kittens from throughout the U.S. and Canada strut their stuff at a Cat Fanciers’ Associationsanctioned show. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Allen Park Community Center, 15800 White

Street. $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children 6-12, free under age 6. CFA.org.

[Monday, January 30] Food: Restaurant Week in Birmingham begins with a variety of restaurants offering discounted three-course lunches and dinners. Dates are January 30-February 3 and also February 6-10.

Visit EnjoyBirmingham.com/RW for a list of participants.

BHS F eBruary P review T ourS Bloomfield Hills Schools enables students to become the architects of their futures.

Learn more during a preview tour.

Kindergarten and Preschool Bloomin’ Tots Fox Hills (6 weeks - 5 years) February 8 • 9:30 - 11 a.m.

RSVP (248) 341-7950 Conant Kindergarten & Bloomin’ Kids (2½ - 5 years) February 7 • 9:30 - 11 a.m.

RSVP (248) 341-7000

Eastover Elementary School February 1 • 10 - 11:30 a.m.

RSVP (248) 341-7100

Way Elementary School February 8 • 10 - 11:30 a.m.

RSVP (248) 341-7800

Lone Pine Kindergarten & Bloomin’ Kids and Tots (6 weeks - 5 years) February 3 • 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

RSVP (248) 341-7300

Middle Grades: for parents of incoming fourth or fifth grade students fall 2012 Bloomfield Hills Middle (Parents of incoming 5th graders) February 16 • 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

RSVP (248) 341-6000

East Hills Middle (Parents of incoming 5th graders) February 7 • 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

RSVP (248) 341-6200

West Hills Middle (Parents of incoming 4th graders) February 1 • 10 a.m. - 2 p.m RSVP (248) 341-6100

Out-of-district tuition students are welcome. If you are unable to attend a preview tour but are interested in learning more about BHS, please call (248) 341-6328.

http://previewtours.Bloomfield.org 20

CHALDEAN NEWS

JANUARY 2012

54660 Van Dyke Avenue Shelby Township, MI 48315 info@thepalazzogrande.com www.thepalazzogrande.com 586-731-2100

SPECIAL PRICING FOR THE CHALDEAN COMMUNITY! •

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State of the Art audio visual large screens for bride and groom's photo slide show

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Mediterranean Menu’s available

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Off Site Catering available

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Work with owners personally

SPECIAL PRICING FOR WEEKDAY EVENTS

WE ARE PROUD MEMBERS OF THE CHALDEAN AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE! LOOK FOR FUTURE CACC EVENTS HOSTED HERE JANUARY 2012

CHALDEAN NEWS 21

HALHOLE!

Lola Rose

We have been blessed with a girl from above, a darling daughter for us to love! Eric & Krystal (Naimi) Sabatini are proud to announce the birth of their child, Lola Rose. Lola was born on November 23, 2011.

She weighed 6 lbs., 3 oz. and was 19.5 inches in length. Godparents are Joseph Sabatini and Megan Naimi. Proud grandparents are Essam & Entisar Naimi and Barb & Michael Sabatini.

Lola Rose

Dante Joseph

First-time parents David & Janafer Shaba are proud to announce the birth of Dante Joseph on October 21, 2011 at 5:56 p.m. He weighed 5 lbs., 1 oz. and was 18 inches long. Dante is the first grandchild for Souhail & Ikhlas Shaba and the second for Thamir & Niran Bahri.

Luke Andrew

We’ve been blessed and are filled with joy, from Heaven has come our second little boy. Luke Andrew Nofar was born on November 30, 2011 at 9:49 p.m. He weighed 8 lbs., 8 oz. and was 20.5 inches long. Proud parents are Andy & Mary Nofar and AJ is the big brother. Grandparents are Tony & Nidhal Nofar and Imad & Nada Abro.

Dante Joseph

Luke Andrew

share your joy with the community Announcements are offered free of charge to paid subscribers.

Please email or mail announcements with a photo to the Chaldean News at halhole@chaldeannews.com or: Chaldean News; c/o Editor, Subject: Announcements 29850 Northwestern, Suite 250, Southfield, MI 48034 Please include your address and phone number to verify your paid subscription. Hard copies of photos can be picked up after the 15th of the month. Photos are not mailed back.

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CHALDEAN NEWS

JANUARY 2012

JANUARY 2012

CHALDEAN NEWS 23

religion

places of prayer THE DIOCESE OF ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE IN THE UNITED STATES St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Diocese 25603 Berg Road, Southfield, MI 48033; (248) 351-0440 Mar (Bishop) Ibrahim N. Ibrahim www.chaldeandiocese.org HOLY MARTYRS CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 43700 Merrill, Sterling Heights, MI 48312; (586) 803-3114 Rector: Rev. Manuel Boji Parochial Vicar: Rev. Ayad Khanjaro Mass Schedule: Weekdays, 9 a.m. in Chaldean; Saturday, 5 p.m. in English; Sunday: 9 a.m. in Chaldean and Arabic, 10:30 a.m. in English, morning prayer at noon, high mass at 12:30 p.m. in Chaldean.

MAR ADDAI CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 24010 Coolidge Highway, Oak Park, MI 48237; (248) 547-4648 Pastor: Rev. Stephen Kallabat Parochial Vicars: Rev. Fadi Habib Khalaf, Rev. Suleiman Denha Mass Schedule: Weekdays, 12 noon; Sunday, 10 a.m. in Sourath and Arabic, 12:30 p.m. in Sourath MOTHER OF GOD CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 25585 Berg Road, Southfield, MI 48034; (248) 356-0565 Rector: Rev. Wisam Matti Parochial Vicar: Rev. Anthony Kathawa Bible Study: 7-9 p.m. for High School Ages in English; 7-9 p.m. College/Young Adult in English Mass Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8 a.m. mass in English; Tuesday, 9 p.m. mass in English; Wednesday, noon-midnight, adoration; Saturday, 5:15 p.m. in English; Sunday: 8:30 a.m. in Arabic, 10 a.m. in English, noon in Chaldean, 7 p.m. in English OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP MISSION Located inside St. Sylvester Church 11200 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48093; (586) 804-2114 Pastor: Fr. Fadi Philip Mass Schedule: Daily, 6:30 p.m.; confession, 5 p.m.; rosary 6 p.m.; Sunday 12:30 p.m. in Arabic and Chaldean. Bible Study: Thursday 8 p.m. Adoration: Thursday, 5 p.m. Catechism: Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

SACRED HEART CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 310 W. Seven Mile Road, Detroit, MI 48203; (313) 368-6214 Pastor: Fr. Sameem Belius Mass Schedule: Friday, 6 p.m. in Chaldean; Sunday 11 a.m. in Chaldean ST. GEORGE CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 45700 Dequindre Road, Shelby Township, MI 48317; (586) 254-7221 Pastor: Msgr. Emanuel Hana Isho Shaleta Assistant Pastors: Fr. Pierre Konja, Fr. Basel Yaldo Mass Schedule: Weekdays, 10 a.m. in Chaldean; Wednesdays, 7 p.m.; adoration and confession from 8-10 p.m.; Saturday, 6:30 p.m. in English (during the school year); 6:30 p.m. (in Chaldean during the summer); Sunday: 8:30 a.m. in Chaldean, 10 a.m. in Arabic, 11:30 a.m. in English, 1:15 p.m. in Chaldean; 7:30 p.m. in English.

Tuesdays: Circle of Friends (teenage girls) 6:30 p.m.; Wednesdays, Adult English Bible Study at 8 p.m.; Thursdays, Teen Bible Study at 6:30 p.m.; Fridays, Arabic Bible Study at 8 p.m.

chaldean churches in and around metro detroit

Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ The Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the oldest Christian feasts, though throughout the centuries it has celebrated a variety of things. Epiphany comes from a Greek verb meaning, “to reveal,” and all of the various events celebrated by the Feast of the Epiphany are revelations of Christ to man.

Chaldeans celebrate it as well and it is called Denha Marin (Christening of our Lord).

In the Chaldean community, it is popular to have babies baptized on this day.

