VOL. 16 ISSUE VIII
METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY SEPTEMBER 2019 $
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HONORING JIMMY DEPORTATION LEADS TO DEATH OF COMMUNITY MEMBER
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4
CHALDEAN NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2019
CONTENTS THE CHALDEAN NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2019
VOLUME 16 ISSUE VIII
32 24
departments 6
FROM THE PUBLISHERS BY MARTIN MANNA AND SYLVESTER SANDIHA
Turning the page 8
FROM THE EDITOR BY PAUL JONNA
In transition 10
37
IN MY VIEW BY MARTIN MANNA
38
Deportations still a threat 11
YOUR LETTERS
12
GUEST COLUMN BY ASHOURINA SLEWO
on the cover
24 HONORING JIMMY
This is what democracy looks like 14
IRAQ TODAY BY ADHIB MIRI
BY ASHOURINA SLEWO
Christians fear changes to Iraq’s Supreme Court
Deportation leads to death of community member 16
NOTEWORTHY
features
17
CHALDEAN DIGEST
26 SOUTHFIELD NATIVE SEEKS CITY COUNCIL SEAT
18
CHAI TIME
20
RELIGION BY HOLY LAND ECUMENICAL FOUNDATION
BY PAUL NATINSKY
28 CHALDEANS ARE LEAVING THEIR MARK ON THE MUSIC SCENE
Iraq: Final statement of the Chaldean Synod 22
OBITUARIES
32
ECONOMICS AND ENTERPRISE BY LISA CIPRIANO
BY STEPHEN JONES
Fall football fun
30 WORKING TOWARDS WORLDWIDE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
34
CLASSIFIEDS
36
CHALDEAN ON THE STREET BY HALIM SHEENA
BY SARAH KITTLE
What do you want to see? 37
EVENTS
SEPTEMBER 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 5
from the PUBLISHERS
PUBLISHED BY Chaldean News, LLC Chaldean Community Foundation Martin Manna
EDITORIAL ACTING EDITOR IN CHIEF
Paul Jonna MANAGING EDITOR
Ashourina Slewo CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lisa Cipriano Stephen Jones Sarah Kittle Paul Natinsky Ashourina Slewo Halim Sheena
ART & PRODUCTION CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Alex Lumelsky with SKY Creative GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Zina Lumelsky with SKY Creative PHOTOGRAPHERS
Holly Yatooma Razik Tomina
CLASSIFIEDS Ashourina Slewo
SALES
Interlink Media Sana Navarrette Tania Yatooma SUBSCRIPTIONS: $25 PER YEAR
CONTACT INFORMATION
Story ideas: edit@chaldeannews.com Advertisements: ads@chaldeannews.com Subscription and all other inquiries: info@chaldeannews.com 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: September 2019 Subscriptions: 12 months, $25. Publication Address: 30095 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 101, Farmington Hills, MI 48334; Permit to mail at periodicals postage rates is on file at Farmington Hills Post Office Postmaster: Send address changes to “The Chaldean News 30095 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 101, Farmington Hills, MI 48334”
Turning the page
W
hen we began this venture more than 15 years ago, we knew that the publication we were creating was important, not just to the Chaldean community, but to all the communities with whom we interact. The Chaldean News (CN) has grown to be more than a publication, more than a media outlet. Since the creation of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce (CACC) and the Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF), the strength of the Chaldean community in metro Detroit has grown as well. The CN is the natural hub. It is poised to be the main source for breaking news and most up-to-date resources for Chaldeans, not just in Southeast Michigan but worldwide. The acquisition of The Chaldean News by the CCF seems organic. Who better to further engage the community than an organization that engages the community daily— helping, teaching, and assisting with life-changing issues? The CCF works with our community on both sides of Woodward Avenue and is growing to meet the needs of a rising population. Construction has begun on a 19,000 square foot expansion to the CCF in Sterling Heights and is expected to launch next spring on a $25 million mixed use/affordable housing development just a few miles to the northeast of the Center. Amid all this disruption, staff is working with government officials and attorneys to advocate for those at risk of deportation and help create a stable support base. With its mission of improving the stability, health and wellness of those they serve through advocacy, acculturation, community development
MARTIN MANNA
SYLVESTER SANDIHA
PUBLISHER
CHAIRMAN
and cultural preservation, the CCF has a record of providing support and services to the community. The Chamber of Commerce (CACC) in Farmington Hills provides resources and training for the business community, encourag-
Who better to further engage the community than an organization that engages the community daily? ing dialogue between all. The CACC and CCF share a mission of service to the community, with the CCF as the heartbeat. Their core work includes acculturation for new Americans, breaking barriers for those with special needs, behavioral health services, assistance with transportation and medical care, and cultural preservation. The CCF brings to the table established partnerships such as with Mango Languages, creating an app to preserve and sustain the Aramaic tongue.
Adding the resources of the CACC and CCF to the CN mix allows the publication to expand coverage to include more broad-based topics that affect our community. Things are happening on all levels that affect our daily lives, our schools, and our churches. The newspaper will provide more in-depth coverage and will grow with the entire organization. Already, research is being conducted on rolling out a bilingual section, launching an app and offering more digital services. We understand that we have a large audience, from the old school to the new, and we want to honor all of you as we honor the history and tradition of the newspaper. The nonprofit status afforded under the Foundation umbrella will allow us access to resources we didn’t have before. The CCF was built not only to serve the current community, but to support future generations. Providing auto loans year-round and presenting college scholarships every fall are just two of the ways in which we do that. The purchase of the CN will allow us to do even more. Embracing new technologies at the same time ensuring no one is left behind; this publication is prepared to meet the needs of the entire community. Guided by our mission of service, the Chaldean News will celebrate our community’s accomplishments, contributions, and blessings while keeping you informed as we look to our exciting future. Yours in Service, Sylvester Sandiha
Martin Manna
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CHALDEAN 8/16/19 NEWS 10:55 AM7
from the EDITOR
In transition
S
ince becoming the Chief CCF recently acquired Operating Officer at the Chaldean News. the Chaldean AmeriWith this acquisition, I can Chamber of Commerce have taken on the role (CACC) and the Chaldean of Acting Editor. Community Foundation These last few weeks (CCF), I have had the honor in the role have been of working with an amazing exciting and informagroup of dedicated people that tive. While I may not PAUL JONNA are committed to furthering be an editor by trade, I ACTING EDITOR the success of our community. have enjoyed learning IN CHIEF Every day brings new challengthe ropes and contribes, adventures and lessons. In uting my own thoughts this role, I continuously find myself and ideas to this publication, while taking on new projects that I would learning more about the readers and have never even thought of doing incorporating their opinions as well. before working with the CACC and I am thrilled to learn from those CCF. Regardless of whether we are folks who know the paper through planning a comedy show, building a and through. The team that has mental health program or advocatcomprised the Chaldean News for a ing for the halt of deportations, we long time has their own thoughts, are guided by our core values to dig ideas, and criticisms. deeper to obtain the best possible As acting editor, I am happy to resolution. take all of this in as the publication As many of you may know, the evolves to meet the growing needs
8
CHALDEAN NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2019
of the community. I look forward to the changes that will come and to lending a unique perspective as an attorney with a background in communication. Some things we hope to do now that the CCF has acquired the CN include covering a broader range of topics that provoke meaningful conversations across communities, lean in to new technology that allow our readers to read our publication across a variety of platforms and more importantly, provide readers with the latest news. This is a time of transition for our publication and for our team. Bear with us as we work to bring you the best content we can. We’re hitting the ground running as we discuss recent events that have impacted the community. On our cover, we have the story of Jimmy Aldaoud who was forcibly deported to Iraq despite being born in Greece and living the majority of his life right here in Michigan. Penned by Ashourina Slewo, Jimmy’s story is a tragic one that is important to the
broader issues of deportation. In this issue we have also included a summary of the recent Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom and the Chaldean Synod, both topics pertinent to our community here as well as the homeland. Beyond these pieces, you can also read about Sara Habbo, a young Chaldean woman who is seeking election to the Southfield City Council. We have a variety of topics covered in this issue, each affecting the community in one way or another. As we move forward, please feel free to reach out to the team with any ideas or topics you would like to see covered in the ever-evolving publication that is The Chaldean News. We value your opinion. Send comments, suggestions, and constructive criticisms to edit@chaldeannews.com.
Paul Jonna Acting Editor in Chief
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in my VIEW
Deportation still a threat BY MARTIN MANNA
I
n 2014, Secretary Kerry labeled the atrocities committed against Christians and other minorities in Iraq a genocide. Vice President Pence reaffirmed the designation in 2017 but that has had little impact on the Trump’s Administration’s plans to deport members of our community. Despite recognizing that Iraq is highly dangerous, particularly for religious and ethnic minorities, on June 11, 2017, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began arresting and detaining a large number of Iraqi nationals – most of whom are Chaldeans – in preparation for deportation. On July 24, 2017, the District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan issued a preliminary injunction barring the government from executing removal orders against petitioners, citing the U.S. Department of State travel advisory on Iraq. The State Department developed a four-tier travel advisory for foreign travel and placed Iraq in “Level 4: Do not travel.” The Department of State’s Iraq Travel Advisory bluntly states “Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism and armed conflict.” Citing the “high risk of violence and kidnapping,” the Department of State recognizes that “numerous terrorist and insurgent groups are active in Iraq and regularly attack both Iraqi security forces and civilians.” In addition, the Department of State travel advisory also advises that “attacks by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) occur frequently in many areas of the country, including Baghdad.”
