APRIL 2020

VOL. 17 ISSUE IV 

METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY APRIL 2020 

$ 

3 

www.chaldeannews.com 

BRACING FOR 

IMPACT 

CHALDEAN COMMUNITY STANDS TOGETHER 

IN REACTION TO THE CORONAVIRUS 

INSIDE 

FIRST CHALDEAN AMERICAN 

NOMINATED FOR FEDERAL BENCH 

OPIOID CRISIS 

DEMANDS ATTENTION 

SPECIAL SERIES: 

CHALDEANS AROUND THE WORLD

ELEVATE YOUR GAME 

REDISCOVER WABEEK: THE ICONIC JACK NICKLAUS 

& PETE DYE GOLF COURSE 

WITH AN ALL NEW CART FLEET & PATH FEATURING CUTTING 

EDGE GPS TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE PLAY 

A Neighborhood Gem Just Minutes From Home • 150 Acres Of Legendary Greens 

Re-Energized Golf Program Led By PGA Director, Rick Howles With Over 20 Annual Tournaments 

Challenging For All Skill Levels From Beginner To Advanced Golfers • Junior Golf Clinics & Camps 

Golf-Centric Personal Training, Teaching & Evaluations • Weekly Men’s & Women’s Leagues 

Gourmet On-Course Food & Beverage Service • Resort Style Locker & Fitness Facilities 

NOW ACCEPTING 2020 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS 

TOURS & INQUIRIES 

LAURA@WABEEKCC.COM 

248.855.0700 

4000 CLUBGATE DRIVE 

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48302 

@WABEEKCLUB 

WABEEKCC.COM 

APRIL 2020 CHALDEAN NEWS 3

FULL AND ACCURATE COUNT STARTS WITH YOU! WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO 

A 

THE FUTURE OF OUR COMMUNITY BY PARTICIPATING IN THE 2020 CENSUS. 

SHAPE 

2020 CENSUS IS NOW LIVE! SINCE MANY OF YOU ARE CURRENTLY AT HOME AND 

THE 

SOCIAL DISTANCING, THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO COMPLETE YOUR CENSUS! 

PRACTICING 

IMPORTANT PART OF COMPLETING THE CENSUS FORM WILL BE TO WRITE IN YOUR FAMILY’S 

AN 

(ETHNIC BACKGROUND) TO ENSURE AN ACCURATE COUNT OF OUR COMMUNITY. 

ORIGIN 

at 2020Census.gov 

Online 

phone: 844-330-2020 (English) 844-416-2020 (Arabic)- Phone lines are 

By 

every day from 7am to 2 am Eastern Time 

open 

mail back the paper questionnaire sent to your home 

Paper: 

COUNTED 

BE 

2020 

CENSUS 

IT’S EASY TO DO, AND TAKES LESS THAN 10 MINUTES! 

EXAMPLE OF HOW TO FILL OUT THE RACE AND ETHNICITY QUESTION: 

YOU CAN COMPLETE THE CENSUS: 

If you have questions about completing the Census questionnaire, please call the 

Chaldean Community Foundation at (586) 722-7253. 

4 CHALDEAN NEWS APRIL 2020

CONTENTS APRIL 2020 

THE CHALDEAN NEWS VOLUME 12 ISSUE XII 

23 28 

26 

on the cover 

26 BRACING FOR IMPACT 

BY SARAH KITTLE 

Chaldean community stands together 

in reaction to the coronavirus 

features 

28 CHALDEANS AROUND THE WORLD 

BY ADHID MIRI, PHD 

Chaldeans in Michigan 

30 BAN OF VITAMIN B ACETATE 

FOUND IN THC PASSES HOUSE 

BY ASHLEY ATTISHA, ESQ 

Bills are a first step in addressing youth vaping 

30 OPIOID CRISIS 

DEMANDS ATTENTION 

BY RONY FOUMIA, RPH 

Most people don’t realize addicted 

individuals suffer from chronic disease 

32 HALA JARBOU IS FIRST CHALDEAN 

AMERICAN NOMINATED FOR 

FEDERAL BENCH 

BY PAUL NATINSKY 

Nominee currently serves as an 

Oakland County Circuit judge 

departments 

6 FROM THE EDITOR 

BY PAUL JONNA 

Coronavirus means we all must work together 

8 GUEST COLUMN 

BY ANNA J. NAJOR 

To be known 

10 FOUNDATION UPDATE 

12 NOTEWORTHY 

14 CHALDEAN DIGEST 

16 WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 


Husam Zoro reflects on long theater career 

18 FAMILY TIME 

BY JENNIFER BURLINGAME, DO 

School down time may equal screen & social 

media time: How to protect our kids 

20 CHAI TIME 

22 OBITUARIES 

24 IN MEMORIAM 

33 ECONOMICS AND ENTERPRISE 

SARAH KITTLE 

Flying high with Apogee Air 

34 CHALDEAN ON THE STREET 

BY HALIM SHEENA 

How has the sudden onset of the 

coronavirus affected your life? 

35 KEEPING UP WITH THE CHALDEANS 

36 CLASSIFIEDS 

38 EVENTS 

U of M, Live From Babylon: Students raise money 

for HelpIraq, despite event cancellation 


from the EDITOR 

PUBLISHED BY 

Chaldean News, LLC 

Chaldean Community Foundation 

Martin Manna 

EDITORIAL 

ACTING EDITOR IN CHIEF 

Paul Jonna 

MANAGING EDITOR 

Paul Natinsky 

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 

Ashley A. Attisha, Esq. 

Jennifer Burlingame, DO 

Rony Foumia, RPH 

Shannon Habba 

Sarah Kittle 

Adhid Miri, PhD 

Anna J. Najor 

Paul Natinsky 

Halim Sheena 

ART & PRODUCTION 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR 

Alex Lumelsky with SKY Creative 

GRAPHIC DESIGNER 

Zina Lumelsky with SKY Creative 

PHOTOGRAPHERS 

David Guralnick 

Christianna Meyo 

CLASSIFIEDS 

Tania Yatooma 

Coronavirus means we all must work together 

SALES 

Interlink Media 

Sana Navarrette 

Tania Yatooma 

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $35 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 


Phone: (248) 851-8600 

Publication: The Chaldean News (P-6); 

Published monthly; Issue Date: April 2020 

Subscriptions: 12 months, $35. 

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” 

As Chaldeans, we 

are bonded by 

blood and faith. 

Our rich and cultured history 

– which we have preserved 

and nurtured – gives 

the Chaldean American 

community a unique advantage 

for surviving turmoil 

and crisis. We have a 

deep and abiding faith and 

strong family ties. We support 

each other. 

It has already been difficult, no 

doubt, to refrain from spending time 

with extended family and attending 

Mass for communal prayer. We are 

a close knit community. When we 

found out that one of the first cases 

of coronavirus diagnosed in Michigan 

was one of our own, it was scary. 

PAUL JONNA 

ACTING EDITOR 

IN CHIEF 

Chaldeans, with all of our 

handshakes and double 

kissing, are probably some 

of the worst offenders when 

it comes to swapping germs. 

We at the Chaldean 

News are focused on the 

great strength of our community. 

We pledge to bring 

you the best of our great 

resources which include 

the Chaldean American 

Chamber of Commerce 

and the Chaldean Community 

Foundation. We reached out to our 

community members and they sent 

us stories of impact from the coronavirus, 

which you will read about in 

this issue. Our broad coverage of the 

community extends beyond the crisis 

to include some notable stories, 

such as Judge Hala Jarbou’s historic 

nomination to the federal bench. 

Our scholar-in-residence launches 

a new series on ‘Chaldeans around 

the World’ in this issue, with an examination 

of Chaldeans in Michigan 

to start. 

As we persevere and maintain 

social distance during this crisis, we 

are reminded how important family, 

friends and community are. We find 

ways to stay close despite the precautions, 

using technology and creativity 

to preserve our common experience 

and faith. God bless.. 

Paul Jonna 

Acting Editor in Chief 

BAN MANNA 

EXAMINER 

STEVE SUOLAKA 

EXAMINER 

InternationalDriverTesting.com 

AUTOMOBILE & MOTORCYCLE TESTING 

Road Skills Testing for Adults and Teenagers 

30095 NORTHWESTERN HWY, SUITE 65A • FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334 

DRIVER’S EDUCATION (SEGMENT 1 & 2) • TEENS & ADULTS 

WEST BLOOMFIELD HIGH SCHOOL 

4925 ORCHARD LAKE ROAD • WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI 48322 

248-535-5855 • BanManna18@yahoo.com 

• FREE MARKET ANALYSIS 

ON YOUR HOME 

• FREE HOME WARRANTY 

• AGENT-OWNED VIRTUAL 

BROKERAGE 

JIM MANNA Broker/Owner 

C.R.S., G.R.I., A.B.R. 

(248) 763-2622 

CONTACT US TO JOIN OUR TEAM! 


GUEST column 

To be Known 

Knowledge is power: 

To have knowledge is power. 

To be known is power. 

What we do in 

this stage of history 

will greatly 

influence how our culture 

will survive. For a people 

who have existed between 

the Tigris and Euphrates 

since before it was called 

Mesopotamia, that is saying 

a lot. 

Chaldeans have experienced 

ethnic and religious persecution 

that has displaced us from our 

homeland, as documented by Minority 

Rights Group International. 

Many experts, such as Maria Yellow 

Horse Brave Heart PhD in 1998, 

have detailed how this kind of oppression 

can cause the surviving 

members of a cultural group to suffer 

tragic ramifications of community 

destabilization that leads to poor 

health, which in turn leads to more 

destabilization. 

Many of us have anecdotal evidence 

of the burden of many diseases 

in the Chaldean community. 

However, if you search the medical 

literature for what is known and 

what is being done about Chaldean 

health, you might be surprised by 

how little you find. 

All that we know about Chaldean 

health comes from roughly a dozen 

studies. Together, these studies show 

significant disparities between Chaldeans 

and their European-White 

neighbors, and significant differences 

between Chaldeans and their Arab 

neighbors. But a handful of studies 

ANNA J. NAJOR 

SPECIAL TO THE 

CHALDEAN NEWS 

can accomplish little more 

than raise alarm for the urgent 

need for further investigation. 

The primary cause 

of this lack of information 

is how difficult it is to study 

Chaldean health. 

At the local and national 

level, health information 

is collected into electronic 

databases that can be accessed 

for research. You will 

not find a single Chaldean 

here. This is not because we are not 

in the databases. It is because we are 

invisible in them. Since healthcare 

records generally do not allow for 

documentation of our ethnicity, our 

unique health needs cannot be identified 

using these important research 

tools. Researchers work hard to get 

around this challenge. But without 

representation in health databases, 

they have used methods that have 

not been able to distinguish Chaldeans 

from Arabs or methods based 

on surveys (the most widely published 

of these surveys having several 

issues undermining its credibility). 

Health and research institutions 

should take an active role in addressing 

this issue. 

Forms that collect demographic 

information need to include options 

to self-describe ethnicity instead of 

only leaving an option for “other” 

or “multiple”. Institutions near 

larger Chaldean populations should 

provide the option to check “Chaldean”. 

This information is vital to 

assess the unique burden of illness 

in Chaldean communities, to advocate 

for the mobilization of resources 

to meet those needs, and to measure 

the effectiveness of those health programs. 

How can we improve the information 

created about us? 

We should encourage researchers 

who study us to involve us in the research 

process. The quality of the research 

will benefit from this, because 

we are experts in our own lives and 

our own needs. We should also encourage 

researchers to work with us 

and our community-based organizations 

to carry out community needs 

assessments and design, implement, 

and evaluate programs to meet identified 

needs. Through these methods, 

we can work with researchers to create 

knowledge that accurately represents 

and directly benefits us. 

The most important thing we can 

do for our community is also the simplest 

thing. 

Self-describe your ethnicity as 

Chaldean in the U.S. 2020 Census. 

An accurate count of Chaldeans in 

the Census is crucial for health researchers 

to determine which diseases 

have the greatest burden on 

our health. Additionally, demonstrating 

the number of Chaldeans 

will allow us to more effectively advocate 

for hospitals and databases to 

provide the option to self-identify as 

Chaldean. Lastly, substantial federal 

funding is allocated according to the 

Census, so every person uncounted 

is a loss of resources until the next 

Census ten years from now. 

Name a few words to describe 

your Chaldean community. What do 

you think of? For me: intertwined, 

supportive, wise, resourceful. The 

outlook for our future is far from 

We should encourage researchers who study us to involve us in the 

research process. The quality of the research will benefit from this, 

because we are experts in our own lives and our own needs. 

grim. Nevertheless, the challenges 

we face are real and growing. We 

have innumerable strengths, and we 

must bring renewed intentionality to 

using and building them to preserve 

our health and our culture. 

Anna J. Najor is a Chaldean medical 

and public health student who grew 

up by El Cajon, San Diego. She 

is devoted to help maintain and 

improve the wellbeing of marginalized 

communities. 

Subscribe today! 

SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS: 

❏ $35 - 1 YEAR ❏ $50 - 2 YEARS ❏ GIFT SUBSCRIPTION 

________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

NAME 

________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

ADDRESS 

________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

CITY / STATE / ZIP 

________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

E-MAIL 

________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

PHONE 

PLEASE MAIL THE FORM, WITH A CHECK PAYABLE TO: 

CHALDEAN NEWS, ATTN: SUBSCRIPTIONS 

30095 NORTHWESTERN HWY, SUITE 101 

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334 

PHONE: 248-851-8600 FAX: 248-851-1348 


Make your next event spectacular 

at Detroit's newest event space. 

THE 

BEAUBIEN 

ROOM 

Located on the 8th floor of The 

International Center Building, 

The Beaubien Room offers 

panoramic views of Greektown. 

We can accommodate 50-250 

guests for corporate meetings, 

weddings, and all other special 

occasions. 

