Chaldean News - June 2018

VOL. 15 ISSUE V

METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY JUNE 2018 $

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A NEW HOPE IRAQI ELECTIONS AND AMENDING IMMIGRATION LAWS INSIDE MAKING ROOM FOR LINDSAY POWER IN NUMBERS PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 179 FARMINGTON HILLS, MI

DEPORTATION CRISIS: ONE YEAR LATER

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CHALDEAN NEWS

JUNE 2018

JUNE 2018

CHALDEAN NEWS 3

CONTENTS

18

THE CHALDEAN NEWS

20

departments 6

FROM THE EDITOR

BY VANESSA DENHA GARMO

Giving others a voice 7

JUNE 2018

VOLUME 15 ISSUE V

38

on the cover

18 AMENDMENTS FOR RELIEF

BY ASHOURINA SLEWO

Community leaders and elected officials work to amend Immigration and Nationality Act

YOUR LETTERS

8

IN MY VIEW

9

19 A NEW HOPE

BY MICHAEL SARAFA

BY MONIQUE MANSOUR

Questions about the experience at Mass

The 2018 Iraqi election

WHERE DO YOU STAND?

BY MICHAEL SARAFA

Commute Kilpatrick’s sentence by half 10

GUEST COLUMNS

BY CRYSTAL KASSAB JABIRO

Melania invites Americans to ‘Be Best’

BY ASHOURINA SLEWO

One year’s time 12

NOTEWORTHY

14

CHAI TIME

16

RELIGION

17

OBITUARIES

28

ECONOMICS AND ENTERPRISE

BY VANESSA DENHA GARMO

features 20 CATALOGUE MANUSCRIPTS OF

THE CHURCH IN TELKEPPE

BY WEAM NAMOU

22 POWER IN NUMBERS

BY MONIQUE MANSOUR

How Mission Jean Day serves as a fundraising success and example

24 MAKING ROOM FOR LINDSAY

BY VANESSA DENHA GARMO

Raad Kathawa remembers his daughter on Father’s Day, decades after her death

Smooth shaving 30

CHALDEAN ON THE STREET

BY HALIM SHEENA

BY WEAM NAMOU

What do you look forward to doing most this summer?

That is the question twin brothers take on in their second book about homosexuality

33

CLASSIFIED LISTINGS

34

EVENTS

4

26 CAN YOU PRAY THE GAY AWAY?

CHALDEAN NEWS

JUNE 2018

JUNE 2018

CHALDEAN NEWS 4

from the EDITOR

PUBLISHED BY

The Chaldean News, LLC

Giving others a voice

EDITORIAL EDITOR IN CHIEF

Vanessa Denha Garmo MANAGING EDITORS

Denha Media Group Writers CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ashourina Slewo Monique Mansour Lisa Cipriano Halim Sheena Crystal Kassab Jabiro Weam Namou

ART & PRODUCTION CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Alex Lumelsky with SKY Creative GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Zina Lumelsky with SKY Creative PHOTOGRAPHERS

Razik Ranon Crystal Kassab Jabiro Father Pierre Konja

OPERATIONS Interlink Media

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Martin Manna CLASSIFIEDS

Ashourina Slewo

SALES

Interlink Media Christen Jamoua SALES REPRESENTATIVES

Interlink Media Sana Navarrette MANAGERS

Vanessa Denha Garmo Martin Manna Michael Sarafa SUBSCRIPTIONS: $25 PER YEAR THE CHALDEAN NEWS 30095 NORTHWESTERN HWY, SUITE 101 FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334 WWW.CHALDEANNEWS.COM PHONE: (248) 851-8600 Publication: The Chaldean News (P-6); Published monthly; Issue Date: June 2018 Subscriptions: 12 months, $25. Publication Address: 30095 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 101, Farmington Hills, MI 48334; Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Rates is Pending at Farmington Hills Post Office Postmaster: Send address changes to “The Chaldean News 30095 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 101, Farmington Hills, MI 48334”

I

sat at a Panera Bread holding back tears lisIn this issue we share the story of Chaldeans tening to Raad Kathawa talk about his daughwho expressed their voice in the Iraqi elections. ter. Those who know him, I’m sure you don’t Monique Mansour talked to Shoki Konja and often see the side of him I did on this morning. others about Iraq.

He was a dad very much still in pain.

Ashournia Slewo gives an update on the I have tormented myself these passed two deportation story in two articles. In one she exmonths. After working on a cover story about plains the 212C Waiver and what that means. moms mourning the loss of their children, I sat She also pens an updated piece on those dedown with Raad over iced tea, talking about tained one year later. This past year many people VANESSA Lindsay who passed away more than 30 years ago. spoke up to help Christian Iraqis living in AmerDENHA-GARMO Raad has asked Martin, Mike and me several ica who were picked up and held in jail as they times to write a story about St. Jude Hospital and EDITOR IN CHIEF fought against being deported.

CO-PUBLISHER it almost became expected every time we saw him.

Much has happened this past year and we We fully intended to but the timing never continue to cover the story. seemed right, until now. Those who know Raad, know We also address a very sensitive subject that we have the boisterous and serious business man and community written about before but this time it is from the voices of twin brothers who have written two books about being gay. We are fully aware of the Church’s teachings on We are fully aware of the homosexuality and I encourage all of you to understand the teachings on this issue. We are in no means condonChurch’s teachings on ing the act of homosexuality; we are merely sharing their struggles about being gay. We share this story because it homosexuality and I encourage is a reality in the world, including in our own Chaldean community, and it still one that is often very difficult to all of you to understand the address.

Some people may not agree that we gave the twins teachings on this issue. our platform to express their voice by sharing their story and their book. I get it. I know it is a very controversial doer. Few will see the father who still walks around with topic and expect various opinions about us discussing it. a broken heart. I sat at the restaurant after our meeting We may not agree with each other and that is okay but we for two more hours, writing his story and wiping my tears. should not be so closed off that we don’t allow others to I usually like to write about my own dad and husband have a voice. during the month of June as we honor dads but instead, I share the story of one man who finds ways to make room in his life for a daughter who left this world before she even entered school.

We reached out to a few other dads in similar situaAlaha Imid Koullen tions but no one else wanted to share their story. So per(God Be With Us All) haps Raad represents them all and is the voice of dads who Vanessa Denha-Garmo will never forget their deceased children. I want to thank vanessa@denhamedia.com Lauren Kathawa for offering input with the article.

Follow her on Twitter @vanessadenha This issue touches on a few stories tied into having a Follow Chaldean News on Twitter @chaldeannews voice. Our cover story is a two-part piece regarding Iraq.

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CHALDEAN NEWS

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YOUR letters

Thank you

conviction for offenses U.S. citizen might only get probation for. While the Chaldean community experienced the harshness of this law first hand, many others of different nationalities had been equally affected and suffered by it. Let’s be more com-

Many thanks to Congressman John Moolenaar for his compassionate recent article in the Chaldean News.

He correctly points out the hardship to our community when deporting Chaldeans who may have committed of“Let’s be more compassionate fenses decades ago, but have since built to those who may have a law-abiding life, especially if they have committed mistakes long time U.S. born spouses and kids. We should ago, but had since repented, all thank him for his efforts in introducing paid their dues to society, and a bipartisan House resolution calling for have since established a new, the end of those delaw-abiding life.” tentions. I would also urge the Congressman to look at the source of the problem: a rather harsh passionate to those who may have immigration law enacted in 1996 committed mistakes long time ago, where someone might be uprooted but had since repented, paid their from his family and deported to andues to society, and have since estabother country he hardly knows. This lished a new, law-abiding life. might happen due to mistakes or – N. Peter Antone

JUNE 2018

CHALDEAN NEWS 7

in my VIEW

Questions about the experience at Mass

A

s we’ve travelled the Mass is mostly conover the years sistent throughout every with the kids, dioceses in the world and I always made sure we the prayers, though in difwould attend Mass, even ferent languages, almost if the travel was not over identical. a Sunday. I think one of In attending various the greatest testimonies Chaldean Rite Masses reof the Catholic faith is its cently, I’ve been struck by MICHAEL G. universality. In fact, the several things that seem SARAFA definition of Catholic is either inconsistent or im“universal” coming from precise. Though better the Greek roots kata-holos than the old days, it is still or “according to the whole.” Today shocking to me the number of congreCatholicism is largest Christian degants that can’t make it to Church on nomination and the largest uniform time. At one noon Mass recently, the religion in the history of the world Church was half empty at procession with over one billion people identitime but completely full by the time fying themselves as Catholic. the Gospel was read. It’s not like that In the Latin Right, on any given was an 8:00 am mass either.

