Arameans in the Holy Land are a Christian minority living in Israel. They claim to descend from the Arameans, an ancient Semitic-speaking people in the Middle East in the 1st millennium BC. Some Syriac Christians in the Middle East espouse an Aramean ethnic identity, and a minority still speak various Neo-Aramaic languages, with the Eastern branch being widely spoken.

On March 15, the Chaldean Community Foundation hosted its Second Annual National Civics Bee® local competition. 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.

Thousands of miles of distance and cultural differences were never an obstacle for the true and patriotic sons of their homeland to express their love and pride for their motherland, Iraq. This was exemplified by a delegation representing the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce, the Chaldean Community Foundation, and the Assyrian Chamber of Commerce, led by Mr. Martin Manna, who decided to visit their homeland in response to an invitation extended to them by the Prime Minister of Iraq, Mr. Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani.

As we celebrate this season of Easter, we are reminded of the triumph of life over death, hope over despair, and light over darkness. This issue highlights the work of Pope Francis, who recently faced a health scare that led to his hospitalization. As of the date of publication, the Holy Father is back at the Vatican, where he belongs. His resilience reminds us of the importance of faith, prayer, and perseverance in times of trial.

He’s been a pope like no other. Pope Francis, the 266th Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, has been a figure of profound transformation and spiritual renewal ever since his election in 2013. A man known for his deep empathy and commitment to social justice, he has earned the affectionate titles “The People’s Pope” and “Pope of the 99%.” Beneath the headlines, Pope Francis’ story is one of faith, humility, and a passion for service.

“O Death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory? Christ is Risen, and you are overthrown! Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen. Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice. Christ is risen, and life reigns. Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in the grave. For Christ, being risen from the dead, become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

If you meet my brother Joey, you won’t forget him. He’ll introduce himself, ask your name, and from that moment on, he’ll remember you. He’s not just friendly—he’s genuinely interested in people. He wants to know who you are, what you like, and how your day is going. And he wants to be your friend.

The Office of Life is a Pro-Life ministry dedicated to upholding the dignity and value of every human life. Central to this mission is a strong focus on supporting individuals with special needs and their families, ensuring they feel embraced and valued within the community. The ministry’s Special Needs Committee works to promote awareness and acceptance, celebrating the inherent beauty and worth of every life, regardless of ability.

The early 1900s marked the “Progressive Era” in the United States, a period known for welcoming more than 15 million immigrants over 15 years. These newcomers came from around the world, with a significant portion hailing from non-English-speaking European countries. Among them were some of the earliest Chaldean immigrants, arriving during this time—or, in the case of Zia Atala, even a bit earlier.

Ron Acho doesn’t really see himself as a businessman. Had he achieved his dream as a young man, he’d be heading a large grocery franchise. “I wanted to be president of A&P,” he says, only half-jokingly. Ron’s journey to the courtroom began decades earlier, when he shared a house with, among others, Mike George’s mom, and the Chaldean community in Detroit numbered only in the hundreds.

During our diplomatic visit to Iraq, led by the president of the Chaldean Chamber of Commerce and Chaldean Foundation, Mr. Martin Manna, I made a personal decision—I would not leave Baghdad without visiting my mother’s gravesite. On February 24, our final day in Baghdad, I excused myself after our last scheduled meeting at around 4 o’clock and visited the Christian cemetery near Sahat al-Tayran, just behind the famous Freedom Monument (Nasib Al-Hurriya) in the heart of the city.

The saying “home is where the heart is” rings true for many, but what happens when rising housing prices make owning or renting a home unattainable? The recovery from the 2008 economic crisis was slow in Michigan, with metro Detroit facing challenges such as economic instability and population loss. In the early 2000s, the region began to see a gradual rebound.

Giovanni El-Hadi is a 6-foot-5, 310-pound senior offensive lineman for the University of Michigan football team. That’s a typical size for a Division I offensive lineman. But there’s nothing typical about this 21-year-old from Sterling Heights.

For the first time since 2017, Catholics and Orthodox will stand together in proclaiming the Resurrection of Christ on the same day. Though this has occurred occasionally—most recently in 2017, 2014, 2011, and 2010—these shared celebrations are rare due to differences in calendar calculations. Easter is the foundation of Christianity, the ultimate victory of life over death, and in 2025, all who follow Christ will proclaim that in one voice.

“Write about what you know”—it’s an old writer’s axiom, and Reem Kashat is doing just that. In June, Kashat published her debut novel in the women’s fiction genre, Forgive and Remember, a self-published work that explores the lives of three generations of Chaldean women. Each generation faces the challenges of modern life from distinct perspectives, yet they all share common roots.

Rob Kaoud’s craft has taken him across the country and around the world, but he is rooted in the fertile soil of three generations of stone craftsmen. Kaoud’s grandfather was a hand sculptor in Jerusalem, where he sculpted stone into place on walls and other surfaces. His father took up stonework as well and moved the Palestinian Christian family from the Middle East to the United States in 1969, when the now-56-year-old Rob was a few months old.