Like many of the most ancient Christian feasts, Prayer Epiphany was first celebrated in the East, where it has O God, Who by the been held from the beginning almost universally on Janguidance of a star didst uary 6. Today, among both Eastern Catholics and Eastthis day reveal Thine ern Orthodox, the feast is known as Theophany — the only-begotten Son to the revelation of God to man.

Gentiles, mercifully grant Epiphany originally celebrated four different events, that we, who know Thee in the following order of importance: the Baptism of now by faith, may be so led Christ; Christ’s first miracle, the changing of water into as to behold with our eyes wine at the wedding in Cana; the Nativity of Christ; and the beauty of Thy majesty. the visitation of the Wise Men or Magi. Each of these Through the same Lord Jeis a revelation of God to man: At Christ’s Baptism, the sus Christ, Thy Son, Who Holy Spirit descends and the voice of God the Father is liveth and reigneth with heard, declaring that Jesus is His Son; at the wedding in Thee in the unity of the Cana, the miracle reveals Christ’s divinity; at the NativHoly Ghost, God, world ity, the angels bear witness to Christ, and the shepherds, without end. Amen. representing the people of Israel, bow down before Him; and at the visitation of the Magi, Christ’s divinity is revealed to the Gentiles — the other nations of the earth.

Eventually, the celebration of the Nativity was separated out in the West into Christmas. Shortly thereafter, Western Christians adopted the Eastern feast of the Epiphany, still celebrating the Baptism, the first miracle, and the visit from the Wise Men. Thus, Epiphany came to mark the end of Christmastide — the Twelve Days of Christmas, which began with the revelation of Christ to Israel in His Birth and ended with the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles at Epiphany.

Over the centuries, the various celebrations were further separated in the West, and now the Baptism of the Lord is celebrated on the Sunday after January 6, and the wedding at Cana is commemorated on the Sunday after the Baptism of the Lord.

Recently deceased Community members

ST. JOSEPH CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 2442 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy, MI 48083; (248) 528-3676 Pastor: Msgr. Zouhair Toma (Kejbou) Parochial Vicar: Fr. Rudy Zoma Mass Schedule: Weekdays, 10 a.m. in Chaldean; Saturday, 5 p.m. in English and Chaldean; Sunday, 8 a.m. in Chaldean, 9:30 a.m. in Arabic, 11 a.m. in English, 12:30 p.m. in Chaldean, 2:15 in Chaldean and Arabic. Baptisms: 3 p.m. on Sundays.

ST. MARY HOLY APOSTOLIC CATHOLIC ASSYRIAN CHURCH OF THE EAST 4320 E. 14 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48092; (586) 825-0290 Rector: Fr. Benjamin Benjamin Mass Schedule: Sunday, 9 a.m. in Assyrian; 12 noon in Assyrian and English ST. THOMAS CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 6900 Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322; (248) 788-2460 Pastor: Rev. Frank Kalabat Rev. Emanuel Rayes (retired) Parochial Vicar: Rev. Jirgus Abrahim Mass Schedule: Weekdays, 10 a.m. in Sourath; Saturday, 5 p.m. in English; Sunday 9 a.m. in English, 10:30 a.m. in English, 12:30 p.m. in Sourath, 2 p.m. in Arabic. First Thursday and Friday of each month, Holy Hour 10 a.m., Mass 11 a.m. in Sourath. Saturday 3 p.m., Night Vespers (Ramsha) in Sourath. Every Wednesday from midnight to Thursday midnight, adoration in the Baptismal Room. Grotto is open 24/7 for prayer and reflection.

ST. TOMA SYRIAC CATHOLIC CHURCH 25600 Drake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48335; (248) 478-0835 Pastor: Rev. Toma Behnama Fr. Safaa Habash Mass Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 6 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m. All masses are in Syriac, Arabic and English 24

CHALDEAN NEWS

JANUARY 2012

Fares Fouad Atto Sept. 19, 1957 Dec. 19, 2011

Manga Abdul Noor July 1, 1932 Dec. 5, 2011

Sabri Zia Shammami July 1, 1932 Dec. 12, 2011

Victoria Dawood Deza July 1, 1931 Nov. 28, 2011

Nadira Abid Hanna July 1, 1945 Dec. 10, 2011

Dr. Polis Khammo July 1, 1934 Nov. 28, 2011

Hafedh George Kakos Dec. 8, 1962 Dec. 10, 2011

Moshi N. Hannawa June 1, 1933 Dec. 8, 2011

Isho Aziz July 1, 1929 Nov. 28, 2011

Manuel Mansour Yono Dec. 15, 1930 Dec. 14, 2011

OBITUARIES

Aziz Yousif Dabish

James Jonna: Pioneer, Legend “If you have an enemy in front of you and a fire behind you, which way do you go?” James “Jimmy” Jonna would query. “The answer,” he counseled, “is you march forward to fight the enemy.”

That is the same attitude Jonna took to his three-year battle with lung cancer, ultimately succumbing to the disease in the early hours on December 21. He was 87 years old.

“Service people, work with people, respect people” – James Jonna James Jonna never shrank from a challenge and the “enemy” riddle is among the countless pieces of advice he shared with partners, family members and adversaries alike. His 60-year career in groceries, construction and development spanned two generations and witnessed countless real estate cycles that included 20 percent interest rates in the early ‘80s and rocket-like economic growth in the mid ‘90s.

In the 1960s Jonna opened the Big Dipper Supermarket in what is now Brush Park with his brother Manuel, Salim Sarafa and Buddy Atchoo. The store burned down in the riots and Jonna eventually opened his construction company. Forty years later, just blocks away from the former market, Jonna Companies owns and manages lifestyle apartments that are part of the exciting redevelopment of the New Center area and Woodward corridor.

Amongst the hundreds of projects built and developed by Jonna and his companies are the Michigan National Headquarters, Bloomfield Center, North Valley Office Center, West Market Square in Novi and Shenandoah Country Club.

“Where others saw a vacant lot, James Jonna saw potential,” said Michael George, his cousin, friend and partner. “He had an uncanny knack for evaluating underdeveloped land sites and determining the most effective use and design for real estate.”

But it was people skills that really set him apart. “Service people, work with people, respect people” is how Jonna described his philosophy.

Jonna was famous for his story-telling, each one carefully crafted to make a specific, purposeful and memorable point. His unerring sense of honesty, good sense of humor and impatience with political correctness made Jonna a popular and enjoyable figure in the community. These qualities, combined with his business acumen, made Jonna one of the most respected figures in the business world as well.

In 2006, the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce recognized Jonna’s lifetime of achievements by naming him Business Person of the Year. The award was also an acknowledgment of his service to the community. Jonna was instrumental in the forming of the Chaldean Iraqi American Association of Michigan and he helped dozens of people get a successful start in business.

James Jonna is survived by his wife, Selma; five children, Christine, Gary, Debra, Diane and Janet; and 13 grandchildren. He will be sorely missed by them and countless others.

– Michael Sarafa

Aziz Yousif Dabish passed away on November 22, 2011.

He was the husband of Najiba Dabish and the late Suad Dabish, the son of Yousif and Zarifa Dabish, and the brother of Shamamta Tato and Najiba Georges.

He was born in Telkaif, near Baghdad, on January 6, 1931. He later moved to Baghdad as a teenager and studied engineering and eventually owned his own company and did significant work in Iraq. In 1951, he married Suad, the daughter of Jirjis and Ghazzala Cholagh. They moved to the United States in 1969, where they lived in Livonia. Aziz owned Robertson’s Market. He also established IDI, Intrastate Distributors Inc., in 1980, with his sons. After Suad passed away in 1994, Aziz eventually remarried in 1998 to Najiba Seman.

Aziz’s hobbies included much time spent at Southfield Manor, being with his family, and watching baseball and old country-westerns on the television.

He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. We will always cherish our memories of him, and pray that he is in heaven.

Aziz is also survived by his children: Edwin Dabish, husband of Zahia; Salwa Nofar, wife of Frank; Amer Dabish, husband of Sefa Cholagh; Thamer Dabish, husband of Teresa Rea; and Sonya Marrogy, wife of Andrew. His daughter Sanaa passed away at age 2. Aziz also leaves 16 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and three more on the way.

Gorgis Mikho Garmo Gorgis Garmo was born in Telkaif, Iraq to Mihko and Marasha Garmo on April 24, 1938. He passed away on November 8, 2011.