Sunday or weekday, at churches big But I want to point out some isand small and flung far and wide sues that I will pose not as criticisms in every corner of the world, you but as questions. would likely hear the same readings Some people, as they enter the and the same Gospel. The order of pews, stand and say a prayer before

they sit. Should they do this if they are late, for example during the readings when everyone else is sitting?

During the kneeling parts, many people stand. I used to think these were people with bad knees, but I think some people simply choose to stand instead of kneeling. Is that an option for people or are they just doing it out of habit or some other reason?

At some churches, there are processionals and recessionals with the priests entering and leaving down the aisles. Some just enter and leave behind the altars. Is there a standard one way or the other in the Chaldean Liturgy or is this optional according to each priest’s preference?

In any case, regarding the recessional, congregants pour out of the pews before the priests exits and while the choir is still singing. This is not something common in the Latin Rite. Should the pastors address this at the various parishes?

The use of incense seems all over the map with each Church and each priest doing something slightly different. Are there proscribed rules for the use of incense?

If the Mass is identified as an “English” Mass, is it necessary to read the Gospel in both languages? At a recent funeral, the Our Father was also said in both languages. I can see a purpose for this at times, but is there any uniformity to when this is done?

Some priests want to scare the dickens out of people about receiving communion if you are in a state of sin or have missed Mass without confessing. My guess is that this is probably canonically correct. But isn’t this an important and sensitive enough issue that the preaching on it should be somewhat consistent?

Some Churches read the same Prayer of the Faithful out of the book every week. Some take the effort to prepare more distinct and timely ones. Personally, the latter feels better to me. Can’t all the Churches accomplish that?

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where do you STAND?

the sign of the cross? Dozens of times during the Mass, prayers begin with “Glory be to the Father…. and In the Name of the Father…”

These times during the Mass are a free for all with some people making the sign of the cross sometimes, others not at all, others all the time.

Not even the priests are consistent with this.

I really don’t know the answers to these questions but have been observing some of these things over the years. The Chaldean Mass is rich and beautiful and steeped in history. The Latin Mass and the new Epistle are thematically consistent and based on a universal Church calendar that syncs the Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist into a consistent message for the day.

I don’t think Mass should be about process or precision. But the final question is this: Would it enhance peoples experience and encounter is if was at least a little more so?

Michael Sarafa is Co-Publisher of the Chaldean News.

Commute Kilpatrick’s sentence by half

I

n 2001, I supported Gill Hill for Mayor of Detroit over Kwame Kilpatrick. Kilpatrick won. In 2005, I supported Freman Hendrix over Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. Kilpatrick was re-elected. During my time as President of the Associated Food Dealers, the city administration and police department wreaked havoc on Detroit store owners. Undeserved raids, tickets, fines, harassment and shakedowns for money. Kilpatrick and I became arch enemies; and everyone knew it.

I always thought Kilpatrick was ethically challenged even when he was in the state legislature. His affair with Christine Beatty began then.

When he ultimately was elected, he took his slogan—It’s Our Time—to mean it was his time in every criminal and sinister way possible. At the end of that saga, I felt strongly that he got what he deserved.

But I’ve changed my mind. I think

his three-decade sentence is excessive and I’m not the only one. An effort is actually underway to free Kilpatrick.

In spite, of the real harm he caused the city, his sentence should be reduced. Here are six reasons why.

• I believe he may be capable of reforming himself in less than 27 years.

• He is a very low risk of committing a repeat offense given what he has been through.

• He is a father and I believe, still a husband.

• He probably can be let out early in exchange for some substantial community service. It seems that his story of his meteoric rise, catastrophic fall, epic humiliation and redemptive rebirth might do a few troubled kids out there some good.

In the context of the immigration detentions, I’ve been to these prisons a couple of times to visit friends.

They are horrible places. Our criminal justice and prison system are badly flawed, in my view. These places for a long sentence like Kilpatrick got, amount to a death sentence.

Finally, and most importantly, he was coddled and enabled by some of the most powerful elected officials and corporate leaders in this town— many of whom are still in positions of power. They lifted him up and stood behind him way longer than was prudent. For years, they turned a blind eye to Kilpatrick’s untoward ways.

They share responsibility for what he did to the city because they stood by him when it was happening.

In a complete reversal of my positions on Kilpatrick and his case, I say commute his sentence by half.

Where do you stand?

Michael Sarafa is Co-Publisher of The Chaldean News.

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CHALDEAN NEWS 9

GUEST columns

Melania invites Americans to ‘Be Best’ CRYSTAL KASSAB JABIRO

F

ive days before First Lady Melania Trump’s Be Best initiative announcement, our school got an invitation to attend. And the principal said I could be one of the two teachers to go.

I had orchestrated First Lady Melania Trump’s visit to Orchard Lake Middle School (OLMS) in West Bloomfield back in October with my dear friend Melody Arabo, a teacher in Walled Lake and current Fellow at the U.S. Department of Education.

She was asked to help with Melania’s first-ever visit to a school for “Week of Inclusion” during National Bullying Prevention Month. Melania requested a school that participates in the program “No One Eats Alone” and she also requested it not be a far plane ride from Washington, D.C. because she wanted to be home for Barron when he came home from school.

Anyhow, Melody mentioned that she knew someone who works at Orchard Lake Middle School- me-, and Secretary Betsy Devos’s office basically said, “Okay, we’ll go there!”

And that’s how it happened. The First Lady and the Secretary, who is from Michigan, were quite impressed with our school and our daily social and emotional course called Viking Huddle. Three days a week are dedicated to academic tutoring and enrichment and homework time; two days are devoted to social skills and emotional well-being, discussing topics like character, communication, and making choices to name a few.

That is why we got invited to Melania’s launch of her Be Best initiative.

We left at 3 a.m. from OLMS and changed in a fitting room at the Gap an hour before we got there. I did my makeup on the bus while a sixth grader held my phone up in selfie mode as a mirror. I used my plush Angry Birds blanket as a bib while I ate my Subway, being careful not to get my dress dirty.

When we finally got to the White House, we went through a couple of security checks, one of them being with dogs. I left a gift for Melania – a notecard with a Blessed Solanus Casey wooden rosary and prayer card.

We walked through the White House to the Rose Garden and were told not to take pictures and post anything until after Melania got to make 10

CHALDEAN NEWS

JUNE 2018

We walked through the White House to the Rose Garden and were told not to take pictures and post anything until after Melania got to make the announcement. the announcement. We had the pleasure of sitting near the front, and I in the fourth row, first seat in the aisle.

Exactly three people in front of me was President Donald Trump! He was sitting right next to Vice President Michael Pence and his wife, Karen.

To my right, I saw Ivanka and Jared, Betsy Devos, Sarah Sanders, and Kellyanne Conway. Only later did I realize that the people in the row in front of me were bigwigs from Facebook, Microsoft, and other major media and technology companies.

Before Melania spoke, we watched a video that included our school and students. The students were excited to see themselves and their classmates in it. Then she spoke about Be Best and explained the pillars of it. She recognized our school

and spoke about Viking Huddle. We couldn’t believe we were receiving such respect from the First Lady, we were very honored!

When it was over, Melody and I went up to Mrs. Pence and introduced ourselves. She was very down-to-earth, told us her dad was a teacher too, and said she saw research that shows moms and babies are not bonding because of social media. She talked to us like she had known us for a long time, and we took it to be that typical Midwestern style. We were glad to meet her and we took a picture with her. We walked over to the Kennedy Garden after for a cookies and lemonade reception, and that is when I saw Melania right in front of me.

“Mrs. Trump, I’m Crystal Jabiro, a teacher from Orchard Lake Middle

School. Thank you so much for inviting us.”

“Thank you for coming. What a great school you have and what you teachers do is so important,” she responded.

We exchanged a few more pleasantries and then I asked her for a picture.

“Selfie?” she asked with a smile.

“Sure!” I exclaimed.

“Okay, come on!” she said. And she got close to me and I snapped it.

She took selfies with the kids too.

The whole experience was surreal and magical. I was very proud of Melania and this initiative, and I hope it does what it sets out to do.

For more info, you can go to www.bebest.gov

One year’s time

BY ASHOURINA SLEWO

I

t’s baffling how much can happen in one year.

One year ago, when I encouraged my father to seek the help of an immigration attorney, I had no idea that exactly one week later he would be one of hundreds caught in raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). But he was.

This is not my first column about the deportation crisis and it probably won’t be the last.

On June 11, 2017, I stood in my father’s doorway, facing at least four ICE agents. I feigned confidence in an attempt to show them I was not scared. I knew, though, that no amount of confidence or knowledge of my rights would stop them from leaving that apartment with my father in tow.