The Department of State’s Human Rights Report has further documented numerous human rights violations occurring in Iraq, including: Unlawful killings; torture and other cruel punishments; poor conditions in prison facilities, denial of fair public trials; arbitrary arrest; arbitrary interference with privacy and home; limits on freedoms of speech, assembly, and association due to sectarianism and extremist threats; lack of protection of stateless persons; wide-scale governmental corruption human trafficking; and limited exercise of labor rights.” These violations have been perpetuated by groups including ISIL, Iraqi government security and law enforcement personnel, and Shiite militias. In sum, Iraq today is unsafe, unstable, and rife with human rights violations. The safety and security of Iraq’s Christian and other religious minority populations is of extremely grave concern. Recently, the Iraqi Parliament passed laws counter to their religion and the Iraqi Constitution does not permit laws to exist that are counter to Islam, stating that Islam is the supreme law of the land. While the instability in Iraq threatens many religious and ethnic minorities, Chaldeans are at particular and heightened risk of violence. As religious and ethnic minorities, Chaldeans face extreme persecution in Iraq. Although ethnic and religious minorities have lived together in some regions of Iraq for centuries, this dynamic is currently under siege.
Today, areas that are home to these minorities, such as the Nineveh province, are under siege by terrorists. President Trump should use his authority to halt these deportations. The President has the ability reduce or eliminate the risk of deportation for non-violent felons, most of whom perpetuated a crime decades ago and have already served time. He can use his authority by directing the Department of Homeland Security to provide the following types of relief:
While the instability in Iraq threatens many religious and ethnic minorities, Chaldeans are at particular and heightened risk of violence. Pardons: The underlying federal criminal offenses could be pardoned, which would invalidate factual basis of entire immigration proceedings. This will not, however, confer status, so would also require asylum or other immigration relief. Potential avenue, if available, would be sponsorship by USC family members. If pardons are not an option, consider providing legal status to those that qualify. Grant Motions to Reopen: Many of the Chaldeans who are under threat of removal have pending motions to re-
open. ICE could stipulate to these motions which would lift the final orders of removal and would allow the aliens to pursue new claims in immigration court including withholding of removal. Grant Stays of Removal: ICE could grant a stay of removal for impacted members of the community who are under a final order of removal. A stay would not eliminate the final order of removal but would allow the individuals to remain in the US and would allow them to secure work authorization. Grant Deferred Action: DHS (through either ICE or USCIS) could grant members of the community deferred action for a proscribed period of time. Deferred action would delay the imposition of the final order of removal and would also allow the beneficiary to secure work authorization. Like a stay of removal, deferred action is a form of prosecutorial discretion that has typically been used by DHS for humanitarian reasons. In September, I’ll be making my fourth appearance to a federal court on behalf of a friend who has lived in the U.S. without incident for more than 25 years. He was picked up by ICE just before Christmas last year. He ended up spending six months in Calhoun County Jail before being released in June. The crime he committed happened over 35 years ago. He’s now in his 60s. After everything he has endured, he is still not free from the risk of deportation to Iraq. Our federal government needs to intervene quickly and directly with actions described above or by other means to protect individuals from facing uncertain atrocities and harm in Iraq. We must stay vigilant until the laws are changed to protect our people and other innocent people from an unjust fate.
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your LETTERS
Congratulations! I wanted to congratulate you on bringing the Chaldean News under the Foundation umbrella and to express my sorrow in the death of Jimmy Aldaoud. Respecting our laws and current immigration policies, regardless of Jimmy’s challenges and criminal activity, he did not deserve to die. I think his treatment, the reality of the Chaldean’s jailed and countless other affronts to people who are not white and are currently or recently part of the migration process is part of a
bigger effort to signal to resentful white people that the president stands with them. My fear is many more will suffer during the next 15 months leading up to the election. In light of Jimmy’s death, I wanted to make sure I asked if there was anything the 78-year-old Roundtable might do to be helpful. I never presume help is needed or if it is, what that looks like. Onward, Steve Spreitzer, President & CEO Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion
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CHALDEAN NEWS 11
PHOTO COURTESY LAMP LEFT MEDIA/NEW AMERICAN LEADERS
GUEST column
New American Leaders Ready to Win 2019 Cohort.
This is what democracy looks like
G
rowing up as a what they were and where person of color they came from as if that in the United were the ultimate qualiStates, I regularly strugfier. gled to find people in In the introduction positions of leadership of People Like Us, BhoI could identify with. jwani asserts that while Where were the people the founding fathers may that looked like me? The have envisioned a repreASHOURINA people that knew what sentative democracy “by SLEWO my community needed? the people, for the people, MANAGING Positions of American and of the people,” we are EDITOR leadership were not for us, not the people these leadI thought. They were not created ers had in mind. for us to hold or to be represented Which left me questioning how by. The system was not designed people like us would ever be reprewith us in mind. sented in today’s democracy. I found this to be especially true We push and challenge the staas I became increasingly involved tus quo. in political campaigns following my This is where New American father’s release from Immigration Leaders (NAL) comes in. Founded and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by Bhojwani, NAL is the only nadetention. People of color running tional organization that specifically for office had to take into considerfocuses on preparing immigrant ation what white candidates would leaders to run for public office. never have to take into account: In February of this year, I partichow would their brown skin and ipated in the organizations Ready to cultural background affect their Lead program in Dearborn, Mich. chances of being elected. Ready to Lead was an introduction In the words of Sayu Bhojwani, to owning my immigrant story and author of People Like Us and foundusing it as an asset. The program is er and president of New American designed by immigrants, for immiLeaders, “American leadership regrants. mains overwhelmingly white, male, During this program I learned moneyed, and Christian.” how to use my experience as a first Even as I worked alongside generation American to become a qualified and driven candidates, I successful candidate. Despite learnfelt disheartened to find that folks ing how to message, target, fundlooked past their qualifications and raise, and own my story, I decided I everything else that made them didn’t want to run for public office. worthy candidates to ask about I like being behind the scenes. 12
CHALDEAN NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2019
I like working to elect candidates worthy of being public servants. So, when the opportunity to apply for NAL’s Ready to Win program came up, I applied to take part in the campaign staff training. Ready to Win is a two-track campaign training program for New American fellows and people who want to work on campaigns. I joined 43 other dedicated individuals in Washington, D.C. for four days where we learned the ins and outs of building a successful campaign. From direct voter contact and targeted universes to babysitting candidates during call time and fundraising, we were equipped with the knowledge and skills we needed to work on campaigns. Beyond that, we were putting the things we were learning directly to the test as we worked on an intense campaign simulation. As a nonpartisan organization, some groups were tasked with building a campaign plan for a Democrat while others built a campaign plan for Republican. Working with the republican candidate, I felt, would be the ultimate test of my skills. My group and I poured over the logistics and put together a campaign we believed would give us a win. We strategically created a campaign that broke down every logistic from how many doors we would need to canvass, how much money we would need to raise, what communities we would target and how, when our direct
mail program would drop, and so many other nerdy details that I was living for. Throughout the weekend, I found myself to be pleasantly surprised by how much I actually knew about running a campaign. With each session, I found myself contributing to the conversation. However, it was during our campaign plan presentation that I felt my abilities were reaffirmed. It also didn’t hurt that my group won the campaign simulation, which was judged by professionals. My days spent in D.C. were eye opening and inspiring. While I enjoyed working to put together a campaign plan and learning about what it takes to run a successful campaign, what I really took away from the training was that while the system was not created with people of color in mind, we could change that. Forty four people of color sat in a room with the common goal of making space at the table for everyone that looked like us. The things we learned are about so much more than winning campaigns. It’s about reaffirming the fact that we belong here. We belong at the table. We belong in all these spaces where important, life altering decisions are being made. So, yeah, I learned how to put together a badass GOTV program, but I also learned that we can make this system work for everyone. Including New Americans.
