NOTEWORTHY
Jonny “Magic” Mansour continued his rise in the professional ranks on April 19 with a dominant eight-round unanimous decision. The fighter from California controlled the bout from the opening round with sharp hand speed and clean combinations. The performance added another chapter to Mansour’s growing profile both inside and outside the ring.
Pattah Development has acquired Shanty Creek Resort, marking a major milestone for both the company and the Chaldean community. The investment underscores the Pattah family’s commitment to growth, stewardship, and community impact, while highlighting the broader success of Chaldean Americans rooted in resilience and entrepreneurship.
SPORTS
Sometimes a team wins by losing. That was certainly the case this season for Team Green, the Chaldean Hockey League champions. Team Green dropped its first playoff game in heartbreaking fashion—a 1–0 triple-overtime loss to Team Black in the opener of a best-of-three semifinal series.
Online Exclusive
The election of Nizar Amidi—a Kurdish politician nominated by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK)—has formally ended Iraq’s months-long political deadlock but also exposed deep divisions. Amidi, now the country’s sixth president since 2003, won 227 votes and has positioned himself as a consensus figure, pledging to govern under an “Iraq First” approach and work across political lines.
EVENT
CACC Awards Dinner 2026
Photos by Wilson Sarkis Photography
On April 23, 2026, the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce hosted its 23rd Annual Awards Dinner at Shenandoah Country Club, bringing together community leaders, business professionals, and public officials for an evening of celebration and connection. The sold-out event honored entrepreneur Saad Nadhir as Businessperson of the Year, recognizing his impact and leadership. Social media highlights captured a vibrant atmosphere, with notable guests—including state legislators, who joined CACC President Martin Manna on stage. The evening featured networking, recognition of community achievements, and a strong display of Chaldean pride and unity.
Features
Beginning in 2026, the month of May will officially be recognized as Chaldean American Month across Michigan, marking a historic acknowledgment of the cultural, economic, and civic contributions of Chaldean Americans throughout the state. The announcement came during a defining moment for the community.
When I was in third grade, my teacher didn’t believe I was Chaldean or that my parents were Iraqi. She told me to ask them again and let her know the next day. When I went home and told my dad, he was miffed—but also understood that she may have had a different frame of reference when it came to people from the Middle East.
Across Michigan, green historical markers line roadsides, neighborhoods, and public spaces. They are quiet but powerful reminders of the people and places that shaped the state. Each one represents more than a moment in history; it reflects a deliberate, research-driven effort to ensure that Michigan’s diverse stories are recognized, preserved, and made visible to the public.
On Friday, Apr. 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., Oakland University hosted the graduation ceremony for the Chaldean Language Workshop in The Habitat at the Oakland Center. Thirteen students completed the introductory and intermediate levels of Chaldean, receiving certificates of completion. This marked an achievement that was both academic and deeply cultural.
The new Chaldean Community Foundation building in West Bloomfield has begun welcoming community members through its doors. Using a series of thoughtfully curated programs and social gatherings aimed at introducing the public to its services, CCF West is strengthening communal bonds and encouraging meaningful engagement with its modern, multipurpose facility.
Culture is one of the many things that we can all relate to and find community in. No matter what country or ethnicity, we are all able to celebrate where we come from in our own unique ways. One way that many cultures celebrate their heritage is with food.
In a historic match that ended late March 31, 2026, in Monterrey, Mexico, Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 to qualify for the World Cup. With the late kickoff, the Lions of Mesopotamia officially secured their first spot since 1986, as the calendar turned to April 1 in both Michigan and Baghdad.
Detroit’s creative pulse has always been defined by reinvention—and right now, it’s beating a little louder with the rise of Juliana Rabban. Known professionally as Just By Juliana, the 24-year-old Chaldean American artist is stepping into one of the city’s brightest spotlights yet: a high-profile collaboration with the Detroit Pistons as part of their annual 313 Day campaign, curated this year by Big Sean.