Our community has been exceedingly fortunate to have had an orga-

nization like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – who worked with the Chaldean Community Foundation – standing in the face of the government and defending us.

The ACLU, and the countless others that didn’t receive even half the recognition they deserved, came out to help us when no one else would.

They bought us more time than anyone could have imagined. Time that would allow our loved ones the opportunity to stay in this country.

For several months after ICE picked my dad up, I was on auto pilot. All I could think about was the next step. What could I do next?

What would bring me one step closer to seeing my father again? I would not have been able to do any of the things I did had it not been for the ACLU and their massive network of people eager to help.

The ACLU and their co-coun-

sel fought the government and won. How many people can say that? They bought us time, they provided us with the resources we so desperately needed, and they brought a majority of families back together.

In one year’s time, I lost my father to immigration so the president could earn political brownie points among his equally delusional followers, I fought for his life, and have succeeded in bringing him back home.

Most importantly, though, a whole new world has opened up for me. A world within my own community.

In this world, I have found individuals that stepped up for hundreds of families, not for the notoriety, but for the love of the community.

Individuals that consistently fight back as the government tries to

carry out the unethical act of deporting hundreds of people. They have nothing to gain from this fight. Their fathers, brothers, and uncles are safe and at home. Nevertheless, they fight for us.

In addition to the truly amazing people that have come out to support the Chaldean community, another silver lining in all this, is our community now knows who has our best interest in mind. And if you think that person is Trump or any member of his administration, you must have been asleep for the last year.

In one year’s time, I have had to fight against the government I was raised to believe cared for its people and won, for the most part.

On the other hand, though, I have had the privilege of watching our community come together in a way I never thought possible.

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CHALDEAN NEWS 11

noteworthy

New Cardinals Appointed Pope Francis announced on Sunday his picks to become cardinals in the Catholic church. He will make 14 new cardinals on Friday, June 29. Among the new cardinals is Louis Raphael I Sako. Sako has been the Baghdad-based patriarch of the Chaldeans since 2013.

Recognized

by Crain’s Justin Hanna has been recognized by Crain’s Detroit Business’ ’Twenty in the 20s’ for his part in helping Iraqi nationals facing deportation after they were rounded up and detained last June. An attorney without any immigration experience, Hanna led a team of attorneys at Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss P.C. to help those affected get representation.

Stabenow Calls on Trump Administration

Charitable Celebration Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan hosted its annual Celebration. “The works of Catholic Charities are the corporal works of mercy. We are not principally a social service agency, but an Instrument of God’s love and mercy,” said Archbishop Allen Vignernon, President of Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan.

St. Joseph Chaldean Catholic Church was among those honored at the event. They are faithful supporters of CCSEM. The church’s ladies group, Wings promotes Project Hope through its pro-life work and hosts and annual Mother’s Day Tea. They support and volunteer monthly at the All Saints Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry. During the Advent/Christmas Season, the adopt families from CCSEM ministries including Project Hope and Behavioral Health. Fr. Manuel Boji, Fr. Rudy Zoma and Fr. Brian Kassa were all in attendance among three tables of Chaldeans.

12

CHALDEAN NEWS

JUNE 2018

Students go to Washington D.C. Several Chaldean students from Orchard Lake Middle School journeyed to Washington, DC for their 8th grade trip in May. Back row L-R: Teacher Ms. Crystal Jabiro, Cameron Kenaya, Angelina Jabboori, Angelina Manjo, Ella Dabish, and Mrs. Wasan Garmo. Front row: Mary Jarjosa, Leann Karim, Michael Antone, and Lucas Garmo.

In May of 2018, United States Senator Debbi Stabenow wrote the office of President Donald Trump regarding the hundreds of Iraqi nationals that had been picked up in raids and detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on June 11 of last year. In her letter, Stabenow expresses her concern and requests an update on the individuals from Michigan who were detained last year and how the “recent Supreme Court Sessions v. Dimaya decision could impact their cases.”

Stabenow cites The United States’ travel advisory to Iraq warns “U.S. travelers: ‘Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism and armed conflict.’”

Stating that while those who are detained are not citizens of this country, their families are and the risk of kidnapping and violence for the purpose of extorting their families.

Stabenow ends her letter by urging Trump’s administration to use its authority to “exercise discretion in carefully considering” each detainee’s case.

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CHALDEAN NEWS 13

CHAI time

CHALDEANS CONNECTING

COMMUNITY EVENTS IN AND AROUND METRO DETROIT JUNE 2018 munities in Metro Detroit, the 26th annual Women’s Health Care Classic is a “unique golf event which includes women golfing at Dearborn Country Club, while the Friends of the Women’s Health Care Classic (men and women) will be returning to golf at TPC of Michigan.” This event will give women, men, physicians, community members and vendors from all across Southeastern Michigan the opportunity to golf for a great cause. The event will also include breakfast, lunch, a silent auction, cocktails, and more. For more information or to register for the event, visit www.beaumont.org/giving/foundation-events

Friday, June 2 West Bloomfield Youth Assistance (WBYA), which works each year to steer local youth in positive directions, will offer the community a fun and engaging opportunity to support the organization on Friday, June 8, 2018 from 5pm-9:30pm. WBYA will host a Food Truck Rally in partnership with Orchard Mall. The Food Truck Rally will be held outdoors at the Orchard Mall in West Bloomfield, 6337 Orchard Lake Rd. This family friendly event will be open to all with free entry and parking. The evening will include live music, food trucks, a beer/wine tent, free bounce houses, games, and so much more.

For more information on West Bloomfield Youth Assistance, contact Kelly Hyer at khyer@wbparks.org or Curt Lawson at clawson@wbpolice.org or at http://www.wbyouthassistance.org.

Thursday, June 14 Gala: The 4th annual Grand Circus Gala will be hosted at Grand Circus Park on Thursday, June 14. This annual gala benefits the historic park. The Grand Circus Gala is hosted by the Detroit Entertainment District Association and Detroit 300 Conservancy and raises funds for programs and improvements in the park. This year, the event will include live music by Ben Sharkey, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets ranger from $100 to $250. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.grandcircusgala.org

Saturday, June 2 Walk for Charity: Join the Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan Saturday, June 2 at the Detroit Zoo to help thousands of Michigan families dealing with leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood related disorders. Hosted at the Detroit Zoo, the event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A minimum fundraising goal of $30 per person is required for everyone six years or older. Participants are invited to spend the day at the zoo once the event has concluded. For more information, visit https://www.firstgiving.com/event/CLFofMichigan/walk-2018 Saturday, June 2 Charity: Leader Dogs for the Blind will be hosting Bark & Brew on Saturday, June 2 from 1:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Presented by Chief Financial Credit Union, the event will be hosted at the Griffin Claw Brewing Company and Clubhouse. The evening will feature brew, pub grub, live music and a kids’ play area and an opportunity to meet a leader dog. Advance tickets are priced at $8, tickets purchased at the door are priced at $10. Guests 21 years or younger are free. For more information, visit http://www.leaderdog.org Wednesday, June 6 Cruise for a Cause: Join the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy as they kick off the summer with their inaugural Summer Cruise Series event, Summerfest, on Wednesday, June 6 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Summerfest will be benefitting the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. A portion of the proceeds from every ticket purchased will help The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy continue to build accessible world-class gathering spaces like the Detroit Riverwalk, and the Dequindre Cut Greenway, for all Detroiter and visitors to en14

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joy year-round. Eventgoers will board the Ovation at the Port Authority Dock in Downtown Detroit at 6:30pm sharp.

Tickets are priced at $105 per person and must be booked online at www.

SummerCruiseSeries.com. For more information, call (586) 778-9060.