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CHALDEAN NEWS 13
IRAQ today
Christians fear changes to Iraq’s Supreme Court BY ADHID MIRI
I
raq’s legislature is considering a bill that would change the composition of the country’s Supreme Court. The change would include the addition of Islamic scholars, which has stirred controversy over how much influence Islam should have in government. As early as September 2019, Iraq’s parliament will vote on a bill affecting federal Courts which for the first time, provides for mullahs, Muslims learned in Islamic theology, to sit as judges on the nation’s highest court. Furthermore, it confers these Islamic judges with enhanced powers to veto laws they deem to contradict with Islam – laws passed by the duly elected parliament. These jurists would likely be drawn from Iraq’s dominant Twelvers branch of Shia Islam, which is also Iran’s ruling sect. The new law will poise Iraq to follow Iran’s legal structure and curb religious freedom. It would executively align Iraqi judiciary with Iran’s theocratic governance which would undermine Iraq’s fragile democracy and jeopardize religious freedom and other basic rights. Under the proposed law, the court would be composed of a president, his deputy and 11 members, of which four of the 11 members are Islamic scholars with veto power. All the members would be selected and approved by “the three presidencies” — the president of the republic, the prime minister, and the parliament speaker. The parliamentary blocs reject the proposal; they believe parliament should exclusively hold the power to approve these members. The Kurdish blocs want to be represented on the court by two Kurdish members as the court’s power extends over the entire country of Iraq, which includes the autonomous Kurdistan region. Amid numerous disputes, some political parties in the country expect a delay of the bill’s third, and final reading. This proposed law is a delicate matter as it confers to the Court several important powers which includes interpreting constitutional texts, supervising the implementation of laws, and settling disputes between local governments and the federal government. Fear of Islamization of the judiciary in the country stems from Article 92 of 14
CHALDEAN NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2019
the constitution which includes scholars in Islamic jurisprudence as members of the Federal Supreme Court. The dispute now is whether their role should be solely advisory or if they should be designated to vote on all decisions. In a multireligious country such as Iraq, appointing clerics to the highest judicial authority will lead to disputes over who should appoint them and what body they represent. Minorities fear the Court could turn into a Supreme religious authority as clerics could block any decision the Court might make otherwise. This opening for mullahs on the highest court as judges with veto powers risks putting “Iraq’s judiciary in the company of those in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan,” according to the American adviser for Iraq’s constitution Noah Feldman, a Harvard law professor. Iraqi civic society activists, expressed fears this bill would turn the court into a “Supreme religious authority.” Iraq’s Christians are also alarmed, as their leaders have lodged complaints with the U.S. and Iraqi governments. The proposed law would establish a replica of the Islamic regime in Iran and could substantially alter the court’s function thereby promoting an increasingly theocratic state wherein religious rules take precedence over the
existing, mostly secular, legal system. The proposed law cements sectarian divisions and grants sectarian voices more power than elected legal authorities. The political parties in power control the way members of the court are appointed and determine their jurisdiction. Each party wants to maintain as much influence as possible at the Supreme Court. Iraq’s Christians expressed fears that giving Islamic clerics voting and veto rights in the Federal Supreme Court could lead the country towards becoming a theocracy. Christian and minorities fear the attempt to add Islamic Clerics to Iraq’s Supreme Court means Sharia Law would always take precedence and establish a ‘Religious State’ in Iraq. A theocracy means new laws may be established based on Islam affecting freedoms such as clothing choice, alcohol use, and social life. Patriarch Louis Raphaël Sako, head of the Chaldean Church, publicly opposed the law. In a letter to the Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, he wrote that the proposal could threaten the future of Christians in the country, “after all the suffering we have endured from terrorism, displacement, pillaging, murder, and property theft”. Discrimination and an uncertain future are the main reasons behind the migration of Iraqi Christians
and minorities. In the 1970s, Christians composed five percent of Iraq’s population and after the fall of the previous regime in 2003, Christians became violently targeted by terrorists which reduced their population to less than two percent. Therefore, governmental priority should be to preserve and protect Christian and minority rights and identities. The U.S. continues to invest heavily in shoring up Iraq’s sovereign democracy. The new American ambassador, Matthew Tueller, met with Iraq’s justice minister to pledge support for human rights protection and has visited leaders in Nineveh, Iraq to report the U.S. commitment to rebuild communities and protect minority groups attacked by ISIS. These measures won’t succeed if Iraq follows Iran’s governing system of Islamic jurist rule. As Iraqi expats, Chaldean Americans firmly believe that the Iraqi parliament and its citizens need to unify, synthesize, and discuss a new amendment that guarantees equal religious freedom to all citizens. The article shall state “Islam is one of the guiding principles of legislations” and not the current vague provision that states “no law may be enacted that contradicts the established provisions of Islam” Iraq’s 2005 Constitution (article 2). Iraqi Christians and other sects who suffered in silence for many decades must voice their opinions and lead the stride for new solutions. If Christians remain silent and fail to take serious steps to change the situation, then the remaining Christians and minorities will immigrate which sacrifices the beautiful national cultural diversity of Iraq. Chaldeans must impact the process and stand united with other ethnic minorities against this archaic injustice. This law is a stab in the heart of the civil state and a dagger in the back of religious minorities. Changes to Iraq’s Supreme Court could detrimentally affect Christians. It must be made clear that Christians and other ethnic minorities matter and are equal under the law. If the law is approved, more Christians will leave Iraq and will become just a memory, just like the Iraqi Jews. Any departure from this civil human rights doctrine sadly signals the tragic demise of Christianity in Iraq
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Chaldean Community Foundation Sterling Heights Office 3601 15 Mile Road Sterling Heights, MI 48310 586-722-7253 www.chaldeanfoundation.org
SEPTEMBER 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 15
noteworthy
Improvements at Shenandoah A plan to improve Shenandoah Country Club’s golf course has been approved after several years of careful deliberation by the Shenandoah Country Club Board of Directors, members of the golf committee and the golf course construction committee. The improvement plans will target holes 14 and 15, in addition to the overall water drainage issues. The country club has consulted with a number of professionals to determine the price range of repairs and through extensive research, have found the estimated cost of repairs to be approximately $700,000. A special meeting was hosted on August 20 where the board convened to receive membership approval of the plan for the improvements.
Breaking Barriers Celebrates Seven Successful Years More than 200 attendees packed St. Josephs Chaldean Catholic Church Hall on Saturday, August 17 to celebrate a successful and groundbreaking program from the Chaldean Community Foundation. The Breaking Barriers program provides service and advocacy to those with special needs. Started in 2012, the program includes group recreation events, meditation with Michigan state agencies for those with special needs, referrals to service providers for additional needs and respite for caregivers. Families who have benefitted from the program filled the church for a celebration of its successes. The festivities included a five-course dinner, family photos, and dancing, courtesy of entertainers, DJ and Zarna Tubil. The dance
floor was full all night as attendees capped off another successful year for the program. Over seven years the program has expanded to include two new projects. Braille, English as a Second Language, Acculturation and Mobility (B.E.A.M.) helps those with visual impairments become better equipped to live independent lives. Hard of Hearing, English as a Second Language, American Sign Language and Life Skills (H.E.A.L.) helps those with hearing impairments on the path to independence as well. Those interested in learning more about the Breaking Barriers program are encouraged to contact the Chaldean Community Foundation at (586) 722-7253.
Academic Scholarships for the Community The Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) has launched their Academic Scholarship Program. Through support from w3r Consulting, the Nona family, and Dr. Nathima and Peter Atchoo, the CCF will be awarding 10 students with scholarships totaling $30,000. All qualifying recipients will be awarded at the Chaldean Community Foundation’s 2nd Annual Awards Dinner Gala on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at the Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township. The deadline to apply is October 4. Students can apply online at www. chaldeanfoundation.org
Back-to-School Event with Utica Community Schools and Warren Consolidated School District The Chaldean Community Foundation hosted two separate, well attended back-to-school events with Utica Community Schools and Warren Consolidated School District this month, with more than 50 families in attendance for each. Both school districts provided information on what parents need to know for the upcoming school year, including information on school nutrition, PowerSchool, transportation and parent involvement. Families received a backpack with school supplies to get them started for the school year.
CCF Census Awareness Program Census Day is April 1, 2020! The Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) launched a 2020 Census awareness campaign to promote and support a fair and accurate count in the 2020 United States Census. “The primary goal of the 2020 Census is to county everyone once, only once, and in the right place.” 16
CHALDEAN NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2019
Enriching Young Minds On July 18, The Chaldean Cultural Center hosted the Holy Martyrs Chaldean Catholic Church Summer Camp. A total of 94 students and volunteers attended the event. Students were divided into groups and were sent on their way to enrich their knowledge of their ancestors, their faith, the villages, the Journey to America, and where the future may take them. The students also enjoyed their afternoon having lunch and learned Chaldean dances. Tours can be scheduled by visiting chaldeanculturalcenter.org
chaldean DIGEST
What others are saying about Chaldeans Why Detroiters shut down a gas station for 5 days DETROIT FREE PRESS BY NANCY KAFFER
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haldean and Arab Americans own roughly 300 gas stations in this majority black city, according to the Arab American News. It’s not news that this can lead to conflict. Gas station workers are often targeted by criminals who see the stores as easy targets, and clerks as ac-
ceptable collateral damage. Residents often view owners with no organic ties to the community as indifferent, just out to make a buck, a perception perpetuated by those who stock expired food, provide poor lighting around pumps and parking lots, or racially profile their customers. Those are the inequities the Detroit Coalition for Peace’s 16-point plan is meant to address, and most
of it sounds like good advice for any business: Provide customer service training for all staff and employees. Don’t sell loosies or other illegal products. Make sure the building is safe and clean. Hire employees from the community. But that 16-point plan was developed after another shooting of a black customer by an Arab-American clerk…
Iraqi Chaldeans supported Trump. Now one of their own died after being deported LOS ANGELES TIMES BY MELISSA ETEHAD, NABIH BULOS
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or many in Detroit’s Iraqi Chaldean Catholic community, the election of President Trump appeared a positive development. They envisioned a bright future with an administration led by a man who had advocated strongly on behalf of Christian minorities in majority-Muslim countries.
“Christians in the Middle-East have been executed in large numbers,” Trump tweeted in 2017. “We cannot allow this horror to continue!” A few months into his presidency, however, scores of Iraqi immigrants were swept up in immigration enforcement raids for overstaying visas or criminal convictions. Many are Christians who fled their war-torn homeland, some
when they were children decades ago. Since then, the community — in a state that could prove crucial in the coming presidential election — has been on edge. News last week of the death of a Detroit man who was deported to Iraq two months ago has heightened fears. Some view it as a prime example of how Trump has turned his back on a community he promised to protect.
Priest says Chaldeans in northern Iraq face uncertainty in return to homes CATHOLICPHILLY.COM BY DENNIS SADOWSKI
WASHINGTON (CNS) — Chaldean Christians in northern Iraq are determined to continue their 2,000-year-long mission despite the near-deadly blow inflicted by Islamic State forces and new challenges from nongovernment militias, said a priest ministering in the region. “The situation is so complicated
in Iraq, but our faith and principles are that Christian religious communities should be there. Our mission is to be there and not in another place,” Chaldean Father Thabet Habib told Catholic News Service July 17. “We have faith at this time. We feel the hope. That gives me a sense to be optimistic,” the priest said after addressing a session during day two of the second Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom sponsored by the
CAREY, Ohio (CNS) — With its one stoplight and surrounding cornfields, the small Ohio village of Carey seems an unlikely travel destination. Yet, once a year, an estimated 5,000 visitors swell the town population to more than double.
