Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and one of the world’s most influential Catholic leaders, arrived in metro Detroit this week to raise awareness and support for families struggling in the Holy Land after two years of devastating conflict. His visit drew strong participation from Michigan’s Catholic and Chaldean communities, who have mobilized significant humanitarian assistance in recent months.
Read MoreMembers of the Chaldean, Assyrian, and Aramean community continue to bring pride and visibility to their heritage on a global scale, including in the world of sports. Just days after Swedish-Syriac football standout Nahier Bisara was honored as the Swedish league’s Best Player and Best Midfielder, another son of the diaspora, undefeated boxer Alex Naaman, has delivered a historic victory of his own.
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Celebrate the spirit of Detroit with gifts that bring hometown pride and nostalgia. Featuring Better Made Snacks, Ink Detroit, Create My Rosary, Urban Air Adventure Park, Golden Gal Fine Jewelry, Chloe’s Treasures, English Gardens, and the Detroit Chocolate Company.
Read MoreThe holiday season is a time where many people have a whirlwind of emotions. Over the two or so months, there are a variety of holidays from Thanksgiving to Hanukkah, to Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Oftentimes, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year, and how we’ve gotten to this point. Feelings of gratitude always seem to revolve around the holiday season.
Read MoreThe holiday season always brings cheer and joy to those who celebrate. Festive outings, meals with loved ones, and joyful gatherings fill the coming months. One of the best parts of the season is making cherished memories with family. A great way to do that is by finding fun activities and places to visit that spread holiday cheer. Christmas shopping, visiting light displays, taking the kids to see Santa, and caroling are just a few traditions that help make the season so special.
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In 1915, before the word genocide existed, the people of the Ottoman borders already lived its meaning. Armenians, Assyrians, and Chaldeans were driven from their homes, pushed into the desert, and slaughtered by the hundreds of thousands. Out of that darkness rose one Chaldean priest’s question, “Shall this nation die?”
Read MoreLong before the holiday music plays and the last gift is wrapped, a small army of volunteers gathers in a Macomb County space to sort, wrap, and organize presents. Each package is assembled with care so that a child in foster care will open something personal and know they are not forgotten. For nearly 20 years, that work has been centered around one woman and a simple promise: to make sure no child in foster care goes without at Christmas.
Read MoreThe history of doors in ancient civilizations—and especially in the Middle East—is remarkable. Gates and wooden doors have existed since the dawn of civilization. According to the Bible, King Solomon commissioned olive wood doors for his temple. Ancient Mesopotamians and Egyptians also used wooden doors in their homes and temples.
Read MoreDr. Crystal Kassab Jabiro successfully defended her dissertation titled “Ethnic Identity Development of Chaldean American Youth” at Indiana Wesleyan University on Friday, November 21, 2025.
Read MoreWinner of over 50 international film awards and now streaming in 25 countries, Pomegranate by Weam Namou comes to the big screen at Emagine Theater in Royal Oak (200 North Main Street) on December 7 from 3pm to 6pm EST.
Read MoreJonathan Elias, Metro Detroit’s own “Pastry Guru,” recently returned to the national spotlight with a new appearance on Food Network’s Sweet Empire: Winter Wars. Competing among a select group of top dessert artists from across the country, Elias showcased his signature creativity, precision and larger-than-life pastry imagination in this high-stakes holiday competition.
Read MoreLast month, guest chefs Samira Cholagh and May Denha guided participants through the art of making Kleecha, Kahi, and Maa’Kacha. Hands-on sessions offered more than just recipes, they fostered connections, cultural pride, and delicious memories. Each session invites you to team up with fellow food lovers, learn from talented Chaldean community members, and create authentic dishes in a welcoming, hands-on environment.
Read MoreIn partnership with MDHHS and Ageways Michigan, CCF West hosted a meaningful community dialogue with Chaldean seniors to help shape the Michigan Plan on Aging. Participants shared personal experiences about aging in Michigan, highlighting key needs around transportation, mobility, food access, and overall well-being. Tammy Lemmer from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) facilitated the discussion.
Read MoreLast month, our B.E.A.M. Project participants attended nutrition classes at CCF West presented by Amy Safaoui, a Michigan State University Extension Community Instructor fluent in Arabic. Amy works closely with Arab and Chaldean communities across Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne Counties, helping families build lasting healthy habits.
Read MoreThe Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) has partnered with the city of Sterling Heights for the 47th Annual Ken Stempowski Memorial Food Drive, providing food assistance to families in need this holiday season. Now through December 17, a donation bin will be available at the CCF (Sterling Heights location) to accept non-perishable food donations during office hours.
Read MoreAs we close out the year, this December issue invites us to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with our heritage, our families, and the communities that sustain us. The end of the year has a way of drawing us back to what matters most, and across these pages you’ll find a theme that carries through each story: the power of belonging, whether expressed through gratitude, service, shared history, or the simple joy of being together.
Read MoreOne of the great privileges of my work with the Iraqi Embassy over the years has been meeting and collaborating with remarkable Iraqi diplomats who have become brothers to me—as we call one another. Recently, Iraq’s Parliament approved a long-delayed slate of new ambassadors, and I was thrilled to see at least five of these colleagues elevated to the rank of ambassador.
Read MoreIn addressing this difficult subject, I must first make a clarification: I am not a theologian or an ethicist. I am a physician who has faced end-of-life issues many times over my 37-year career in pediatric oncology. This article is guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church—its Catechism and moral tradition—and by the Catholic Medical Association, of which I was a member. If I have made any errors, I welcome correction and comment.
Read MoreThe Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) Iraq Mission has been closely monitoring the 2025 national parliamentary elections. With permanent staff in the Nineveh Plain and ongoing work and visits in the region, the CCF has established strong relationships with political leadership.
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Every family has its own story, but some stand out because they’re built on quiet strength and shared purpose. For brothers Rami and Noor Yasi, their path in real estate and mortgage lending grew from early lessons that shaped them long before they entered the industry. What began as a simple desire to help others find stability has become a lifelong calling rooted in compassion and hard work.
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