Thursday, June 7 Yappy Hour: The Michigan Animal Rescue League will be hosting their 9th annual Yappy Hour – the only cocktail party in Detroit where your dog is welcome to join. Hosted at the Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester, Yappy Hour will be from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. This year’s theme is garden party and will be celebrating the Michigan Animal Rescue League’s 65 years of growth and connection to the community. The evening will feature a silent auction, cocktails, a strolling dinner, gourmet dog treats, and more! Tickets are priced at $85 per person. For more information or

to purchase tickets, visit https://www. marleague.org/events-and-fundraisers/ yappy-hour/ Friday, June 8 Fundraiser: The Detroit Zoological Society and event chairs Shannon and Terry Harvill will be hosting the annual 21-and-older fundraising gala, Sunset at the Zoo Safari. Sunset at the Zoo Safari will be hosted from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. The evening will feature “exquisite cuisine, delectable drinks, magnificent live entertainment, and “zoonique” prizes.” This year’s Sunset at the Zoo will be benefitting the many educational programs of the Detroit Zoological Society. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https:// www.detroitzoo.org/sunset Monday, June 11 Charity: Benefitting women’s breast cancer programs throughout com-

Thursday, June 21 Fundraiser: The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is hosting their annual Shimmer on the River fundraising even on Thursday, June 21 from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. The conservancy invites guests to a night of retro fun on the riverfront. “More than 700 business and community leaders, families, and young professionals are expected to gather for a festive evening of family-friendly fun, live music, and gourmet bites.” All proceeds from this event will benefit the Detroit Riverfront’s continued efforts to maintain the riverfront. VIP tickets are available for $250 and include the main event and cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m. Main event tickets are available for $150 and allow admission at 6:30 p.m. Tickets include admission for one adult and two children 12 and under. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit detroitriverfront.org/ shimmerontheriver Sunday, September 23 Charity: Please join us for the 5th annual Stride for Seminarians on September 23 from 7:30am - 12:00 pm at the Detroit Zoo. Early bird registration is available June 1 - June 30. Under 2 are free, ages 2-12 are $20 ($30 after June 30), and adults are $30 ($40 after June 30). Registration includes a t-shirt, breakfast, lunch, kids activities, and a mass in the Zoo pavilion. All proceeds support the Chaldean Seminarian fund.

JUNE 2018

CHALDEAN NEWS 15

religion

PLACES OF PRAYER

CHALDEAN CHURCHES IN AND AROUND METRO DETROIT

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 Bishop: Francis Kalabat Retired Bishop: Ibrahim N. Ibrahim HOLY CROSS CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 32500 Middlebelt Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334; (248) 626-5055 Rector: Msgr. Zouhair Toma Kejbou Mass Schedule: Weekdays, noon in Chaldean; Saturdays, 4:30 p.m. in English; Sundays, 10 a.m. in Chaldean and Arabic, noon in English, 6 p.m., in Arabic HOLY MARTYRS CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 43700 Merrill, Sterling Heights, MI 48312; (586) 803-3114 Rector: Fr. Manuel Boji Parochial Vicar: Fr. Andrew Seba Bible Study: Mondays, 7 p.m. in Chaldean; Thursdays, 8 p.m. Seed of Faith in English; Saturdays, 7 p.m. Witness to Faith in Arabic Youth Groups: Wednesdays, 7 p.m. for High Schoolers Mass Schedule: Weekdays, 9 a.m. in Chaldean; Saturdays, 5 p.m. in English; Sundays: 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; 6 p.m. in English MAR ADDAI CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 24010 Coolidge Highway, Oak Park, MI 48237; (248) 547-4648 Pastor: Fr. Stephen Kallabat Retired Priest: Fr. Suleiman Denha Adoration: Last Friday of the month, 4 p.m. Adoration; 5 p.m. Stations of the Cross; 6 p.m. Mass; Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Bible Study: Fridays, 8-10 p.m. in Arabic and Chaldean Youth Groups: Thursdays, 7:30-9 p.m. Jesus Christ University High School and College Mass Schedule: Weekdays, noon; Sundays, 10 a.m. in Chaldean and Arabic, 12:30 p.m. High Mass in Chaldean MOTHER OF GOD CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 25585 Berg Road, Southfield, MI 48034; (248) 356-0565 Administrator: Fr. Pierre Konja Retired Priest: Fr. Emanuel Rayes Bible Study: Mondays, 7-9 p.m. in English; Wednesdays, 7 p.m. for college students in English Mass Schedule: Weekdays, 10 a.m.; Tuesdays, 8:45 p.m. in English; Saturdays, 4 p.m. in English; Sundays: 8:30 a.m. in Arabic, 10 a.m. in English, noon in Chaldean, 7 p.m. in English

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 11200 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48093; (586) 804-2114 Pastor: Fr. Fadi Philip Parochial Vicar: Hermiz Haddad Bible Study: Thursday, 8 p.m. for ages 18-45; Friday, 8 p.m. in Arabic.

Teens 4 Mary Youth Group: Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Confession: 1 hour before mass or by appointment.

Adoration: Thursday, 5-7 p.m. Chapel open 24/7 for adoration.

Mass Schedule: Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m. in Chaldean; Thursday, 1 p.m. in English and 7 p.m. in Chaldean; Friday 7 p.m. in Chaldean; Sunday, 10 a.m. in Arabic and 12:30 p.m. in Chaldean.

SACRED HEART CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 30590 Dequindre Road, Warren, MI 48092; (586) 393-5809 Pastor: Fr. Sameem Belius Mass Schedule: Sundays, 10 a.m. in Arabic, 12:30 p.m. in Chaldean ST. GEORGE CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 45700 Dequindre Road, Shelby Township, MI 48317; (586) 254-7221 Pastor: Fr. Wisam Matti Parochial Vicar: Fr. Matthew Zetouna Youth Groups: Disciples for Christ for teen boys, Tuesdays, 7 p.m.; Circle of Friends for teen girls; Thursdays, 6 p.m.; Bible Study for college students, Wednesdays 8 p.m.

Bible Study: Wednesdays, 8 p.m. in English; Fridays, 8 p.m. in Arabic Mass Schedule: Weekdays, 10 a.m. in Chaldean; Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Adoration; 8-10 p.m. Confession; Saturdays, 6:30 p.m. in English (school year); 6:30 p.m. in Chaldean (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 Submission Guidelines The Chaldean News welcomes submissions of obituaries. They should include the deceased’s name, date of birth and death, and names of immediate survivors. Please also include some details about the person’s life including career and hobbies. Due to space constraints, obituaries can not exceed 300 words. We reserve the right to edit those that are longer. Send pictures as a high-resolution jpeg attachment. E-mail obits to info@chaldeannews.com, or through the mail at 30095 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 101; Farmington Hills, MI 48334.

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ST. JOSEPH CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 2442 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy, MI 48083; (248) 528-3676 Pastor: Fr. Rudy Zoma Parochial Vicar: Fr. Bryan Kassa Bible Study: Mondays, 7 p.m. in Arabic; Tuesdays, 7 p.m. in English; Thursdays, 7 p.m. Chaldeans Loving Christ Youth Group for High Schoolers Mass Schedule: Weekdays, 10 a.m. in Chaldean except Wednesdays, 10 a.m. in Arabic Saturdays, 6 p.m. in English and Chaldean; Sundays, 9 a.m. in Arabic, 10:30 a.m. in English, noon in Chaldean, 2 p.m. in Chaldean and Arabic, 7 p.m. in Chaldean Baptisms: 3 p.m. on Sundays.

ST. PAUL CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 5150 E. Maple Avenue, Grand Blanc, MI 48439; (810) 820-8439 Pastor: Fr. Ayad Hanna Mass Schedule: Weekdays, 6 p.m.; Sundays, 12:30 p.m.

ST. THOMAS CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 6900 Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322; (248) 788-2460 Administrator: Fr. Bashar Sitto Parochial Vicars: Fr. Jirgus Abrahim, Fr. Anthony Kathawa Retired Priest: Fr. Emanuel Rayes Bible Study: Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. in Arabic Youth Groups: Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Girls Challenge Club for Middle Schoolers; Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Chaldeans Loving Christ for High Schoolers; Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. Boys Conquest Club for Middle Schoolers Other: First Thursday and Friday of each month, 10 a.m. Holy Hour; 11 a.m. Mass in Chaldean; Wednesdays from midnight to Thursdays midnight, adoration in the Baptismal Room; Saturdays 3 p.m. Night Vespers (Ramsha) in Chaldean Mass Schedule: Weekdays, 10 a.m. in Chaldean; Saturdays, 5 p.m. in English; Sundays, 9 a.m. in English, 10:30 a.m. in English, 12:30 p.m. in Chaldean, 2 p.m. in Arabic; 6 p.m.

Grotto is open for Adoration 24/7 for prayer and reflection ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CHALDEAN SISTERS/DAUGHTERS OF MARY OUR LADY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ORDER Superior: Benynia Shikwana 5159 Corners Drive West Bloomfield, MI 48322; (248) 615-2951 CHALDEAN SISTERS/DAUGHTERS OF MARY HOUSE OF FORMATION 24900 Middlebelt Road Farmington Hills, MI 48336; (248) 987-6731 ST. GEORGE CONVENT Superior: Mubaraka Garmo 43261 Chardennay Sterling Heights, MI 48314; (586) 203-8846 EASTERN CATHOLIC RE-EVANGELIZATION CENTER (ECRC) 4875 Maple Road, Bloomfield Township, MI 48301; (248) 538-9903 Director: Patrice Abona Daily Mass: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.