For nine days, climaxing on the evening of Aug. 14, scores of charter buses drop off pilgrims, most of whom are Iraqi Christians. Hundreds of families fill a five-acre plot with tents, recreational vehicles, Middle Eastern food and music. “We feel that we’re like in our old village back home. Like when I walk around, I know a lot of people,” said
TURLOCK JOURNAL BY ANGELINA MARTIN
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s Turlock’s Assyrian community convened for the third annual Assyrian Genocide Remembrance at Stanislaus State on Wednesday, they chose to not only remember their fallen ancestors as martyrs, but as heroes. Lawmakers, city leaders, university officials and other ethnic community members joined in solidarity with local Assyrians to commemorate Martyrs Day, a day to remember the victims of genocides perpetrated against their nation, such as the Turkish genocide of Assyrians that claimed the lives of 750,000 Assyrians between 1915 and 1918, as well as the lives of 1.5 million Armenians and 500,000 Pontic Greeks. Aug. 7 was chosen as Martyrs Day because of the massacre of Assyrians in August 1933 in north Iraq, which was conducted by the Iraqi Army and Arab and Kurdish irregulars. During that three-day period, 3,000 Assyrians in the town of Simmele were massacred.
Chaldean Church delegation meets with Kurdistan President, U.S. Department of State. highlights religious Father Habib recounted a story of determination on the part of Chris- coexistence, tolerance tian families who were forced to flee towns and villages on Iraq’s Ninevah Plain just ahead of advancing Islamic State forces in August 2014 to an audience of 300 at the United States Institute of Peace. The session was part of a daylong look at religious freedom in development and humanitarian assistance.
Chaldean Catholics celebrate Mary, culture, family at Ohio National Shrine CATHOLIC SUN BY CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
Assyrian genocide remembered in Turlock
Khalid Markos, who is now a resident of Sterling Heights, Michigan, but was born in Alanish, Iraq. His family, like most of the pilgrims, fled from war and persecution in their home country. Now exiled refugees, they have found consolation by celebrating their faith and traditions at the aptly named Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey.
KURDISTAN 24 BY HIWA SHILANI
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – A delegation from the Chaldean Catholic Church on Wednesday met with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani to congratulate him on his appointment as leader of the autonomous Kurdish region. Louis Raphaël I Sako, who is the current Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans and head of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq and the world, led the delegation which included several of the church’s pastors. In the meeting, the delegation extended its congratulations to the president and wished him success in taking up his responsibilities as the leader of the Kurdistan Region. President Barzani and the Catholic delegation highlighted the current circumstances of Christians in general and the Chaldeans, in particular, in Iraq and Kurdistan. SEPTEMBER 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 17
CHAI time
CHALDEANS CONNECTING
COMMUNITY EVENTS IN AND AROUND METRO DETROIT SEPTEMBER 2019
Wednesday, September 4 New Orleans Summer Cruise Series: Set sail for an easy-going adventure, New Orleans-style! The Crescent City, built around the graceful curve of the Mississippi River, will be represented on board with chefmanned action stations loaded with CajunCreole cuisine, and sweets, along with handcrafted cocktails and spirits. Setting sail from the Port Detroit Dock, this event is priced at $105 per person. Tickets can be purchased online at www.summercruiseseries.com Thursday, September 5 Wine and Dine in the D: Wine and Dine in the D is a strolling dining experience featuring cuisine from 20 of Metro Detroit’s finest restaurants, wines, craft beer and spirits from Michigan and around the world and live entertainment by the Ursula Walker/ Buddy Budson Quintet. Proceeds raised go to Cure Multiple Myeloma Corporation to assist Michigan myeloma patients and to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), which funds research for a cure. This year Wine and Dine in the D will take over the entire fourth floor of the Westin Book Cadillac on Thursday, September 5. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a Multiple Myeloma roundtable by prominent doctors from around the country, followed by the wining and dining at 6:00. Tickets for the event are $175 per person, and $275 for Patron tickets, which include admission to an Afterglow reception featuring a collection of extremely exceptional and rare Champagne. Discounts are available for Multiple Myeloma patients. For more information, visit curemultiplemyeloma.org or call (248) 449-6663.
Sunday, September 8 Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo: The Detroit Zoological Society will host its annual Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo, sponsored by Ford Motor Company, on Sunday, September 8. The event includes 5K and 10K runs, the Too Wild! 5K+10K combo, plus a non-competitive Fun Walk. Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo raises critical funds for the Ruth Roby Glancy Animal Health Complex and veterinary care for the animals at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center. All participants receive a commemorative T-shirt, water bottle and a collectible finisher medal upon completion of the race. Afterward, join us for some fun at the Post-Race Party, sponsored by Kroger! For more information or to register, visit detroitzoo.org/runwild. Thursday, September 12 Artworks Detroit: Join Matric Human Services on Thursday, September 12, for the 24th annual benefit event, ArtWorks Detroit. As Detroit’s premier art auction, ArtWorks Detroit will feature live and silent auctions of donated works from renowned local artists. Hosted by art powerhouse couples, Carmen and George N’namdi, Karen and Ed Ogul, Linda and David Whitaker at Eastern Market’s Wasserman Gallery, attendees will also enjoy complimentary drinks, food tastings, and entertainment for an exciting evening worthy of the Detroit art community. Matrix Human Services provides extensive human services and care to all segments of the community, from early childhood programs, through teens at risk, to adult workforce and financial education, HIV prevention and aftercare plus supportive services for seniors in need. VIP Tickets are $150. General
Admission Tickets are $100. Both ticket options can be purchased at ArtWorksDetroit. org. For sponsorship or volunteer information, contact Kerrie Mitchell at kmitchell@matrixhs.org or 313-962-5255 ext. 1307 Saturday, September 21 Cattle Barron’s Ball: Kick up your boots and saddle up for the 17th annual American Cancer Society Cattle Baron’s Ball on Saturday, September 21 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. Join honorary chair Chris Couch of Cooper Standard and Detroit’s top executives and community leaders for a Night of Hope, leading the fight for a cancer-free world. Detroit’s favorite southwestern shindig features cowboyinspired cuisine, exceptional live and silent auctions and boot-scootin’ entertainment and dancing. Guests will also have a special opportunity to fund pediatric cancer research. Limited sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets are still available. To purchase tickets or learn more, call 248663-3401 or visit cbbdetroit.org. Friday, September 27 18-Hour Movie Marathon: Join the Community House Foundation, in partnership with the Emagine Palladium in Birmingham, for its 2019 18-hour Movie Marathon from 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 27, until 6:00 a.m. Saturday, September 28. This unique fundraising event engages movie buffs, families in the community, and Community House supporters for an 18-hour movie-watching experience to benefit The Community House’s children’s program and services. For accumulative pledges of $100 or more, per moviegoer, complimentary all you can
eat/drink popcorn, soda, dinner, midnight snack and continental breakfast. Family Pack: $50 for up to two movies, including soda and popcorn, and dinner for two adults and two children (3:00 to 10:00 p.m.). Sign up today by visiting The Community House Foundation website at communityhouse. com or calling 248.644.5832. Sunday, October 6 Pregnancy and Beyond Expo: Expectant parents and new grandparents-to-be who want to learn about new products and services for delivering and taking care of your baby are invited to the Huron Valley Sinai Hospital Birthing Center’s Pregnancy and Beyond Expo on Sunday, October 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Expect vendor booths, tours of the all-private birthing suites, health educational demonstrations and seminars. Refreshments will be served. This event is open to all, free of charge at DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital – North Orchard Lobby. Pre-registration recommended by calling (313) 5786774 or online; walk-ins are welcomed. Wednesday, October 9 Documentary Screening: The Chaldean Cultural Center invites you to join us for the local screening of the award-winning documentary, The Great American Family on Wednesday, October 9 at the Maple Theatre located at 4135 W. Maple Road in Bloomfield Township. Meet and greet with the filmmaker and author, Weam Namou is at 6:30 p.m. The documentary begins at 7:00 p.m. All proceeds to benefit the Chaldean Cultural Center. Tickets are priced at $25 per person. Call (248) 681-5050 to purchase tickets.
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CHALDEAN NEWS 19
RELIGION
Iraq: Final statement of Chaldean Synod
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t the invitation of His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Mar Louis Raphael Sako, the annual Chaldean Synod was held at the Patriarchal summer headquarters, Ankawa, Erbil, Iraq, from 3 to 10 August 2019, attended by Bishops from the dioceses of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, America, Canada and Australia. After the opening ceremony, the assembled Bishops sent a letter to His Holiness Pope Francis, affirming their love, appreciation and gratitude for supporting the Chaldean Church and Iraqi people. They closed by hoping that the visit of Pope Francis to Iraq will take place in 2020. At the end of the Synod, the participants issued the following statement: Spiritual Retreat: Synod Fathers commenced their meetings with a Mass celebrated by Patriarch Sako, in which he addressed the importance of taking responsibility and working together as a team to serve the Church and our people in these complicated circumstances. This was followed by a spiritual retreat for two consecutive days, led by Bishop Yousif Sowaif, Archbishop of the Maronite Archdiocese in Cyprus. The focus was, the role of the bishop, in administrating the diocese, living the faith with a spirit of transparency, in addition to emphasizing bishop’s quality as a father, brother, pastor and priest of the diocese. Meeting with the Laity (Men and Women Representatives of Different Dioceses): This is the first time in the history of our Chaldean Church that the Synod Fathers invited laity for a period of two days to study the Chaldean public affairs. An extensive statement was issued as the outcome of this meeting, in which they urged the selected laity committee to follow up on implementing the recommendations listed in our website. Administrations: As the 5th year of the legal term for the permanent Synod membership and the Secretary-General is finished, the Synod Fathers elected the following as a replacement: Archbishop Michel Kassaraji, Archbishop Mikhael Maqdassi and Archbishop Mikhael Najeeb. His Beatitude Patriarch Sako appointed Bishop Basilios Yaldo as 20
CHALDEAN NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2019
a fourth member and Bishop Yousif Toma Mirkis was re-elected as a Secretary-General. In regard to Babel College for Philosophy & Theology, HB Patriarch Sako appointed Bishop Yousif Toma Mirkis to be the Dean and Sr. Sanaa Yousif Hanna (Sacred Heart Order) the Vice Dean. He also appointed Sr. Caroline Saeed Jarjis (of the Sacred Heart Order) to be the Director of the Institute of Christian Education in Ankawa. Synod Father selected new bishops for the vacant Diocese. Liturgy: Synod Fathers reviewed the text of the Mass of the Apostles (Addai and Marie), in which Sundays and feasts mass celebration are separated from that of weekdays. They reviewed also the 2nd Mass ritual as well as a new text of the Mass composed by HB Patriarch Sako taking its’ inspiration from Chaldean Spirituality and Prayers. The three texts will be sent to the Holy See for approval. Economic Aspect: Establishing a joint fund in the Patriarchate to support the Patriarchate projects and the needy dioceses. It was recommended also to conduct an economic study to determine the conditions of contributing to this fund in addition to the activation of faithful contribution in “Zakat”. Synod Fathers recommended the following: Calling upon their priests to ac-
cept the ecclesiastical laws, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their vocation and be honest towards their devotion in spite of the difficulties. On the other hand, they appreciated those who have worked throughout these years serving their parishes with self-denial, sacrifice, and generosity.