The Beaubien Room 

400 Monroe St. Detroit, MI 48226 

(313) 963-1400 

www.internationalbanquets.com 


The 

LONDON 

CHOP 

HOUSE 

FINE DINING • ENTERTAINMENT • COCKTAILS • DANCING 

WEDDING REHERSAL DINNERS IN OUR 

PRIVATE DINING ROOM 

BACHELOR PARTY GATHERINGS IN THE 

CIGAR & BILLIARDS ROOM 

LONDON CHOP HOUSE • I55 W. CONGRESS DETROIT, MI 

TEL. 313-962-0277 • WWW.THELONDONCHOPHOUSE.COM 


FOUNDATION update 

Census Town Hall 

The Chaldean Community Foundation hosted a 

Census Town Hall on March 5th, which included 

CCF President, Martin Manna, Sterling Heights 

Mayor, Michael Taylor, Chief Dale Dwojakowski 

from the Sterling Heights Police Department, 

and Macomb County Deputy County Executive, 

John Paul Rea. The town hall served to educate 

the community on the importance of participating 

in the Census. Nearly 80 attended the event, including 

the U.S. Census Bureau, City of Sterling 

Heights, Macomb County Clerk’s Office and the 

Chaldean Catholic Diocese whom all provided 

much support! Be counted in the 2020 Census to 

ensure an accurate count of the community! 

If you missed the town hall and you’d like to 

learn more about the 2020 Census, please visit: 

https://www.chaldeanfoundation.org/census 

The Census is now live at 

www.2020census.gov! 

An invitation to respond to the 2020 Census online 

was delivered to households in March. This 

mailing includes the Census ID that is needed to 

complete the Census online. Please note that the 

mailings will be addressed to “Dear Resident” and 

not to a specific individual. You can also respond 

by phone or mail-in paper questionnaire. The 

questionnaire is available in 12 additional languages, 

besides English. This includes Arabic. 

A letter from the CCF President 

Since opening our doors in 2011, we have continually risen to meet 

the needs of our community, breaking records each year for the number 

of people served. Acculturation is such a huge part of our mission; 

assisting those who are not familiar with the customs and language 

of their adopted country navigate the forms and files necessary 

to integrate their lives and culture with their new homeland. 

Nearly 33,000 individuals were served within our walls this past 

year, and with the addition of almost 19,000 square feet now in 

progress, we will grow and adapt to serve even more in 2020 and 

beyond. Our Mission Campaign reached the $5.4 million mark this 

year, short of our $8 million goal but closer than we’ve ever been. 

We are incredibly grateful for those of you who have made a financial 

contribution, donated for a cause, volunteered, and supported 

us in any way. Thank you for your support, service and partnership. 

View 2019 annual report at chaldeanfoundation.org/resources 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

Every ten years, our country conducts a Census to get an accurate count of all people living in the United 

States. The Census data not only determines how many representatives will be sent to Congress from each 

state, but it determines the allocation of critical federally funded programs that benefit all families. 

The Census has been conducted in this country since 1790 and is common throughout the world. We 

know from the Bible that even Joseph and a pregnant Mary made the long journey from Galilee to 

Bethlehem to be counted in the census as required by Caesar Augustus, obeying the laws and customs of 

their land. 

SAMPLE OF INVITATION TO RESPOND 

Ten years ago, at the time of the 2010 Census, Chaldeans were vastly under-counted and many Chaldeans 

did not participate in fear that data collected would be used against them. I want to assure you that this 

is not the case. All Census data is protected by law (Title 13 of the United States Code) which strictly 

prohibits data to be shared with any government agency or court, including immigration and law 

enforcement agencies. Furthermore, Census data remains sealed for 72 years. 

It is estimated that about $1,800 in federal funding is allocated annually for each person counted in the 

census. With an estimated 160,000 Chaldeans living in Michigan, if all of us were to participate, that 

would translate to about $2.8 billion of federal funding to our local economy over the next ten years. This 

will have a great impact on programs that many of our people rely heavily upon, including healthcare, 

housing, children’s school lunches, roads, and other local services. 

An important part of completing the Census form will be to select “White” for race and write in 

“Chaldean” (C-H-A-L-D-E-A-N) for your family’s ethnic background to ensure we receive an 

accurate count of our community. 

HOW TO RESPOND TO THE RACE/ETHNICITY QUESTION 

TO ENSURE AN ACCURATE COUNT OF THE COMMUNITY 

2020 Census Jobs 

It’s not too late to apply for a temporary parttime 

position with the 2020 Census. Apply to 

earn extra income and help your community at 

https://2020census.gov/en/jobs.html. 

CCF in the community 

The CCF was proud to be a part of the City of 

Sterling Heights’ 22nd Annual Cultural Exchange 

hosted by the Sterling Heights Ethnic Community 

Committee on March 6, 2020. 

I strongly encourage all families to complete the Census questionnaire. Instructions on how to complete 

the Census online will be mailed to you in mid-March. The online form will also be available in Arabic 

and can be completed on a smartphone or desktop. For more information and a guide on how to answer 

questions, I invite you to visit our website chaldeanchurch.org. 

May God Bless You, 

Most Rev. Francis Y. Kalabat 

Bishop of St. Thomas the Apostle 

Chaldean Catholic Diocese U.S.A 

25603 Berg Road, Southfield, Michigan 48033 · Tel: (248) 351-0440 · Email: office@chaldeanchurch.org · chaldeanchurch.org 


hello! 

Marian offers a 

well-established 

all girls education 

including 

an extensive 

offering of college 

preparatory, 

honors and AP 

courses with athletic 

and co-curricular 

programming that rivals 

the most competitive 

private and public 

schools in Michigan. 

Spring Information Night 

for Middle School Students 

Tuesday, March 24 

7 PM 

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 

Free Mobile App Now Available 

To Pay Property Taxes! 

Visit www.DivDat.com or Treasurer.WayneCounty.com for more information. To ask a question, please email the Treasurer’s team at 

TaxInfo@WayneCounty.com or call 313-224-5990. If you need assistance please call our Mobile App helpline number 888-427-9869. 


noteworthy 

‘Placemat Project’ Helps Spread Anti-Drug and Tobacco Message 

Eight or nine years ago Lisa Barkey of the Greater 

West Bloomfield Community Coalition had an 

idea while looking at a restaurant placemat: Send 

a message to people that underage drinking and 

drug use is not okay. The placemat project was 

born and has enjoyed broad sponsorship and wide 

distribution at local restaurants every year since. 

The mission of the Greater West Bloomfield 

Community Coalition is to build community partnerships 

to reduce high-risk behaviors including 

alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, to help ensure 

that our youth may grow to their greatest potential. 

“We bring programs into the West Bloomfield 

Schools and the community on drug and alcohol 

prevention, anti-bullying, internet safety, mental 

health, coping, resilience—anything to help our 

youth,” said Barkey. 

“Over the years, our community partners have 

PAUL WALTON 

Chief Assistant Prosecutor 

UNDERAGE 

DRINKING 

grown so the logos on the placemat continue to 

grow,” added Barkey. “As we continue to grow in 

the community, it also shows the community the 

old saying ‘it takes a village to raise kids.’” 

Barkey says her goal is for more people to 

know about the coalition and what they do— 

help parents know its ok to say “no” and for our 

youth to know most teens already say “no.” 

“This placemat has a dual purpose-it reminds 

parents its ok to say NO and that underage 

drinking and drug use is not a minor problem, 

plus it also shows all of our community 

partners,” said Barkey. 

Placemat distribution is on hold in light of the 

coronavirus crisis, but as soon as restaurants reopen, 

the coalition plans to distribute the 17x11- 

inch messages to area restaurants, including Leo’s, 

Village Palace, Greek Isles and others. 

UNDERAGE 

DRUG USE 

Research shows that communicating disapproval of underage drinking and 

drug use is the most effective thing parents and other adults can do. 

Tell your kids it’s ok to say “NO.” 

MOST of our teens already say “NO” to 

Underage Drinking and Drug Use* but there is still more work to be done. 

Get Connected – Conversation is the first step in Prevention. 

Sponsored by Community Partners in Prevention 

The Greater West Bloomfield 

Community Coalition 

www.gwbcoalition.org 

*Data from West Bloomfield School District MiPHY Survey February 2018 

Optimist Club of 

Keego Harbor 

and 

Optimist Club of 

West Bloomfield 

Judge Marc Barron 

Judge Diane D’Agostini 

Chief Judge Kimberly Small 

of the 48th District Court 

Ziyad Hermiz 

Joins Varnum 

Litigation Team 

A trial attorney 

with more than 

10 years of experience, 

Hermiz 

focuses on business 

and commercial 

litigation. 

His work includes resolving 

Ziyad Hermiz 

disputes in the areas of non-compete 

and trade secrets, shareholders 

and LLC’s, physician and 

medical provider representation, 

civil RICO, franchises, real estate 

and other business related 

matters. He also advises startup 

and closely-held businesses. 

Hermiz graduated cum laude 

from the University of Detroit 

Mercy School of Law where he 

served as executive editor of the 

Law Review. He received his undergraduate 

degree with honors 

from Michigan State University. 

Prior to entering private practice, 

Hermiz interned for the Honorable 

Judge Avern Cohn for the 

U.S. District Court – Eastern 

District of Michigan. 

I am excited about joining 

the Varnum team,” Hermiz said. 

“I have known several Varnum 

attorneys personally for many 

years, and the firm has a great 

reputation. I look forward to 

growing my practice and serving 

Varnum clients.” 

Seeking operating partners to manage new 

Hungry Howie's Franchise in Detroit. 

Food and management experience preferred 

Offering salary and profits 

Serious inquires should email 

info@interlinkmedia.com. 


CHALDEAN COMMUNITY 

FOUNDATION 

Help Wanted! 

Please consider hiring one of 

our many new Americans. 

More than 30,000 Chaldean refugees have migrated to Michigan since 2007. Many 

possess the skills and determination to work hard for you and your organization. 

The Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) has a bank of resumes 

of candidates qualified to do a variety of jobs. To inquire about hiring a 

New American, call or email Elias at 586-722-7253 or 

elias.kattoula@chaldeanfoundation.org. 


Sterling Heights Office 

3601 15 Mile Road 

Sterling Heights, MI 48310 

586-722-7253 

www.chaldeanfoundation.org 


chaldean DIGEST 

What others are saying about Chaldeans 

Trump taps Oakland County judge, first Chaldean, for federal bench 

Washington — President Donald 

Trump has nominated an Oakland 

County judge and the first Chaldean 

American to fill a vacancy on the 

federal bench in Western Michigan. 

Trump tapped Oakland County 

Circuit Court Judge Hala Jarbou, a 

former federal prosecutor, to serve on 

the U.S. District Court for the Western 

District of Michigan, the White 

House said. 

If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, 

Jarbou would be the first Chaldean 

American to sit on the federal bench 

nationwide, said Martin Manna, 

president of the Chaldean Community 

Foundation in Sterling Heights. 

“Judge Jarbou has been a public 

servant for more than 20 years and 

brings the highest level of integrity 

to the bench,” Manna said. 

“She also has the utmost respect 

from her peers. The federal appointment 

is the first-ever for the Chaldean 

community, and we couldn’t be 

more proud.” 

– Detroit News 

BREAKING NEWS: 

Missing Chaldean 

woman Smuni Diril 

found dead 

MAHRE, Şirnak, Turkey — 

Smuni Diril, who together 

with her husband Hirmiz 

Diril, had been missing since 

10 January of this year has 

been found dead nearby 

their village of Mahre in the 

mountainous Hakkari region 

in southeast Turkey. According 

to the latest information 

obtained by Syriac television 

channel SuroyoTV, the body 

of Smuni Diril was found in a 

stream bed that runs through 

the village. 

According to information 

obtained by SuroyoTV, Smuni 

Diril died at an undetermined 

time prior to her body being 

found but a cause of death has 

yet to be determined. There 

is no information as to the 

whereabouts or condition of 

her husband, Hirmiz Diril. 

The retired Chaldean couple 

lived in the mountainous Hakkari 

region of southeast Turkey 

in the Chaldean village of 

Mahre, Şirnak province. They 

are the parents of Fr. Ramzi 

Diril, priest of the Chaldean parish 

in Istanbul. 

– SyriacPress 

Vice President Mike Pence greets a campaign rally Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020, at the Detroit Marriott Troy hotel. He also met with Metro 

Detroit Chaldean chamber officials about the deporting immigrants. 

Pence meets with Chaldean chamber to discuss halting deportations 

Iraqi American Chaldean leaders 

met with Vice President Mike 

Pence this week in Troy, asking 

him to halt deportations of Iraqi 

nationals and to help protect minorities 

in Iraq. 

Two Chaldean leaders spoke 

with Pence for about 15 minutes 

Tuesday afternoon in Troy, where 

Pence was visiting for a campaign 

rally, said Martin Manna, president 

of the Chaldean Community Foundation 

and Chaldean American 

Chamber of Commerce. 

Troy — Vice President Mike Pence 

met Tuesday with the Chaldean 

American Chamber of Commerce 

ahead of a Troy rally to discuss possible 

relief from deportations for some 

Iraqi nationals. 

The meeting comes as the White 

House explores ways to make good 

on a promise President Donald 

Trump made in Warren in late January, 

when he indicated he would offer 

relief for Iraqi nationals who have 

been fighting deportation for nearly 

three years. 

Chamber President Martin Manna 

said he spoke at length to Pence 

about the issue and thanked him for 

the work “being done to help promote 

religious freedom in Iraq.” 

“I provided a memo and some 

Manna said that Pence “was 

very receptive” to their concerns 

about Iraqi nationals being deported 

and that Pence said “they are working 

on it and hope to have some sort 

of resolution on the issue very soon.” 

The other Chaldean leader who 

attended was Kevin Denha, a board 

member of the foundation, Manna 

said. Chaldeans are Iraqi Catholics 

and a sizable community in metro 

Detroit. 

Pence’s visit comes after President 

Donald Trump said last month 

proposed solutions,” Manna said of 

the plan to end the Iraqi national 

deportations. “I told them again the 

amount of anxiety these families are 

facing and hopefully we can resolve 

this issue soon. 