Gorgis was a pioneer who came to the United States in the mid 1960s on a student via. He married Khayria Jamil in 1970. In the mid 1970s he slowly brought his family from Iraq to the United States so they could be together again.

Gorgis was a man with great wisdom and was a true philosopher. He loved family dearly and was greatly respected by them. Gorgis was extremely generous and kind, and never expected anything in return. He was always thinking about other people and finding ways to give his family and friends encouragement as often as he could.

Gorgis was a beloved son, brother, husband, father and grandfather.

He had four beloved brothers, Odish,

Ibrahim, Salem and Karim. Besides his wife, he is survived by sisters Hania Yaldo and Najiba Saffer, as well as his five children, Michele Brikho (Loay), Michael (Jessica), Marvin (Amy), Mark (Mirvit) and Matthew Garmo, and six grandchildren, Tiffany, Briana, Jules, Giovanni, Gavin and Zachary.

Gabe Kajy Gabe Kajy was born in Telkaif, Iraq on December 25, 1923. He came to the United States more than 50 years ago. He passed away on November 7, 2011.

He loved his family and his many friends. He loved to help people and always wanted everyone to just be happy.

Gabe will be missed very much by his wife of 52 years, Nadhima; his sons Paul (the late Luma) and Patrick (Belsam); and his daughter Rhonda (Christopher Dickow). He will also be missed by his eight wonderful grandchildren, Benjamin, Luke, Christopher, Dylan, Brandon, Melyssa, Mackenzie and Catherine.

We miss you Baba!

George Peter Kattula George Peter Kattula was born on November 23, 1923.

He passed away on November 21, 2011.

He was predeceased by his wife Amira Arabo Kattula and is survived by four daughters, Shatha Denha (Ghassan), Nada Kattula, Nagam Kattula, and Hadil Jonna (Tony).

He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Chloe, Pilar, Janeiro, Angelina, Luke and Olivia.

Baba, thank you for all of the wonderful memories. We had so many laughs with you that we will forever remember. Thank you for loving us as much as you did. You had such an amazing and kind heart. We were blessed to have had you in our lives.

You filled our hearts and homes with so much love. We will always remember your beautiful blue eyes and smile.

One of our favorite memories of you is your beautiful voice as you sang along with your favorite singer, Abdul Wahab. You have no idea how amazing it was for us to listen to you sing.

Truly, you are missed by all of us.

Always know that we love you with all of our hearts. Give Mama our love and tell her that we love her and miss her deeply. We’re so happy that you two are back together again. Goodbye to our beautiful Baba. You will forever be in our hearts.

JANUARY 2012

CHALDEAN NEWS 25

Around 500 troops from the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division ended their presence near Nasiriyah at Camp Adder, the last remaining American base, and departed in the final American military convoy out of Iraq on December 17.

Little fanfare accompanies Iraq War’s end

By Lolita C. Baldor and Rebecca Santana/Associated Press

N

early nine years after American troops stormed across the Iraq border in a blaze of shock and awe, U.S. officials quietly ended the bloody and bitterly divisive conflict — but the debate over whether it was worth the cost in money and lives is yet unanswered.

While many of the speeches at a December 15 ceremony painted a picture of victory — for both the troops and the Iraqi people now set on a path for democracy — the gnawing questions remain: Will Iraqis be able to forge their new government amid the still stubborn sectarian clashes? Will Christians and

other minorities be able to survive?

And will Iraq be able to defend itself and remain independent in a region fraught with turmoil and still steeped in insurgent threats?

Stark reminders of the fragile and often violent nature of the situation in Iraq engulfed the 45-minute ceremony. It was tucked into a fortified corner of the Baghdad airport, ringed with concrete blast walls. And on the chairs — nearly empty of Iraqis — were tags that listed not only the name of the VIP assigned to the seat, but the bunker they should move to in case of an attack.

The speeches touched on the

success of the mission as well as its losses: Nearly 4,500 Americans and 100,000 Iraqis killed. Another 32,000 Americans and tens of thousands Iraqis wounded. And $800 billion from the U.S. Treasury.

On the other side of the ledger, an Iraq free from the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, inching forward toward democracy and vowing to be a good neighbor in the region.

“To be sure the cost was high — in blood and treasure of the United States and also the Iraqi people,” Defense Secretary Leon Panetta told the roughly 200 troops and others in attendance. “Those lives have not been

Peters advocates for Iraq’s Christians

M

ichigan Congressman Gary Peters, along with 18 fellow members of Congress, sent a letter last month seeking funding for increased security and assistance to NGOs in the Nineveh Plains and to Christian Iraqis overall.

The letter was sent to the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs in the United States Senate and House of Representatives. It acknowledges that the ethno-religious minorities of Iraq, including Chaldeans, Assyrians, Syriacs and other communities of faith, are struggling to “maintain a

26

CHALDEAN NEWS

JANUARY 2012

foothold in the land they have inhabited for thousands of years.” It further recognizes that the Iraqi Christian population is 50 percent less than what it was in 2003, and perhaps even lower.

“The daily persecution has resulted in ongoing exodus that threatens the very survival of these ancient communities. Without significant assistance, Iraqis and members of the Iraqi Diaspora believe complete depopulation is possible within a decade,” the letter says.

Peters and 37 other members of Congress also sent a letter to Presi-

dent Barack Obama in advance of his meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki last month. Along with representatives including Anna Eshoo and Frank Wolf, the letter urged the president to raise the plight of Iraq’s religious minority communities and press the Iraqi government to take concrete steps to ensure the long-term survival of these people.

The letter highlights that Christians face “challenges that threaten their very existence” and goes on to describe that “minorities have been kidnapped, raped, tortured, beheaded, and evicted from their homes.”

lost in vain — they gave birth to an independent, free and sovereign Iraq.”

Gen. Lloyd Austin, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, said the Iraqi people now have an unprecedented opportunity to live in a relatively peaceful environment, but he also acknowledged it will be a challenging time. And he urged Iraqi leaders to make good choices based on what is best for their people.

“Violence and prosperity cannot co-exist,” said Austin, who eight years, eight months and 26 days ago had given the order for U.S. troops to storm across the border into Iraq. And on December 15 he gave the order to retire the flag of U.S. Forces-Iraq.

The flag was then rolled up, covered by a camouflage-colored sheath and brought back to the U.S. Speaking to the troops in the audience, Panetta lauded their service and their bravery, adding, “You will leave with great pride — lasting pride — secure in knowing that your sacrifice has helped the Iraqi people to begin a new chapter in history.”

Many Iraqis, however, are uncertain of how that chapter will unfold.

Their relief at the end of Saddam, who was hanged on the last day of

President Obama stopped short of calling the U.S. effort in Iraq a victory.

2006, was tempered by a long and vicious war that was launched to find non-existent weapons of mass destruction and nearly plunged the nation into full-scale sectarian civil war.

Some Iraqis celebrated the exit of what they called American occupiers, neither invited nor welcome in a proud country. Others said that while grateful for U.S. help ousting Saddam, the war went on too long. A majority of Americans would agree, according to opinion polls.

The low-key nature of the ceremony stood in sharp contrast to the high octane start of the war, which began before dawn on March 20, 2003, with an airstrike in southern Baghdad where Saddam was believed to be hiding. U.S. and allied ground forces then stormed across the featureless Kuwaiti desert, accompanied by reporters, photographers and television

GUEST column

crews embedded with the troops.

The final few thousand U.S. troops left Iraq in orderly caravans and tightly scheduled flights.

The total U.S. departure was a bit earlier than initially planned, and military leaders worried that it is a bit premature for the still maturing Iraqi security forces, who face continuing struggles to develop the logistics, air operations, surveillance and intelligence-sharing capabilities they will need in what has long been a difficult region.

Despite President Barack Obama’s earlier contention that all American troops would be home for Christmas, at least 4,000 forces will remain in Kuwait for some months. The troops will be able to help finalize the move out of Iraq, but could also be used as a quick reaction force if needed.

Obama stopped short of calling the U.S. effort in Iraq a victory in an interview with ABC News’ Barbara Walters.

