100 Years Young

When I first sat down with Shamama Oram, she invited me into her home, served me chai and kulacha, and made me feel welcome without speaking a word. A series of nods and hand gestures conveyed volumes about the character of this woman who had witnessed a century. She speaks little English, and I speak no Arabic, let alone Sureth/Aramaic, but we still had a bond.

Read More
Pilgrimage to Retreat

Most people would look at a trip to Europe or any foreign country as a vacation, but when you enter into that trip to seek something deeper, that trip can become transformative. This past July, I had the privilege of embarking on a journey through Italy along with Father Matthew Zetouna and 37 other pilgrims.

Read More
The Gas Station Wars

In a move poised to reshape metro Detroit’s gas station landscape, Sheetz, a major player in the gas station and convenience store sector, has announced plans to expand into southeast Michigan, raising concerns among local business owners and community members about potential impacts on prices, service quality, safety, and economic diversity.

Read More
Sister Cities

The concept of a “global village” has increasingly become a reality, reflected in various international collaborations. In this context, Sterling Heights, Michigan, and Ankawa-Erbil, Iraq, are planning a long-lasting and mutually beneficial sister city relationship. This partnership aims to offer citizens of both cities enriching international and multicultural experiences while broadening their horizons.

Read More
A Reflection of Time and Culture

Appropriately, the first October CN cover in 2004 featured the U.S. presidential election and the choice between Al Gore and George Bush. The title was “The Next Four Years.” Now here we are on the cusp of a new presidential election, one which both sides argue is the battle for democracy—although who will be responsible for the end of our “free and fair elections” differs depending on which side of the line you are on.

Read More
NewsfeedChaldean News Staff
Halloween in 2024

Halloween is a tradition that has been celebrated by children across the United States for many years. The origins of the holiday can be traced back to the ancient Celtic celebration of Samhain, where people would light bonfires and dress themselves in costumes to ward off spirits.

Read More
From Baghdad to Big Law

I was born in December 2000, in Al Ghazaliya, a small neighborhood in Baghdad, only 15 miles away from the infamous Abu Ghraib prison complex where the U.S. Army and the CIA committed torture and other human rights abuses against prisoners.

Read More
Chaldean News Staff
In the Land of Ninkasi

“The people of ancient Mesopotamia knew how to appreciate a good beer,” writes Tate Paulette in his book, In the Land of Ninkasi: A History of Beer in Ancient Mesopotamia (Oxford University Press). Paulette, an archaeologist and Associate Professor at North Carolina State University, has conducted extensive fieldwork across several countries, including Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Turkey, Cyprus, Scotland, and the United States. But what exactly led him to write a book on the history of beer in ancient Mesopotamia?

Read More
A Toast to Growth

Two teetotaling, longtime investment bankers transformed and revitalized an age-old brewery in an iconic Michigan town. Anmar and Haithem Sarafa, of Steward Capital Management, found themselves in a position to buy Frankenmuth Brewery in the midst of the 2008 financial crisis. When things went south for a client trying to buy the 19th century brewery, an opportunity presented itself.

Read More
Badia Mizanah Abroo

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.

Read More
Gala Fever

On Thursday, September 12, the Chaldean Community Foundation hosted the 6th Annual Gala at Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township. The honoree this year was Bishop Emeritus Ibrahim Ibrahim, who was awarded a Lifetime Humanitarian Award for his lifelong commitment of service to the Church and the community. This prestigious recognition highlighted not only his significant contributions to the Chaldean community but also his unwavering dedication to humanitarian efforts both locally and globally.

Read More
Celebrating Educators

The CCF partnered with the City of Detroit and the Historical Designation Advisory Board (HDAB) to host a luncheon in honor of Chaldean teachers who taught or are currently teaching at Detroit Public Schools. Attendees were encouraged to bring photos, flyers, newspaper clippings ot anything else related to their teaching years.

Read More
Shako Mako

The Iraqi dialect, rich and diverse, embodies a linguistic heritage that stretches back to the early days of Mesopotamian civilization. This dialect, with its unique vocabulary and expressions, reflects centuries of cultural and linguistic evolution. Despite the influence of classical Arabic in official and media contexts, the Iraqi dialect remains a vibrant testament to the country’s historical and social complexity.

Read More
Preparation

The word “preparation” resonates with a myriad of meanings, spanning across various contexts and actions. In the realm of culinary arts, preparation embodies the meticulous planning and gathering of ingredients before crafting a dish, ensuring everything is in place to execute a recipe with finesse. It involves chopping, marinating, and seasoning—each step crucial to achieving culinary excellence.

Read More
Home School with Heart

Education is a crucial aspect of life, whether it occurs in school, at home, or continues into adulthood. Embracing this responsibility, The Chaldean Catholic Diocese, with full support form Bishop Francis Kalabat, launched a co-op (cooperative) homeschool program for the 2023-2024 school year hosted at Holy Martyrs Church. For the 2024-2025 school year, the co-op will move to Sacred Heart Chaldean Catholic Church in Warren.

Read More