“They said they are working on 

it and hope to have some resolution 

soon on the matter,” Manna said. 

—Detroit News 

Chaldeans meet with VP Mike Pence, plead for help with deportations 

in Warren that he was going to help 

Chaldeans facing deportation. 

“You have a wonderful Iraqi Christian 

community in Michigan,” Trump 

said. “We’re going to give those who 

need it an extension to stay in our 

country. And so we’re going to be 

extending them. A lot of people in 

Michigan have been asking for that.” 

“The vice president was very 

cordial,” Manna said. “He knew 

much about the community, 

and mentioned Trump’s comments” 

in Warren. 

PHOTO BY DAVID GURALNICK / THE DETROIT NEWS 


SOCIAL SECURITY 

DISABILITY 

Attorney Randall Mansour 

Social Security Disability and 

Veterans Benefits Attorneys 

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 

LET US DESIGN YOUR DREAM KITCHEN 

FREE In-Home Estimates 

Full Remodeling Services Available 

Shelby Township • West Bloomfield 

www.lafata.com • 586.930.1701 

Manna said that he also raised 

the issue of minorities in Iraq, 

where Chaldeans face persecution 

and violence because of their 

minority Christian faith. 

Manna said he expressed concern 

about the “Iranian influence 

and the militias” in Iraq, a 

concern that he said “has been 

echoed” by the Trump administration. 

Pence has been especially 

helpful in fighting to protect 

Christian and Yazidi minorities in 

Iraq, Manna said. “We really gave 

thanks to this administration for 

promoting religious freedom in 

other parts of the world,” he said. 

Hundreds of Iraqi nationals, 

most with criminal records that 

make them eligible for deportation, 

are facing removal after 

ICE started arresting and detaining 

them in 2017. The American 

Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) 

then filed a lawsuit challenging 

the detentions. 

– Detroit Free Press 


WHERE are they now? 

Husam Zoro Reflects on Long Theater Career 


Many remember Husam Zoro 

as a local playwright and 

actor from the late ‘70s and 

early ‘80s. Zoro played to a mostly 

Chaldean crowd and won audiences 

over with his plays that looked at 

everyday life from a humorous viewpoint. 

“I’m not that good with English,” 

Zoro explained in a phone interview. 

“I learned from the street.” His parents 

spoke only Arabic at home and 

he didn’t know English when he arrived 

in the U.S. at the age of 23. He 

didn’t know Chaldean (Aramaic) either 

but it is closely related to Arabic 

and he quickly learned. “I am in love 

with Arabic,” says Zoro. 

Once here in America, Zoro went 

to work at the family’s convenience 

store, “just like every other Iraqi,” he 

says, “Doctor, lawyer, professional… 

it didn’t matter. They all worked in 

a store.” His father had arranged a 

marriage for him to a young woman 

whose family was known to theirs 

and they married here in Michigan. 

Before long Zoro found the Iraqi 

Club and was introduced to other actors 

including Hani Noori. The first 

play written by Zoro and acted by 

Noori was called, “Actor Wanted,” 

and it was about Zoro’s real-life experience 

auditioning as an actor for an 

Iraqi TV station. 

There were more than 5,000 

original applicants and they whittled 

it down to 10. Zoro was one. “They 

asked me how many movies I had 

done, how many plays,” he remembers. 

“I told them hundreds.” Of 

course, they were incredulous and 

asked him where he had done so 

many performances. “In my room,” 

replied Zoro. They asked for his head 

shot. 

Months later when Zoro had already 

arrived in the States, in fact his 

second day here, his father saw his 

name onscreen on Iraqi TV. “Don’t 

tell him,” his mother warned his father. 

“He’ll leave America and go 

back to Iraq.” 

He stayed in the United States 

and his second play was based on 

real life as well, inspired by his sister. 

Zoro’s sister had applied for a divorce 

but was told, “Chaldeans don’t divorce.” 

His sister, in agreement with 

(it seemed) everyone else at the time 

replied, “This is America, baby!” 

The play was called, “Live and See.” 

Zoro’s third play became a runaway 

hit and introduced more and 

more people to his work. It was titled, 

“Party Store” and took the audience 

through a day in the life of a 

party store owner, from the time they 

opened the store until they locked 

the door at night. 

At the time the play was introduced, 

many Chaldean store owners 

were under threat of hold up, injury 

and even death. There was dissension 

between store owners and neighborhood 

patrons, and Zoro tried to show 

the reality while staying in the realm 

of comedy. 

After that, there was a play in Los 

Angeles called, “George Bush,” a political 

comedy with song and dance, 

like most of Zoro’s plays. It was an 

exciting time for Zoro, but it was the 

last play that would star Hani Nooni, 

who went on to other things. 

More than 40 years later, Zoro is 

back in the store helping his brother. 

It’s once again not a good time 

to look or sound foreign, and Zoro 

doesn’t like his brother to be there 

alone. Business is up “big time” 

because they are open during the 

“self-quarantine” of this coronavirus 

spread and they need the help. “He 

will not be here alone at night.” One 

of their brothers was killed during a 

robbery many years ago, and it is still 

fresh in their minds. 

Husam Zoro lives in Sterling 

Clockwise from top: 

Husam Zoro, playwright 

and author 

Zoro’s most popular 

play, “Party Store,” 1983 

George Bush - Play 

“George Bush,” 

performed in California 

in 2010. 

Heights with his wife of many years. 

He enjoys spending time with his 

four grandchildren, all of whom live 

in Michigan. 

He has been working on a new 

play called “Before and After” but 

with all that has been going on in 

Iraq and around the world, his heart 

just isn’t in it. We can only hope that 

Zoro will write again. 


PROJECT LIGHT 

Providing access to professional mental health counseling 

and advocacy services in a therapeutic environment. 

Common life experiences can cause individuals and families 

to seek help. Some of these experiences include: 

Life Stress 

Anxiety 

Depression 

Relationships 

Loss/Grief 

Family Concern 

Self-Esteem 

Sexual Assault 

Body Image 

Work Concerns 

CONTACT BAN OR IVA FOR MORE INFORMATION 

OR TO SCHEDULE A THERAPY SESSION: 

PHONE:(586)722-7253 • EMAIL: PROJECTLIGHT@CHALDEANFOUNDATION.ORG 

3601 15 MILE ROAD • STERLING HEIGHTS, MI 48310 

CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY 

The CCF and Project Light is committed to your privacy and confidentiality and are sensitive to the stigma and stress that come with seeking 

mental health support. Therefore, all counseling records are kept strictly confidential. Information is not shared without client’s written consent. 

Exceptions to confidentiality are rare and include persons who threaten safety of themselves others or in circumstances of a court order. 


FAMILY time 

School Down Time May Equal 

Screen & Social Media Up Time… 

How To Protect Our Kids 

There are so many unknowns 

in the weeks 

ahead. Each day will 

bring new challenges and information. 

I have faith that 

the healthcare system and 

our government will find a 

way to come out of this with 

insight and hope for our future. 

While I grappled with 

our new reality and tried to 

create some sense of normalcy 

for my three kids, I 

couldn’t help but consider 

other negative outcomes that could 

occur during this time off. 

Typically, our kids would be in 

school, then likely in after school activities. 

There are the typical things 

we worry about as parent, but normally 

we can trust that they are in the 

care of our educators and being led 

down productive paths. Now our kids 

will be home all day. They inevitably 

will be on screens more than usual. 

Maybe as much as they are during 

the summer, but this isn’t typical for 

March. Sadly, a thought has crossed 

my mind I felt compelled to share. 

While our kids may be on screens 

and social media more often to interact 

with friends, work on school 

apps, or gaming, there are those in 

our world that see this as an opportunity 

to prey on the innocent. They 

see it as a time to find ways into your 

children’s personal space. Invading 

bedrooms simply by sending a message 

to intrigue your child, these disingenuous 

messages make kids feel 

good about themselves. Predators 

then sneak their way in, and thereafter, 

they find ways to coerce, abuse, 

and take advantage of our children. 

JENNIFER 

BURLINGAME, DO 


CHALDEAN NEWS 

I wish we could make it 

impossible for child predators 

to have access to our children 

through phones, ipads, etc. I 

want to find a way to keep 

them out of all kid’s lives. 

By ensuring our kids’ devices 

are content restricted and 

social media accounts are 

screened and privatized, we 

as parents will be safeguarding 

our children ensuring the 

general public does not have 

access to their information or 

pictures. As parents, none of us want 

our children being vulnerable to child 

predators, but are we doing what is 

necessary to keep our children safe? 

According to Mayo 

Clinic “No matter 

how smart or mature 

you feel your child 

is, monitor his or her 

online and social 

media behavior. 

The reality is social media and 

the use of screens are an unavoidable 

and integral part of this generation’s 

childhood. What Mayo Clinic 

states is critical, however, is that our 

children understand appropriate behavior 

while on screens and while 

on social media. Transparency and 

being clear about setting boundaries 

will help protect your child. 

This is a good time to teach kids 

about cyberbullying, sexting, sharing 

personal info with strangers and 

opening communication with you. 

Help them see that they should 

only put something online that they 

would allow the whole world to see. 

If anyone asks them to do otherwise, 

they should talk to a trusted adult— 

someone they have chosen that they 

feel comfortable going to with sensitive 

and important information. 

According to Mayo Clinic “No 

matter how smart or mature you feel 

your child is, monitor his or her online 

and social media behavior. Your 

child is bound to make mistakes using 

media. Talk to your child and 

help him or her learn from them.” 

I could not have said that better. I 

strongly encourage every parent to 

communicate with their children 

about these issues. Below are directions 

on how to content restrict 

common devices. My hope is that 

you will take a moment or two in 

the next week to check your child’s 

iPhone, iPad, computer, Android 

or Google phone, Chromebook, or 

whatever your child uses for internet 

and social media usage, and restrict 

it to age appropriate material. Find 

ways to screen social media your 

children are using. The most predatory 

apps according to Newsweek are 

Snap Chat, TikTok, Ask.fm, Yubo, 

Whisper, and Blendr, just to name a 

few. Our kids are depending on us 

to protect them from the predators 

of the world, and I hope this information 

helped you find ways to start 

the process of doing so. You are your 

child’s best defense. 

Jennifer Burlingame, DO is a family 

medicine physician with Ascension 

Apple product content 

restrictions 

• Set Content & Privacy Restrictions 

• Go to Settings and tap Screen 

Time. 

• Tap Continue, then choose 

“This is My [Device]” or “This is 

My Child’s [Device].” 

If you’re the parent or guardian 

of your device and want to 

prevent another family member 

from changing your settings, tap 

Use Screen Time Passcode to 

create a passcode. Then re-enter 

the passcode to confirm. 

If you’re setting up Screen 

Time on your child’s device, follow 

the prompts until you get 

to Parent Passcode and enter a 

passcode. Re-enter the passcode 

to confirm. 

Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions. 

If asked, enter your 

passcode, then turn on Content 

& Privacy. 

Make sure to choose a passcode 

that’s different from the 

passcode you use to unlock your 

device. To change or turn off 

the passcode on your child’s device, 

tap Settings > Screen Time 

> [your child’s name]. Then 

tap Change Screen Time Passcode 

or Turn Off Screen Time 

Passcode, and authenticate the 

change with Face ID, Touch ID, 

or your device passcode. 

Android product 

content restrictions 

I must admit I am not an android 

user, but what I found is that you 

can set up another user profile 

and set restrictions on the user 

upon creating it. Typically, settings 

is your place to find content 

restrictions or parental controls. 

I would explore from there 

or simply google it. 


SPECIALIZING IN COMMERCIAL 

REAL ESTATE & BUSINESS FINANCING 

More than $500 Million closed since 2015 

Large Database of Nationwide Lenders 

Multiple Financing Options Available 

Commercial Loans $1 - $50 Million 

SBA/HUD/CMBS/BRIDGE/CONVENTIONAL 

Financing in all 50 States 

Tender care for your baby. 

Special treatment for you. 

At DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital’s Harris Women’s Center, 

everything we do is designed to help make your birthing 

experience as special as possible. We offer a variety of services 

to provide quality care to you and your baby, including: 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

Comfortable Upright Birth (CUB) support 

Clear drape method for cesarean birth 

Special Care Nursery with NICU nurses 

Board-certifi ed neonatologists 

Spacious, all-private birthing Suites 

Nitrous Oxide for Labor Pain Management 

NISHANT HOLANI 

CO-FOUNDER 

BARRY BOOZAN 

MANAGING 

DIRECTOR 

JAMES JESZKE 

VP, BUSINESS 

DEVELOPMENT 

248-731-7680 strategicccp.com 

To find an obstetrician who 

can deliver your baby at Huron 

Valley-Sinai Hospital, 

call 313-652-0137 or visit 

hvsh.org/birthingcenter 

JOIN OUR 

GROWING TEAM. 

The Chaldean News is looking for 

motivated candidates to fill full-time salaried 

sales positions. Qualified candidates should 

email a resume to info@chaldeannews.com. 


CHAI time 

CHALDEANS CONNECTING 

COMMUNITY EVENTS IN AND AROUND METRO DETROIT APRIL 2019 

Editor’s note: Typically “CHAI time” features opportunities 

for people to get together, for families to bond, 

friends to find each other and new adventures. CHAI 

time is the polar opposite of coronavirus. As with the 

rest of the world, Metro Detroiters are looking for 

things to do to beat the boredom and, while it’s a poor 

substitute for the real thing, “virtual” activities are out 

there. We have listed a couple below. There are many 

more on Facebook Live. So far, April event calendars 

still list events, though early April events are likely off. 

We have listed some events occurring later in month on 

the chance that they might still be held. 

March (all month) 

Fun With the Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum: Online 

at Facebook Live. Free of charge. 

March 30 

Shamrocks & Shenanigans Virtual 4 Mile Run/ 

Walk: This 2nd annual event takes place the whole 

month of March with runners from all over the U.S. 

