SPORTS
From competitive dancer to one of the best girls high school hockey players in the state —that is Sydney Schafer’s remarkable backstory as she begins her junior season on the Orchard Lake St. Mary’s/St. Catherine Academy girls hockey team.
POLICY
“America is a nation of immigrants.” Is this an overused cliché or an expression of a monumental experiment in the history of mankind? Which of the two reflects how immigration has been treated by competing parties for power during elections?
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Chaldean pioneers
Ron Acho's career as legal counsel to his clients has spanned more than fifty years. The leading partner of Cummings, McClorey, Davis and Acho, he recently sat down with the Chaldean News to discuss his illustrious career and to share his thoughts about the Chaldean community.
Nineveh ninety
Hungary Works to Protect Iraqi Christians
Exclusive message from the State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians and the Hungary Helps program, Tristan Azbej about the role Hungary is playing in protecting the Christian presence in Iraq.
Features
When talking with Diana Alsindy, an aerospace engineer who leads a team of engineers building one of the next rockets to the moon, you can hear her enthusiasm for the subject matter of space. A self-described “expert of the system of fluid systems,” Alsindy literally works in a rocket factory.
If recent polls and elections are a guide—and, really, what else do we have? —the coming presidential election features fairly even splits supporting Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump, with a small group of undecided voters in the middle.
As a heated election season builds momentum for the final stretch, two Michigan U.S. Senate candidates continue their pitched battle to the finish. Mike Rogers and Elissa Slotkin are running to succeed Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow, who is retiring after serving four terms.
On Sunday, September 22, Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) President Martin Manna visited with Iraq’s Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani at the annual United National General Assembly in New York City.
The Consul General of the Republic of Hungary, Balasz Martonffy, based in Chicago, Illinois, visited the Chaldean Community Foundation on Friday, October 4 while he was in Michigan to learn about the activities and programs of the Chaldean Community Foundation.
People join the military for a variety of reasons, each a reflection of their own personal motivations and aspirations. For some, it’s a desire to serve their country and contribute to something greater than themselves; for others, it’s the pursuit of stability and benefits that a military career can provide.
Society is now experiencing the fourth wave of modern-day feminism here in the West, and many of us are becoming more aware of what contributes to our identities as women. In my own experience, one of the main influences on my identity as a woman/feminist was my Chaldean family/culture.
As the year ends, it’s an ideal time to review your financial standing and establish a proactive plan for 2025. Whether you’re an individual investor, a retiree, or a business owner, effective year-end financial planning can help you optimize current opportunities, minimize taxes, and set the groundwork for future growth.
Arabic Translations
وتتميز اللهجة العراقية بأنها تحتوي على عدد كبير من المفردات والأساليب التي تميزها عن اللهجات الأخرى، فاللغة المستخدمة في وسائل الإعلام والعمل الرسمي هي أقرب إلى اللغة العربية الفصحى، ولكن اللهجات الشفهية الشائعة بين عامة الناس تختلف باختلاف المناطق ولا توجد لهجة محددة في مناطق العراق فمثلا" لهجة أهل البصرة لا تتشابه مع لهجة باقي مدن الجنوب وهي لهجة بني تميم وأهل ساحل الخليج والتي تمتاز بقلب الجيم إلى ياء.
التقى رئيس مؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية مارتن منا دولة رئيس الوزراء العراقي محمد شياع السوداني يوم الأحد 22 سبتمبر2024، على هامش حضوره الاجتماع السنوي للجمعية العامة للأمم المتحدة في مدينة نيويورك، وكان برفقته المستشار القانوني العام لمؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية مايكل صرافا، وباستثناء حضور المترجم، لم يكن هناك أحد آخر في غرفة الاجتماع.
قام القنصل العام لجمهورية / المجر (بالاش مارتينوفي) المقيم في شيكاغو، ولاية إلينوي، بزيارة مؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية يوم الجمعة 4 أكتوبر 2024 أثناء وجوده في ولاية ميشيغان من اجل الاطلاع والتعرف على أنشطة وبرامج مؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية.
بزوغ نجم ساطع وصعود موهبة جديدة في مجال هذه الرياضة هو (أوستن بشّي) الشاب الكلداني الذي يبلغ من العمر 23 عامًا من مدينة ويست بلومفيلد، إذ فاز بأول بطولة قتال على المستوى الوطني في الولايات المتحدة كانت في سلسلة منافسي (دانا وايت) في سبتمبر الماضي، وحصل على عقد من (يو إف سي).
Departments
FROM THE EDITOR
As we approach the end of 2024, this November issue of Chaldean News is filled with inspiring stories and important updates that reflect the dynamic spirit of the Chaldean American community. We kick off with an exciting profile of Diana Alsindy, a remarkable Chaldean aerospace engineer whose story reminds us that “the sky is not the limit.”
IRAQ TODAY
Around this time last year, the town of Qaraqosh (Bakhdida) was shaken by a tragic event that its residents will remember for years to come. A fire broke out during a wedding in a hall, resulting in the deaths of dozens, most of whom were from the same families. Survivors and the injured were left in shock, as the tragedy devastated the community.
