AUGUST 2023

CHALDEAN DIGEST
American
Armenians Call
for Cancelation
of Disney’s
Upcoming
Ataturk Series
Ankawa Youth Meeting
The annual Ankawa Youth Meeting in
Iraq ended with a captivating Divine
Liturgy led by Chaldean Archbishop
of Erbil, Bashar Warda, alongside participating
clergy.
Recognized as the largest gathering
of Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian
youth, this year’s event took place at
the esteemed Mor Elijah Chaldean
Shrine. Over a thousand young men
and women from various Chaldean
archdioceses in Iraq eagerly participated.
The meeting featured enlightening
speeches by clergy, engaging interventions,
and thought-provoking dialogue
sessions among the youth. In addition,
the vibrant talents of the youth from
different parishes were showcased,
along with a variety of enjoyable entertainment
activities.
Concluding the event, Chaldean
Archbishop Bashar Warda delivered
Chaldean Youth of Erbil
an impassioned speech, expressing
heartfelt gratitude to all those
who contributed to the success of
the meeting. He emphasized the
vital role of the youth in Christian
upbringing, underscoring their significance
in shaping the future of the
faith community. Archbishop Warda
concluded, “Our Church will always
be strong and alive.”
– Syriac Press
The Armenian National Committee of
America (ANCA) has called on Disney
to cancel its upcoming series about
the life of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the
founding father of the modern Turkish
state, according to Greek Reporter.
The ANCA accused
Disney of glorifying
a “dictator and
genocide killer.” The
series is scheduled
for release on October
29 this year, to coincide
with the 100th
anniversary of the
Republic of Turkey. Mustafa Kemal
Disney has made Atatürk, c. 1918.
no indication that it
will consider canceling the series.
“Calling on Disney Plus to cancel
its series glorifying Mustafa Kemal
Ataturk – a Turkish dictator and genocide
killer with the blood of millions of
Greek, Armenian, Assyrian, Chaldean,
Syriac, Aramean, Maronite, and other
Christian martyrs on his hands,” the
ANCA wrote on Twitter.
– News.am
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Inaugural
Gathering
of Arab and
Chaldean
Legal Group
In May, a group of more than 20 Michigan
judges of Arab and Chaldean descent
got together for an inaugural
meeting of the Arab-American Judges
Association of Michigan (AAJAM). The
AAJAM is the result of an effort to bring
together judges of Arab American and
Chaldean ancestry, according to founders
of the organization. Its mission is to
promote diverse judicial leadership and
foster social, professional, and personal
development among members. Relatedly,
the AAJOM hopes to encourage Arab
Americans and Chaldeans to pursue
legal careers and organize education,
mentorship, and outreach programs.
– LegalNews.com
Pictured in the front row, l-r, are Wayne County Circuit Judges Charlene Elder and Yvonna Abraham, Michigan Administrative
Law Judge Zainab Beydoun, and Magistrate Rula Aoun of the 19th District Court. Appearing (l-r) in the back
are Judge Michael Hatty of the 44th District Court, Wayne County Circuit Judge Adel Harb, U.S. District Judge Hala
Jarbou, Magistrate Mona Fadlallah of the 20th District Court, Judge Diane D’Agostini of the 48th District Court, Wayne
Court Circuit Judge Susan Dabaja, Judge Gene Hunt of the 19th District Court, Oakland County Circuit Judge Yasmine
Poles, Judge Sam Salamey of the 19th District Court, retired U.S. Magistrate Mona Majzoub, Judge David Turfe, Oakland
County Probate Chief Judge Linda Hallmark, Wayne County Circuit Judge David Allen, Judge Alyia Hakim of the
39th District Court, Wayne County Circuit Judge Helal Fahat, Macomb County Circuit Judge Tracey Yokich, Magistrate
Ali Hammoud of the 19th District Court, and Wayne County Circuit Judge Edward Joseph.
14 CHALDEAN NEWS AUGUST 2023