This virtual event can be completed anytime. Feel 

free to wear your green and complete all four miles 

at your own pace. Registration required. Location: 

Detroit,14150 Woodrow Wilson Detroit, MI 48238. 

For more information, visit: The Virtual Run Challenge 

contact@thevirtualrunchallenge.com 

April 16 

Little Paws Story Time at the Humane Society of 

Huron Valley in Ann Arbor: Kids will enjoy a story, 

animal interactions and crafts. Ages 2-5. Location Humane 

Society of Huron Valley 3100 Cherry Hill Road. 

Time: (Thursday) 10:30 am - 11:30 am EST. Organizer: 

Humane Society of Huron Valley, marketing@ 

hshv.org 

April 16 

Three Part Writing Workshop: Do you have a story to 

write or a book to publish? The Chaldean Cultural Center 

is hosting a FREE 3-part writing workshop led by ambassadors 

of he Authors Guild of America, the nation’s 

oldest and largest writing organization. For more information, 

contact Chaldean Cultural Center, 5600 Walnut 

Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323 248-681-5050. 

April 18 

Sheep Shearing & Pancake Breakfast at Hess- 

Hathaway Park in Waterford: Enjoy a hot pancake 

breakfast and then see the shearing of sheep and 

wool getting spun. Feed the animals, too. Time: (Saturday) 

9:00 am - 11:00 am EST. Location: Hess-Hathaway 

Park 825 S. Williams Lake Road. Organizer: 

City of Waterford. 

April 25 

Catholilc Youth Group Mom 2 Mom Sale: Find great 

deals on gently-used maternity wear, baby clothing, 

toys and gear. Time: (Saturday) 9:00 am - 1:00 pm 

EST. Location: St. Mary’s of Rockwood 32477 Church 

St. Organizer: Catholic Youth Group 734-244-6883. 

May 5 

Khairy Foumia Book Signing: Hosted by the Chaldean 

Cultural Center at Shenandoah, Khairy Foumia 

will be an honored guest for his book titled, “Catalogue 

Manuscripts of the Church in Telkeppe.” Admission 

is $10 per person and seating is limited. The 

event is on Tuesday, May 5th from 6 to 8 pm. Free 

access to the museum is included. 

44050 W. 12 Mile Road 

Novi, MI 48377 

248-NEWBODY 

www.mystardr.com 

Get your new body today. 

Dr. Elan Reisin and Dr. Ellen Ozolins 

BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEONS 

Your life-long commitment to looking and feeling your best 

with a full range of surgical and non-surgical procedures. 

Elan Reisin MD FACS 

SURGICAL SPECIAL 

$ 

2,000 Off 

Mommy Makeover 

NON-SURGICAL SPECIAL 

20% Off 

Halo or BBL 


OPPORTUNITIES 

THAT OVERFLOW. 

LESSONS THAT LAST. 

CONNECTIONS THAT COUNT. 

LEARN more 

D E T R O I T C O U N T R Y D A Y S C H O O L 

GRADES PK3 - 4 

Maple Road Campus 

GRADES 5 - 8 

Hillview Campus 

GRADES 9 - 12 

Thirteen Mile Campus 

248.646.7717 

| 

www.dcds.edu 

00855 DCDS, 1/4 page, Chaldean News, 3/24.indd 1 3/18/20 4:19 PM 

Good oral health habits start early! Children 

should see a dentist as soon as their first tooth 

shows, usually by 6 months of age. 

Delta Dental of Michigan 


obituaries 

Remembering 

Salim Zia Abbo 

Sept. 1, 1922 – Sept. 26, 2019 

Our grandfather, Salim Zia 

Abbo, was the epitome of a 

wise man seeking to live a 

peaceful and holy life. To honor him, 

we would like to give our community 

a background of the man who was a 

role model to us all. He was a humble 

man, who never felt the impetus to 

boast about himself but rather let his 

actions speak for his ideals. Among 

his accomplishments: he was a son, 

husband, brother, father, grandfather, 

and great-grandfather. Son of 

the late Zia and Khamie Abbo, husband 

of Margaret Kouza Abbo, father 

to Suidad (Najib) Samona, Ghalib 

(Ghada) Abbo, Louay (Maysoon) 

Abbo,Nabil Abbo, Kusay (Rita) 

Abbo, Raika (Salwan) Jabro, Maan 

(Salvana) Abbo. Loving grandfather 

to 20 grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren. 

Loving brother to the 

late Dr. Yousif Abbo, Edward Abbo, 

George Abbo, The Late Wadani 

Mansour, Hayat Daboul, The Late 

Nazhat Garmo, Mariam Acho, Julia 

Najor. With great fondness and appreciation, 

we remember him as the 

ultimate patriarch of the family and a 

manifestation of humility and grace. 

He passed away at the age of 97, leaving 

behind the memory of many impressive 

landmarks achieved in his 

lifetime. 

Salim’s story includes a fascinating 

series of opportunities that altered 

the trajectory of his life and 

offered the ability to grow and influence 

others across generations. He 

was born in Tel Kaif, Iraq. He was the 

son of a merchant father and a homemaker 

mother, neither of whom 

knew how to read or write. At that 

time in Iraq, Christians rarely had 

opportunities to pursue a professional 

career. However, one day would 

change his life forever. Three Iraqi 

officials were traveling in Tel Kaif 

and were searching for a place to rest. 

His mother, Khamie Abbo, opened 

her home to the men and gladly 

served them. Out of appreciation for 

her hospitality, the men insisted on 

repaying her for the kindness shown 

toward them. Knowing that her son 

desired educational advances, she 

requested that they help her son become 

a pharmacist. One of the three 

officials was an educator and pledged 

to help him achieve this aspiration. 

That official fulfilled his promise 

and Salim spent five years attending 

pharmacy school at the University of 

Baghdad in Baghdad, Iraq to become 

the first Chaldean pharmacist. With 

his degree, he found work in a pharmacy 

in Mosul. 

While working in the pharmacy, 

Salim encountered another surprise 

opportunity. On one day that appeared 

typical, Mr. Hana Toubia 

walked into the business and struck 

up a conversation with Salim. He 

told Salim that he came to Mosul 

to find a candidate for principal and 

educator of the new first high school 

for young men under construction 

in Tel Kaif. He had been searching 

for a month in Baghdad to no avail. 

Knowing that Salim was an educated 

man and being unable to find an individual 

competent enough to fill the 

position, he propositioned Salim for 

the job. Mr. Toubia and his associates, 

Peter Chuchua, and Ibrahim 

Yaldo Kanona urged him to take the 

position, and after discussion with 

his parents, he accepted. He spent 

five years as principal of this school, 

and he regards this time as one of his 

greatest joys in life. Beloved by his 

students, he taught them some of the 

wisdoms that he later shared with his 

children and grandchildren to grow 

with the ideals of faith, knowledge, 

diligence, compassion, empathy and 

kindness. 

Salim met his wife, Margaret, at a 

Clockwise from top of page: 

Family photo with spouse, children and grandchildren. 

Salim Abbo at King Cellar, his first business he opened in the United States. 

Salim Abbo at his pharmacy in Baghdad, Iraq. 

Salim Abbo and Grandson, Joseph Abbo 

wedding that both of them attended 

in Tel Kaif, Iraq. Salim and Margaret 

married on Sept. 14, 1953. 

After his time as principal, he 

went on to open his own pharmacy 

in Baghdad. He operated this establishment 

for 20 years. Ultimately, he 

made the difficult decision for the 

best of his family to leave Iraq at 

the peak of his career to join them 

in America. After he immigrated to 

the United States, he obtained his 

equivalent pharmacy degree alongside 

his daughter, Suidad Samona, 

who followed in her father’s footsteps 

and became a pharmacist too. Salim 

went into business with his children 

thereafter. 

In the United States, he felt a 

calling from God to serve in the 

Chaldean Catholic Church. Always 

a devout and spiritual man, he felt 

that service was paramount. That 

led him to perhaps his most treasured 

accomplishment of becoming a deacon. 

He had a zeal for God, and the 

Church. It is without any surprise, 

that at the age of 65, he was ordained 

a deacon. He served 15 years at 

Mother of God Church and 15 years 

at Saint Thomas Church. Sometimes, 

he would partake in as many 

as three masses on Sunday. His diligence 

allowed him to learn French 

and during Pentecost he would do a 

reading in French at St. Thomas. His 

deacon work allowed him to reach 

many people, who experienced and 

learned from his maturity, generosity, 

courage, wisdom and faith. His 

enthusiasm for his faith and love for 

God was a source of admiration for 

all those who knew him, especially 

his family. 

Relishing the company of his 

grandchildren, he was a master raconteur 

with anecdotes and stories 

that narrated the story of his 

upbringing. A true advocate for a 

healthy lifestyle, he often discussed 

his vigilance regarding exercising 

and abstaining from unhealthy habits. 

As a lover of reading, he was 

proud to show and display his extensive 

book collection, now dispersed 

to his grandchildren, who are his 

legacy. Opening one of his books is 

a tactile experience; many include 

hand-written notes and reflections 

inside, allowing one to continue to 

hear his voice, thoughts, and words 

eternally to the next generation. 


Bashar Kallabat, International Hairstylist, 

Chaldean Trailblazer, Dies Too Soon at 56 

If you met Bashar Kallabat or had 

just one stimulating conversation 

with him, you left with a new outlook 

on life. He empowered you to 

see new possibilities for yourself that 

you knew were there, yet needed reassurance 

to fully believe they were 

possible. Bashar had that effect on 

everyone from his family, friends, 

clients, coworkers, staff, all the way 

down to the mailman. Bashar would 

always say, “You’re more beautiful 

and capable than you think you are.” 

He was a true leader with a passion 

for touching people’s lives in a positive 

and unforgettable way. 

Born in Tel Kaif, Iraq, Bashar immigrated 

to the United States with 

his family in 1964 at the age of 2. 

Always a fast study, Bashar took extra 

courses in high school to ensure 

he graduated early at 16. Bashar was 

gifted, and knew he wanted to make 

people feel and look beautiful as 

early as 11 years old when he started 

cutting his siblings hair at home. His 

love of beauty helped him become 

one of the youngest salon owners in 

Michigan, launching Salon Kennice 

Bashar in 1989 at only 25 years old. 

The salon became an immediate success 

in West Bloomfield and within 

the Chaldean Community. 

Bashar went on to launch several 

other successful salons in Birmingham 

and Somerset Mall. He believed 

beauty came from within, and his 

innate gift was seeing the beauty 

in everyone, and helping others to 

embrace this beauty and let it shine 

brightly. Bashar also believed beauty 

encompassed hair, skin, fashion and 

positivity, which is why he launched 

his Vitamin brand Nutriments in 

2000. 

Bashar will always be remembered 

for his inspiring energy and charisma. 

His family and career were his 

true passions, which led to all of his 

success. He watched his only child 

Skyler graduate from U of M Dearborn, 

and assisted him in launching 

two simultaneous careers as a DJ/music 

producer and Digital Marketing 

Expert. Throughout his life, Bashar 

creatively influenced the fashion and 

art scene in Detroit, Miami, New 

York and worldwide. Bashar touched 

many with his magnetic energy and 

powerful presence! 

Above: Bashar is on the right and his only child Skyler on left. 

Bashar loved to experience and 

learn about different people and cultures. 

He travelled often, and would 

immerse himself wherever he visited. 

Whether it was in the States, Europe, 

or the Middle East, Bashar was not a 

superficial traveler, and would seek 

to ingrain himself into the genuine 

fabric of each locale. It was also important 

to Bashar to contribute back 

to his community, as he supported 

many different charities and movements. 

Bashar Kallabat passed away Feb. 

12, 2020, a long-time resident of 

Bloomfield Hills, MI. He will always 

be remembered as a loving father, 

brother, uncle, and friend. He was 

predeceased by his parents, Salim and 

Albertine. He was the devoted father 

of Skyler. He was the dear Brother 

of Ricky (Claudia), Yvonne Yasso 

(Mike), and the late Bushra Kashat 

and the late George. Former spouse 

and life partner of Kennice Kallabat. 

He is also survived by many nieces, 

nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Bashar’s essence continues to inspire 

the countless people around the 

world whom he impacted. 


in MEMORIAM 

RECENTLY DECEASED COMMUNITY MEMBERS 

e"My mom ced to 

t me ee's going to 

buy me the cemery 

pl nt to my dad , 

hontly, I've never ft 

Samheri Tomecca 

July 1, 1934 - 

March 16, 2020 

Aster Kitto Shaba 

Makdasy 

Nov. 11, 1931 - 


Sabah Toma 

Kassab 

July 1, 1945 - 


Khami Lazar 

July 1, 1939 - 


more understd or 

pleed." 

- Andri H 

P R E - P L A N N I N G I S A 

G R E A T A C T O F L O V E . 

Habib Mikha 

Habbo 

July 1, 1935 - 


Sawa Sawa 

July 1, 1928 - 


Younan Shabo 

Dinkha 

July 1, 1947 - 


Bakoz Hanna 

Paules 

July 1, 1939 -, 


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. 

Salwan Youkhana 

July 20, 1975 - 


Polos Meram 

Jan. 1, 1930 - 


Louis J. Haisha 

Oct. 2, 1929 – Feb. 

29, 2020 

Mary (Hanaa) 

Shamoon Sulaiman 

Feb. 15, 1941 – 

Feb. 28, 2020 

Ameera Yousif Jani 

Aug. 24, 1934 – 


Toma Zai Sokana 

July 1, 1939 – 


Deacon Muaffak 

“Michael” Bahri 

Nov. 6, 1952 – 


Hasena Hermez 

Yousif Kassab 

July 1, 1927 – 


Harbi Zaya Hakim 

July 1, 1941 - 


Salem Denha Zori 

March 5, 1941 - 


Suad Husaynu 

Sept. 28, 1931 - 


Hekmat Aziz 

Kakos 

July 1, 1938 - 


Faequa Mona 

June 5, 1939 - 


Yousif Yacoub 

Hannona 

July 1, 1941 - 


Katrina Gorgis 

Samuel Dinkha 

July 28, 1940 - 


Najibah Aziz Kirma 

June 11, 1933 - 


Batool Jadan 

Zetouna 

Dec. 25, 1945 – 


Sarmad Yousif 

Hermiz 

Dec. 20, 1949 – 


Sabah Mikha 

Yatooma 

Sept. 1, 1937 – 


Laith Fouad Fawzi 

Yacoub 

June 25, 2006 – 



We can’t help you throw 

a boomerang. 