Synod Fathers renewed their pledge to work diligently to serve their Dioceses and to activate the ecumenical movement. Urging their faithful inside and outside Iraq to unite and hold into their Chaldean identity, principles of faith, Christian ethics, and their affiliation to Church, homeland and Chaldean language, as well as dealing with their bishop as a head of the local Church. Mentioning with compliment the return of families (displaced by ISIS) to their homes and towns in Mosul and Nineveh Plain, supporting reconstruction process and being there for them in facing various challeng-
es. They also encouraged the rest of internally displaced Christian families, to return and avoid selling their homes and properties, since it is their historical heritage. Expressing their full support for the Patriarchate’s addresses and speeches and its stance in defending Christians’ rights; their fair representation at the government institutions; demanding a civil state based on full citizenship, equality, justice, the rule of law and institutions away from sectarian system. They strongly support the intention of the Central Iraqi Government and KRG to undertake brave reforms. Restricting votes among the Christian component in electing their representatives away from the interventions of “big parties”, especially in regard of “Christian quota” in both Parliament representation and the provincial Councils. In conclusion, Synod Fathers renewed their pledge to work diligently to serve their Dioceses and to activate the ecumenical movement, and called upon Christian of all denominations to “be one” (John 17: 11) as Jesus wanted them, by relying on dialogue and communication. They also encourage Christians to be bridges of sincere dialogue between different groups, in order to promote coexistence and raise the voice of truth towards the developments of their countries and their citizens. – Holy Land Ecumenical Foundation
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SEPTEMBER 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 21
in MEMORIAM
e"My mom ced to
RECENTLY DECEASED COMMUNITY MEMBERS
t me ee's going to buy me the cemery
pl nt to my dad , hontly, I've never ft Sabah Putrus Jirgis Salha July 1, 1947 Aug. 20, 2019
Mikha Sulaiman Jan. 1, 1944 Aug. 17, 2019
Mary Dabish Jan. 26, 1926 Aug. 17, 2019
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Sameer Zia Denha Sept. 3, 1941 Aug. 14, 2019
pleed."
- Andri H
PR E - PL A N N I NG I S A
G R E AT A C T O F L O V E . Andri struggles with health issues no 22 year old should have to face. Her mother granted her wish and gave her peace of mind by pre-planning to ensure she would be buried next to her father who passed in 2015.
Jinnan Haji Feb. 20, 1992 Aug. 13, 2019
Istar Beteta July 1, 1939 Aug. 12, 2019
Georgette Kory Mar. 3, 1935 Aug. 12, 2019
Slewah Loussia July 1, 1931 Aug. 12, 2019
Najat Shafo May 1, 1945 Aug. 11, 2019
Nadir Kozmi Feb. 4, 1962 Aug. 10, 2019
Dena Rita Petrus Aug. 21, 1977 Aug. 7, 2019
Marogi Marogi July 1, 1947 Aug. 5, 2019
Arthur Sabah Kirma Jan. 14, 1980 Aug. 5, 2019
Gorgis Jaoo June 6, 1942 Aug. 2, 2019
Warda Daoud Shamon May 19, 1931 Aug. 1, 2019
Zakia Matti July 1, 1927 July 29, 2019
Balkis Hanna July 1, 1943 July 28, 2019
Khalid Khoshaba July 26, 2019
Warda Behnam July 1, 1941 July 26, 2019
Sabriya Katty June 5, 1932 July 25, 2019
Najat Amsaih Nov. 20, 1938 July 25, 2019
Karim Issa Patros July 1, 1961 July 23, 2019
22
CHALDEAN NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2019
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CHALDEAN NEWS 23
Deportation leads to death of community member BY ASHOURINA SLEWO
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couple weeks after his deportation to Iraq in early June, videos of Jimmy Aldaoud surfaced on Facebook. He was gaunt, visibly ill, crouched on a sidewalk as he talked about his plight after his forced removal from Detroit to Iraq. “I don’t understand the language,” said Aldaoud. “I’m sleeping in the street. I’m diabetic. I take insulin shots. I’ve been throwing up, throwing up, sleeping in the street, trying to find something to eat. I’ve got nothing over here.” When Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) came for him, Aldaoud pleaded for his life, knowing his death would be imminent in Iraq as he had never been to the country and did not speak the language. “I begged them. I said, ‘Please, I’ve never seen that country. I’ve never been there,’” he said. “However, they forced me.” A few weeks later, Aldaoud was dead. Found dead in an apartment in Baghdad, Aldaoud is believed to have been alone at the time of his death, without family or friends. “He died alone,” Aldaoud’s sister, Mary Bolis, told The Intercept. “It’s unfair.” The Detroit resident’s cause of death is believed to be due to the lack of access to life-saving insulin. In addition to suffering from diabetes, friends and family of Aldaoud said he suffered from bipolar disorder and was a paranoid schizophrenic. Originally deported to Najaf, about 100 miles south of Baghdad, Aldaoud found his way to Baghdad where he had reportedly been homeless, living on the streets with two other men who had also been deported. Before being deported to Iraq, Aldaoud had never stepped foot in the country. In fact, Aldaoud was born in Greece and was legally brought to the United States with his family when he was just six months old. The United States was the only home he knew. This did not factor in the decision to deport him, though. U.S. Representative Andy Levin, who has been a fierce advocate against the detention and deportation of Iraqi nationals called Aldaoud’s death predictable and preventable in an opinion piece for USA Today. 24
CHALDEAN NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2019
“Jimmy’s story is all the more heartbreaking because it was predictable, it was preventable, and it will almost certainly be repeated if we do not pause the deportation of Iraqi nationals immediately,” he said. When asked for comment, ICE declined, telling the Detroit News that, “Al-Daoud’s immigration case underwent an exhaustive judicial review before the courts ultimately affirmed he had no legal basis to remain in the U.S.” A Community in Mourning News of Aldaoud’s death sparked outcries across the community. People took to social media to express their sorrow and their fears. More than anything, they wanted “justice for Jimmy.” Levin’s office, alongside American and Iraqi officials started the process of transferring Aldaoud’s remains soon after the news of his death broke. “Ensuring the safe return of Jimmy’s body to the United States is the least I could do for Jimmy’s family as they grieve during this tragedy,” Levin said in a statement. “Now, per Jimmy’s family’s wishes, he can receive a proper Catholic funeral and be buried next to his mother in Michigan, the only
home he has ever known.” The request to transfer Aldaoud’s remains was submitted to the Iraqi Consul, who, says Chaldean Community Foundation President Martin Manna, willingly helped to expedite the process. The transfer is expected to be completed later this month. “I’m glad that my office could give Jimmy’s family this small sense of solace, but to honor his memory, we still must do everything we can to prevent another death by deportation,” Levin told the Detroit News. A Renewed Sense of Fear The news of Aldaoud’s death confirmed what many members of the community had feared. Deportation to Iraq would certainly be a death sentence, especially for Iraqi Christians. His death comes as the Trump administration heightened immigration enforcement, which lead to massive raids by ICE in June 2017 that resulted in the detention of hundreds Iraqi nationals. Since the massive ICE raids, elected officials and community leaders have worked alongside the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to prevent the deportations of hundreds of Iraqi nationals. The ACLU quickly filed a class
action lawsuit, Hamama v. Adducci, after the raids. The nationwide lawsuit includes more than 1,400 Iraqi nationals from across the country, with 114 from Michigan. This lawsuit bought Iraqi nationals time as they worked to reopen and fight their immigration cases. Despite the relentless work on the ACLU’s part, a decision was handed down by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals allowing ICE to once again begin the detention and deportation of Iraqi nationals. The Americanization alone, says Levin, is enough to put people like Aldaoud at risk in a country like Iraq. “…many are also Chaldean Christians, who face grave danger in Iraq on account of religious persecution,” Levin wrote. “All of these factors make the Trump administration’s deportation of Iraqi nationals incredibly dangerous,” he explained. “The State Department warns any American against traveling to Iraq in the strongest terms. In the case of someone like Jimmy, who lived with illnesses like schizophrenia and diabetes, it was a death sentence. This administration deported him anyway.” Working across the aisle, Levin, with U.S. Representative John Moolenaar, introduced the Deferred Removal for Iraqi Nationals Including Minorities Act in May. The bipartisan bill would provide two years of relief from deportation for Iraqi nationals with orders of deportation. “This would allow time for each Iraqi to have their case heard individually in immigration court based on current conditions in Iraq,” Levin explained. “Many were ordered to be removed decades ago when Iraq was a completely different country. That’s why this bill is important. If it is signed into law, it will avert more preventable deaths.” Legislation is not the only way to prevent these deportations, Trump can stop this, says Levin. “…Iraq is not forcing people — like Jimmy — into harm’s way,” Levin wrote. “That’s on the president, who could end these deportations with the stroke of a pen, without any action from Congress. Why hasn’t he?”
