Posts in Voices
Resilience and Courage

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.”

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What Sister Cabrini Can Teach Us

Until I watched the movie “Sister Cabrini,” I never thought a story could capture the issues of humanity and immigration so well as to rank among the best movies I have watched in my lifetime. The movie is the true story of a girl, Cabrini, living in the 19th century with poor health, envisioning missionary work to open orphanages, hospitals, and accommodations for the poor world-wide, long before anyone thought of social services.

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The Spontaneity of Love

In my first article published in October 2023, I wrote about dating as a Chaldean in America and discussed how dating has evolved from the village days until now. At the time, I was single and ready to use new methods offered by our community to find a suitable partner, like speed dating or personalized matchmaking. Less than a month after the article was published, however, I found that special person and committed myself to a relationship with her.

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A Perspective from a Progressive Chaldean Girl

By Mena Hannakachl Redefining what it means to be a “progressive Chaldean” is long overdue. I respect the reasons why Chaldeans lean toward the right, especially considering the history of fighting to preserve the culture’s identity, religion, and language. I understand the challenges of keeping our traditions, beliefs, and behaviors alive amidst other communities.

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My Retreat Experience

By Samir Jamil, MD Recently, I attended my first silent retreat sponsored by the Eastern Catholic Re-Evangelization Center (ECRC). From the start, I felt that I did not belong to this crowd of mostly young devotees, especially after I noticed how much more spiritual they were. What I hoped for by attending this retreat was a true self-examination and to inch closer to God the Creator.

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A Real Renaissance

By Sarah Kittle. February is officially cuddle month, when frosty weather and frigid temperatures keep us confined to the great indoors. On the other hand, it is also a great date month, with Valentine’s Day smack dab in the middle. Lucky for you, dear reader, we have supplied some fantastic ideas for dating in Detroit—there are so many places to go, some that may even be new to you!

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Celebrating 20 Years of the Chaldean News

It is with immense pride and joy that I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you as we celebrate a remarkable milestone — the 20th anniversary of the Chaldean News. Two decades ago, we embarked on a journey to amplify the voices, stories, and achievements of the Chaldean community. Today, as we reflect on this incredible journey, we are filled with gratitude for the unwavering support and encouragement from our readers, contributors, and the community at large.

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Rewinding Forward

I’ve been with the Chaldean News for going on four years, and the incredible growth I have seen in that time is nothing short of amazing. Chaldean community members are rising in the ranks of law enforcement, being appointed to positions of authority, affecting elections, creating business empires, and then turning around with a hand offered to help those that come after them. It is inspiring and uplifting to witness; I can only imagine the pride felt by those involved.

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A Journey Back to Tel Keppe

September 2023 marked a profound pilgrimage for me – a journey back to the cradle of my heritage, the Nineveh Plain in Iraq; particularly to Tel Keppe, the village where my family, the Karana family, has its roots in the Shangu district. This trip was a reconnection with the land that has shaped the identity of our people for generations.

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Immigration Update

Our Chaldean community has been blessed with opportunities to immigrate to the U.S. since the early 20th century. The first to arrive did so via Ellis Island, like many other immigrants at the time. Later, our community utilized both the family unification provisions of the immigration law, as well as U.S. laws allowing refugees and asylees to relocate here; however, there are other options under our immigration laws available both to individuals who wish to immigrate as well as to Chaldean employers who need employees in this labor-tight market.

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