But we can help you 

bank on the go. 

BIRMINGHAM 

Member FDIC 

Ad Number: PP-BOAA-21405B Trim: 9" x 5.875" 

Perich Job No: 21405 Bleed: NA 

Colors: 4/C Live: NA 

Format: 1/4 Page Ad 

Version: 02.28.20 


COVID-19 Ripples Through Community 


“ 

We are in unprecedented 

times,” says Mike Sarafa, 

co-founder of Vision 

Growth Partners. “The world and 

the country were not prepared for 

this health care crisis.” 

“Unprepared” describes the current 

state of affairs in our state, 

country, and world. Even though Bill 

Gates told us in his 2015 Ted Talk 

that we were unprepared as a nation 

for the viral epidemic that was surely 

on its way, and even told us how we 

could prepare: invest in better world 

health care systems; increase international 

collaboration; keep trained 

medical staff in reserve and attach 

them to the military; and invest in 

vaccine research, it seems we didn’t 

listen. Now we are paying the price. 

If the Trump administration has a 

unified policy on how it is handling 

the coronavirus within its own ranks, 

it isn’t sharing it. The wealth of information 

and misinformation we are 

exposed to via the internet is staggering. 

Updates are being provided by 

everyone from your local government 

to your credit union and for the most 

part, they’re saying the same thing – 

stay home. Keep your bugs to yourself. 

It started with “wash your hands” 

and quickly escalated to “keep your 

distance.” But if everyone doesn’t 

participate, how effective is “social 

distancing”? 

“The Chaldean community, in 

some quarters, exasperates the situation 

with cavalier attitudes by the 

young and conspiracy theories by 

some elderly,” continues Sarafa. 

“Many young Chaldeans today were 

born into wealth and, therefore, do 

not have a sense of the greater good 

or any understanding of sacrifice. This 

is not their fault. It is our fault, their 

parents. In this time of crisis, our failures 

are manifest.” But there’s always 

hope. “Still, we can rally, unite, comply. 

We can be good family members, 

good citizens and good Americans.” 

Social distancing is causing payroll 

panic across the country, but 

stores that have stayed open to serve 

the community are having a unique 

experience. Matthew Loussia of Value 

Wholesale says, “Since the coronavirus 

outbreak has begun the grocery 

industry altogether has been non-stop 

and in quite a panic. Manufacturers 

are receiving demands for product 

like they have never seen before. 

“Manufacturers typically work on 

a one- to two-week lead time to make 

and ship orders but are now working 

ahead three to four weeks. Companies 

that make a large variety of flavors of 

a certain item are now only producing 

their highest demand flavor and 

ignoring the rest to ramp up production. 

Also many companies have 

pulled all promotional funding that 

they typically offer which has caused 

many retail prices to increase.” 

Loussia reports that on the wholesale 

side, they are working along 

with other distributors in the industry 

around the clock to fulfill orders 

and keep stores stocked. He and 

his staff were on their 10th straight 

day of working more than 13 hours 

March 21, and were still running 

four to five days behind. They have 

hired temporary staff for stocking 

and trucking, causing their expenses 

to increase dramatically. 

“We are also out of stock on many 

items,” he says. “Some of the larger 

grocery distributors across the country 

are shipping their grocers only 10 

percent of the product being ordered. 

Obviously the high demand items 

such as toilet tissue, paper towels and 

anything regarding cleaning supplies 

and hygienic supplies are virtually impossible 

to get right now and are also 

being price gouged. Bottled water and 

canned foods are still available but we 

are being limited when we purchase. 

Retailers are working tirelessly and 

facing massive rushes and crowds of 

shoppers wiping out their shelves. Every 

store owner I have spoken to has 

said they have never seen anything 

like this in all their years in the grocery 

business. One store owner told 

me, ‘If it’s not nailed to the floor, they 

are buying it.’” 

On the other hand, independent 

grocers in Detroit are well-stocked. 

For the first time, they’re seeing suburban 

shoppers in their stores. What 

big retail stores with fast turnover are 

missing, some small shops have in 

supply. Neighborhood stores are important 

once more. 

Restaurants are feeling the effect 

of the crisis and many employees 

are home without wages. Zeana 

Attisha, owner of Sahara Restaurant 

in Oak Park says, “The coronavirus 

has forced us to cancel and refund all 

deposits for parties—small and big. 

From baptisms to weddings, this is a 

huge loss.” With a more than 80 percent 

reported loss in sales, fixed expenses 

such as insurance, mortgages, 

rent and utilities remain the same. 

“It’s going to be hard to keep paying,” 

admits Attisha. Sahara is open 

for carryout and delivery. 

Banquet centers and venues 

across the region have been planning 

weddings and other large-scale 

events for months or even years and 

are finding themselves shuffling to 

reschedule with an uncertain future. 

“It’s a big financial setback for 

us,” says Raad Kathawa, president of 

Shenandoah Country Club. They’ve 

been operating as a skeleton crew, 

with most staff laid off. “It is heavy 

on my heart,” he says. 

They’re facing the postponement 

and rescheduling of numerous weddings 

and First Communions, plus 

the Activity Rooms are closed, upsetting 

some members. The golf course 

opening was scheduled for April but 

has been put on hold with no opening 

date scheduled for the foreseeable 

future. “We want to accommodate 

everyone,” says Kathawa, “but 

we don’t have answers.” 

Hotels and other hospitality in 

dustries are suffering as well. Sean 

Koza of Group 10 Management says, 

“The coronavirus has affected nearly 

every industry related to consumer 

spending. From retail to hospitality, 

we are experiencing historically low 

occupancies and demand as well as a 

level of uncertainty unprecedented 

in our country’s history.” 

In an announcement from the 

three Chaldean Eparchies in North 

America (Detroit, San Diego and 

Toronto), a call to the faithful was 

made to pray the Ba’utha (pleading) 

in homes. Mother of God Chaldean 

Church put out a video March 14 

with a heartfelt message from Bishop 

Francis Y. Kalabat about the decision 

to close church services to the public. 

All Masses and Stations of the 

“Many young Chaldeans today were born into wealth and, therefore, 

do not have a sense of the greater good or any understanding of 

sacrifice. This is not their fault. It is our fault, their parents. In this time 

of crisis, our failures are manifest…Still, we can rally, unite, comply. 

We can be good family members, good citizens and good Americans.” 

– MIKE SARAFA 

Cross are suspended and everyone is 

dispensed from their Sunday obligation 

until further notice. 

It is very difficult. At a time when 

we are naturally drawn to gather 

for comfort, we are told to keep our 

distance. “Although we are not assembling 

together in prayer,” Bishop 

Francis reassures, “we are always 

united as one body of Christ, across 

our homes, in communion with one 

another and God. Resist the temptation 

to live in fear.” He goes on to say 

that he looks forward to celebrating 

Easter with everyone. 

For its part, the Chaldean Community 

Foundation (CCF) is operating 

electronically over the phone 

and over the internet to provide 

necessary services. Case workers still 

have clients, and those clients need 

help now more than ever. They need 

to know that they are supported and 

won’t be left adrift. Many are in the 

process of obtaining citizenship and 


coronavirus or not, still need 

to file the paperwork. Many speak 

little English, needing assistance to 

navigate the incredibly swift changes 

taking place around them. 

Advocacy doesn’t retreat in a 

crisis: it ramps up. Martin Manna, 

president of the CCF and the Chaldean 

American Chamber of Commerce 

(CACC), is working closely 

with state and federal leadership 

to provide relief for businesses and 

people affected by COVID-19 and 

the emergency measures put in place 

by the government. The Chamber is 

keeping its members abreast of the 

situation on a daily basis, providing 

links to small business loan programs 

and disaster relief. 

CACC and CCF Leadership are 

working in partnership with corporations 

and politicians to provide services 

and relief to the community, and 

to make sure that we are kept aware 

of things as they happen. The CACC 

has been promoting small business 

support by way of takeout and gift 

cards, and sending daily Coronavirus 

updates to members via email. They 

remind members that there are steps 

to take to protect ourselves both 

physically and financially, and that 

there is an “other side” to this crisis. 

In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, 

we are made. We have the opportunity 

to become better people, to 

make choices that contribute to the 

greater good. Sarafa sums it up perfectly, 

“No time is without Grace.” 

Sylvester Sandiha 

of Pinnacle Hospitality, community 

leader and Chairman of the Board 

of the CACC and CCF has a message 

for the community: “In talking 

with friends and family, never in 

anyone’s wildest imagination, especially 

in this day and age and let 

alone in America, could something 

cause such a disruption to our way of 

life and humanity as a whole. I find 

myself becoming more aware of the 

value of the basics that most of us 

would take for granted. 

“Suddenly, using less toilet tissue, 

paper towel, bottled water, 

cleaning supplies and even food has 

become the norm. It’s amazing how 

in these times the fragility of life becomes 

so clear. Our generation has 

lived in a time of excess and abundance. 

Rarely did a day pass when 

many including myself didn’t’ eat 

at least one meal at a restaurant or 

pickup carry-out. Friends and family 

that we may not have spoken 

with in a while are reaching out to 

check-in. The uncertainty and fear 

has led me and others that I have 

spoken with to tap a part of our humanity 

and emotions that we were 

losing. EVERY aspect of life has new 

meaning and value, particularly our 

love for each other. 

“As a community 

of small business owners, we Chaldeans 

have faced challenging times before, 

however this time feels different. 

Laying off workers, closing business, 

and the fear of not knowing when this 

will end has finally set in. I feel that 

we as a Chaldean community take for 

granted the cultural glue we share. A 

friend of mine put it perfectly; he messaged, 

‘I would dodge calls or get annoyed 

from a text message, now I can’t 

wait to pick up. People asking if I need 

food, water, or toilet tissue LOL.’ 

“Reflecting on what has taken 

place in our country and the world 

over the last few weeks has led me to 

really put myself in the shoes of our 

Chaldean brothers and sisters who 

have faced persecution, uncertainty, 

and famine in the Middle East. And 

it’s not even a fair comparison. We 

feel for them but now we have a taste 

of what they experienced and yet we 

still have food, shelter, clothing, etc. 

Even in those times, they remained 

faithful and hopeful for brighter days. 

“We thought we have it all figured 

out and under control. Faith and hope 

is suddenly where we are directed. We 

have been forced to look inward and 

to make our homes churches. Even as 

someone who would identify as faithful, 

my prayer life, appreciation for 

our church, Sunday Mass, the 

holy sacraments, and fellowship 

with our community has taken new 

meaning. Creativity and longing for 

God’s grace has brought on live celebrations 

of the Mass, drive thru confessions, 

parking lot adoration, and 

fasting from the Eucharist. 

“It’s funny that day to day we may 

thank God for our blessings and ask 

for his help for what today seems totally 

unimportant. However, we trust 

that God takes the bad and always 

uses it for good. Our prayers are now 

for others, for health, for peace, and 

for calm. My faith in Jesus has been 

strengthened by coming to Him in 

total confidence, having to trust that 

He will get us through this strange 

and crazy time in history. 

“We truly are all in this together. 

This will pass and in the near future we 

will look back at this time. I pray that 

we remember the feelings and emotions 

which APRIL we 2020 now CHALDEAN share. NEWS We’ll be 29 

stronger for it. This is our generation’s 

wake up call to appreciate and count 

our blessings. A lot of smart people are 

working on this human and worldwide 

mission. In the meantime, we must 

stay positive, remain calm, cherish 

every second, and have faith! With 

renewed faith in God and each other, 

we’ll get through this TOGETHER.” 

For I know the plans I have for 

you, declares the LORD, plans to 

prosper you and not to harm you, 

plans to give you hope and a future. – 

Jeremiah 29:11 


chaldeans AROUND THE WORLD 

Chaldeans 

in Michigan 

BY ADHID MIRI, PHD 

An Ancient People 

Chaldeans are Aramaic-speaking people indigenous 

to Iraq. They have a history that spans more 

than 5,500 years, dating back to Mesopotamia, 

known as the cradle of civilization. The area encompasses 

present day Iraq. 

When we hear the name “Chaldeans,” we think 

of Babylon, Ur of the Chaldees, Father Abraham, 

and the cradle of civilization etc. Few people think 

of modern Chaldeans from ancient Mesopotamia, 

which today consists of redesigned countries such 

as Turkey, Iraq and Syria. 

Chaldeans are Eastern Rite Catholic and united 

with the Roman Catholic Church but have separate 

Bishops and a Patriarch (Patriarch of Babylon 

for the Chaldeans) who oversees the Chaldean 

Catholic Church and resides in Iraq. 

Large number of Chaldeans still live 

in their homeland and another larger 

group in the diaspora. 

Chaldeans in the USA Store 

Ford Motor Company 

Former Governor of Michigan William Milliken Thomas & Vergine Denha Karim 

& Bernadette Sarafa Salim & Margrete Sarafa Salman Sesi Gorial Esshaki 

Chaldeans Are Everywhere 

Chaldeans have spread over all the 

continents of the world. A Christian 

population, who like other Christian 

companions from the Middle East has 

been confronted for centuries with persecutions, 

wars, immigration, etc. To 

this day, Chaldeans live with the dilemma 

of “staying or leaving the homeland.” 

Despite these poignant situations, 

Chaldeans live with their bodies 

in the diaspora, but with their hearts in 

their homeland. 