“I would describe our troops as having succeeded in the mission of giving to the Iraqis their country in a way that gives them a chance for a successful future,’’ Obama said.

Despite the war’s toll and unpopularity, Panetta insisted that it “has not been in vain.’’

The Iraq Body Count website says more than 100,000 Iraqis have been killed since the U.S. invasion. The vast majority were civilians. The war has been devastating to Iraq’s Christian minority, with more than half fleeing the country in the face of religious persecution at the hands of Islamic fanatics.

With Iraq War over, what are the consequences?

I

n December President by high unemployment, a Barack Obama dewatered-down social safety clared the real cessanet and a broken Veterans tion of the Iraq War and Affairs Department. A reordered all troops home by cent Time magazine headthe end of the year. Don’t line put it best: “An Army look for a General Dwight Apart; 45,000 troops are Eisenhower or George coming home to a country Patten-type parade for the that doesn’t know them.”

Michael G. American men and womThis is a shame.

Sarafa en who bravely served Besides those killed in SPECIAL TO THE there. It won’t happen. action, tens of thousands CHALDEAN NEWS It won’t happen because of young American men for most of the American people, this and women will have lifelong battles is a non-event. The troops will be welwith physical, mental and emotional comed home by an American public injuries caused by the war. The perthat largely forgot about them, that sonal toll on them and their families is never bought into the war in the first hard to comprehend. What is worse is place and that seemed immune from that these heroes, these patriots, come any sense of joint sacrifice. This is not home diminished — not only by a the fault of the American public but dispassionate public, but by uncertain a failure in leadership. Eight years results on the ground in Iraq. later, it is still hard to understand why The so-called Iraqi democracy we the United States invaded Iraq — no leave behind in reality is a one-sided weapons of mass destruction (a term theocracy in a country that is multiwe don’t hear about anymore), no imethnic and multi-religious. This is a minent threat to the region, really no formula for disaster. The Shiite-conintelligible reason at all. Iraq, under trolled government systematically Saddam, was a two-bit dictatorship so shuts out the other groups while the fragile that surely some event (maybe ragtag military has no capability to the Arab Spring) would have topstand down external threats. Chrispled the regime without the massive tians are fleeing the country in massbloodshed that took place. The loss of es, selling their homes and properties American and Iraqi lives was the refor inflated prices to oil-rich sectarsult of a forced war that will go down ians who understand the relationin history as one of the most senseless ship between land and power. In superpower decisions in history. the north, the Kurds have essentially Further, the troops will also come established their own province comhome to communities devastated plete with their own utilities, laws

and military. The Christians there are subjects of a Kurdish Protectorate, a group whose growing strength is directly tied to the increased likelihood of trouble in the region. Some level of civil strife is unavoidable.

Obama spun the end of the war as well as one could. It was a war he was always against. He has kept his promise to bring the troops home. But the stark reality is that this was a war that didn’t need to and shouldn’t have happened. I have said that many,

Eight years later, it is still hard to understand why the United States invaded Iraq. many times in this space over the years. I wish I had more hope about the future of Iraq and the entirety of its people. I would be happy to be proven wrong in my assessment.

For now, however, let us take the lessons learned from a bad war.

Mostly, let us honor the American veterans of the Iraq war, and the Iraqi people, with our thoughts, prayers and deeds.

Michael Sarafa is the president of the Bank of Michigan and a co-publisher of the Chaldean News.

Rioters attack Christian businesses

I

n an event that underscored the vulnerability of Iraqi Christians, a group of mostly young people rioted in the northern Iraqi Kurdish city of Zakho on December 2, setting fire to liquor stores, beauty salons, hotels and a massage parlor. Most of the businesses are Christian-owned.

Reports said the attacks followed Mala Ismail Osman Sindi’s mosque sermon in which he claimed prostitution was occurring in massage parlors in Zakho. Sindi denied inciting the riot.

In an interview with Rudaw, Sindi said, “I’m not the only one talking about massage parlors. Everyone else is talking about it and I may have been the last person to address that issue. In my sermon, I only said that instead of massage parlors, people should build mosques.”

Saeed Ibrahim, a resident of Zakho who attended Sindi’s service, told Rudaw, “After the mullah spoke about massage parlors, one man stood up and shouted ‘Since there are haram [un-Islamic] things in Zakho, we should not tolerate it and we should destroy them.’”

An eyewitness told Rudaw, “After the Friday sermon, a large number of people gathered in front of the massage parlor, attacked and set it on fire. Later on, they stormed liquor stores and women’s hair salons.”

Ramazan Ismail Mustafa, head of the tourism department in Zakho said, “Twenty liquor stores, three hotels, a massage parlor and a women’s hair salon were set on fire.”

Ismail Mustafa Rashid, the mayor of the town of Sumel, said four liquor stores were burnt in his town.

According to eyewitnesses, some rioters tried to attack the Christian quarter of town, but the guards of political party offices opened fire above people’s heads and stopped them from reaching the neighborhood.

– Rudaw, Press TV, and other sources

JANUARY 2012

CHALDEAN NEWS 27

photo by alex lumelsky

Yvonne Kaskorgis Petrone, Geoff George and Chris Eid back in the newly renovated Madison Building.

living in the D Young Chaldeans embrace Detroit

By Joyce Wiswell

Y

vonne Kasgorgis Petrone’s parents were not too happy when she told them she was moving to Detroit. Her father was so worried that she promised him she’d get some mace to protect herself. “I did buy a can but it’s never left the house,” she confessed. “I have never once felt unsafe here.”

When he broke the news of his impending move over a family dinner, Geoff George’s mother was so upset “she practically couldn’t finish her dinner,” he recalled. “She had some bad experiences in Detroit and I don’t blame her for being worried – she was being a good mom. Now that I’m here she’s done a 180 – well, let’s call it a 150.”

Petrone and George are among a new breed of Chaldean pioneers – young people choosing to live, work and play in Detroit. While many members of the older generation lived in the city when they first immigrated to America, they moved to the suburbs as soon as they could; leaving Detroit was seen as a sign of success and prosperity. These days, 28

CHALDEAN NEWS

JANUARY 2012

the city is attracting a whole new generation of young people who are making Detroit their first choice.

“I wanted to try the city life and since I manage a restaurant downtown it was a perfect convenience,” said Chris Eid, who moved to the Book Cadillac/Comerica Park area a year ago at age 29. The West Bloomfield native had been working in the family’s gas stations and liquor stores, but always wanted to try the restaurant business.

He’s been the sales and catering manager of Rub Barbecue Pub for eight months now and is loving it. “Even though I don’t own this place I think of it as my own,” he said. “I have always been used to working long hours.”

Eid has a “nice little two-bedroom” apartment overlooking the MGM Grand and McNamera Federal Building. “You can walk around and not have a problem,” he said.

“Obviously there are places you should not walk at a certain time, but in the entertainment, financial and Bricktown areas, it’s more than fine. Everything is all lit up, and the police and security are always driv-

ing around. It’s not like the suburbs where it is completely dark at night.”

Indeed, Petrone said she actually feels safer living in downtown Detroit than she did at her parents’ house in Farmington Hills. “When I came home at night I would open the garage, run out of the car and run inside.

It was so dark and no one was patrolling the streets,” she said. “Now I park at the lot at the Detroit Opera House and the guards watch me walk home.”

George moved to Detroit in 2008, shortly after graduating from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor.

He’s lived in a variety of neighborhoods and now resides in 1,200-sq.ft. loft in the Harmony Park area.

Petrone and her husband, James, live across from the Opera House in a “beautiful” 1,400-sq.-ft. loft in the original headquarters for Eureka Vacuums.

Petrone actually resisted when James, then her boyfriend, said he wanted to move to the city. “I said, ‘no way, how will I hang out with you?’” she recalled. “Then we starting going to things like the fireworks

and air show and I thought maybe this wasn’t such a bad idea.”

James is a sales director for One Reverse Mortgage and Yvonne is an event coordinator for the new m@dison, both sister companies to Dan Gilbert’s Quicken Loans, which made big news when it moved its headquarters from Livonia to Detroit in 2010. Yvonne said the couple saves at least $700 a month just in gas since they are now close enough to walk or bike to work.