Honoring Jimmy Aldaoud PHOTOS BY RAZIK TOMINA
The Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF), Congressman Andy Levin (MI-09) and Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) joined the family of Jimmy Aldaoud, a Michigan Chaldean man who was deported to Iraq in June and died on August 6 due to a lack of access to life-saving insulin, for a candlelight vigil honoring his life and memory. Hosted at the CCF in Sterling Heights, community members filled the space to join in honoring Aldaoud’s life.
SEPTEMBER 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 25
Southfield native seeks city council seat BY PAUL NATINSKY
S
ara Habbo’s run for a Southfield City Council seat is an extension of her commitment to public service and the city in which she was raised. The 31-year-old emigrated from Iraq with her family when she was 2-years-old, and grew up in Oak Park and Southfield. “It’s really helpful to have grown up in a household of people who immigrated to a country realizing that they had to learn a new language, learn new laws, and also create a life.” As the youngest child of eight, she has a strong appreciation of family sacrifices that have afforded her opportunities. Officially, Southfield features a non-partisan government, but its officials are mostly Democrats or Democratic leaning, including Habbo, though she is quick to point out that her focus is not on politics. “My biggest projects are around accountability, transparency and accessibility,” she said. For example, the western part of Southfield contains many older homes that are part of the city sewer system and, instead, rely on wells and septic tanks. Many who live in these older homes are senior citizens who may not be able to afford to connect to the city system. Habbo wants to ensure that contractors working with the city receive proper vetting and that the bidding process for projects is open to public scrutiny. Fair elections made easy for voters and immigration issues are also important to Habbo. “For me, we can’t ignore where there is injustice anywhere. One of the things I want to make sure is that for the Chaldean community in Southfield, we make the voting process easier for them.” A number of Chaldeans still struggle with English and need help deciphering ballot language and with navigating the process, help that Habbo has personally provided. Regarding the federal government’s aggressive immigration policies, Habbo said: “I know the Chaldean community for the most part supported Donald Trump and now they feel hurt and misled by the statements he made about the Chaldean community. On the broader issue, I think if we can’t protect people 26
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who are different from us, then we can’t protect ourselves.” Habbo serves as a legal observer for the National Lawyers Guild, a group that she describes as “progressive, radical organization who supports activism.” In her role on the board of the National Lawyers Guild, Habbo helps support the group’s activist membership and organizations “that are challenging a lot of the broken systems that we are dealing with—police brutality, limitations on the First Amendment, voter suppression.” The National Lawyers Guild also observes immigration officials to ensure they are acting properly. The coming election is not Habbo’s first. She ran unsuccessfully for
the same Council seat in 2017. Determined to serve in any capacity she could, Habbo was assigned to the Commission on Senior Adults in Southfield; a post where she connected with people she now considers political mentors. Habbo admires Commission Chairperson Karen Schrock because “of the way she leads with integrity and that she is always prompt, running meetings exactly on time.” Habbo added that while Schrock runs a tight ship, she is responsive and flexible about finding opportunities for public comment, often ensuring that attendees have a chance to speak, even if it means bending the rules. Planning Commission member
Donald Culpepper sat next to Habbo at the first City Commission meeting she attended and patiently explained the arcane protocols on display. “He is somebody who leads by example and has a lot of integrity,” she said. Intensely focused on serving Southfield, Habbo has not given much thought to a future seeking county or state level elected office. When she is not servicing the city where she grew up or working her day job as an attorney, Habbo immerses herself as a coach and organizer in the same youth soccer league she played in when she was a child. For more information about Habbo and her campaign, visit www. saraforsouthfield.com.
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Biggie Babylon
Mark Kassa
Chaldeans are leaving their mark on the music scene BY STEPHEN JONES
T
he Chaldean community presents an impressive pool of music talent from multiple generations, all over the country. Two of the foremost Chaldean musicians are gifted emcee, Biggie Babylon, and edgy guitarist, Mark Kassa of Slight Return. Both artists see music as a way to inspire Chaldeans like them who have similar dreams but may feel hesitant to pursue them because of lack of Chaldean representation in music. Biggie Babylon I pulled up to the house. Anyone who hasn’t lived under a rock for the past 30 years can sing along after hearing those lyrics on top of the DJ Jazzy Jeff instrumental for “Yo Home to Bel Air”, the theme song to the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. What they may be less familiar with is the 6 foot 2, 350-pound Biggie Babylon draped in a 90s-inspired ensemble and riding in the backseat of a taxi for the video to his newest single, Pulled Up Fresh, a Chaldean rebirth of the chart-topping hit from more than 25 years ago. This sort of creativity is the reason why Babylon has attracted the attention of DJs at radio stations all over the world, including Eminem’s Shade 45 on Sirius radio. The 28
CHALDEAN NEWS
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San Diego rapper believes his name should be mentioned with the best hip-hop artists in the world. “Our thing is to make music that competes with all the other major artists out there,” said Babylon. “We don’t want people saying ‘oh, that’s just another Chaldean rapper’. I want Chaldeans to realize that I’m on the same level as these other guys first and then see that I’m one of their people.” Part of what drives Babylon is the lack of Chaldean representation in hip-hop. He wants to inspire up-andcoming Chaldean artists who love hip-hop to go after their dreams, and he plans to do that by becoming one of the best rappers in the world. “My goal is to become the biggest artist in the world when it comes to music,” said Babylon. “I’m going for the Grammys because I know if I do it, I’m opening the doors for other talented youngsters out there that have a passion for this.” In addition to music, Babylon is also a brand ambassador for Babylon’s Garden, a cannabis shop in San Diego. Babylon hopes to use the same larger-than-life personality that he displays as the face of Babylon’s Garden to transition into acting after he becomes an accomplished musician. Babylon’s The Greenprint album
features production from multiplatinum producers and is available on all major digital platforms. Mark Kassa of Slight Return Detroit-native Mark Kassa is the lead guitarist and vocalist for Slight Return, a funk and rock band that gets its inspiration from the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Rage Against the Machine, Santana, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Robin Trower. Slight Return was formed after Kassa graduated from Musicians Institute College in Hollywood. Although they are now known as one of the funkiest bands on the Detroit scene, Slight Return did go through a period when their future was uncertain. Early on, Slight Return received attention from many of the major record labels, including Sony and Atlantic. Family obligations caused the band to pass on a deal at the time, but they continued to make music until their vocalist passed away from cancer. After this tragedy, Kassa and Slight Return disbanded until Kassa’s wife challenged him to start up the band again and feature as the lead vocalist. Kassa accepted her challenge and Slight Return has been
rocking ever since, recording with some of funk’s biggest draws including George Clinton, Billy Cox and Dennis Coffee. Kassa attributes his success in large part to two elements of his upbringing, his Detroit roots and the Chaldean community that raised him. “My family has had a store on Linwood and Davison for more than 30 years,” said Kassa. “I spent basically my whole life there, listening to the 70s funky stuff, and that groove stuck with me the whole time.” Kassa boasts an impressive portfolio with more than 100 professionally-recorded songs. He has recorded one album with his first band, Tower, and eight more with Slight Return. Slight Return’s single “Vicious Tides” featuring Andy Vargas (lead vocalist for Santana), Tony “T Money” Green and legendary drummer Dennis Chambers has been in the top 20 of the Global Rock DRT Charts for more than three months, peaking at number 13. You can find Biggie Babylon on Facebook and follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @BiggieBabylon. You can find Slight Return on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram @slightreturnusa.
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USAID support for minorities in Nineveh, Iraq
A
ccording to USAID, “The preservation of Iraq’s rich historical pluralism is critical to reintegrating persecuted ethnic and religious minority communities into a peaceful Iraq.” Their efforts focus on the following areas: Genocide Recovery and Persecution Response (GRPR) Over $133 million in recently launched activities supporting the four pillars of USAID’s GRPR Program, bringing total funding for GRPR to $239 million. Meeting Immediate Needs: Over $51 million in life-saving humanitarian assistance to populations from the Nineveh Plain and western Nineveh, includes safe drinking water, food, shelter materials and household items, medical care, and psychosocial support. Helping Restore Communities: $9 million in funding to support early recovery needs and restore access to services like health and education. Promoting Economic Recovery: $68 million in funding to improve access to jobs and markets, support local businesses, and revive the local economy. Preventing Future Atrocities: $5 million to address systemic issues affecting minority populations and prevent future atrocities. Clearing the Explosive Remnants of War Approximately $37 million in funding to support explosive remnants of war (ERW) survey, clearance, and risk education in and around minority communities. This support has enabled the Department to significantly expand the number of U.S.-funded ERW survey, clearance, and risk education teams across Nineveh and fulfills the Secretary’s pledge to expand ERW clearance efforts in Iraqi minority communities made at the July 2018 Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom. Social, Economic, and Political Empowerment $8.5 million in additional assistance to projects that provide psychosocial services, legal support, and initiatives to help collect evidence of human rights abuses; increase minority representation in local and provincial government; increase access to justice for children; strengthen rule of law; and provide livelihoods support and access to economic opportunities for vulnerable groups bringing the FY 2017 total to $18.5 million. Preservation of Historic and Cultural Heritage Sites $2 million in ongoing programming to support the preservation of cultural heritage sites in Northern Iraq that were targeted for destruction by ISIS and other terrorist groups, safeguarding, preserving, and restoring access to significant cultural heritage sites of minority communities.