Thursdays: 5:30 Adoration and 6:30 Mass First Friday of the month: 6:30 p.m. Adoration, Confession and Mass Bible Study in Arabic: Wednesdays 7 p.m.

Bible Study in English: Tuesdays 7 p.m.

ST. GEORGE SHRINE AT CAMP CHALDEAN 1391 Kellogg Road, Brighton, MI 48114; (888) 822-2267 Campgrounds Manager: Sami Herfy ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 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: Sundays, 9 a.m. in Assyrian; noon in Assyrian and English ST. TOMA SYRIAC CATHOLIC CHURCH 25600 Drake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48335; (248) 478-0835 Pastor: Fr. Toma Behnama Fr. Safaa Habash Mass Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 6 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m. All in Syriac, Arabic and English CHRIST THE KING SYRIAC CATHOLIC CHURCH 2300 John R, Troy, MI 48083; (248) 818-2886

Prayer for Dads on Father’s Day

S

t. Joseph, guardian of Jesus and chaste husband of Mary, you passed your life in loving fulfillment of duty.

You supported the holy family of Nazareth with the work of your hands. Kindly protect those who trustingly come to you. You know their aspirations, their hardships, their hopes. They look to you because they know you will understand and protect them. You too knew trial, labor and weariness. But amid the worries of material life your soul was full of deep peace and sang

Kindly protect those who trustingly come to you. You know their aspirations, their hardships, their hopes.

They look to you because they know you will understand and protect them. out in true joy through intimacy with God’s Son entrusted to you and with Mary, his tender Mother. Assure those you protect that they do not labor alone. Teach them to find Jesus near them and to watch over him faithfully as you have done. Pope John XXIII

obituaries

RECENTLY DECEASED COMMUNITY MEMBERS

Suaad Tobia Bajouwa Sinawe Aug. 28, 1956 May 17, 2018

Naim Yousif Shamasha Matti April 09, 1937 May 15, 2018

Najib Marogi Yaldo July 01, 1940 May 14, 2018

George Edward Kathawa Feb. 21, 1939 May 13, 2018

Catrinah Jibrael Hirmiz Esttaifan May 01, 1931 May 11, 2018

Hinee Hajjar Samona July 01, 1929 May 01, 2018

Amelda Matilda Asker Nov. 15, 1932 Apr. 28, 2018

Dr. Suad Y. Mary March 24, 1933 Apr. 26, 2018

Khalid Georges Foumia June 05, 1945 Apr. 25, 2018

Sadik Toma Kaskorkis July 01, 1928 Apr. 22, 2018

Wafa Manni March 17, 1953 – May 8, 2017

JOIN OUR GROWING TEAM. The Chaldean News is looking for motivated candidates to fill full-time salaried sales positions.

Qualified candidates should email a resume to info@chaldeannews.com.

JUNE 2018

CHALDEAN NEWS 17

Amendments for relief Community leaders and elected officials work to amend Immigration and Nationality Act

BY ASHOURINA SLEWO

I

n response to the raids carried out

by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in June of last year, several elected officials and community leaders have come forward to help, with some even mobilizing efforts to help those at risk of deportation.

Currently, the foundation has spearheaded efforts to amend the 212(c) Immigration and Nationality Act. “Congressman John Moolenaar is leading efforts in Congress.

He may co-sponsor the amendment,” said Martin Manna, president of the Chaldean Community Foundation.

Congressman Moolenaar has worked closely with Manna and the Chaldean Community Foundation in these efforts. Moolenaar penned a piece for the Chaldean News last month explaining his efforts as he introduced a bipartisan House Reso18

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JUNE 2018

lution that would halt deportations if passed. Twelve members of the House co-sponsored the resolution.

Additionally, Moolenaar has continued to work closely with the Chaldean Community Foundation in finding a way to aid those that continue to be at risk for deportation.

The foundation believes that amending the 212 (c) Immigration and Nationality Act “may provide relief to Iraqi Christian Nationals that are currently at-risk of deportation.”

The 212(c) waiver is intended for lawful permanent residents who are deemed deportable by the United States. Typically, lawful permanent residents are deemed deportable after having committed a crime. An individual placed in deportation proceedings as a result of criminal activ-

Congressman John Moolenaar

ity could, through a 212(c) waiver, have their convictions waived and avoid deportation.

In addition to avoiding deportation, the 212(c) waiver would make a lawful permanent resident eligible to retain their status in the United

States. Applicants must establish that they have been continuously resident for at least seven years since their admission to the United States.

Additionally, if the applicant was convicted for an aggravated felony, a sentence of five or more years was not served.

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, those seeking relief through the 212(c) waiver must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible: • Lawful permanent resident of the United States or was a lawful permanent resident before getting a final order of removal.

• The alien is returning to lawful, un-relinquished domicile of seven consecutive years, OR b) the former lawful permanent resident had established lawful, un-relinquished do-

A New Hope The 2018 Iraqi Election

BY MONIQUE MANSOUR

O

micile of at least seven consecutive years before getting their final order of removal.

• Alien is not inadmissible on terrorism or national security grounds and is not unlawfully present after previous immigration violations.

• Alien would not have been barred from applying for 212(c) due to their pleas based on the law that existed at the time the pleas were entered into.

• Convicted of an aggravated felony or firearms offense and a sentence of more than five years imprisonment was not served for that conviction.

Previous amendments of this waiver included lawful permanent residents convicted between 1990-1997, and 2010. The foundation is working towards an amendment that would include those convicted prior to 2014.

In a memo to Moolenaar, Manna states that, “We are working with Congressional leaders to follow historical precedent and amend Section

212(c) of the INA that provides relief from deportation or removal for aliens with certain criminal convictions in a particular timeframe…

This would also set forth procedures and deadlines for filing special motions to seek such relief from a judge for those currently in proceedings or under final orders of deportation or removal. Members of the community have been granted relief under 212 (c) on an individual basis by judges adjudicating the case.”

Manna estimates that 85 percent of community members currently at risk of deportation will qualify for the waiver if it is amended. While they would still have to win their overall case, he believes the waiver is a better option than the Conventions Against Torture (CAT).

“The CCF has always advocated for our community,” explained Manna. “Several community members approached us about the idea. It will allow several others to be considered for a 212c waiver.”

n Saturday, May 12, Iraqis casted their votes for the nation’s fourth election since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

In the days prior to the election, on May 10 and on May 11, Iraqis living outside of the nation had the opportunity to vote. Shoki Konja of Franklin, Michigan, and Director of the Chaldean Voice Radio, was one of those people. He voted in Warren, Michigan at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chaldean Church. “It was an incredible, exhilarating feeling to be able to vote in this election and to have some sort of say in the process.

My stained finger is proof that there is hope for Iraq,” said Konja.

“I’m very invested in the Iraqi election and in the results that will follow,” said Konja. “There is no doubt that Iraq needs to be rebuilt.

Iraq was once a wealthy country, rich with natural resources. Unfortunately, corruption has destroyed the nation. We are in an extremely decisive moment now that ISIS is continuing to dwindle in numbers. We can kiss Iraq goodbye if we don’t come together now in this very moment.”

Currently, the Iraqi government provides for 329 parliamentary seats.

Out of those 329 seats, five are specifically allotted to parliament members of Christian faith. It’s important to note that the Christians can come from a multitude of ethnic backgrounds — including, but not limited to — Chaldeans, Assyrians, and Armenians, to name a few.

“I don’t think it’s right that only five seats are allotted to Christians,” said Konja. “Chaldeans are the original Iraqis and our collective voices should play a major part in the efforts to help rebuild Iraq.”

Konja made it a point to research the candidates running for the five seats. He was very impressed by the Chaldeans competing for them. “All of the Chaldeans were from scholarly and highly educated backgrounds.

Engineers and other professionals.

This is great news for us because these are exactly the type of people we need to represent us and play a major role in the reconstruction of our beloved Iraq,” said Konja.

It was evident that for Iraqi-Chaldeans living outside of Iraq, the election did not feel as urgent, relevant, or relatable as the voter turnout was

at the lowest since 2003. According to the Brookings Institution, there was only a 44.5 percent voter turnout.

“Even though we may be Chaldeans living in the United States or elsewhere, we still have our people back home in Iraq and they’re depending on us. Never forget, as Chaldeans, we’re the original people of Iraq. We still have a lot of Christians there. We need to rebuild our villages and our churches. We need to desperately raise our voices. They need to be heard in Iraq, in the Middle East, and around the world,” said Konja.