Chaldeans and other Iraqi Christians 

link their homeland to their identity, culture, 

language, faith, traditions, etc. They attach great 

importance and value to their identity, because 

that is what they will always be able to keep; together 

with their Christian faith. 

They may live in the diaspora, but they are 

always connected to each other because of their 

faith and their precious identity. Chaldeans belong 

to the “Catholic Apostolic Church of the East of 

the Chaldeans,” which is united with the Catholic 

Church of Rome. Bound to their identity, language 

and culture, Chaldeans need to integrate into various 

societies around the world. 

Since the invasion of the United States in Iraq 

in 2003 and the war unleashed by the terrorist 

group Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, the number 

of Chaldeans in these countries, along with other 

Christian populations, has shrunk tremendously. 

Nevertheless, there are still many Chaldeans and 

other Christian populations in Iraq and Syria. 

The Chaldean villages in southeast Turkey 

were evacuated and destroyed in the 1990s and 

Kareem Kattula’s store 

face continuing strife, partly due to the Turkish- 

Kurdish conflicts. However, there are Chaldeans 

who live in Istanbul. Many Chaldeans have also 

moved to other countries in the Middle East and 

Asia, to Jordan, Iran, Lebanon and Georgia. 

When we travel to Europe, we find Chaldean 

communities in the United Kingdom, France, Luxembourg, 

Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, 

Sweden, Norway, Finland, Germany, Austria, 

Switzerland and Greece. 

There are large Chaldean communities in Australia, 

New Zealand and Canada. We are writing 

from United States where the largest Chaldean 

community of the diaspora is located, namely in 

Michigan and California. 

Pioneers: Chaldeans In America 

The immigration of the Chaldeans from northern 

Iraq to the United States at the beginning of the 

last century was not their first, there were several 

earlier waves to the city of Adana in southern Turkey, 

Syria, Canada and Mexico. In 1878, Mikha 

Shamasha from Telkeppe was the first traveler to 

King Faisal 2 Regent Abdul Ellah visit to Michigan 1952, with 

Joe Acho and other Chaldeans 

Adana. World War I was a turning point in immigration 

history for people seeking better life and 

safety. Just before the onset of World War I (between 

1900-1914), the Chaldean pioneers in Adana 

totaled 208. 

The early pioneers’ stories were legendary as 

they left their villages and took unchartered voyages 

to countries, ports and seas armed with courage 

and faith. Opening new frontiers and reaching 

for the dreamland was not easy. They were farmers 

with few skills, limited language, poor knowledge 

of geography and no financial resources. They 

faced insurmountable challenges along the way, 

and many passed through the port of New York not 

knowing it is an American port. They sometimes 

ended up in Mexico, Argentina and Brazil. 

Few official documents are available to support 

the earlier travel stories and much of what we 

know comes from family members and elders. The 


SPECIALIZING IN MARIJUANA LICENSING 

Are you interested in entering 

Michigan’s legal marijuana industry? 

Are you in the industry now and 

need help staying compliant? 

We have helped dozens of clients obtain state 

and local licenses and remain fully compliant. 

CALL NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION 

248-781-8800 

MIKE M. BAHOURA, ESQ, 

PATRICK M. NONA, ESQ, OF COUNSEL 

NADEEM NOAH HARFOUCH, ESQ, OF COUNSEL 

Our firm helps operators navigate the 

ever-changing landscape of cannabis business 

and regulatory law in Michigan 

THE LAW OFFICES OF 

MIKE M. BAHOURA, PLLC 

MICHIGAN 

MARIJUANA STATE 

AND MUNICIPAL 

LICENSING 

CANNABIS BUSINESS 

CONSULTING AND 

COMPLIANCE 

PROPERTY ZONING, 

PERMITS, LAND USE, 

AND OTHER REAL 

ESTATE MATTERS 

THE LAW OFFICES OF MIKE M. BAHOURA, PLLC 

631 E. BIG BEAVER RD, SUITE 211 TROY, MI 48083 

248-781-8800 / WWW.BAHOURALAW.COM 

first few pioneers from Tel-Keppe to reach the new 

world in Brazil at the beginning of the last century 

were Akko Qarana (Brazil), Yousif Shammam 

(North America), Jajjo Hajji (South America) and 

Petto Goryoka (Mexico). 

Yousif Shammam, for instance, left Iraq for 

Egypt and ended up in Fort William, Canada in 

1899. Shammam in is considered the first pioneer. 

By 1913-1914 there were 41 Chaldean pioneers in 

Canada. 

Jajjo Hajji ended up in Veracruz, Mexico after 

leaving Adana, Turkey in 1901. No one knows 

why he chose to leave Adana or risk travel to the 

unknown Mexico. Hajji is perhaps considered 

the second pioneer and spent most of his life in 

the Mexican town of San Geronimo, now part 

of Mexico City, working as a fabrics salesman. 

Learning about Hajji’s successes and following in 

his footsteps, several other Chaldeans migrated 

to Mexico and established communities in Salina 

Cruz, Saint Louis, Tecuala, Estabeca, Montreux, 

Merida Yucatan and Mexico City. By 1928-1929 

there were 54 Chaldeans in Mexico. 

Others like Zaia Acho, arrived in Detroit in 

1912-1913 after a short stay in New York and started 

working at Ford Motor Company. Hanna Sarraya 

arrived first at Fort William, Canada in 1913 

and moved to Detroit with Father Faranso Dabbish 

in 1920. 

Due to a famine in Iraq in 1912, Shokri 

Gocke traveled on foot from the village of 

Alqoush to Adana, Turkey with four other men 

and two women to join his cousins Jabbo Agha, 

Israel and Ghareebou. The journey took 25 days. 

Sadiq Daman, also from Alqoush, immigrated to 

Canada in 1884. 

From 1910-1912, 23 adventurous immigrants 

traveled to Detroit and Canada but returned after a 

short stay! They were from the village of Tel-Keppe 

as were Jameel Qashat, one man from Mosul and 

one man from Baqoofa. 

The early departure of Chaldeans from of Tel- 

Keppe to the Detroit area occurred in 1925-1926, 

in accordance with the U.S. quota system. Dawood 

Nagara, Sam Dabbish, Zaia Gabbara, Sia Nauman 

and Tom Georg were the first immigrants. In 1925- 

192 there were 35 Chaldeans in Detroit, four in 

New York and four in Brazil. 

An overwhelming percentage of Chaldeans in 

the Detroit community can trace their origin to 

Tel-Keppe, which is one of several Christian towns 

in the northern Iraqi province of Mosul, near the 

ruins of the ancient city of Nineveh. 

Once members of the Tel-Keppe community 

had settled in the area, they encouraged others 

from their homeland to join them. Thus, began an 

immigration process, known as “chain migration,” 

between Tel-Keppe and Detroit that continues to 

the present. 

Additional editing by Ashley Attisha 

Editor’s Note: This is the first of a multi-part 

series on Chaldeans Around the World. 


Ban of Vitamin E. 

Acetate Found in 

THC Overwhelmingly 

Passes in the House 

BY ASHLEY A. ATTISHA, ESQ 

The Michigan Department of Health and 

Human Services (MDHHS) announced 

Feb. 20 the fourth death associated with 

the outbreak of E-cigarette or vaping-associated 

lung injury. 

Vitamin E acetate, which can be purchased 

legally, is safely consumed in food and applied to 

the skin in cosmetic products. When it comes to 

vaping, Vitamin E acetate can be used as a filler 

added to THC vaping cartridges—it’s primarily 

used to dilute potency. The federal Centers for 

Disease Control and Prevention has identified 

vitamin E acetate as strongly associated with 

vaping-related lung injury. Vitamin E acetate 

“may interfere with normal lung functioning,” 

according to the CDC. 

Michigan state Reps. Abdullah Hammoud 

(D-Dearborn), Frank Liberati (D-Allen Park) 

and Joseph Bellino (R-Monroe), sponsored a trio 

of bills: HB 5159, HB 5160 and HB 5161, which 

passed in the Michigan House in early February. 

Lawmakers approved three bills that would ban 

the processing and sale of any marijuana or tobacco 

products that contains vitamin E acetate, 

making it a misdemeanor punishable by fines of 

up to $10,000. The legislation passed with a wide 

majority, clearing the House chamber in 102-2 

votes. The bill has moved to the Senate. 

This legislation is a great first step to address 

health risks posed for youth and adults inhaling 

products which contain vitamin E acetate. The 

Michigan Department of Health and Human 

Services recommends the following: 

E-cigarette and/or vaping products should 

never be used by youth, young adults or women 

who are pregnant. 

Vitamin E acetate should not be added to e- 

cigarette or vaping products. Additionally, people 

should not add any other substances not intended 

by the manufacturer to products, including products 

purchased through retail establishments. 

While it appears that vitamin E acetate is associated 

with many of the lung injury cases, there 

are many different substances and product sources 

being investigated, and there may be more than 

one cause. Therefore, the best way for people to 

ensure that they are not at risk while the investigation 

continues is to consider refraining from 

the use of all e-cigarette and vaping products. 

Adults who continue to use an e-cigarette 

and vaping products should carefully monitor 

themselves for symptoms, such as such as shortness 

of breath, chest pain, cough, fever and/or 

nausea and vomiting, and see a healthcare provider 

immediately if they develop symptoms like 

those reported in this outbreak. 

If you or a loved one is seeking assistance 

to quit tobacco use and vaping please call the 

Michigan Tobacco Quitline 1-800-784-8669. 

Teenagers can text “Start My Quit” to 855- 

891-9989 or visit www.mylifemyquit.com for 

resources to quit vaping. 

Opioid Crisis Demands Attention 

BY RONY FOUMIA, RPH 

All of us are sick and tired of seeing 

people we love lose their 

lives needlessly to opioid overdoses. 

Everyone in our community 

knows someone or has heard of someone 

dying because of an opioid overdose. 

Enough is enough! Let’s stop waiting for 

others to fix this issue and let’s do all we 

can to educate our youth. One thing I 

have learned over the years is that opioid 

addiction shows no prejudice. It is 

impacting every sector of our society, 

including Chaldeans. You’ll find people 

struggling with this horrible disease in 

Detroit, Royal Oak, West Bloomfield and all over 

this state and nation. 

Most People don’t realize addicted individuals 

to drugs suffer from a true, chronic disease. 

They are battling an illness no different than those 

with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. 

This is why we have to change the stigma 

that is associated with it. Some of the words that 

describe those that are suffering through addiction 

are “a junkie” or “ a druggie.”To change this stigma, 

let’s change how we refer to people that are suffering. 

The appropriate terminology is they are suffering 

from a “Substance Use Disorder” (SUD) or an 

“Opioid Use Disorder” (OUD) for those addicted to 

opioids. Most of these people want to get healthy 

but they simply can’t as their brain chemistry has 

changed and it takes time to heal it back to normal 

as they battle the disease. 

Another thing that I learned is that we can 

throw all of the money in the world at this and 

it is not enough. We can set all of the laws in the 

world at this and it is not enough. The question 

that I receive many times is what can parents do 

to help protect their children and to prevent them 

from getting addicted in the first place? Education 

to PREVENT addiction is the key! As moms and 

dads are working hard to provide for their families, 

the day to day struggles of work and balancing that 

with raising children is never easy. 

Combine that with the influence 

of smart phones and social media 

apps, it makes a parent’s job even 

more difficult to shelter them from 

harm. 

What are some of the things you can do as a 

parent to help prevent your child from getting addicted? 

It’s never too early to talk to your youth about 

the dangers of addiction. We started talking to our 

children when they were younger than 10 years 

old and we discuss it almost daily. Every child is 

different as children mature at different rates. It is 

important to get to them early to let them know it 

is not ok to use drugs and that they can become addicted 

quickly. Keep the conversation going. 

Know the signs and risks of opioid use and the 

behaviors that surround it (including heroin). 

RONY FOUMIA, 

RPH 


CHALDEAN NEWS 

Many times we ignore these obvious signs 

right in front of our eyes. 

Examples include: Losing interest in 

activities they once enjoyed; failing to 

fulfill family obligations and a loss of relationships; 

putting themselves in risky 

situations; looking at their phone waiting 

for messages, nervously; changing in the 

group of friends they interact with and they 

dropped the old friends; acting distant, aggressive 

or angry all of the time; breaking 

rules; physical changes such as weight loss, 

shakes and tremors; eye pupils become 

pinpoints (constrict) and they are always 

wearing sunglasses, even indoors. 

Other signs include: Track marks (little needle 

marks on the hands, arms, legs etc.); frequent flulike 

symptoms; lack of hygiene; change in sleep 

habits (prolonged or limited); changes in spending 

habits; frequently lying; money missing at home; 

changes in work habits and you hear they are skipping 

work; wearing warm clothing even though it 

is hot outside and skipping school. 

Educating Kids And Preventing Addiction 

One of the most common ways people get addicted 

to opioids is through the use of prescription 

opioids (whether they were prescribed for 

them or not). It is estimated that 80 percent 

of heroin addicted individuals at one point 

used prescription opioid medications first. 

Sporting injuries are common in children. Before 

an opioid is prescribed to your child, ask a lot of 

questions. By law, a doctor has to have parents sign 


COMMUNITYStrong communities 

are the foundation of a 

healthy, thriving environment. That’s why DTE helps power 

communities through supporting projects and programs 

that enhance life. We partner with local leaders to promote 

initiatives from environmental education to economic 

development, including neighborhood outreach services. 

Creative Files: Creative/20-DTE-1304/Community/R1> 2020-03-19-DTE1304-community-9x5.875-BW-R1.indd 

a form that they were warned about the risk factors Bleed - 0 | 9x5.875 | BW | Rev 1 | Close 2020-03-19 

involved with using opioids. Use alternative treatments 

if possible before opioid use (such as Motrin/ 

If you have 

REVISIONS DUE TO AGENCY 2020-03-18 

someone 

Advil, Aleve or Tylenol). 

If you have someone in your household who in your 

uses prescription opioids, do not leave them in 

the medicine cabinet. Get a drug lock box or hide household 

them in a safe place. 