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CHALDEAN NEWS
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Working toward worldwide religious freedom BY SARAH KITTLE
T
his past July in Washington, D.C., U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hosted a summit called the Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom, the second annual summit held on the topic. Civic and religious leaders, activists and policymakers were among those that convened the first two days, with foreign government delegations joining in the discussion on day three. An estimated thousand civic, governmental and religious leaders plus nearly a hundred foreign delegates reaffirmed international and interreligious commitments to promote religious freedom for all mankind, declared as a universal human right by the United Nations. This year’s focus was on concrete actions delivering outcomes that produce durable, positive change. The agenda included general sessions plus breakout sessions focused on three tracks: Building Blocks for Advancing Religious Freedom; Emerging Trends in Religious Freedom; and Religious Freedom in Development /Humanitarian Assistance. Nobel Peace Prize winner Nadia Murad was among the many survivors of religious intolerance that spoke at the summit. Murad is a Yezidi from Iraq who was captured by the Islamic State (IS) at the age of 19. She was raped, beaten and tortured before she escaped and was aided by a neighbor to her subsequent refuge in Germany. Her presentation was followed by a general session on “The Journey to Self-Reliance: Securing the Way to Religious Freedom.” This reinforced Ambassador Brownback’s keynote speech, in which he asked those assembled “to boldly fight for religious freedom for yourself, for all those who profess your faith, and – taking it an essential step forward – joining together to fight for those who profess different faiths.” Day two saw an expansion of the conversation begun the day before, with a “deep dive” on the building blocks for advancing religious freedom. United States Institute of Peace (USIP) President Nancy Lindborg opened a session on development and humanitarian assistance. USIP is an American federal institution tasked with promoting conflict resolution and prevention worldwide. Breakout session topics on the second day of the summit included best practices for religious freedom activism, advancing women’s rights, and countering violent extremism. The threat of death brings upheaval that causes difficulty in registering and recognizing religious communities, among other issues. More heavy topics discussed in this summit included emerging trends, partnerships between international development and humanitarian aid groups, and challenges to religious freedom. Almost everyone living in Iraq has been traumatized, if not by the Saddam Hussein regime, then by sec-
tarian violence including atrocities committed by IS militants. The impact of this on the population - and especially on children - is disastrous, with many children having learning disorders and living in a permanent state of fear. Several analysts have asserted that trauma is one of the main factors for radicalization. This does not bode well for Iraq’s large youth population. A shortage of water and electricity and too much unemployment fuel the flames of unrest. Particularly relevant to the worldwide Chaldean community, the discussion on religious tolerance and assistance addresses the estimated three fourths of the world’s population that does not have the freedom to openly express their beliefs for fear of discrimination, persecution, or even death. In far too many nations, religious intolerance is used as an excuse for gaining and maintaining control over a group of people. It’s not always a direct physical threat. The recent loss of Jimmy Aldaoud, an Iraqi National who never set foot in Iraq until he was deported there from the United States, underscores the inherent danger in sending a person “home” with no support system, no contacts, no medicine or medical care, and no place to live. Jimmy died not from a beating or a deadly weapon, but from lack of insulin to treat an ongoing and known medical condition. Action-item topics of the summit included multi-faith initiatives, economic development, cultural preservation, and international development aid. Breakout sessions were devoted to economic security, faith-based partnerships, documenting atrocities, and the role of the private sector in post-ISIS Iraq. Chaldean Community Foundation President, Martin Manna, was part of a panel that discussed how to get the diaspora more involved and engaged in investing in Iraq. One of the main goals of the Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom is to establish support systems in the most urgent regions, including Iraq, Syria, and the Middle East. The Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce (CACC) in Farmington Hills is strengthening ties with USAID and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to aid the community in the homeland. Iraq was only given national status early in the 20th century but was built on the ancient powerful kingdoms of Babylonia and Assyria. The ethnically and religiously diverse nation is suffering from sectarian violence and corruption which are the main factors hampering progress and the process of democracy. Closely related is the problem of impunity, which greatly affects the position of Iraq’s Christians, and the rise of radical Islamic groups which do not tol-
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erate any religion other than a strict and violent form of Islam. Although the general situation in Iraq remains far from stable, there are hopeful developments as IS was territorially defeated in December 2017, allowing more and more Christians to return to a number of villages. Attempting to stay politically neutral, the CACC is focused on business development and empowerment of Christians living in Iraq. In December of 2018, the CACC along with the Chaldean Community Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the CACC, hosted an International Roundtable to discuss the revitalization of the Yazidi and Christian villages in the Nineveh Plain. The Assyrian Church of the East,
the Syrian Orthodox Church, the Syrian Catholic Church, the Chaldean Catholic Church and the Armenian Orthodox Church are all seriously affected by persecution in Iraq, especially from Islamic extremist movements and non-Christian leaders. They also face discrimination from government authorities. Every year, the State Department releases the International Religious Freedom Report, describing the status of religious freedom around the world. Vice President Mike Pence spoke at the summit, reiterating that the Trump Administration is committed to making religious freedom a reality worldwide, dedicating resources and staff to combating intolerance and promoting world peace.
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CHALDEAN NEWS 31
ECONOMICS & enterprise
Fall football fun BY LISA CIPRIANO
T
he summer is quickly winding down. But, that doesn’t mean that your kids’ activity level has to wind down with it. One Chaldean entrepreneur developed a great way to keep both boys and girls active all year round through the all-American game of football. Francis Meram of Rochester Hills started National Flag Football in 2002 with adult leagues because he, himself, wanted to play. With more and more news reports of kids sustaining serious injuries from traditional tackle football, Meram saw “a huge potential for growth” with the much safer, no contact game of flag football and began offering kids programs in 2006. Meram was correct with his prediction in that his National Flag Football program, based out of Bloomfield Hills, since has become the largest youth flag football program in the nation and is currently in 12 states and 130 cities. It hosts 50,000 kids a year, both boys and girls, ages 4 to 14. “This is a much safer alternative to tackle football. Parents don’t have the concerns about injuries and concussions like traditional football,” explained Meram. There is little to no contact with flag football. Instead of tackling, players wear flag belts and members of the opposing team pull off the flag to indicate a tackle. “We started to really grow when the dangers of concussions in traditional youth football really started coming to light. Parents had big concerns and were looking for a much safer alternative. That’s when we decided to expand on a national scale,” Meram added. Meram also attributes the growth of his National Flag Football to the way that they do business. “Our success is also due to our organization’s structure. It’s very handson and we work very hard every single day to run the very best youth sports experience,” said Meram. According to Meram, flag football is a big hit with Chaldean men 32
CHALDEAN NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2019
as a great way to blow off steam, get some exercise, time with the guys and even network. But, Chaldean women traditionally have not participated in the sport. Meram sees that changing quickly in that his National Flag Football program is seeing a big increase in girls wanting to take to the field and play. “It’s the awareness that girls can play, too. In fact, I’ve found that girls and boys are pretty even on the playing field. A lot of girls are even better than the boys. When you remove the contact, it’s really no different than girls and boys playing soccer together,” Meram explained. Thanks to all of this growth and success, Meram is now operating his National Flag Football with two partners and more than 300 employees across the country including more than 40 full time employees at its Bloomfield Hills headquarters. Enrolling your child in Meram’s National Flag Football costs $135 per season which is a relatively low cost compared to other youth sports. It also doesn’t require as much of you or your child’s time as with other sports. “It’s a one day per week program. So, they practice for an hour and play their game right after. It’s really convenient for busy families because you
don’t have to drive your kids around for practice,” explained Meram. “The only time that you would travel is if your child is in tournaments. The more competitive teams travel throughout the year. But, it’s not mandatory,” he added. In this day and age of more sedentary lifestyles, video games and interacting mainly on social media, Meram recommends that all kids play some sort of sport for both activity and social skills. “It teaches them team work and discipline while giving them structure and allows them to concentrate their energy outdoors as opposed to inside on electronic devices. It also teaches them to deal with adversity, whether it’s winning or losing. Sports teaches kids a lot of life’s lessons,” he said. Sports is not only a virtue for Meram, you could say that it’s in his DNA. His brother, Justin, has the distinction of being the first Chaldean professional athlete in the United States. The Shelby Township native plays for the Major League Soccer club Atlanta United as well as the Iraq national team. Both Meram’s parents were born in Iraq. He believes that his drive to succeed comes from them and his Chaldean upbringing. “My Chaldean entrepreneurial spirit definitely plays into all of this. It’s taught me how to think outside of the box and always strive to build
something bigger,” Meram explained. In fact, at the age when most teenagers are finding their first job, Meram was taking it step further by starting his own business. “I started my own cell phone business when I was 16. So, by doing that while in college for engineering, I already had a very good business background by the time that I was in my mid-20s,” said Meram. My Chaldean upbringing always taught me to push for more and start my own business,” he added. Meram, of course, isn’t done pushing the limits yet. His engineering education always has him thinking of how to make things better and more efficient. “I’ve just patented a new flag football belt that will revolutionize the game. It will be launched nationwide in January and be used in all of our programs,” he concluded. His self-described Chaldean entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t stop there. Meram continues to work on expanding his National Flag Football to all 50 States so that all kids across the Nation have a chance to get outdoors, get some exercise and learn those important life skills while having safe fun on the football field. National Flag Football is currently enrolling for its fall season. To get your child involved or learn more, go to nationalflagfootball.com or call 877-866-FLAG.