The Petrones love showing off the city. “Living downtown has made us almost ambassadors with our friends and family,” Yvonne said. “We host a New Year’s Eve party and have people over for [Tigers] Opening Day and Super Bowl. I’ve taken my nephews to shows at the Fox and my family came for the Thanksgiving Parade.”

George, a photographer, camera operator and filmmaker, has carved himself a niche by showing offbeat locations to visiting film crews.

“One of the coolest experiences I ever had was renting a boat and taking a French film crew down the

Their Favorite Things Summer: “Taking our dogs to the Riverfront. We even bought a brick there with our names on it.”

Winter: “The rink at Campus Martius. I hurt myself skating there but I’m getting better.”

– Yvonne Kasgorgis Petrone

Summer: “Walking on the Riverfront.”

Winter: “Going to Campus Martius for ice skating or looking at the Christmas tree.”

– Chris Eid

Summer: “John’s Carpet House Blues at St. Aubin north of Mack on Sundays.

People gather in a field on Sundays to jam and barbecue.”

Winter: “Seeing a movie at the Detroit Film Theater. Hearing the jazz trio at the Sugar House Cocktail Bar.”

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11/25/11 1:41 PM

– Geoff George

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Special $100 Rouge River to look at all the abandoned factories,” he said. “I feel like every day is different in Detroit. It’s a huge city and I’m always seeing something new. There’s a whole other city besides downtown and midtown. What a lot of people see as ruined or dead, I see as an opportunity.”

Eid said living in Detroit has expanded his world. “The Chaldean community is so close-knit. I have broken that mold of not moving out until you get married. Since I have moved I have gotten to meet and get

to know so many people,” he said.

What advice does Eid give his fellow Chaldeans? “If you work for a company that’s based downtown and have the option to move here, I say go for it. There is no reason why you shouldn’t.”

Petrone is unabashed about her love for Detroit and the excitement over its rejuvenation. “I am drinking the Kool-aid,” she laughed. “I’ve actually become a Detroit snob and I don’t go to Birmingham or Royal Oak anymore.”

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CHALDEAN NEWS 29

chaldean on the STREET

Resolutions for the New Year

By Anthony Samona

It’s that time of year again — 2011 has come and gone and Chaldeans are ready to begin 2012 with the best of intentions. We asked, what resolution did you keep in 2011 and what are your hopes for 2012?

A New Year’s resolution I kept for 2011 was to become more healthy and fit.

It was probably the hardest challenge I ever faced in my life. I’ve lost so much weight and had to keep myself from eating the foods I love, especially most of our delicious Chaldean food. I feel amazing! Healthy and I’m ready to keep it up for 2012.

Fady Mansour, 19 Commerce Township

My New Year’s Resolution for 2012 is to continue on my resolution from 2011: continue receiving good grades in school, concentrating more on my studies, and working harder to be successful as I continue with my education to become a radiation therapist.

Matthew Matty, 21 Troy

30

CHALDEAN NEWS

JANUARY 2012

My resolution I kept for 2011 was to grow more in touch with God. I have done an excellent job of that as I have become a leader and director at Kairos, which leads me to guide young men and women closer to Christ. I also traveled with ECRC to World Youth Day, which was held in Spain where we celebrated mass with the Pope.

Janelle Rabban, 29 Oak Park

I have noticed that I never follow through on my New Year’s resolution. I read somewhere to make “New Day” resolutions — to wake up each day and decide what must be done, then do it.

Morine Mansour, 28 Clinton Township

What I kept as a resolution was to increase my passion for singing. I believe I did a good job of keeping that resolution as I competed in Chaldean Idol this year and am singing at the Royal Oak Music Theatre’s New Year’s Eve Party. For 2012, I also want to build a closer relationship with God. Because of my prayers, I was able to make my goals and dreams grow.

I am enrolled in the Chaldean college course at the University of Detroit Mercy, and for 2012 my goal is to become more fluent in my Chaldean speaking and writing skills.

I also love to cook our tasty Chaldean cuisine and part of my resolution is to learn how to prepare great recipes from the Ma Baseema cookbook.

Jasmine Hanna, 19 West Bloomfield

Noor Yono, 20 Farmington Hills

Karin Gibrael, 19 Royal Oak

For 2011, I was close to God, but for 2012, my goal is to be closer to Christ Jesus — to pray more and to gain a closer relationship with Him. Samantha Kassab, 15 Troy

It’s very important to keep our Chaldean culture alive! I also am enrolled in the Chaldean college course at U of D Mercy. I recommend this class to anyone who wants to learn our language because it also transfers as any language credits at your university. For 2011, I committed to become more fluent in speaking Chaldean and I will continue to do that in 2012.

For my New Year’s resolution, it would be nice to learn how to speak both Chaldean and Arabic, since I live with my grandma. I want to be fluent so I can carry on our Chaldean language.

Sabrina Jamil, 15 Troy

My New Year’s resolution for 2012 will be that I will do my very best in school and receive 4.0s in all of my classes.

Samantha Alyass, 19 Berkley

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CHALDEAN NEWS 31

From left: Anaam Jamil shows off a tasty dish.

Duo owners Ricky Manjo, Suhel Kizi and Danny Foumia.

Of course, it was not that easy.

Foumia and his partners, Ricky Manjo and Suhel Kizi, ran into some problems. After they already started renovations to their spot in a strip mall on Northwestern Highway, they learned they needed to make some adjustments to get their kitchen and other areas up to the code. Finally, after 14 months and countless dollars, Duo Restaurant and Lounge opened in September.

Likes its name implies, Duo truly is both a restaurant and a lounge. The three partners wanted a place where patrons can come have dinner and then hang out afterwards for drinks. The lounge is up on a raised floor and, down below, the contemporary, sleek dining room is completely separate.

The vibe throughout is hip and sophisticated, with portraits of famous duos hanging above the modern furniture. The unique design was drafted by Ron & Roman, who are lauded as premier restaurant architects in Michigan.

“We want people to enjoy the ambiance and have a good time,” Foumia said. “We want it to be a place people keep coming back to.”

tastes of the town New restaurants emerge

P

eople may not be shopping for extras anymore, but there is one thing they always need — food. Check out these Chaldean-Americans who, despite Michigan’s economic challenges, have dipped into their pocketbooks to follow their food dreams.

Anaam’s Palate: A Healthy Twist Doctors often direct their heart-conscious patients to eat a “Mediterranean diet.” Anaam’s Palate in Commerce Township follows such rules with a menu that is low in cholesterol, saturated and trans fats.

Owner Anaam Jamil claims that she cooks the way she does for her kids — in a manner that is tasty and nourishing. She grinds the meat and chicken herself, and everything else is boiled, pureed or peeled by hand. She uses her own herb mixture for her dressings and likes to borrow spices from other countries, like Turkey and Iran. There are no canned foods and no butter — only olive, vegetable or soybean oil.

“I try to keep it as organic as possible,” said Jamil, 47, who graduated from Utica High School in1982.

With a passion for cooking and trying new recipes, she felt the time was right to open her own restaurant in the summer of 2010, especially after being laid off from her job at a local department store. She learned to cook from her mother and from her sister-in-law’s aunt, an 80-year-old woman not afraid to dabble in spices.

Jamil’s nephew, Noor Kherkher, became her partner, and her children Salam and Forat help out as well. Her right-hand lady is her niece, Natalie Mearim, who is currently working on her master’s in dietetics from Wayne State University. She is responsible for keeping the healthiness consistent.

“Anaam’s the spice chemist and I’m the nutrition expert!” joked Mearim, 33.

Some of Jamil’s dishes are not the “traditional” recipes seen in most local Chaldean/Middle-Eastern restaurants, and she has faced some criticism from her Chaldean customers. For example, her curry maraka (stew) includes peas and carrots.

“Sure, it’s cheaper for me to make it with just 32

CHALDEAN NEWS

JANUARY 2012

potatoes, but I wanted to add these other vegetables to balance out the starch so that it’s not all just carbs,” Jamil said.

There is no oil in the stew except for the bit of vegetable sauté. Diners can choose to substitute burghul (wheat) for rice, one of the most popular sellers because it has less calories and fat and more protein and fiber. Some other favorites are chicken gus (shawarma) and beef kabob.