In the shadows of the Cold War, when global superpowers competed not only through armies but through intelligence and technology, one man of Chaldean/Assyrian ancestry made a decision that would alter the balance of power in the Middle East—and leave a lasting mark on history. His story later inspired the 1988 HBO film Steal the Sky. My wife came across it while reading about Israeli spy Eli Cohen, a story I had not previously encountered.
There is a fear of the unknown—especially when it comes to raising children, and particularly when parents sense that something may be different. That is how Zena Agoubi felt when her oldest child, Owen, was not progressing past 18 months. At around two years old, she enrolled him in speech therapy because he was not really talking. The doctor suggested it could be a sign of autism and urged her to make an appointment quickly, given the long wait lists. Agoubi did just that—”just in case”—knowing her son would not get the help he needed if he did not have an official diagnosis.
Chaldean American physician and mother Dr. Mariam Shapera never set out to write children’s books—but her love of storytelling, combined with her experiences as a parent and physician, inspired her to create stories that celebrate the unique strengths of autistic children. Writing was always something she enjoyed, but her career first took her down a very different path. “As a teenager, I always loved writing fiction and poetry,” she says.
Imagine stepping into a place where you can do it all: explore the town center of ancient Babylon; touch the stele bearing Hammurabi’s Code of Laws; enter a sacred space and hear Aramaic spoken just as it was in the days of Christ; visit a Chaldean village in the Nineveh Plain in the early 20th century; travel to America and glimpse the New York skyline as early pioneers saw it from Ellis Island; feel the pride of standing inside a 1930s grocery store as a Chaldean entrepreneur builds his place in Detroit’s business community; and discover how Chaldeans today are expanding their professional horizons. How is all this possible? Welcome to the Chaldean Cultural Center and its Museum.
Arabic Translations
فالمكتبات ليست مجرد أماكن لحفظ الكتب، بل فضاءات معرفية مفتوحة تتيح للأفراد من مختلف الخلفيات التواصل والتعلّم وتبادل الخبرات وبناء الذكريات، وهي بيئات آمنة ومحايدة خارج نطاق المنزل والعمل، تستقبل الجميع دون تمييز اجتماعي أو اقتصادي، وتشكل بوابة أساسية للوصول إلى المعرفة والمعلومات.
رهبنة بنات قلب يسوع الأقدس واحدة من الرهبنات الكلدانية النسوية المحلية في العراق، نشأت في أرضه وتجذّرت فيه، وحملت على مدى عقود متتالية رسالة خدمة لم تنقطع رغم كل ما مرّ على هذا البلد من حروب وتهجير وخسائر.
سعدي وهيّب الصيهود هو رجل أعمال عراقي وفاعل خير بارز، وُلد في بغداد عام 1954، وتعود أصول عائلته إلى محافظة العمارة (ميسان). وهو أب لثلاثة أبناء وبنت.
على مدار العشرين عاماً الماضية، نجحت كلٌ من «غرفة التجارة الكلدانية الأمريكية» و»مؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية» — جنباً إلى جنب مع غيرهما من المنظمات المجتمعية للجالية العراقية الكلدانية — في بناء سمعة مرموقة وعالية ترتكز على اركان المقدرة والكفاءة والمصداقية والثبات.
مع اقتراب الذكرى السنوية الأولى لتوليه منصب رئيس أساقفة ديترويت، يتكلم رئيس الأساقفة إدوارد وايزنبرغر في هذه المقابلة عن عامٍ اتسم بمبادرات التعاون وبوادر الأمل الملموسة. فلقد قَدِم نيافته من مدينة (توسان- ولاية اريزونا) ليقود إحدى أعرق وأكثر الأبرشيات تعقيدًا في البلاد، وليجد نفسه في مدينةٍ شعارها نفسه يَعد بالقيامة. وفي عامه الأول، لم يلمس فقط صمود ديترويت، بل لاحظ أيضًا أمرًا فاجاءه كثيراً: كنائس نابضة
تشهد الولايات المتحدة وأوروبا ودول أخرى تغيرًا ديموغرافيًا كبيرًا، حيث تتحول جماعات المهاجرين التي كانت تُعتبر أقليات إلى أغلبيات، ومن بين هذه الجماعات، نجد مجتمعات سريعة النمو من آسيا وشمال أفريقيا وامريكا الجنوبية.