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t h g i N n o i t a m r o f In dents ve Stu i t c e er ro s p for P temb
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Marian is a Catholic college preparatory school for young women, sponsored by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
For admission information, call (248) 644-1946. www.marian-hs.org 7225 Lahser Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
SEPTEMBER 2019
Chaldean News September19.indd 1
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PROFESSIONALS
PROFESSIONALS
PROFESSIONALS
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ROCKY H. HUSAYNU
Professional Insurance Planners Individual & Group Health Plans Medicare Supplement Plans
Phone: (248) 851-2227 (248) 851-BCBS Fax: (248) 851-2215 rockyhpip1@aol.com
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Safaa Macany
Each office is independently Each office is independently Owned and Operated Owned and Operated
o: (248) 216-1255
smacany@rate.com
ALL STAR –
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VP of Mortgage Lending
c: (248) 229-4422
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1% OF REALTORS IN OAKLAND TOPTOP 1% OF REALTORS IN COUNTY 1993 – 2015 IN OAKLAND OAKLAND COUNTY 2018
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Brian S. Yaldoo
Proudly serving Birmingham, Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, Proudly serving Birmingham, Bloomfield, Proudlythe serving Birmingham, Farmington Hills, West Bloomfield, the West Bloomfield, Lakes Lakes and surrounding areas. Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, and surrounding areas.
West Bloomfield, the Lakes Each office is independentlyAssociated Broker Owned andOffice Operated (248)737-6800 • Mobile (248)752-4010and surrounding areas. Toll Free (866) 762-3960 Associated Broker Associated Broker Email: brianyaldoo@remax.com Websites: www.brianyaldoo.com Office (248)737-6800 • Mobile www.BuyingOrSellingRealEstate.com Office (248) 737-6800 • Mobile(248)752-4010 (248) 752-4010
Brian BrianS. S. Yaldoo Yaldoo
50 W. Big Beaver Road Suite 320 Troy, MI 48084
www.rate.com/SafaaMacany
Toll Free (866) 762-3960 Email: brianyaldoo@remax.net Websites: www.brianyaldoo.com Email: brianyaldoo@remax.com Websites: www.brianyaldoo.com www.BuyingOrSellingRealEstate.com www.BuyingOrSellingRealEstate.com
Guaranteed Rate NMLS: 2611 • NMLS ID: 138658, LO#: MI - 138658
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phone: 248-851-8600 fax: 248-851-1348 30095 Northwestern Highway, Suite 101 Farmington Hills, MI 48334
30095 Northwestern Highway, Suite 101 Farmington Hills, MI 48334 CELL (248) 925-7773 TEL (248) 851-1200 FAX (248) 851-1348 snavarrette@chaldeanchamber.com www.chaldeanchamber.com www.chaldeanfoundation.org
CHALDEAN COMMUNITY
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ELIAS KATTOULA CAREER SERVICES MANAGER
3601 15 Mile Road Sterling Heights, MI 48310 TEL: (586) 722-7253 FAX: (586) 722-7257 elias.kattoula@chaldeanfoundation.org www.chaldeanfoundation.org
ANGELA KAKOS Ranked In The Top 1% Nationwide! 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
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248-622-0704
2456 Metropolitan Pkwy, Sterling Heights MI 48310 (16 & Dequindre)
James H. Kakos ABR SFR Residential & Commercial Sales Executive
MEMBERSHIP MANAGER 30850 TELEGRAPH ROAD, SUITE 200 BINGHAM FARMS, MI 48025 TEL: (248) 996-8340 CELL: (248) 925-7773 FAX: (248) 996-8342 snavarrette@chaldeanchamber.com www.chaldeanchamber.com www.chaldeanfoundation.org Twitter: @ChaldeanChamber Instagram: @ChaldeanAmericanChamber
Cell: 248-425-8832 Phone: 248-419-3196 Fax: 248-851-9965 Email: JHKSold@gmail.com www.JHKSold.RealEstateOne.com
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Dr. Scott Samona, M.D. Hand, Wrist and Microvascular Surgeon Dearborn 22731 Newman Street, Suite 100A 313 561-4910
Brownstown 19725 Allen Road Building 1 Suite A 855-450-2020
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Jaguar Land Rover Troy
Sammi A. Naoum 1815 Maplelawn Drive Troy, MI 48084 TEL 248-643-6900 MOBILE 248-219-5525 snaoum@suburbancollection.com
chaldean on the STREET
What do you want to see? BY HALIM SHEENA
The Chaldean News is in transition and during this time, we wanted to ask our readers what they would like to see more of in this publication.
In the Chaldean News, I would like to see more of the amazing things people in our community do daily. There are so many wonderful, humble, talented people in our community; they should be acknowledged for their hard work. Moreover, this exposure will encourage others to follow in their footsteps and be a light in this world. – Christina Toma, Shelby Twp, 25
It would be cool if the Chaldean News posted more about our history. There is so much to be learned and stories to be told. Also, I’d like to learn more about Jesus and our faith within our culture. – Pauls Toma, Shelby Twp, 21
A closer look at the Chaldeans who give back to the communities. I feel it would motivate others to do the same. There’s nothing more enlightening than witnessing our people helping those in need and contribute to the common good. – Danny Francis, 31, West Bloomfield
I think each month there needs to be a section devoted entirely to the preservation of our culture. It doesn’t have to be long, but, for example, one week someone can post their grandma’s recipe for burak or tekhratha. Or there can be a little-known Aramaic word, written in Sureth with its translation, the phonetics and how you use it in a sentence. Another beneficial section would be something that would focus solely on the plight of Suraye in the Middle East. Again, it doesn’t have to be long, but an update about things like the Iran-backed militias barricading the Christian villages in northern Iraq or how Turkey is treating the dwindling Christian population. This stuff doesn’t get any news time from Western media and it doesn’t get a lot of air time on Arab TV either but it’s something we should all be aware of. – Emily Kakos, 24, West Bloomfield
I think the Chaldean News deserves more youthful and informed voices. I believe they will help diversify the community’s understanding of the culture and what it is to be “Chaldean” in next generations. I would like to see more worldwide representation. I think it would benefit “The Chaldean News” if their content reached a wider audience. News about an entire culture from the worldwide perspective that the culture exists within. – Christina Salem, 26, West Bloomfield
I think the Chaldean News should expand their coverage of activities taking place around the community. Many events happen all the time, and some could very much benefit from the type of exposure that a publication like the Chaldean News could easily give it. Striving to be a guide of Chaldean community activities could help the CN take on a very important role in our community, one which strengthens ties amongst people and increases cohesion. – Linda Sadik, 51, Rochester Hills
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event
Celebration of Life PHOTOS BY RAZIK TOMINA
Riyadh “Roy” Denha gathered friends, colleagues, and teammates for a celebration of life on Saturday, August 24 at the UR Cultural Society in Southfield. Riyadh provided soccer trophies to each of the attendees as a celebration of the Harami Baghdad (Thieves of Baghdad) soccer team that played together for several decades in Detroit. Because of Riyadh’s leadership, the team won several championships.
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY Attorney Randall Mansour Social Security Disability and Veterans Benefits Attorneys
Childhood Obesity In the United States childhood obesity is a serious health condition that affects both children and adolescents. Its frequency has tripled in the last decade, and is diagnosed when children are well above the normal or healthy weight for their age and height. Our practice is encountering this problem on a regular basis. We incorporate obesity screening as part of our regular well-child care appointments. This is done by calculating the patient’s BMI and determine where it falls on the BMI-for-age growth chart. The BMI helps indicate if the patient is overweight for his or her age and height. We also consider the patient’s growth patterns, body frame and development. In addition, we also evaluate eating habits, activity levels and any pertinent family history of obesity and weight related health problems. These factors determine whether the child’s weight may be a health concern. Once we determine if a child’s weight is a heath concern, we implement an appropriate treatment plan based on the age of the child and if he/she has additional medical conditions. We advise parents to cut back on convenience food such as chips, cookies, fast food, soda pop, and juices, and to monitor portion sizes. Sometimes, a food log is recommended so we are able to assess caloric intake and determine if there are any nutritional gaps at follow up visits. We encourage children to participate in some type of physical activity daily, whether it is spontaneous free play outdoors or an organized sport. Sedentary activities such as watching television or playing video games contribute to weight gain. Studies have demonstrated that there is a direct correlation between time spent on video games to weight gain and decreased overall health in children. Childhood obesity can lead to complications for your child’s physical, social and emotional well-being. We work closely with our patients to help children achieve and maintain a healthy weight so they do not encounter these issues in the future.
Comprehensive Integrative Health Care is located in Novi: 30880 Beck Rd. Novi, MI 48377. Website: www.cihcmed.com Heather Koza, MD and Sung Park-Davis, MD: Specialties in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Family Medicine
LAW OFFICES OF
Kelly, Riggs, & Mansour 625 E. BIG BEAVER STE. 204, TROY, MI 48083 • Specializing in Social Security Cases (SSI/SSD) & VA Benefits • We’ve won thousands of cases • Assistance with the initial application process • Help from start to finish with the entire claim • Free Consultation • No fee unless we win • Fluent in both Arabic and Chaldean at our office
DISABILITYLAWGROUP.COM 248-838-3000 TOLL FREE
800-838-1100 SEPTEMBER 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 37
event
CAAHP Annual Scholarship and Award Gala PHOTOS BY HOLLY YATOOMA
The Chaldean American Association of Health Professionals hosted their Third Annual Scholarship and Award Gala on Friday, July 26 at Shenandoah Country Club in West Bloomfield. Honored at the event was Dr. Hikmet Jamil who received the Lifetime Achievement Award and Dr. Ayad Jazrawi who received the Rising Star Award. 38
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SEPTEMBER 2019
SEPTEMBER 2019
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