Jamil’s brick-and-mortar plan was to keep it simple. Anaam’s Palate is small restaurant in a small plaza with marble floors and just a few tables and chairs. Most people order carry-outs. She has an open grilling area where customers can watch the food being prepared.

Jamil notes that it’s a tough business, especially in the typically male-dominated restaurant industry. She is often asked if her husband, Amir, preps and cooks, but she explains that the restaurant is her responsibility, not his. Amir, a sales manager at International Wholesale, supports his wife’s new venture and he waits for her to come home so they can eat together.

Anaam’s Palate has been well-received by vegan and vegetarian groups. At least half the menu can be considered or made to order as vegan, which means no animal products. Many of her customers not only appreciate Chaldean cuisine, but also strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Jamil’s mission is to preserve the food of her ancestors — in a nutritious way.

“For me,” she said, “a healthy diner is a happy diner.”

Anaam’s Palate is located at 2534 Union Lake Road in Commerce Township. They also deliver and cater.

Call (248) 242-6326 or visit AnaamsPalate.com.

Duo: Twice as Nice Danny Foumia already owned two Happy’s Pizzas when he found a good location in Southfield for the fine dining experience he wanted to project.

“I always liked the restaurant business. My whole theory was the rent was good, there’s already a kitchen here, and we have a liquor license,” said Foumia, 29.

photos by david reed

By Crystal Kassab Jabiro

Private parties can book this unique area of Duo.

Chef John Del Proposto worked with the partners to create a simple menu of eclectic tastes at reasonable prices. Among the favorites are the Chicken Rolls, Yum-Yum Shrimp, Zip Chicken Pasta and Yukon Salmon. The Duo Martini is with Ciroc Red Berry, apple juice and fresh raspberries.

Foumia said if he could give a piece of advice to future Chaldean restaurateurs, he would tell them not to underestimate the time or the cost in running a great operation. While Foumia works nearly 100 hours a week, he strives to perfect everything at Duo. The restaurant is currently open for dinner and late night, but may add lunch to the mix. For now, Foumia said, the partners are focused on building their brand.

“We’ve hired the best of the best,” said Foumia, “and that’s made all the difference.”

Duo Restaurant and Lounge is located at 29555 Northwestern Highway in Southfield. Call (248) 996-9929 or visit DineDuo.com.

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CHALDEAN NEWS 33

cultural bridges

cologne and driving a Cadillac Escalade. Horwitz retorted that he also has white rocks in his yard.

Stereotypes? Yes, but uttered in a brotherly way that shows how close the two have become.

“I couldn’t have been prouder of the friendships formed in the work groups and that continue to blossom,” Manna said, as the pair acknowledged the work

By Keri Cohen of co-chairs Florine Mark and Oakland t was a time to celebrate successes, Country Judge Diane Dickow D’Agostini examine impact and look toward as well as the work group chairs. the future as Lawrence TechoThe pair also thanked major sponsors, nological University in Southfield among them Presenting Sponsor Bank of hosted an evening of hors d’oeuvres America and Gold Sponsors Wayne State and drinks for nearly 200 in honor of University, Meijer and St. John Provithe Chaldean-Jewish Building Comdence Health System. munity Initiative on December 1.

Though the event at Lawrence Tech Launched by the Chaldean News capped a year full of activities, there’s and Jewish News, Building Community more to come: another Teen Forum, this has come a long way since April 2010. time with Walled Lake Consolidated Recognizing the similarities beSchools; development of a food pantry by tween the two cultural groups, the the Chaldean American Ladies of Charinitiative prompted activities and ofity modeled after Yad Ezra; exploring opfered opportunities for friendships to portunities to include other communities Judge Diane D’Agostini and husband, Lorenzo, Nada Jamoua and Majida Asmar. ignite, especially through its five work to strengthen ties to the region; making groups; has provided entrepreneurs and contributions to Detroit as the city makes have been documented in special sections in the social activists with a forum to percolate ideas; a comeback; and creating an itinerary for a Jewish/ Jewish News and the Chaldean News, giving each gathered Chaldean and Jewish teens to dialogue Chaldean pilgrimage to the Holy Land. population the tools to better understand each at a Teen Forum and dispel stereotypes and realize “I think it’s terrific that the past successes other and to build cultural bridges. similarities, and then again to volunteer together are going to go forward with the possibility to Speaking of cultural bridges, at the Decemat Yad Ezra kosher pantry in Berkley; and allowed include other groups,” said Jeannie Weiner, cober 1 event Chaldean News Co-Publisher Martin food lovers to share cultural cuisines — and more. chair of the Social Action work group. “I now Manna teased Arthur Horwitz, publisher of the Building Community Initiative activities, along have so many friends.

It’s been very meaningful Jewish News, about adapting Chaldean characterwith the histories and similarities of both cultures, for me.” istics — putting gel in his hair, wearing too much

Building Community celebrates and looks forward

Photos by Jerry Zolynsky

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home for the holidays Illinois welcomes new Chaldean church

By Joyce Wiswell

A

36

CHALDEAN NEWS

JANUARY 2012

“Chaldeans and Assyrians back home, we were hand in hand,” he said.

The church, which was built in 1964, has undergone numerous renovations and cosmetic changes to make it appropriate as a place for worship for Eastern Rite Catholics.

“We’ve been working day and night to make it look like home for Chaldeans,” said Fr. Fawaz. “Yesterday I was about 80 feet above the ground working on the cross inside, and we still need to fix the cross on the roof.”

Photos by Vasili Shoumanov

new Chaldean Catholic Church in suburban Chicago was dedicated by Mar Ibrahim Ibrahim at a special mass on December 10.

The church sits on seven acres and includes a community hall and school. It was purchased by the Chaldean Diocese to replace Mart Mariam, a smaller church that the community had outgrown. The new church, formerly a non-denominational Community Church of Christ, carries on the Mart Mariam name.

It’s located in Northbook, about 25 miles north of Chicago. (Chicago has one other Chaldean church, St. Ephrem.)

Fr. Fawaz Kako, who was just ordained less than two years ago, is Mart Mariam’s new pastor. He was formerly stationed in Michigan at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission, located inside St. Sylvester Catholic Church in Warren. Fr. Fawaz said the appointment by Mar Ibrahim caught him by surprise.

“One of the last things I ever thought about was to be in charge of a church,” said Fr. Fawaz. “It’s like the Germans say, ‘when man plans, God laughs.’”

German is just one of Fr. Fawaz’ five languages; he also speaks Sourath, Arabic, English, French and Spanish. A native of Iraq, he lived in Germany for three years before coming to the United States seven years ago. Returning to the Windy City is a bit of a homecoming for Fr. Fawaz, who spent nearly five years in the city at his alma mater, the Catholic Theological Union.

Many Chaldeans tend to incorrectly regard Chicago as a more of an Assyrian city, Fr. Fawaz said.

“Most of our people in the Michigan area think there are no Chaldeans in Chicago, but there are and there have been for a long time,” said Fr. Fawaz. “We have had an established church since the 1980s.”

He said Mart Mariam is open to all who wish to pray, including the area’s sizable Assyrian population.

From top:

Parishioners are lending their talents as well. “When I put a notice on Facebook that I need volunteers I get so many young people saying, ‘Father, what do you want us to do?’

They are really happy about the location, really happy about this place where they can gather – and really happy about the parking lot!” said Fr. Fawaz. “My biggest hope is that this is a place to gather all of us in the spirit of prayer, love and focus on Jesus.”

The new Mart Mariam sits on seven acres.

Mar Ibrahim Ibraham led the church dedication.

Hundreds attended the opening mass.

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CHALDEAN NEWS 37

tending the temple New book is a 2012 New Year’s Resolution

By Vanessa Denha Garmo

I

f you are looking for a new year’s resolution that you might have a good chance to stick with, you might consider the book Tending the Temple because best-selling Catholic author and speaker Kevin Vost, Psy.D. (Fit for Eternal Life and Memorize the Faith) takes the daily devotional to the next level: the fitness level.

A new year always seems to trigger new resolutions, changes, goals and agendas. Come each New Year, gym memberships increase and weight loss programs are abundant. This book guides Catholics into a spiritual journey for fitness and health.