If you have opioids at home that are no longer who uses 

being used, get them out of the home. Almost all 

police stations take back pill bottles with no questions 

asked. There are also commercially made 

prescription 

products to inactivate drugs to be thrown out in 

opioids, do 

the trash afterwards (i.e. Deterra and many others) 

not leave 

Make sure you know who your children’s friends 

are. They need to choose them wisely as the group them in the 

they hang out with can heavily influence them. It 

is ok to ask questions about their friends. medicine 

Have your kids join youth action groups to get 

more involved and to become leaders amongst cabinet. Get 

their peers. Kids are more prone to listen to messages 

from other kids. 

a drug lock 

Become more involved in your kids’ lives and 

have nightly talks or go for walks. Having open 

box or hide 

lines of communication without judgment is important. 

Kids are more likely to share their strug- 

them in a 

gles with you. 

safe place. 

Someone suffering from Substance Use Disorder 

(SUD) or Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) will 

make you think your eyes are lying to you. It is 

very important to trust your instinct! By increasing 

awareness and by all of us working together, we can 

make a difference and save lives. 

DT ____ CR ____ TR ____ PR ____ AE ____ 

PREMIUM QUALITY COOLER AND FREEZER GLASS DOORS 

Raves Cooler Doors is owned by a local member of our community, and we have been serving the 

Metro Detroit area for seven years. We offer high quality glass doors for merchandising coolers and 

freezers - we also build complete walk-in cooler and freezer systems that can be customized to fit 

your exact requirements. Our team of experienced hard-working installers will get your store up 

and running as quickly as possible, and you can trust us to get the project done right the first time. 

PRODUCTS WE OFFER 

· Cooler and freezer glass doors 

· Walk-in coolers, freezers, and beer caves 

· Refrigerated kitchen equipment 

· Retrofit glass doors for open air cases 

· Deli and bakery cases 

CONTACT US TODAY TO SPEAK WITH OUR KNOWLEDGEABLE SALES STAFF 

(248) 887-0648 · 1704 E Highland Rd, Highland, MI 48356 

info@ravescoolerdoors.com · www.ravescoolerdoors.com 

Owned and operated by Ramiz Sheena 

Raves Cooler Doors are installed 

in 34 states and counting! 


Hala Jarbou is First Chaldean American 

Nominated for Federal Bench 

BY PAUL NATINSKY 

President Donald Trump last 

month nominated Chaldean 

American Judge Hala 

Jarbou for a federal judgeship in 

the U.S. District Court for the 

Western District of Michigan, according 

to a White House statement. 

If confirmed, Jarbou will be 

the first Chaldean American to 

serve on the federal bench, said 

Martin Manna, president of the 


in Sterling Heights. Jarbou 

has served as a judge on the Oakland 

County Circuit Court since 

being appointed by then-Gov. 

Rick Snyder in 2015. 

“Judge Jarbou has been a public 

servant for more than 20 years and 

brings the highest level of integrity 

to the bench,” said Manna. “She 

also has the utmost respect from 

her peers. The federal appointment 

is the first-ever for the Chaldean 

community, and we couldn’t be 

more proud.” 

“Judge Hala Jarbou will make 

an outstanding federal judge as she 

is smart, decisive and works hard,” 

said 48th District Court Judge 

Diane Dickow D’Agostini. “She 

brings tremendous experience as 

both a federal and state prosecutor 

and Oakland Circuit Judge, but 

she is also just a very kind person 

who cares about family and the 

community. While we are disappointed 

to lose her in Oakland 

County, the citizens should be 

pleased to have her dedication on the federal bench. We 

are so proud of Hala. May the Lord bless her with continued 

wisdom and strength in her new role as a federal judge.” 

“Judge Jarbou has been a public servant for more than 

20 years and brings the highest level of integrity to the 

bench,” said Manna. “She also has the utmost respect from 

her peers. The federal appointment is the first-ever for the 

Chaldean community, and we couldn’t be more proud.” 

During her tenure on the county bench, Jarbou presided 

over the industrial pollution case that involved hazardous 

green slime oozing onto I-696. 

Prior to her county judgeship, Jarbou worked as an 

Assistant U.S. Attorney and an Assistant Prosecuting 

Attorney in Oakland County. She joined the Chaldean 

American Chamber of Commerce in 2017 and is a longtime 

member of Chaldean American Ladies of Charity in 

addition to a number of volunteer positions with the State 

Bar of Michigan. 

She has been a member of the Federalist Society since 

2011. Among other projects, the group has worked with 

the Trump Administration to identify conservative judicial 

candidates. 

Jarbou’s nomination comes on the heels of Trump’s 

public comments last month indicating his administration 

will work to provide relief to Chaldeans slated for deportation. 

Trump’s remarks preceded Vice President Mike 

Pence’s face-to-face meeting with the Chaldean American 

Chamber of Commerce in Troy ahead of a late February 

rally. To date, there has yet to be movement on the issue. 

Jarbou, who resides in West Bloomfield, would fill a 

seat in Michigan’s Western District previously held by 

Judge Robert Holmes Bell, who retired in 2017. The seat 

has remained open since. 

Jarbou’s nomination comes after Republican senators objected 

to the possible nomination of attorney Michael Bogren based 

on his record, reported the Detroit News. 

Judge Hala Jarbou 

will make an 

outstanding federal 

judge as she is 

smart, decisive and 

works hard. She 

brings tremendous 

experience as both 

a federal and state 

prosecutor and 

Oakland Circuit 

Judge, but she is 

also just a very 

kind person who 

cares about family 

and the community. 

While we are 

disappointed 

to lose her in 

Oakland County, 

the citizens should 

be pleased to have 

her dedication on 

the federal bench. 

We are so proud 

of Hala. May The 

Lord bless her with 

continued wisdom 

and strength in 

her new role as a 

federal judge. 

– DIANE D’AGOSTINI 


ECONOMICS & enterprise 

Flying High with Apogee Air 


Valerie Hermiz Clark has always 

been a traveler. She took 

her first job in high school 

specifically to fund trips around the 

world. As a Chaldean, she attended 

Western Michigan University on a 

full Cultural Diversity Scholarship 

Award. Valerie studied abroad in 

Spain and graduated with a degree in 

Secondary Education and Spanish/ 

English majors. 

Valerie met her pilot husband 

Josh in college. Although he is not 

Chaldean, he shares the same values 

and has tremendous respect and 

love for Middle Eastern culture. His 

nature made it easy for her to pick 

up and follow him across the world. 

She’s a traveler, remember? 

The economy in the United 

States was tanking, so off they went 

to Indonesia, where Valerie learned 

about aviation firsthand. Josh was 

flying for a charter airplane company 

and Valerie was holding down 

the fort. After a while, Josh was sent 

to a different continent to fly for 

the Royal Flying Doctors of Australia, 

flying doctors and medicines in 

and out of the bush. The Outback 

in central Australia is difficult to 

traverse but the Pilatus planes they 

used made the most of space and 

maneuverability. This was a government 

program and the planes were 

essentially ambulances. Josh made 

the news once as the pilot that 

saved a preemie by flying them to a 

hospital. 

“We would have stayed there if 

our families were there,” says Valerie. 

“I loved Australia.” There was also 

a three-year wait after becoming a 

citizen before becoming eligible for 

medical benefits, and Valerie didn’t 

want to wait that long. When they 

decided to return home to be closer 

to their families, they had two children 

with another on the way. Josh 

didn’t have an easy time finding employment 

in Michigan and was flying 

big jets for Amway. They decided 

they had to create their own happiness, 

in the form of an airline. 

Apogee means “highest point” 

in astronomical terms. Their parent 

company is called Yousif Air, named 

for Valerie’s father and grandfather. 

It is a family-oriented company that 

looks out for its pilots and participates 

in family-friendly events like 

Valerie and Josh Clark, and daughters Lily (7), Leia (5), Lana (3, and Lucy (1 1/2) 

“Apogee Scares,” a trunk-or-treatlike 

spectacle with airplanes instead 

of cars, and “Operation Good Cheer” 

which distributes planeloads of 

wrapped gifts to orphanages around 

the state. “Our plane owners have 

the biggest hearts,” says Valerie. 

Apogee offers aircraft management, 

pilot services and flight training, 

including a full motion flight 

simulator. Just recently they received 

their Charter Certificate which 

means they can offer charter flights 

like any other airport. 

They’ve partnered with Cirrus 

Aircraft, a well-respected and vetted 

aircraft maker. The beauty of 

their fleet, which includes ten Cirrus 

SR22 (single piston aircraft), two 

Cirrus SF50 Vision Jets, two Pilatus 

PC12 (turboprop aircraft), a Diamond 

DA62, a Cessna Citation Jet 

CJ1, a Cessna Citation Excel Jet and 

a Honda Jet, is that their size allows 

them to access runways and airports 

in rural areas that other planes can’t 

reach. 

Apogee Air supports all Cirrus 

aircraft with maintenance, crewing, 

cleaning, purchasing, transporting, 

training, and storage. All a fledgling 

pilot needs to do is show up. Cirrus 

sells about 400 single-person airplanes 

annually worldwide. Valerie 

is a big fan of Cirrus and especially 

likes that some models have parachutes 

that will hold the entire plane 

aloft. “It saves lives,” she says enthusiastically. 

They sacrificed a lot to start this 

business but it has been worth it according 

to Valerie. Her and Josh love 

being together, working together, 

and raising their kids together. “My 

kids used to think Daddy lived in a 

hotel,” she says about his days flying 

for Amway. Together, they run 

the business and Valerie’s mom helps 

with the kids: Lily, 7; Leia, 5; Lana, 

3; and Lucy, 1. 

Valerie is in charge of the office 

and all the paperwork, but she puts 

her teaching degree to good use as 

well, designing and teaching a course 

called, “Partner in Training” for 

partners of pilots. She used her own 

experience to consider what should 

be taught, and ended up with training 

in airplane safety features, pilot 

lingo, turbulence, plane instruments 

– what you can touch, and what you 

must not, and a behind-the-scenes 

tour of the tower. It’s really helpful 

for partners to be included so that 

they can be supportive as well. “It’s 

the unknowns that scare people.” 

The spread of coronavirus has 

people scared, but it’s been good for 

business. People don’t want to fly 

commercially but still need to travel, 

and they are finding that chartering 

a flight is safe and economical. Three 

people can fly to Chicago in a chartered 

plane, do their business and 

be home for dinner for less than it 

would cost normally, saving on hotel 

bills, too. Corporations are cancelling 

big flights and chartering smaller 

ones. “It increases productivity for 

already busy people.” 

Some who have waited until 

“one day” to learn how to fly are now 

finding they have time to take lessons 

and others need to be picked up 

and brought home for quarantine, or 

have opted to go the opposite route 

and “quarantine on the beach.” 

You’ll find the airport in Waterford/Pontiac 

quite busy these days, 

and Valerie wouldn’t have it any 

other way. “We offer efficiency, ease 

and simplicity,” she says, “and people 

appreciate it.” 

PHOTO BY CHRISTIANNA MEYO 


chaldean on the STREET 

CoronaCrisis 

The sudden onset of the coronavirus crisis has changed everyone’s lives. How have things changed for you? 

Life doesn’t happen to us, rather it 

happens for us, and the coronavirus 

is giving us the reset we desperately 

needed. My hours at work have become 

longer as we advise companies 

through the constant change. I have sat 

down with my family for every meal the 

past week, which seems impossible 

most days! The change requires me 

to bring more humanity, empathy and 

kindness to my interactions. I believe 

God is giving us an opportunity to slow 

down, be human, and pray. 

—Morgan Garmo, 23, West Bloomfield 

How I’m dealing with COVID-19 is selfquarantining 

and staying in New York 

City instead of coming home to my family 

in Michigan. I’m a PA student in my 

clinical rotations who is supposed to 

graduate in May; I was exposed at the 

hospital and don’t have any symptoms, 

but that doesn’t mean I don’t have it. 

Not being allowed to help in the hospital 

or go home to my family has been 

the most difficult part of this, especially 

because I feel fine, but it’s what is necessary 

right now. 

—Morgan Ammori, 25, New York City/ 


Wash your hands or sanitize after every 

time you interact with others. Take 

care of yourself (take vitamins, have a 

healthy diet to help build your immune 

system). Practice good hygiene. Wash 

your hands, shower every night before 

bed, make sure you’re washing your 

sheets, clothes, and disinfecting anything 

you have brought in from the outside 

regularly. 

—Merna Yaldo, 20, Sterling Heights 

During the coronavirus, I will stay home 

and spend lots of time with my husband 

and kids. I will try to think positive. I 

will be my kid’s teacher. I will also do 

creative things with my family like fill 

a jar up with notes about our favorite 

memory for that day. We will do lots 

of painting and drawing. We will play 

restaurant, bake together, have movie 

nights, dance parties, and enjoy all the 

blessings that come with being quarantined 

with my family. 

—Rena Kassa, 35, Sterling Heights 

During COVID-19 I am practicing social 

distancing, washing my hands and 

all surfaces constantly and avoiding 

touching my face. I am FaceTiming my 

loved ones and enjoying the extra time 

I’m getting at home with my parents. As 

a college student, I am doing all of my 

work online and trying to read as much 

as possible. Most importantly, I am focusing 

on my self-care to manage the 

anxious and chaotic times we’ve been 

faced with. 

—Stephanie Marroki, 24, 

Shelby Township 

I’ve been trying to drink lots of water 

and keep hydrated, because from what 

I’m reading the virus attacks the lungs 

and blocks passage ways. I’ve also 

been washing my hands every 30 minutes 

and keeping travel hand-sanitizer 

on me. My elderly mother lives with me, 

so I’ve had to stay away from her by 

staying in my room, giving her the rest 

of the house so she feels comfortable. 

—Freddie Rashid, 43, Shelby Twp. 

