A Call to Action

By Martin Manna

Martin Manna

The recent murders of Behnam Rasho and Saad Hanna Halabo in Highland Park and Detroit tragically mark the reemergence of a long pattern of violence against Chaldean businessowners. Over the past few decades, more than 125 Chaldeans have been killed in their place of business after immigrating here to escape persecution in war torn Iraq. Where others have left the inner city and high crime areas, these individuals stayed to serve community. Halabo was slain for $200.

Post pandemic, crime is on the rise everywhere yet, here at home, more must be done to protect our immigrant brethren. The Chaldean Chamber, Chaldean Community Foundation and community activists are in close contact with Michigan legislators in an effort to provide grants to small business owners. More specifically, our Chamber is asking U.S. Congressional members to expand a recent initiative through the Department of Homeland Security, that provides security grants for faith-based institutions. We desperately need similar assistance for small business owners – especially those operating in high crime areas where they engage in literally hundreds of interactions with customers each day.

There is much to closely examine and address. From law enforcement – including resources and response times – to our judicial system; one of the perpetrators of the recent murders was a career criminal. We plan to address these issues and more through meetings and town halls with the police chiefs in Detroit and Highland Park. Already in place is the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce’s Waad Murad Advocacy Fund, which posts a minimum $10,000 reward to help apprehend perpetrators with the hope the fund will serve as a deterrent to future criminals.

We are asking Governor Whitmer to declare March 18th Chaldean Memorial Day to honor those that have been killed in their place of business – as we remember those we have lost in the past, we must protect those behind the counter who put their lives at risk in the present day, every day.

Martin Manna is the president of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce in Farmington Hills and the Chaldean Community Foundation in Sterling Heights.