CULTURE & HISTORY
وتتميز اللهجة العراقية بأنها تحتوي على عدد كبير من المفردات والأساليب التي تميزها عن اللهجات الأخرى، فاللغة المستخدمة في وسائل الإعلام والعمل الرسمي هي أقرب إلى اللغة العربية الفصحى، ولكن اللهجات الشفهية الشائعة بين عامة الناس تختلف باختلاف المناطق ولا توجد لهجة محددة في مناطق العراق فمثلا" لهجة أهل البصرة لا تتشابه مع لهجة باقي مدن الجنوب وهي لهجة بني تميم وأهل ساحل الخليج والتي تمتاز بقلب الجيم إلى ياء.
ECONOMICS & ENTERPRISE
The Dabish family turned Powerhouse Gym into, well, a worldwide powerhouse. Family patriarch Will Dabish and his brother, Norm, broke away from the family grocery business through a series of circumstances and improbable events. As immigrants’ kids, the brothers didn’t speak English when they were young. Will failed first and third grade as a result. The boys endured beatings from older and bigger kids in the neighborhood. The circumstances called out for a solution.
Events
On Friday, October 18, the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce hosted its 18th Annual Business Luncheon at MotorCity Casino Hotel’s Sound Board Theater. Moderator Roop Raj from TV’s FOX2 deftly handled questions for special guests Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D) and former Rep. Mike Rogers (R), who are running for the same U.S. Senate seat.
Noteworthy
Seventeen-year-old Alex Elia is a shining example of the difference one person can make. For the past three years, the Detroit Country Day senior has buddied up with first-grade students at Bennett Elementary in Detroit to celebrate Valentine’s Day by making cards and playing games.
We are responsible in the search for peace, for dialogue: the international community, the countries of the Middle East are all involved. However, if we ourselves do not know how to personally put an end to this spiral, others must help us find the way to achieve it.
Pop Daddy Snacks co-founder Mark Sarafa was recently featured in University of Michigan’s Fall Alum Magazine. The family-run company is doing a booming business, and the article states it is because they know how to pivot.
Recently purchased by Chaldean cousins Paulina Faranso and Yousif “Joe” Kakos, Màre Mediterranean in Birmingham’s lunch menu offers an array of enticing, appealingly priced offerings, including burgers, sandwiches, salads and pizzas, as well as favorites like fettuccine alfredo, grilled salmon and steak frites.
Foundation Update
The Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce and the Chaldean Community Foundation are partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Michigan Chamber of Commerce for the second year in a row to host a non-partisan civics competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.
The CCF congratulated Elias Kattoula on 10 incredible years with the Chaldean Community Foundation on October 3. Elias began his journey with the Foundation in 2014 as a Case Worker and quickly rose to Career Services Manager. Over the years, he has made a lasting impact, earning his Global Career Development Facilitator Accreditation in 2018 and becoming a Certified FAFSA Specialist.
The Chaldean Community Foundation’s Learn with A Leader program’s final session was hosted on October 16 at the Eastern Catholic Re-Evangelization Center (ECRC) in Bloomfield Hills. The session, led by Karam Bahnam, focused on faith and its influence on leadership.
Hungarian Consul General Dr. Balázs Mártonffy recently visited the CCF to learn more about their programs and advocacy efforts for persecuted Christians throughout the Middle East. He was warmly welcomed by CCF staff, who expressed their appreciation for the Hungary Helps program, which has supported Chaldeans and other Christians in northern Iraq.
Obituaries
Badia Mizanah Abroo was born on August 16, 1934, and earned her great reward in Heaven on June 26, 2024. Badia was the loving wife of the late Jalal Yousif Abroo and cherished daughter to the late Hannah Mizanah and late Amelda Shamaan. She was also the devoted mother of Yasar Abroo, Yassir (Daliyeh) Abroo, Hussam (Amelia) Abroo, and Bassam (Georgia) Abroo and grandmother to Rami (Kim), Reem (Nick), Samantha (Anthony), Jenna, Stephen, Nicholas, Isabella, Joseph and Emily. She was also an adored great-grandmother to four.
Showkat Peter Mona was born on August 15, 1937, and went to Heaven on June 6, 2024. He was the loving son of the late Peter Mona and the late Najiyah Hanawi Mona and devoted husband to Evelyn Shamam Mona. He was also the cherished father of Peter (Olivia) Mona, Paul (Hilda) Mona, and Anthony (Saba) Mona and humble grandfather of Connor, Kyle, Aleena, Luke, Luciana, Lila, Leo, Avery, Eliana and Liam. He is survived by siblings Evelyn Mona-Bader, Nahidah Cholak, Aideh Deddeh, Talal Mona, and was preceded in death by sister the late Hana Potts.
Adbul Masseh Yousif Abdulahad Rabi Hammo, beloved husband of the late Amira Shaona Dawood and father of Chaldean Community Foundation employee Hanaa Yousif, passed peacefully at his daughter Wafaa’s home in Berlin, Germany on Saturday, June 1, 2024.
Professor Malik Yousif Mansour Francis (Fransi) Gorgees Yousif Francis Mary was born in Baghdad, Iraq, on August 24, 1931. He passed peacefully at his home on October 3, 2023, surrounded by his wife Amira, son Raed, daughters Raghad, Rand, and Rana, brother Adhid, and sister Suha. Malik was educated in England and the United States and received a master’s degree (MA) from Ohio State University. He had a long academic career and served as Professor of English Language and Literature at Al-Mustansiriyah University (1976-1999), Baghdad University (1964-1976) and the Department of Education in Iraq (1954-1960).
In Memoriam
NOVEMBER 2024