Konja and others closely watching the election were disappointed by the voter turnout. “The numbers were lower than what we expected, for sure. I can understand why Iraqis felt disillusioned and powerless, especially after all of the turmoil and corruptions they’ve been through and have witnessed first-hand. Hopefully, as the years progress, we’ll see development and advancement in Iraq, and the election numbers will rise in the future,” said Konja.

According to news reports, the final results show that two of the five seats allotted for Christians have been won by Aswan Salem Sawa in the electoral province of Nineveh and Burhanuddin Ishak Ibrahim in the province of Baghdad; both are said to be a part of the Babylon Brigades movement. Rihan Hanna Ayoub won the seat in the province of Kirkuk, Immanuel Khoshaba won the seat in the province of Dohuk, and Hoshyar Karadag Yelda won the seat in Erbil.

JUNE 2018

CHALDEAN NEWS 19

Catalogue Manuscripts of the Church in Telkeppe

BY WEAM NAMOU

I

n May, Shamasha Khairy Mikha Foumia published his seventh book, Catalogue Manuscripts of the Church in Telkeppe (540 pages), written in Aramaic and Arabic, which describes the 240 manuscripts he found in the library of the church of Telkeppe. He started this project nearly 30 years ago, in 1989. Born in Telkeppe, Foumia lived in Baghdad in his later years. Because his parents and other relatives still lived in Telkeppe, he and his family would visit there during the holidays and in the summertime.

During these trips, he went to Sacred Heart Church library which housed ancient manuscripts. It was not open to the public, but Foumia was given access to the library because of his strong relationship with the priests, having himself been a seminarian for seven years. The church had a separate library with thousands of books where people were able to borrow books.

“I wanted to catalogue everything,” he said. “These books are on their way to extinction so at least by preserving them, their image remains in peoples’ minds and researchers will have a lot of useful information.”

The library contained 212 manuscripts during that time, mostly of a religious and historical nature and written in Aramaic, classic Chaldean. Some were in Arabic. One gospel was from the 11th century.

The printing press didn’t start until sometime between 1440 and 1450 so people relied on manuscripts.

“During prayers, we used two manuscripts of a book called Hudhra – one from 1679 and the other from 1689,” he said. “We’d place the Hudhra on a table, circle around it and pray. Those on the opposite side of the circle had to read it upside down.”

Foumia, fluent in reading and translating Aramaic, spent his time in the library measuring each manuscript, counting its pages, noting the title, content, each scribe’s name, color of ink used, number of columns, footnoting most of the names and places, and whether images were included. He’d read a 12-page of an old article written in 1976 by Father Yousif Habbi that covered 102 of 20

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JUNE 2018

An Episode in History of Telkeppe and Yousif II Patriarch of Chaldean.

The book was initially intended to be an article about Patriarch Yousif, who passed away in 1712.

“When I tried to publish it as an article in Bayn Al Nahrayn Magazine, Father Habbi said, ‘it’s too long.

Either reduce it or make it a book.’ I said I don’t know how to reduce it, but I can add to it. So, because of Patriarch Yousif, I decided to write about Telkeppe too, and the project grew.”

When Foumia left Iraq in 1995, he took with him the notes about the church library’s manuscripts. He kept contact with a friend who updated him on the status of the library

the manuscripts. Foumia noticed many of the manuscripts were not catalogued and asked Father Habbi why he hadn’t included them. Father Habbi replied, “I didn’t have time” and suggested that Foumia take on such a project.

“He pushed me to do this,” said Foumia. “That’s how I started on it in summer of 1989, and I really went in depth.”

Father Habbi died in a car accident on his way to Amman, Jordan.

Foumia, who currently helps at St. Thomas Chaldean Diocese in Southfield, translating the book of Hudhra from Aramaic to Chaldean (Surath), entered the seminary in Baghdad at age 14. There, he learned Aramaic and loved writing and translating Aramaic to Arabic.

After three years, the seminarians were sent to Baghdad College for Jesuits (from the United States) where

they no longer studied Aramaic but attended regular classes given by the government. He stayed with the Jesuits for another four years before he finally left in the tenth grade.

Foumia went on to get married from Hanaa Patrus Kakoz in 1975, and they had four children – 3 boys and a girl. He had to put his interests in writing and translating aside due to family and business obligations.

But in 1987, he was able to tap into those passions again.

“When my brother took on the responsibility of managing our hotel, and I took on the responsibility of our trading company, I had a lot of leisure time,” he said. “That’s when I started reading and translating, getting back my language, and writing books.”

One of the books he wrote is called

which continued to develop as people donated books to it.

“A couple of years ago, I received a digital copy of all the manuscripts so I went over them again to confirm accuracy of my research,” he said. “I edited my book again and added as an index the 28 manuscripts, which were later donated.”

Catalogue Manuscripts of the Church in Telkeppe has five sections: Section 1 (Holy Bible); Section 2 (Rituals); Section 3 (Religious Books); Section 4 (Miscellaneous); Section 5 (Arab and Garshouni - letters in Chaldean but read in Arabic).

The book is available for sale at the churches and certain Middle Eastern Markets or they can be purchased directly from Mr. Foumia.

JUNE 2018

CHALDEAN NEWS 21

Power in numbers How Mission Jean Day serves as a fundraising success and example

BY MONIQUE MANSOUR

E

d Babbie of Farmington Hills noticed a glaring need in his community. He saw fathers not getting as involved in school events and school related activities with their children, and he decided to make a plan and do something to change that.

He went on to found a Dads’ Club at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic School in Orchard Lake. According to the Dads’ Club mission statement, it is an “organization made up of dedicated fathers of the school. The purpose of the club is to support our sons and daughters, in a spirit of volunteerism through various events held throughout the calendar year, as well as provide our time and talents in support of various fundraising and social events at the school. The club enriches the Holy Trinity experience for our sons and daughters and serves as a vehicle for fathers to be more active in school life.”

There are five pillars behind the vision of Dads’ Club, which include discipline, excellence, motivation, strength, and spirituality.

Babbie, President of Dads’ Club, works alongside other board members, directors, and committee heads to create a more uplifting and enriching educational experience for all. Fundraising efforts are taken seriously at Dads’ Club.

“In the past two years, we’ve raised nearly $150,000 for our school, which has been put to great 22

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JUNE 2018

use for educational purposes,” said Babbie. Richard Dalimonte serves as Vice President for Dads’ Club, Robert Goodman as Treasurer, Tadd Klimmek as Secretary, and Joe Barbat, Trevor Wisniewski, Ray Kalasho, and Chris Toma as committee heads.

Toma of Commerce Township, is not only a committee head of Dads’ Club, but also a strong supporter of the Adopt-a-Refugee-Family and Help Iraq programs. He was inspired by the success of Dads’ Club and decided to use the momentum garnered by the club to create even more positive, long-lasting change. He set-up a time to talk with the school principal, Mr. Robert Pyles, about using the school’s monthly fundraising drive of Mission Jean Day –a day when students wear jeans to school instead of their school uniform and donate to worthwhile causes –to support fellow Iraqis who are suffering during the season of Lent.

“I’m so grateful to Mr. Pyles’ support. He allowed me to use March 23rd, 2018, as a fundraising day to help our brothers and sisters hurting in Iraq,” said Toma. “Our small school was able to raise nearly $1,000 that day. I thought to myself…if other Catholic schools in the greater Metro Detroit area followed suit, we could put forth so much more good into our shared world.”

“It was incredible to see the commitment of the students who got in-

volved with Mission Jean Day,” said Babbie. “They understood that their efforts were helping people, and that gave them a purpose. It was a powerful day.”

Now, both Babbie and Toma are working to spread awareness behind the power of grassroots fundraising.

“We need to teach our children the importance of helping people. That means helping those here in our local communities, but it also means

‘Jean Day’ is a monthly event when students can wear jeans to school instead of their school uniform and donate to worthwhile causes helping our fellow community members in Iraq,” said Toma. “We nearly raised $1,000 from children and teenagers between the ages of three to fourteen on our Mission Jean Day at Our Lady of Refuge,” said Babbie. “There’s lots of potential for our other Catholic schools to raise more money for this worthwhile cause.”

A school or an organization interested in implementing a similar

fundraiser for schools with students aged fourteen and under can contact Chris Toma via email at christoma@socksgalorews.com. For schools with students aged fourteen and over, Rafed Yaldo, Founder of HelpIraq.org, can be contacted at rafedyaldo1212@gmail.com.

“We need our younger generations to get involved and we need to help them understand the pain that our fellow brothers and sisters feel. I’m very blessed to have my father, my mentor, who was a priest in Iraq. Because of his mentoring, I do what I do for our community,” said Toma. “I would encourage those who want more information on the Adopt-a-Refugee-Family program to visit www.adoptarefugeefamily. org. We have events that take place throughout the year, including our upcoming golf outing on June 6 at Shenandoah Country Club,” said Babbie.