“People tend to drift away from their fitness resolutions by February because they’ve devised or been given fitness regimens that do not integrate the spiritual component, and which almost without fail involve too many complicated exercises to be done on too many days of the week,” said Vost, a college professor and regular guest on EWTN and Catholic Radio. “It encourages an Kevin Vost all-or-nothing approach to fitness, so many people go all out for a month, and then go back to nothing for the rest of the year.”

Throughout the book, Vost and co-authors encourage people to set up moderate, reasonable routines so that they can set up New Year’s fitness resoPeggy Bowes lutions — and keep them all year long.

“The fact that we have entries and ‘exercises’ relating to physical and spiritual fitness for every day of the year also helps people stick with their programs for the long haul,” he said.

Together with popular author and fitness devotee Shane Kapler (The God Who Is Love) and fitness expert and best-selling author Peggy Bowes (The Rosary Workout), Vost explores the ways in which a daily devotional can feed both the soul and the body.

The authors approach health and wellness in baby steps. They suggest you read just one page per day; they believe it is an easy habit to form.

Tending the Temple is written with a daily spiritual meditation upon the life of a saint whose influence then becomes the foundation for a tailored exercise 38

CHALDEAN NEWS

JANUARY 2012

for that day. The winning team of Vost, Kapler, and Bowes has created a truly distinctive way to begin each day in a faith-filled way and is sure to become a favorite for every person anxious to live out his or her faith both spiritually and physically.

“What I love about this devotional is that it takes literally a minute or two to read each entry,” said Bowes. “If a reader makes a habit of reading the daily entry and then pondering it throughout the day, then over the course of a year there will be so many positive changes made in his or her life.”

As they so passionately and with wit and candor remind the reader: It is never too late to care for your body the way God intended. This book allows the reader to see how body and spirit work together for the ultimate in fulfillment: living as God planned — whole and holy.

The book is published by local publisher Bezalel Books whose owner has personally benefited from the book’s wisdom.

“I have suffered from different chronic health issues for many years and have, during that time, turned to my faith for strength, answers, comfort and solace,” said Cheryl Dickow. “For me, combining faith and health is the most natural way to approach life. These particular authors are all passionate Catholics who want to help people reach their maximum potential in life, in their vocations, which begins with understanding how to ‘tend the temple’ of the body which houses the soul.”

Each book published by the Bezalel Books imprint is faithful to the Magisterium and as Dickow explains, fills a need for the Catholics in the pews.

This is the second book; Peggy Bowes published her book The Rosary Workout with Bezalel.

Bowes is a former Air Force pilot turned freelance writer and fitness expert. She is the author of The Rosary Workout and co-author of Tending the Temple. She is also very active in parish life. An active wife and mother, she enjoys triathlons, hiking, adventure races, and other sports as she incorporates all the benefits and blessings of The Rosary Workout.

Someone who has asked the Saints to pray for inspiration, Bowes recommends other Catholics do the same, calling our saints our heroes and role models. “I would like the readers to be able to call upon these heavenly intercessors in time of need and to find several in the book with whom they can identify and perhaps adopt as patrons.”

She also hopes that readers will be inspired to enrich their spiritual lives. “The daily exercises include so many varied suggestions and ideas to incorporate spiritual practices in our everyday lives,” said Bowes. “I hope to inspire readers to become more physically active and to give their ‘Temples of the

Holy Spirit’ the care and attention due to them as true gifts from God. Most of the exercises are simple and don’t require much time or effort but can make a big difference if adopted as regular habits.”

“I see Catholic health and wellness as a huge industry as people seek ways to combine their health with their faith,” said Dickow. “My hope now is to find someone who might be interested in producing a Catholic health DVD or even mini-series for Catholic TV using the talents and knowledge of Vost, Kapler and Bowes.”

Even people who cannot exercise might profit by learning about fitness (not to mention the saints) and passing on their knowledge to loved ones who can train. Pope Pius XII once said, “The human body is in its own right, God’s masterpiece in the order of visible creation.” He also said, “in the field of physical culture, the Christian concept needs to receive nothing from the outside, but has much to offer,” and finally, that “the Church, without any doubt whatever, approves of physical culture, if it be in proper proportion.”

“This is the message we want to get out there to every possible Catholic,” said Vost. “The Church addresses all of our needs in body and soul.”

Blessed John Paul II, wrote in Fit for Eternal Life that, “I think the time is right for a ‘theology of bodybuilding,’ as well, for greater appreciation and deeper understanding of the body’s capacity for strength, endurance, and robust fitness, to serve as a dynamo of charity toward our neighbor and for the greater glory of God.” Tending the Temple is the latest contribution to a growing Catholic literature that takes very seriously Christ’s command to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength — 365 days of the year!

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CHALDEAN NEWS 39

it takes two villages Family ties go back hundreds of years

By Weam Namou

M

ore than 350 people attended a unique reunion on December 11 at Taza Restaurant in Sterling Heights that brought together two families from two different villages — the Shikwana from Alqosh and Kas Shamoun from Telkaif.

It all started when M. David Hanna, a Kas Shamoun from both parents, began a family tree that led him to discover that his ancestors were originally from Alqosh and moved to the neighboring village of Telkaif 300 years ago.

“We were separated in Alqosh and 300 years later we’re reunited here in Detroit,” said Muthafar Kas Shamoun, one of the reunion’s organizers and Hanna’s brother.

During the presentations, Hanna explained that what helped piece the puzzle together was stumbling upon 500-year-old Syriac manuscripts found in the Rabban Hormizd Monastery in Alqosh. All the manuscripts were written between 1550 and 1800 by Nestorian priests who were independent of the Chaldean Catholic Church as they adhered to their original Assyrian Church of the East faith.

More than 200 manuscripts worth $400 million are now housed in different parts of the world.

“I corresponded with six Aramaic professors to track down the manuscripts and was led to the Russian Academy of Sciences,” said Hanna.

It took three months of convincing until Hanna was allowed photocopies of three manuscripts from the Russian Academy that stated, “... [we are] bearing in mind that these copies are very important for you as a family relic. As a rule we only make copies for researchers and research institutes for scientific use.”

“The manuscripts are written in Soureth, a Neo-Aramaic language,” said Hanna. “And each has a history of its own.”

“By plugging into the computer some of the information I gave him, Dr. Hanna found a whole history,” said Sister Therese Shikwana. “Had he not done that, all this would be lost. Very seldom you find families that have their roots recorded from 500 years ago.”

For Hanna, all the work and research was a breeze. Having received his Ph.D. in physical metallurgy from the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom, he has been a Technical Fellow with General Motors Research Lab for more than 40

CHALDEAN NEWS

JANUARY 2012

Above: Manueal Musa Shikwana attended from Australia – via Skype.

Left: The man behind the research, M. David Hanna, explains a 500-yearold Syriac manuscript to the audience.

28 years. He has patented more than 20 inventions and has 40 applications for patents pending. Research is a natural part of his work. The challenge was in finding how the Shikwana ended up in Telkaif and why the change of name to Kas Shamoun occurred.

“For the past six months my husband, who loves unity and works for the common good, has been incredibly dedicated to putting this puzzle together,” said Hanna’s wife Talia, a retired teacher of Telkaif origin.

The story Hanna found starts 500 years ago in Alqosh with the Great Teacher and Priest Israel Raba, who started the Alqosh School in the 16th century. Two of his great-grandsons were priests and scribes, Hoshaba and Giwargis Shikwana.

The latter was the secretary of the patriarch and moved to Telkaif in 1705 when the patriarch took refuge in the village. The priest Giwargis was the most prolific scribe of his day and copied at least 48 manuscripts, the majority in Alqosh but some in Telkaif. Giwargis eventually returned to Alqosh where he died and is buried.

In 1779, Giwargis’ grandson, Kas (Priest) Shamoun moved his family to Telkaif due to a plague in Alqosh. Back then, priests married and had families and so Kas Shamoun began a new generation in Telkaif. Currently there are about 500 descendents of Kas Shamoun. This reunion was the first with the mother branch “Shikwana,” which stayed in Alqosh.

