November Memories

20 years of November cover stories

By Sarah Kittle

The November issues of Chaldean News over the years reflect a rich combination of challenges and resilience within the Chaldean community, highlighting both personal stories and broader societal issues.

In 2004, the focus on survivors of breast cancer brings to light the courage of Chaldean women, setting a tone of resilience. The four women interviewed were at different stages in their recovery journey and shared their very personal stories in the hope of encouraging others.

This theme of overcoming adversity continues in 2005 with the plight of Iraqi orphans, underscoring the community’s compassion and desire to support those in need. The connection to caregiving and support carries into 2006, where Ed Bahoura’s work with Gleaners Food Bank emphasizes the importance of nourishing both body and spirit within the community.

2007’s “Miller Time Out” boycott illustrates a collective stand against injustice, echoing the sense of community activism. This theme of unity is further explored in 2008, as Iraq’s Chaldeans strive for autonomy, showcasing their quest for identity and self-determination. In 2009, the search for answers regarding Michigan’s economic future ties these personal struggles to broader systemic challenges affecting the community.

The years 2010 and 2011 celebrate the wisdom of elders and the growing presence of Chaldeans in the medical field, illuminating a legacy of care and knowledge being passed down through generations. This legacy takes a transformative turn in 2012 with Tom Naemi’s reflections on finding freedom, signaling personal redemption and community healing.

The years 2013 and 2016 reinforce the Church’s role in accommodating an expanding faith community, reporting on new churches including Our Lady of Perpetual Help, while 2014’s article about Cardinal Louis Raphael I Sako emphasizes accountability and leadership within this context. In 2015, the DIA’s feature of Middle Eastern art serves as a cultural touchstone, connecting heritage to contemporary expression.

The narratives of 2017 and 2018 delve into pressing social issues within the Chaldean community, particularly focusing on the alarming rise in drug overdoses. Community leaders and members alike recognize the necessity for transparency within the Church, urging an open and honest dialogue about the challenges facing their neighborhoods.

In contrast, the years 2019 and 2020 shift the focus to the plight of marginalized individuals within the community. Reports highlight the struggles faced by refugees and the disenfranchised, emphasizing the need for greater support and resources. Amidst this adversity, there emerges a celebration of local heroes, particularly figures like the Archbishop of Mosul. His commitment to preserving the Chaldean cultural heritage, often in the face of violence and oppression, exemplifies courage and resilience. His actions resonate deeply, illustrating how individual bravery can serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to take a stand for their identity and community.

In 2021, the declaration of Ankawa as an autonomous district signifies a milestone for Chaldeans in Iraq, while 2022 emphasizes rebuilding efforts in Nineveh, symbolizing hope and resilience. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to restoring dignity and providing a pathway for the community’s future. Finally, 2023 brings a stark reminder of fragility with the tragedy in Bakhdida, where a fire at a wedding destroyed entire families and highlighted the lack of safety measures. The Christian community in Iraq is still recovering. This heartbreaking event urges the community to confront loss while continuing to support one another through shared pain and healing.

Together, these articles weave a narrative of a community navigating the complexities of identity, resilience, and social justice over nearly two decades. They reflect a shared history of struggle and triumph, showcasing how the Chaldean community remains steadfast in its pursuit of a better future, rooted in faith, compassion, and unity.