“It’s also important to note that a corporate match program for employees working for large corporations is very common. Oftentimes, a corporation will match up to a certain amount each year for nonprofit organizations,” said Toma. “This is a great conversation for employees to have with their companies and an excellent way for corporations to be made aware of these social justice issues that are occurring.”

There is strength in numbers, and it’s made to be more impactful when it’s for a worthwhile cause.

JUNE 2018

CHALDEAN NEWS 23

Making room for Lindsay Raad Kathawa remembers his daughter on Father’s Day, decades after her death

BY VANESSA DENHA GARMO

S

itting down at a local eatery for this interview, Raad Kathawa recalls an early September afternoon three years ago, when a thunderstorm ripped through Oakland County.

His daughter, Lauren, who was inside with her mother, called him at work to tell him the house had been struck by lightning and one half of their house was on fire, and that he needed to head home. She recalls telling her mom “Dad didn’t even sound upset”. When Raad arrived on the scene, the Bloomfield Township Fire Chief remarked, “For someone whose house is up in smoke, you’re really calm.”

“I said, ‘chief, this isn’t the worst thing to happen to me.’ The Chief asked “what could be worse?” An overwhelmed Raad recalls blurting out, “what’s worse is when in 1986 a doctor in Memphis, Tennessee told me take my daughter Lindsay home because she’s going to die within two weeks. That is worse”.

Like many Chaldean men his age, Raad came to America as a young man with very little and managed to achieve so much, despite the difficulties. In 1985, he was established as a businessman with many opportunities ahead. He and his wife had already had two young daughters, Lauren (3) and Lindsay (2), and had just welcomed a son, Ryan a few months earlier.

Raad shares the symptoms Lindsay had that brought her into the pediatrician, while worrisome, the young parents certainly did not think they would be facing a cancer diagnosis. The news that Lindsay had cancer was unthinkable “I had businesses; I had a house; I had money and when Lindsay was diagnosed with cancer, I felt so helpless.”

Lindsay was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a very rare type of cancerous tumor that almost always affects children, and accounts for between 7 and 10% of childhood cancers. The survival rates have improved since the 1980s, but there is still much progress to be made.

24

CHALDEAN NEWS

JUNE 2018

Lindsay first began her care at Beaumont, but Raad and Thaira wanted to find the best options for their daughter, even if that meant leaving an infant Ryan and three-year-old Lauren with family to go out of the state.

“As a father, you will do anything for your kids, Thaira and I would have given our lives… As a father you are supposed to be the hero, you have to come to the rescue, but this was one situation I couldn’t solve for my daughter, so I knew the only thing I could do was find her the best care possible,” explained Raad. “After much research and consultation, we were advised to take her to either Sloan Kettering in

New York City or St. Jude in Memphis. We decided on St. Jude. I’m not sure, but maybe Lindsay was the first Chaldean patient at St. Jude.”

Raad’s hope in sharing some of his story is that he can give strength to other Chaldean parents, especially young fathers, who have lost a child. “I was in my early 30s when my daughter was diagnosed, and my wife in her mid-twenties, but the immigrant experience had made us strong,” said Raad. “I want young fathers facing this situation to know, you have to stay strong, you have to be that rock because your family needs you to be, but at the same time, you can cry and

feel helpless and its okay.”

He also hopes to bring more awareness to the hospital where Lindsay received treatment, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. The memories of Lindsay are deeply personal to her parents, Ryan, Lauren and their extended family. They were reluctant to have Raad share any part of their experience in this forum but understood that it may serve a greater purpose.

The couple traveled to Memphis with Lindsay about 20 times, leaving Lauren and Ryan behind with grandparents. “Thaira suffered more than I did,” Raad notes. Raad looks into the

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distance and continues to talk.

“Thaira would be sitting in a rocking chair with Lindsay in her lap while she was connected to all these machines, rocking her all night.

Sometimes I would leave them alone in the room because I didn’t want my daughter to see me fall apart.”

When she was not being treated at St. Jude, Lindsay would often end up back at William Beaumont Hospital for high temperatures. Because of the chemotherapy treatments, her immune system was weak and she was susceptible to infection.

Despite the seriousness of Lindsay’s illness, the family found many moments to create joy for their daughter and sister, and the family treasures those bittersweet memories.

Raad remembers her asking to eat, Rizza and Maraka, her favorite dish, “She knew our food and she would ask for rizza and maraka when we would come home from Memphis.” The memories of her with her brother and sister are too painful to talk through, but they made her time special, but also as normal as possible for her when she was home.

During the treatment at St. Jude, Lindsay went into remission, however that lasted a mere six weeks before the cancer came back.

Lindsay succumbed to her cancer in January of 1986. “I watched that child suffer for a whole year and for years after that I had regrets of putting her through that suffering,” said Raad. “The regrets changed to anger with myself, but now I know that ‘hey, if I did not take her to St. Jude to try and save her life, I would always regret that I did not do the very best I could.

That calms me down. I would have felt like I didn’t fight for her life.”

After Lindsay passed, Raad knew he had to soldier on for his other children, and the idea of having any more children seemed unbearable.

Three years after Lindsay passed, Thaira found out she was expecting, and their son, Remi was born just three days after Lindsay’s birthday.

“Every time Remi would get sick, even if it was minor, I would panic, I became overprotective to the point it was probably unhealthy, but he brought a lot of healing to us.”

Despite the nature of their time at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Raad feels like they gave Lindsay the best experience possible. The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pedi-

atric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. While Raad was able to afford his daughter’s treatments, no child is denied treatment based on a family’s ability to pay. They create an experience for these children that goes beyond what one can expect in a children’s hospital. Every dollar someone gives to St. Jude goes toward taking care of a treatment, a family, or research.

Raad’s daughter, Lauren, ran the Detroit Marathon and raised money for St. Jude – and in the last few years Thaira has helped raise nearly $50,000 for the cause. This past year alone, Thaira, Raad’s sister-in-law Melody Mio, Melody’s daughter, Tallia, and Thaira’s niece, Miranda Mio, raised over $16,000 for the cause. “So many women in the community came and supported their event; it makes me proud that our daughter’s memory is helping raise money for other families,” said Raad. “I know Thaira is now in the early stages of creating a foundation or non-profit in her name to help Michigan St. Jude families.”

But no matter how much help is given to St. Jude, or time passes, the pain and memory never fades, “I go to her grave on holidays, I go when I’m stressed out and when I need help. I go there when I’m depressed and when I need her to stand up for me. If I don’t go there, I feel guilty.

Lindsay is left behind.”

Lauren and Ryan have a daughter and son respectively now. It’s hard for Raad not to think what it would be like to be a grandfather for Lindsay’s children, or what she would have been like. “Lauren’s daughter, she looks like Lindsay, I find a lot of joy with her, but sometimes, it’s a trigger since she is the same age when Lindsay was diagnosed.”

Raad still has everything he ever bought Lindsay during her time at St. Jude and has an old photo of her on the home screen of his phone.

When they were working with the restoration company after the fire, Raad made sure that he kept the shirt he wore in a photograph he took with her at St. Jude. “It was the only shirt I wanted to keep from the fire.

It doesn’t fit any more but I want it.”

Raad says “The Lord wanted her,” but even if you come to peace with that, you always have an ache for your child. The Lord took her but she will always remain in the hearts of the Kathawa family.

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– Lauren Kathawa contributed to this article JUNE 2018

CHALDEAN NEWS 25

Can you pray the gay away?

That is the questions twin brothers take on in their second book about homosexuality

BY WEAM NAMOU

S

ix years ago, Michael Zakar and his twin brother Zach came out to their Chaldean mother, a devout Christian who is also extremely devoted to the family’s Middle Eastern values and heritage. She threw holy water on them in the hopes of “de-gaying” them. It didn’t work. The twins, 25, went on to write about their experience in their first book Pray the Gay Away and on Mother’s Day of 2018, they published their second book, You Can’t Pray the Gay Away as a way to give parents the gift of acceptance.

Their first book, a memoir, chronicles Michael and Zach’s coming out.

It takes a comedic look at their journey from awkward teenagers fighting against societal stereotypes in post 9/11 America, to living separate lives while recognizing sexual and emotional feelings for other boys to rejoining their relationship when they come out to each other and to finally facing the future together in a world where gay is still a bad word and coming out to their mom shattered and reformed their family and religious values.

Their mom had plenty of questions, which the brothers suggest parents should avoid, such as: • Were you boys molested?