لطالما كان الشعر في قلب الثقافة العربية، وصدر الديوان وأدب المجالس كونه أقدم وسيلة استخدمها المتحدثون الأوائل في اللغة العربية لتسجيل معتقداتهم ورواياتهم وفلسفتهم. بدأ الشعر في شبه الجزيرة العربية منذ أكثر من 1500 عام، قبل الإسلام، واستمر في الشهرة ولكنه أصبح فيما بعد شكلاً لغوياً فنياً وانتشرعالمياً.
بغداد (أ ف ب) - قال مسؤولون عراقيون يوم السبت إن القوات الأمريكية انسحبت بالكامل من قاعدة جوية في غرب العراق تنفيذا لاتفاق مع الحكومة العراقية. سبق واتفقت واشنطن وبغداد في عام 2024 على إنهاء عمل التحالف الذي تقوده الولايات المتحدة والذي يقاتل تنظيم الدولة الإسلامية في العراق بحلول سبتمبر 2025، ومغادرة القوات الأمريكية القواعد التي كانت تتمركز فيها. ومع ذلك، بقيت وحدة صغيرة من المستشارين العسكريين الأمريكيين وأفراد الدعم.
Voices
FROM THE EDITOR
Many of you may remember when I first joined the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce as an event coordinator in 2018; it was an incredible introduction to the community. As I learned more about the culture, history, and resilience of the Chaldean people, I found myself deeply inspired. By the time I began writing for the Chaldean News in 2020, that admiration had grown exponentially.
YOUR LETTERS
Thank you for your thoughtful and timely article about Dr. Adhid Miri. It was very important because most people have no idea of who he is or what he has accomplished. Without question, Dr. Miri is a jewel of our community. One would only have to review your article to see that he is one of the most accomplished – and maybe top five accomplished Chaldeans – that ever came to America.
GUEST COLUMN
In addressing this difficult subject, I must first make a clarification: I am not a theologian or an ethicist. I am a physician who has faced end-of-life issues many times over my 37-year career in pediatric oncology. This article is guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church—its Catechism and moral tradition—and by the Catholic Medical Association, of which I was a member. If I have made any errors, I welcome correction and comment.
Departments
IRAQ TODAY
The Congregation of the Daughters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the Chaldean women’s religious communities in Iraq. Founded and rooted in the country, it has carried out an uninterrupted mission of service for decades despite wars, displacement, and profound loss.
EVENT
On April 23, 2026, the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce hosted its 23rd Annual Awards Dinner at Shenandoah Country Club, bringing together community leaders, business professionals, and public officials for an evening of celebration and connection. The sold-out event honored entrepreneur Saad Nadhir as Businessperson of the Year, recognizing his impact and leadership.
RELIGION
It is often said that “the library is the community; the community is the library.” Libraries are trusted spaces where people of all backgrounds can connect, learn, and build a shared future. They serve as safe, neutral environments outside of home and work, where everyone is welcome regardless of socioeconomic status.
SPORTS
Sometimes a team wins by losing. That was certainly the case this season for Team Green, the Chaldean Hockey League champions. Team Green dropped its first playoff game in heartbreaking fashion—a 1–0 triple-overtime loss to Team Black in the opener of a best-of-three semifinal series.
Economics & enterprise
The Dabish family, fitness industry innovators for more than half a century, are at it again. This time, however, their focus is not on expanding their exercise expertise nationwide or internationally, refining their self-taught marketing approach, or even partnering with other gyms during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure safe reopenings.
