SPORTS
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.
culture & history
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.


Portrait of a Community
Explore photos from our cultural celebration (below) and get a sneak peak of the stories the Chaldean Community Foundation and Chaldean News have collected for the Library of Congress collection (above).

CHL’s Charity Game
The 11th Annual CHL Charity Game event on February 22nd took place at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Ice Arena, featuring Game One of the semi-final playoff games. The CHL raises funds for local organizations in an effort to help make a positive community impact.
Chaldean Kitchen with May Denha
May Denha prepares Haressa — a family favorite and the perfect dish for the holidays.
New Series:
Chaldean Giving Back
w3r supports the Children's Center during the holidays.
Marian Students Honor Classmate’s Sister
Marian High School CASA members make blankets for hospitalized kids.
Features
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Arabic Translations
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”.
تواصل مؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية نشر رسالتها المجتمعية وتنفيذ خطط مشاريعها التوسعية وخدماتها وتثبيت اركان وجودها وتؤسس حضورًا مهماً مع غرفة التجارة الكلدانية الأمريكية من خلال توسعها وعبورها الجانب الغربي لشارع وودوارد وتأسيس وجود لها في مقاطعة أوكلاند.
في عام 2023، احتفلت غرفة التجارة الكلدانية الأمريكية بمناسبة الذكرى العشرين لتأسيسها، كما تزامن ذلك على مرور عقدين من جهود الدعم والمناصرة لأعضاء المجتمع الكلداني في ولاية ميشيغان وفي العراق وجميع أنحاء العالم. وبناءً على هذا الإنجاز المهم، وسّعت غرفة التجارة الكلدانية الأمريكية جهودها، مع التركيز بشكل خاص على محنة المجتمعات المسيحية في العراق. وجاءت فرصة محورية في فبراير 2025،
Departments
FROM THE EDITOR
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.
GUEST COLUMN
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.
CULTURE & HISTORY
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.
ECONOMICS & ENTERPRISE
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.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
“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.
religion
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.
Noteworthy
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.
Foundation Update
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.
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.
Obituaries
Dr. Nathima Atchoo, born on December 28, 1931, in Iraq, passed away on February 5, 2025, receiving her heavenly reward. She was the loving daughter of the late Habib and Bahija Atchoo, cherished wife of the late Dr. Peter Atchoo, and devoted mother of Dr. Faris (Shahnaz) Atchoo, Fanar (Richard) Wright, Firas (Lakshmi) Atchoo, and Fawaz (Cyndie) Atchoo.
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.
Showkat Peter Mona was born on August 15, 1937, and went to Heaven on June 6, 2024. He was the loving son of the late Peter Mona and the late Najiyah Hanawi Mona and devoted husband to Evelyn Shamam Mona. He was also the cherished father of Peter (Olivia) Mona, Paul (Hilda) Mona, and Anthony (Saba) Mona and humble grandfather of Connor, Kyle, Aleena, Luke, Luciana, Lila, Leo, Avery, Eliana and Liam. He is survived by siblings Evelyn Mona-Bader, Nahidah Cholak, Aideh Deddeh, Talal Mona, and was preceded in death by sister the late Hana Potts.
Adbul Masseh Yousif Abdulahad Rabi Hammo, beloved husband of the late Amira Shaona Dawood and father of Chaldean Community Foundation employee Hanaa Yousif, passed peacefully at his daughter Wafaa’s home in Berlin, Germany on Saturday, June 1, 2024.
In Memoriam
APRIL 2025