• Have you tried having sex with a woman?

• Why did God let me give birth to you two?

• Why couldn’t you have had cancer instead? At least, that’s curable.

“We had a very average childhood to which we then graduated at Wayne State University with a Bachelor’s in Film,” said Michael.

“No one molested us. God doesn’t have it out for us and being gay isn’t a disease.”

Their parents had many concerns, including: • Was it my fault as their parent?

• How will they carry on the family name?

• What will society think of them?

• Why me?

26

CHALDEAN NEWS

JUNE 2018

• Will they lose their faith?

The twins say they have not lost their faith because they believe Jesus is about loving one another. But they do feel ostracized by the community and unwelcomed in the church. Father Matthew Zetouna realizes the seriousness of this situation and gave a homily on June 11, 2017 about how to love and show compassion for gay individuals. He shared his experience of being called to go to homes for interventions and witnessing parents have severe panic attacks as they tried to figure out a way to

change their gay children to normal.

“I want to look at how we can love correctly and not be the Pharisee in the gospel because in our community, there’s an extreme discrimination where certain sins are okay while others are unacceptable,” Father Matthew told the congregation.

He used gambling and marijuana addiction as an example of the more acceptable forms of sins. While he stressed that people shouldn’t act on homosexual desires and pointed out that there’s a forceful normalization of a disordered lifestyle in the schools

and the media, he also emphasized the importance of love, compassion, support and understanding.

“I really believe that people who are struggling with this and are trying to live a virtuous life have a bigger cross than priests, nuns, and married people,” said Father Matthew, adding that through love and support, they can be brought to Jesus and can live a healthy moral lifestyle.

He suggests a need for a serious sobering self-reflection of the community.

“It really hurts me to see the people in my office,” he said, “how much pain they go through trying to authentically follow Jesus but having to carry this weight and pressure which is unchristian and unfair.”

The Zakar twins believe that their coming out was survivable because they had each other, and they want others who feel alone to know that they have their own personal twin too. Aside from writing books, the brothers created the mobile app My Twin Chat to help other LGBT youths come out in a safe space where there is no judgment or threats. In You Can’t Pray the Gay Away, the twins advise parents to choose their words carefully as their children will carry these words with them forever.

Some useful questions to ask their children are: • When did you know?

• How did you know?

• How can I help?

“You might not like the answers,” Michael said. “If it’s too much, don’t speak, a hug speaks volumes.”

The twins offer various exercises in their books, first and foremost taking five deep breaths and realizing the reality of the situation isn’t as bad as you think. There are bigger issues in the world. They write that life is too short. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.

If it’s a religion thing – love your child.

If it’s a political thing – love your child.

If it’s a human thing – love your child.

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JUNE 2018

CHALDEAN NEWS 27

ECONOMICS and enterprise

Smooth shaving Local barber finds success in grooming men

BY VANESSA DENHA GARMO

S

ean Tela started cutting hair at 11-years-old while still living in Telkeppe, Iraq. His family later moved to Baghdad where he continued to cut hair. “My dad’s friend who lived across the street from us back home taught me how to cut hair,” he said, “but cutting hair there and working here in the United States is day and night – no comparison.”

Tela and his family moved to America in 2007 when he was 14-years-old and after graduating from Walled Lake Central high school he went to a Detroit Barber School. “I had to fulfill 2,000 hours before I could graduate.”

He worked for about three years at a barber shop in Farmington Hills and then at a salon in West Bloomfield before opening Sean’s Salon on Haggerty Road in West Bloomfield Twp. He has three barbers who work with him and four hair dressers. He also offers gift certificates for holidays, including Father’s Day. “We cut hair for men and women of all ages but specialize in men.

I have cut a 5-month old boy’s hair and men in their 90s,” said Tela. “We have customers who come in weekly to get groomed. They get straight blade shaves.”

Although he has both male and female clients, his specialty is in being a barber. He does cuts, coloring, fading, eye brow waxing, blading, shaving, grooming, and threading.

He is married with two kids – a 2-year-old and a six-month-old and his wife, Nora, works the business three days a week. “I feel great when she is here,” he said. “She runs the business A to Z. “Men can shave themselves but it’s hard to get a straight line and shave the back of the neck,” he noted. “Our customers want to look clean and presentable all the time.

That is what we provide them.”

He recently remodeled the business and is looking for employees to fill his open chairs. “I love what I do but I need help,” he said. “We are so busy. I cannot keep up with the cus28

CHALDEAN NEWS

JUNE 2018

tomers. We need more barbers and hair dressers for the clients who keep coming in.”

On this day, Sean had customers waiting for a cut and shave. Andrew Marrogy comes in once every three weeks. “I come here because

of Sean,” said Marrogy. “I sit in his chair and he does what I need done.”

Sean’s Salon is open six days a week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. He is closed on Mondays. They care for clients by appointment and walk-ins are welcome.

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JUNE 2018

CHALDEAN NEWS 29

chaldean on the STREET

Chaldean on the Street

BY HALIM SHEENA

This year’s winter was one of the worst, but Michigan is finally starting to warm up. We asked our readers: what do you look forward to doing the most this summer?

Summer is the most beautiful time of the year. I am looking forward to spending my days outside, enjoying the beach and the pool and having bonfires with my friends. I’m so excited to make many great memories with the people I love!

– Valencia Kenaya, 17, West Bloomfield

I always look forward to my birthday, but this year I have my first cruise coming up and I can’t wait. Also, the longer nights and enjoying my days off by the pool.

We also like to go to Arts, Beats, and Eats as a family.

We turn it into a major family thing with aunts, uncles, and cousins!

– Michelle Mikha, 27, West Bloomfield

This year’s winter was the worst, but I can’t wait to live like the top is always down. Even though my car doesn’t have a sunroof. Anywhere water meets sunshine and some lounge chairs is all that I can think about.

– Christina Salem, 25, West Bloomfield

I’m looking forward to the long days, late nights, and great times with friends and family. The warm weather sends good vibes. I will be staying active and taking advantage of every sunny day!

– Chris Hesano, 25, Commerce

Now that it has finally warmed up I am looking forward to spending more time outdoors with family and friends!

Also, playing soccer, which is my favorite sport. Michigan is a beautiful state and this summer I’m hoping I can explore and go to areas I haven’t been to yet!

– Merna Kesto, Sterling Heights, 21

I’m looking forward to alleviating the pressure of deadlines by taking less classes. I’m excited to see my friends more and get as many experiences as possible while getting as much done as possible. It wouldn’t hurt to be tan while doing so.

– Azal Arabo, 21, Walled Lake

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CHALDEAN NEWS

JUNE 2018

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events

Final vows While many were enthralled with the royal wedding across the pond, several community members were in attendance for a different kind of royal wedding. On May 19, members of the community took to Mother of God for the profession of Sister Mary Amanda’s final vows.

Bishop Francis emphasized that while many celebrated a royal wedding, Chaldeans were celebrating a royal wedding for Sister Christine, now Sister Mary Amanda as she married Jesus.

New Marian feast day decreed PHOTOS BY RAZIK RANON

Pope Francis has decreed a new Marian feast day; Mary, Mother of the Church. The new feast was celebrated for the first time in Detroit at Old St. Mary’s in Greektown on Monday, May 21.

Hundreds of Metro Detroiters joined in the celebration. Mass was celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Donald Hanchon and Bishop Gerard Battersby and other priests from the Archdiocese of Detroit.

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CHALDEAN NEWS 35

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Diaconate ordination PHOTOS BY RAZIK RANON

Community members gathered at St. George Chaldean Catholic Church for the diaconate ordination of Perrin Atisha and Rodney Abasso. Perrin and Rodney were ordained to the diaconate on Sunday, April 29. The newly ordained deacons will continue in their journey to priesthood.

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A journey to the homeland PHOTOS BY FATHER PIERRE KONJA

Fr. Pierre Konja and seminarians Deacon John Jaddou, Kevin Yono, Marcus Shammami, and Deacon Fadie Gorgies arrived in Baghdad in early May. Through pictures we follow their journey as they visit the Chaldean Church in central and northern Iraq. Their journey has taken them to a number of places throughout Iraq, including the Cathedral of St. Joseph, the former Cathedral of Our Lady of Sorrows, the abandoned St. Peter’s Chaldean Catholic Seminary in Baghdad, and Alqosh – a Christian village north of Mosul. Fr. Pierre and the seminarians have also had the opportunity to teach at the Christian school Mar Qardakh in Ankawa.

To follow their journeys, follow Fr. Pierre and the seminarians on Instagram @father_pierre and @chaldean_seminarians 38

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JUNE 2018