Economics & enterprise
For generations of Detroiters, Buddy’s Pizza has been more than a place to eat good pizza— it’s been a ritual, a reward, and a deeply personal part of the city’s identity. Now, after 80 years, the iconic brand is entering a new chapter, moving forward led by a trio of Chaldean American business leaders determined to honor its legacy while building its future.
Foundation Update
Chaldean Community Foundation West held a luncheon on April 9 in partnership with Shenandoah Country Club, graciously sponsored by Raad Kathawa and Jacob Bacall. It took place in Nana Bernadette Sarafa’s Kitchen.
The Chaldean Community Foundation scholarship application will be launching on June 1. Students will have until Monday, July 6 , 2026 at 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time to apply. The CCF will be providing nearly $150,000 in scholarships this year to Chaldean students. Scholarship information is on the CCF’s website: www.chaldeanfoundation.org/scholarships.
On March 21, 18 middle school students from across Macomb and Oakland County participated in a National Civics Bee Regional Competition held at the Chaldean Community Foundation in Sterling Heights. The National Civics Bee® is an annual, nonpartisan competition designed to inspire young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Students in grades 6-8 entered by submitting an essay showcasing their civic knowledge.
Supported by the Marvin Toma Memorial Fund, a 6-week youth basketball program for 9- and 10-year-olds was held in the CCF West gymnasium last month. The program taught the group about the fundamentals of basketball, including passing, shooting, dribbling, and more. More youth sports programming is on the way at CCF West. For more information, contact Farah Shammami at (248) 851-1200 or email farah.shammami@chaldeanfoundation.org.
Noteworthy
Jonny “Magic” Mansour continued his rise in the professional ranks on April 19 with a dominant eight-round unanimous decision. The fighter from California controlled the bout from the opening round with sharp hand speed and clean combinations. The performance added another chapter to Mansour’s growing profile both inside and outside the ring.
Pattah Development has acquired Shanty Creek Resort, marking a major milestone for both the company and the Chaldean community. The investment underscores the Pattah family’s commitment to growth, stewardship, and community impact, while highlighting the broader success of Chaldean Americans rooted in resilience and entrepreneurship.
Detroit’s creative scene is gaining fresh momentum with Chaldean American artist Juliana Rabban, known as Just By Juliana, stepping into a major spotlight through a high-profile collaboration with Big Sean and the Detroit Pistons. Rabban is among a select group of artists featured in the team’s annual 313 Day initiative, a March celebration of Detroit’s iconic area code.
Raymond Jonna just made a big splash in Michigan’s real estate world, helping close the record-breaking $156 million sale of Huntington Tower in downtown Detroit—the largest private single-tenant net-leased deal in the state’s history. Acting as the sole broker for both buyer and seller, Jonna handled a complex, high-stakes deal with skill and precision.
Obituaries
Lewis Yaldo, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and beloved uncle, passed away on November 1, 2025. Born in 1928, he overcame early family hardships to build a successful plumbing and import business with his brother and cousins.
John Mansour, cherished son of Emanuel and Antoinette Mansour, was born on December 29, 1968, and went to Heaven on September 17, 2025. The loving husband of Ann “Ahlam” Mansour, John was a faithful father to Adriana, the late Alexander, and the late Gabrielle Mansour and caring brother of Steven (Zenia) Mansour and Marvin Mansour.
Hana Yousif Manna, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on August 22, 2025. Born in Iraq on April 6, 1943, she married Frank (Fouad), in 1959. Ten years later, they immigrated to the US, where they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service. Hana worked for the Oak Park School District, where she was known as a second mother to many, always offering kindness, guidance, and love.
Laith Joseph Manni was born on July 2, 1964, and peacefully entered the gates of Heaven on July 12, 2025. He was the cherished husband of Suhair Katoola Manni for 31 years and the devoted father of Brandon, Brenda, Dylan, and Destiny. Laith’s greatest joy in life was his family, whom he loved unconditionally. May he rest in peace.
In Memoriam
MAY 2026
The In Memoriam section honors the lives and legacies of members of our community who have recently passed.