My wife works in healthcare so it’s important 

for me to be supportive during 

this time. It makes staying home easier 

because I know people like her are out 

there doing what they can everyday to 

save people’s lives. Being persistent in 

prayer and replacing fear with faith is 

the focus for my family. Wishing good 

health to you all during this time! 

—Randy Hopkins, 28 , 


I feel like besides staying home and 

sanitizing, I think this gives us an opportunity 

to start really focusing on our 

bodies as a whole. Nutrients and clean 

eating. Using less to pollute our world 

and more to help our environment. 

—Susan Arrow, 31, Clinton Township 


keeping up with the CHALDEANS 

Keeping Up With The Chaldeans 

Keeping up with the Chaldeans (KUWTC) is a weekly podcast hosted by Anthony Toma and Junior Binno. This podcast 

highlights members of the Chaldean community. This is a roundup of some of the latest KUWTC interviews. 

1. 

Congressional candidate Eric Esshaki 

wants to represent Michigan’s 1th District. 

“I am running for Congress because we need leaders 

who will stop playing political games and actually 

solve problems,” he says. Binno and Toma 

spend some time with him in their Feb. 25 podcast. 

Nick Kassab and his daughter Gabby 

Kassab joined the guys in this Feb. 27 

2. 

episode. This father-daughter duo own ‘Gabby’s 

Garden’, an all-natural gourmet salad company 

that sells bulk to upscale markets! Gabby’s Garden 

uses family recipes and the best quality ingredients 

to make a delicious meal for any occasion! 

You can find their salads at Nino Salvagios, Market 

Square, and other upscale markets! 

3. 

Junior and Anthony welcomed George 

Abro from Keystone Commercial Real 

Estate on March 3! George is a friend of the show 

and a long time sponsor. George tells his story 

about how he got into commercial real estate as 

well as some fun stories from his time in the CFL! 

4. 

Also on March 3, Stacy Bahri from the 

Chaldean Community Foundation and 

the Mayor of Sterling Heights Michigan, Michael 

Taylor visited the show. They came to spread the 

word about the 2020 Census that begins April 

1. Check it out to learn everything you need to 

know about the census, along with answers to 

some frequently asked questions. 

5. 

The young and talented artist/competitive 

dancer, Juliana Rabban joined Binno 

and Toma March 5. Juliana talked about her 

dancing and art career as well as what her dreams 

for the future are. Check out her story and her 

amazing art. 

6. 

Mark Jarbo came on March 10 to tell 

viewers about Success Mortgage Partners 

and his personal journey towards success. Mark 

focuses on the personal touch when dealing with 

business, and he also works as a network of professionals 

to help solve all of your loan or real-estate 

needs. 

7. 

The man behind Airtime Trampoline 

park in Novi and the brand new XP Arena, 

Ronnie Yaldoo, whisked in March 12 for a 

quick chat. Ronnie walked the guys through his 

park talking about new games and features, along 

with the different packages they offer. On top of 

that, they got a tour of the innovative XP Arena, 

an interactive obstacle course that you can earn 

points to set new high scores! 

8. 

March 16 brought the guys together with 

the legendary Wilson Sarkis. Wilson 

is a master photographer and videographer and 

shared what makes a photo into a lasting memory. 

Wilson shared his vast knowledge and experience, 

so if you’re an aspiring photographer or 

videographer give this episode a watch! 

1 

3 

7 

5 

2 

4 

6 

8 


Authentic Italian style restaurant featuring cut to order steaks, fresh seafood, homemade pasta and pizzas and several salad options. 

Spacious Banquet rooms available perfect for corporate events and meetings, family celebrations, weddings and showers. 

classified listings 

Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho, P.L.C. 

Attorneys and Counselors at Law 

REAL ESTATE 

BUILDING AND LOT FOR SALE 

WITH OUTSIDE DECK SEATING 50 

Business of your choice be an owner, 

no more renting. I-94 and 26 Mile. 

New Cooler; New Furnace; New Air 

Conditioner; New Compressor. 

$295,000.00 Call or Text 

248-953-0657 

Ronald G. Acho 

racho@cmda-law.com 

Joel B. Ashton 

jashton@cmda-law.com 

Fire & ProPerty DAMAge CLAiMs 

Advertise 

for As little As $ 85 

in our business directory section! 

to place your ad, contact us today! 

Attorneys at CMDA represent homeowners and business owners in 

fire and property damage cases —including property damage claim 

denials and insurance claim denials. 

Our experience, resources, and ability to provide proactive and 

time-sensitive analysis can ultimately make the difference in 

successfully recovering damages for clients. 

phone: 248-851-8600 fax: 248-851-1348 

30095 Northwestern Highway, Suite 101 


A TTORNEYS & C O UNSELORS AT LAW 

(734) 261-2400 • www.cmda-law.com • jashton@cmda-law.com 

Simply delicious food served 

by the finest Professionals 

Private banquet rooms for 

groups from 20-150 people 

CASUAL DINING AT IT’S BEST 

Authentic Italian style restaurant featuring cut 

to order steaks, fresh seafood, homemade pasta 

and pizzas and several salad options. 

Spacious Banquet rooms available perfect 

for corporate CASUAL events DINING and AT meetings, ITS BEST family 

celebrations, weddings and showers. 

Authentic Italian style restaurant featuring cut to order steaks, fresh seafood, homemade pasta and pizzas and several salad options. 

Spacious Banquet rooms available perfect for corporate events and meetings, family celebrations, weddings and showers. 

Simply delicious food served 

by the finest Professionals 

CASUAL DINING AT ITS BEST 

5600 Crooks Road, Troy, Michigan 

248.813.0700 ◆ www.loccino.com 

5600 Crooks Road, Troy, Michigan 

248.813.0700 ◆ www.loccino.com 


PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS 

Your Home 

Guaranteed 

or I’ll Buy It! 

844-SOLD-BY-Z • SoldByMarkZ.com 

Phone: (248) 851-2227 

(248) 851-BCBS 

Fax: (248) 851-2215 

rockyhpip1@aol.com 

ROCKY H. HUSAYNU 

Professional Insurance Planners 

Individual & Group Health Plans 

Medicare Supplement Plans 

31000 Northwestern Hwy. • Suite 110 

Farmington Hills, Ml 48334 

Over 40 years of experience. 

Palladium 

Financial GrouP, llc 

MOrTGaGE brOKEr NMLS 128686 

Jaguar Land Rover Troy 

Sammi A. Naoum 

1815 Maplelawn Drive 

Troy, MI 48084 

TEL 248-643-6900 

MOBILE 248-219-5525 

GabE GabriEl 

NMLS 128715 

30095 Northwestern Hwy, ste. 103 

Farmington Hills , Michigan 48334 

Office (248) 737-9500 

Direct (248) 939-1985 

Fax (248) 737-1868 

Email MortgageGabe@aol.com 

www.palladiumfinancialgroup.com 

snaoum@suburbancollection.com 

Natalie Sadik, MD 

Psychiatrist 

(248) 765-2477 

3011 West Grand Blvd 

Detroit, MI 48202 

Suite 406 

drsadik@metrodetroitpsychiatry.com 

Safaa Macany 

VP of Mortgage 

Lending 

o: (248) 216-1255 

c: (248) 229-4422 

smacany@rate.com 

www.rate.com/SafaaMacany 

1700 W. Big Beaver 

Suite 225 

Troy, MI 48084 

Guaranteed Rate NMLS: 2611 • NMLS ID: 138658, LO#: MI - 138658 

ANGELA KAKOS 

Ranked In The Top 1% Nationwide! 

2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 FOUR YEARS IN A ROW 

Call to get PRE-APPROVED now! 

248-622-0704 

2456 Metropolitan Pkwy, 

Sterling Heights MI 48310 

(16 & Dequindre) 

Jason S. Samona, D.O. 

Orthopedic Surgery 

Hand, Elbow and Shoulder Surgeon 

Auburn Hills 

3100 Cross Creek Pkwy 

Suite 150 

248-475-0502 

Warren 

11012 E. 13 Mile Rd 

Suite 112 

586-573-6880 


2300 Haggerty Rd 

Suite 1110 

248-863-9254 

www.msspc.org 

Advertise 

for As little As $ 85 

in our business directory section! 

to place your ad, contact us today! 

phone: 248-851-8600 fax: 248-851-1348 



Experience • Knowledge • Personal Service 

Experience • Knowledge • Personal Service 

TOP 1% OF REALTORS 

TOP 

TOP 

1% OF 

1% IN OAKLAND REALTORS 

OF REALTORS 

IN 

COUNTY IN OAKLAND 1993 – 2015 

OAKLAND COUNTY 2018 

COUNTY 1993 – 2015 

2015 REAL ESTATE 

ALL2015 STAR 2018 

REAL - REAL 

ESTATE 

ESTATE 

HOUR MEDIA ALL ALL STAR STAR - – 

HOUR MEDIA 

Proudly serving Birmingham, 

Bloomfield, Proudly Farmington serving Birmingham, Hills, Bloomfield, 

Farmington Hills, West Bloomfield, the 

Proudly serving Birmingham, 

Each office is independently 

West Bloomfield, the Lakes 

Bloomfield, Lakes and Farmington surrounding areas. 

Owned and Operated Brian S. Yaldoo and surrounding areas. Hills, 

Each office is independently Associated Broker West Bloomfield, the Lakes 

Owned and OperatedBrian BrianS. Office (248)737-6800 • Mobile Yaldoo 

(248)752-4010and surrounding areas. 

Toll Associated Free (866) 762-3960 

Broker 

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

Office Office (248) www.BuyingOrSellingRealEstate.com 

(248)737-6800 • Mobile (248)752-4010 

752-4010 

Toll Free (866) 762-3960 

Email: brianyaldoo@remax.net Websites: www.brianyaldoo.com 

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

www.BuyingOrSellingRealEstate.com 

Each office is independently 

Owned and Operated 

ELIAS KATTOULA 30850 TELEGRAPH ROAD, SUITE 200 

CAREER SERVICES MANAGER BINGHAM FARMS, MI 48025 

TEL: (248) 996-8340 CELL: (248) 925-7773 

FAX: (248) 996-8342 

snavarrette@chaldeanchamber.com 

www.chaldeanchamber.com 

3601 15 Mile Road www.chaldeanfoundation.org 

Twitter: @ChaldeanChamber 

Sterling Heights, MI 48310 

Instagram: @ChaldeanAmericanChamber 

TEL: (586) 722-7253 

FAX: (586) 722-7257 

elias.kattoula@chaldeanfoundation.org 


CHALDEAN 

AMERICAN 

CHAMBER OF 

COMMERCE 


FOUNDATION 

SANA NAVARRETTE 

MEMBERSHIP MANAGER 


CHALDEAN 

AMERICAN 

CHAMBER OF 

COMMERCE 


FOUNDATION 

SANA NAVARRETTE 

DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT 



CELL (248) 925-7773 

TEL (248) 851-1200 

FAX (248) 851-1348 

snavarrette@chaldeanchamber.com 

www.chaldeanchamber.com 


Tania Yatooma 

Account Executive 

30095 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 101 


(248) 851-8600 ext. 120 

(248) 851-1348 fax 

tania@chaldeannews.com 


event 

U of M, Live 

from Babylon! 

BY SHANNON HABBA 

The Chaldean American Student 

Association (CASA) at the University 

of Michigan was looking 

forward to hosting our annual charity 

event, Live From Babylon. Every year, a 

different charity is selected to receive 100 

percent of the proceeds from the event. 

This year, HelpIraq was chosen as the recipient: 

a nonprofit organization committed 

to supporting persecuted Christians 

and other minorities in our homeland. 

HelpIraq directly assists refugees and displaced 

individuals who are in desperate 

need of food, shelter, and urgent medical 

care. 

CASA put months of planning into 

this event and gathered copious sponsorships 

to reach our fundraising goal of 

$15,000, in celebration of our 15th anniversary. 

Unfortunately, we fell short of 

our target due to unforeseen circumstances 

regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Just a little over a week before our 

event, we received disappointing news: 

all U-M student-run events expecting 

more than 100 attendees were to be cancelled, 

as mandated by the University 

of Michigan and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. 

This was announced when the very 

first cases of COVID-19 were confirmed 

in Michigan. As this situation rapidly 

evolved, we know that this was the right 

call to ensure the health and safety of all 

populations, even though it was disheartening 

at the time. 

Instead of focusing on the negative, 

we decided to focus on the remaining 

positives that came out of our efforts in 

planning a successful event. We have 

been inundated with support from both 

our members and our sponsors, and we are 

so grateful for the opportunity we were 

given to highlight the wonderful work 

that HelpIraq does. 

We raised just over $4,200 in monetary 

donations! In addition to these 

generous gifts, we were grateful to have 

our venue donated by Joe Kouza at Club 

Above in downtown Ann Arbor and DJ 

services volunteered by Vin Amori for 

two years in a row! 

Other event spotlights include graciously 

donated raffle prizes to auction off, 

pizza by Joe’s Pizza and Domino’s Pizza, 

photo booth services by Diamond Smiles, 

and snapchat filters by Do You Filter. 

Though this event never happened, 

we are beyond thankful for all of the support 

we have received. We still consider 

this process a success, just without our 

big finish. It is a beautiful opportunity to 

see members of the Chaldean community 

and other communities coming together 

to support an amazing cause. We are 

thankful for the opportunity to give back 

to our community through HelpIraq, and 

are confident that, when this current crisis 

passes, our organization will continue 

to aid our people around the world in any 

way that we can. 

Above: Executive Board, 

left to right: Shannon 

Habba (co-president), 

Selena Khammo (community 

service chair), 

Anthony Karana (social 

chair), Sesilia Kammo 

(publicity chair), Marissa 

Esshaki (fundraising 

chair), Fayth Kakos 

(co-president), Katelin 

Yaldo (secretary), Chris 

Hamama (treasurer) 

Top of page: 

University of Michigan 

CASA 2019-20 



14505 MICHIGAN AVENUE 

DEARBORN, MI 48126 

WWW.SUPERIORONLINE.COM 

313-846-1122

APRIL 2020

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?