آلاف‭ ‬الأميال‭ ‬من‭ ‬البعد‭ ‬واختلاف‭ ‬الثقافات‭ ‬لم‭ ‬تكن‭ ‬عائقًا‭ ‬أمام‭ ‬أبناء‭ ‬الوطن‭ ‬الأصليين‭ ‬الأصلاء‭ ‬ليعبّروا‭ ‬عن‭ ‬حبهم‭ ‬واعتزازهم‭ ‬بوطنهم‭ ‬الأم،‭ ‬العراق‭. ‬نعم،‭ ‬هذا‭ ‬ما‭ ‬قام‭ ‬به‭ ‬وفدٌ‭ ‬يمثل‭ ‬غرفة‭ ‬التجارة‭ ‬الكلدانية‭ ‬الأمريكية،‭ ‬ومؤسسة‭ ‬الجالية‭ ‬الكلدانية،‭ ‬وغرفة‭ ‬التجارة‭ ‬الآشورية،‭ ‬برئاسة‭ ‬مارتن‭ ‬منّا،‭ ‬حين‭ ‬قرروا‭ ‬التوجه‭ ‬إلى‭ ‬أرض‭ ‬الوطن‭ ‬تلبيةً‭ ‬للدعوة‭ ‬الموجهة‭ ‬إليهم‭ ‬من‭ ‬قِبَل‭ ‬رئيس‭ ‬مجلس‭ ‬الوزراء‭ ‬العراقي،‭ ‬السيد‭ ‬محمد‭ ‬شياع‭ ‬السوداني‭.‬

“أيها‭ ‬الموت،‭ ‬أين‭ ‬شوكتك؟‭ ‬يا‭ ‬جحيم،‭ ‬أين‭ ‬نصرك؟‭ ‬المسيح‭ ‬قام،‭ ‬وأنتَ‭ ‬قد‭ ‬هُزمتَ‭! ‬المسيح‭ ‬قام،‭ ‬والشياطين‭ ‬سَقطت‭ ‬وهُزمت‭. ‬المسيح‭ ‬قام،‭ ‬والملائكة‭ ‬تفرح‭. ‬المسيح‭ ‬قام،‭ ‬والحياة‭ ‬تسود‭. ‬المسيح‭ ‬قام،‭ ‬ولا‭ ‬يبقى‭ ‬ميت‭ ‬واحد‭ ‬في‭ ‬القبر،‭ ‬لأن‭ ‬المسيح،‭ ‬بقيامته‭ ‬من‭ ‬بين‭ ‬الأموات،‭ ‬أصبح‭ ‬باكورة‭ ‬الراقدين”‭.‬

Nearly 90 CACC members shared an insightful evening at the Chaldean American Chamber’s Industry Outlook event on March 20. The event, hosted by Vision Investment Partners, provided attendees the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the world of strategic advocacy.

Recently, the Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) secured approval for the rehabilitation of the Sacred Heart Church in Tel Keppe. The Governor of Nineveh, Mr. Abdul Qadir Dakheel, approved the request submitted through the CCF in Iraq by His Excellency Archbishop Najib Mikhael, the Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul, to rehabilitate the Sacred Heart Church and its annexed church, Mary the Virgin, in Tel Keppe.

Sue Kattula was honored by the Detroit Duchess Club at Madonna University for her incredible dedication to community service. The evening featured inspiring speeches, cultural performances, and recognition of outstanding leaders making an impact.

On March 12, nearly 50 aspiring future educators attended an informational session with Utica Community Schools and Oakland University. The purpose of this session was to encourage these candidates to serve as paraprofessionals in UCS School District with the ultimate goal of pursuing a teaching certificate through Oakland University.

English is a comic and heartfelt play about language and identity, set in an Iranian classroom where adult English learners prepare for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam. The story is brought to life by Sarab Kamoo, who plays Marjan, the English teacher. As Marjan guides her students through their linguistic challenges, the play explores their dreams, frustrations, and secrets, highlighting the tension between learning “English only” and expressing their true selves.

On March 13, students from St. Catherine of Siena Academy’s Chaldean American Student Association (CASA) had the unique opportunity to tour the Chaldean Cultural Center Museum, where they were immersed in their own rich history and heritage.

On March 18, 2025, Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger was installed as the sixth Archbishop of Detroit during a 2 PM Mass at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament. The ceremony marked the beginning of his leadership over the Archdiocese succeeding Archbishop Allen Vigneron, who resigned upon reaching the age of 75.

The TinyTots Health Initiative, founded in 2019 by Fadie Arabo, aims to empower young children with the knowledge and skills to lead healthier lives. Initially focused on dental health through interactive activities, the nonprofit has since expanded to cover general health topics such as nutrition, exercise, and hygiene.

Community members who have recently passed away.

The Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) is expanding to reach across Woodward and establish a presence with the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce (CACC) on Oakland County’s west side. Formerly known as The Corners, the property at Walnut Lake and Inkster Roads next to Market Square is being transformed into the new Chaldean Community Center, housing the CACC and administrative offices for the Foundation. Chamber staff has been calling it “CCF West” for a while.

In 2023, the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce (CACC) celebrated its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of dedicated advocacy for the Chaldean community in Michigan and worldwide. Building on this significant milestone, the CACC has expanded its efforts, placing a special focus on the plight of Iraq’s Christian communities.

A delegation led by Martin Manna visited Baghdad in mid-February for a series of meetings that began with Prime Minister Sudani and separately, the President of the Republic. The focus of these meetings and many others was to continue to push for the rights, dignity, and full integration into society of Iraq’s indigenous Christian community.