“This reunion is unique in that with the exception of royalty, no one else can trace their recorded

history this far back,” said Hanna’s daughter, Mona Hanna-Attisha.

“These scripts existed before George Washington and Christopher Columbus.”

Alqosh, an old Assyrian settlement, most probably older than 800 B.C, is mentioned in the Old Testament in connection with Prophet Nahum, who preached in Assyria between 726-697 B.C. Nahum is buried in Alqosh. Between 1570-1760 Alqosh was the center of an enormous manuscript production. The majority of these scripts were commissioned and sponsored by women, who donated land, buildings, dowry, gold and silver to help the church and monastery.

Attendees of the reunion were happy and excited to hear about this new information connecting the Shikwana with the Kas Shamoun.

“The truth is,” said Anita Taila, “when you migrate you become something else.”

Taila, the wife of Robert Taila (Kas Shamoun), believes that if we were to go way back we’d find out that we’re all from one place – but, she said, that doesn’t mean we’re still those people. “After hundreds of years have passed, you can’t really say that Kas Shamoun are not from Telkaif because that’s like saying someone born here is not American.”

The reunion included various speakers discussing the manuscripts, sharing stories and talking about Alqosh. Awards went to several people, including Manueal Musa Shikwana, who was linked from Australia via Skype. An announcement was made that a scholarship award would start in 2013 in honor of Paul Shikwana for members of the S-KS Heritage Association who are pursuing a graduate study in a university. Paul Shikwana was born in Alqosh in 1871, studied medicine and worked in London and later at George Washington University before he accepted a position in Iowa where he died at age 36 in a car accident.

The Shikwana-Kas Shamoun families’ next mission is to start the S-KS Foundation to help support and sponsor the new generation.

Talia Hanna said the group has the equally important mission of spreading the message, “We are all the same, no matter what village we’re from.”

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passion for fashion Photos by David Reed

More than 600 fashionistas packed Shenandoah Country Club on December 8 for the Third Annual Passion for Fashion. Ten charities, most Chaldean, benefitted from the evening. A check for $5,820 was presented to COACH from Interlink Payment Systems and Steward Media on behalf of all the sponsors involved. Second place went to AdoptA-Refugee with $1,670 and third place went to E’rootha with $520. Entertainment was provided by DJ Mike Anthony and Martin Khemmoro, and Jovan Jane Kassab and Bashar Kallabat were the hosts. See more pictures on our website, ChaldeanNews.com.

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JANUARY 2012

1. Karen Kasmikha and Jen Yatuoma

Korkis and Rwondo Hanna

2. With Santa are Lucas Shammami, Jimmy Jundy and Nathlie Ammoun

8. The check presentation to COACH, which includes the grand prize of $5,000

3. Derek Dickow, Jovan Kassab, Candace Dickow and Pistons player Jonas Jerebko 4. Heather and Ragheed Akrawi 5. The place was mobbed 6. Jane Shallal and Natalie Shallal 7. Michelle and Mareem Alkasspooles, Sally

9. Brian Yono watches as Marie Denno and Martin Khemmoro play a duet.

10. Amanda Murphy, Atheer Istifan, Rebecca McDownell and Ahmad Kawak 11-16. Scenes from the runway.

a conversation in health with nahid elyas, md internal medicine, Providence and Providence Park hospitals A PA S S I O N F O R H E A L I N G

dr. elyas, you are a board-certified internal medicine physician who has practiced medicine in metro detroit since 1998. as a primary care physician (PcP), how would you describe your role and relationship with the patient?

As their primary care physician, my patients entrust me to be the gatekeeper of all matters pertaining to their health. A good relationship between the patient and the PCP is essential because much of the screening and detection of diseases, such as colon, breast and prostate cancer, hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes, start with the primary care physician. Once I reach a diagnosis, I work closely with the patient to treat the disease and to educate them on how to best manage the health concern. If specialty care is needed, I make the referral most appropriate for the patient, and then follow up with the specialist to ensure proper coordination of care.

As we continue to move closer toward health care reform, we will see even greater emphasis on the role of the PCP and a greater focus on disease prevention. As a primary care physician, I’m very excited about this because I’ve seen so many patients suffer needlessly when they were uninsured and failed to seek care until they were extremely ill. This troubles me because fundamentally it conflicts with why I chose to become a physician. how often should a person see their primary care physician?

I like to see my patients at least annually. If there is a health issue, then more frequent visits are scheduled to properly address the patient’s health concern. I also encourage my patients to contact me if they are experiencing health ailments such as the common cold, flu, headaches, joint pain or problems with sleeping. All of these ailments are easily treated by a good primary care physician.

Another factor in determining how often I need to see a patient is their medical history. A patient should always be prepared and willing to share with the physician their individual and family medical history. how does family history and ethnicity play a role in determining a patient’s treatment plan?

It’s not uncommon for certain ethnic groups to be predisposed to certain diseases, meaning there is a higher prevalence of the disease within that group, for whatever reason. For example, colitis and Crohn’s disease are more prevalent among persons of Asian and Middle Eastern background, including the Chaldean community.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that if you are Chaldean, you must be tested for these diseases, particularly if there aren’t any symptoms.

It does mean, however, that if you are experiencing symptoms consistent with the disease, and there is a history of the disease within your family, there is a greater probability that you may have

the gene that causes the disease. At that point, further diagnostic study would be needed to determine if the patient actually has the disease. dr. elyas what do you identify as the most pressing health concern impacting our community?

Without a doubt, obesity is one of the biggest challenges we are seeing today. Obesity is extremely problematic because it affects every system in the body. There is an increased risk of cancer, diabetes and many other chronic diseases. As a physician, I am particularly concerned when the patient’s fat is primarily concentrated in the abdominal area, because that can indicate a propensity for cardiovascular problems.

Interestingly enough, losing just 12-20 pounds can make a significant difference in a person’s risk for diabetes, fatty liver or heart disease. Studies have shown that a loss of just 7% of one’s body weight can reduce the risk of diabetes by 58%!

I also recognize that losing weight can be extremely challenging, so I refer many of those struggling with their weight to the St. John Providence Weight Loss Center. The Center provides both medically based and surgical weight loss options for the patient. Equally important, the Center provides supportive resources that will help patients maintain their weight loss. you mentioned diabetes as a potential health concern.

What is the correlation between weight, diabetes and cardiovascular disease?

Patients with diabetes mellitus are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol. What many don’t know is that the correlation between diabetes, high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease is very strong. We often use medications known as statins to help lower cholesterol levels. For most patients, they prove to be safe, are well tolerated and highly effective in reducing the level of total cholesterol and the LDL, which is commonly referred to as the “bad cholesterol.” By effectively managing the diabetic patient’s cholesterol level, we are able to decrease the threat of a major cardiovascular event.

Having said all of this, my main goal in treating my patients is to help them understand that achieving optimal health is a partnership between the patient and the physician. As a physician, I will do all that I can to educate my patients on the importance of proper nutrition and exercise and to ensure that they receive the most up-to-date medical treatments and interventions available.

Conversely, I remind my patients of their responsibility to follow the recommendations that are offered, and to let me know both what is effective and where they are having difficulty. My desire is to see my patients healthy and making the most of their lives. I know that, by working together, we can make this happen.

To learn more abouT a ST. John Providence healTh SySTem PhySician, our WeighT loSS cenTer, or any oTher Service, PleaSe call uS aT 866-501-docS (3627).

JANUARY 2012

CHALDEAN NEWS 45

events

advent by candlelight Photos by David Reed

In the Catholic Church, Advent is a period of preparation, extending over four Sundays, before Christmas. The word advent comes from the Latin advenio, “to come to,” and refers to the coming of Christ. This refers, first of all, to our celebration of Christ’s birth at Christmas; but second, to the coming of Christ in our lives through grace and the sacrament of Holy Communion; and finally, to His Second Coming at the end of time. In preparation for the Advent Season, the Chaldean Americans Ladies of Charity hosts an Advent by Candlelight event each year. Each table is hosted by a different woman who decorates her table in Christmas decor.

This year the celebration was held on December 8 at Shenandoah Country Club. Cherie Najor was the keynote speaker and CALC Executive Director Jane Shallal focused on the hundreds of families CALC helped in 2011.

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