On July 4, 2026, the United States of America will celebrate its 250th birthday, commemorating a century and a half since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Since then, America has gone through some growing pains: war, growth, hardship, and renewal, evolving into the country many of us proudly call home.
Read MoreOn Saturday, June 20, the Chaldean Community Foundation partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association and the group Do What You Love to End ALZ to host the Walk for Alzheimer’s at CCF West. The Chaldean Catholic Church took part with a blessing from Fr. Marcus and Fr. Pierre, and MCCFAD (Michigan Center for Contextual Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease) participated with remarks from Joe Sheena and Wassim Taraf. Dr. Tanav Popli, a dementia specialist and professor at the University of Michigan, shared insights on brain health and Alzheimer’s.
Read MoreThe last time Team Iraq qualified for the World Cup was in the 1980s, but that was not the last time Iraqi American fans rooted for a team. These photos are from the World Cup in 1994, when Detroit hosted at the Pontiac Silverdome.
Read MoreFor many Chaldean families, caring for aging parents is more than a responsibility—it is a deeply ingrained expression of love, respect, and gratitude. Our parents and grandparents sacrificed to build better lives for their children. As they age, many families feel a strong desire to return that care. Yet today’s reality looks very different from previous generations.
Read MoreWe all know that prioritizing mental health is important. Paying attention to our emotional well-being is a critical part of caring for our overall health. Fortunately, conversations about mental health have become more common and less stigmatized in recent years.
Read MoreSameer “Sam” Poules didn’t grow up imagining a career in federal law enforcement, but looking back, the path now seems almost inevitable. Born in Iraq and brought to the United States at around age seven or eight, Poules spent his early years in Chicago before settling in Detroit, where he was raised. It’s the city that shaped his identity, his work ethic, and ultimately his career in law enforcement.
Read MoreIt has been said that owning a home is the ultimate American Dream. But for many West Bloomfield residents lately, that dream has become a nightmare. “If there is one more thing Chaldeans value besides God and family, it is the home. It’s where you raise your kids and host your relatives and friends,” said Omar Kallabat, a 31-year-old resident of West Bloomfield. “The home is sacred.”
Read MoreDetroit restaurateur and developer Zaid Elia is making a bold play in one of America’s fastest-growing cities. Through his Michigan-based company, Elia Group, Elia has emerged as one of Nashville’s most ambitious hospitality developers, bringing a distinctly Detroit—and Chaldean—entrepreneurial spirit to the heart of Tennessee’s booming entertainment district. Drawn by Nashville’s explosive growth in population, jobs, and income, Elia saw an opportunity to establish a presence in a city increasingly viewed as one of the country’s most dynamic business and tourism markets.
Read MoreChaldeans began arriving to Australia in significant numbers during the 1990s, driven by war, persecution, and the gradual unraveling of life in Iraq. The population grew quickly, and by the 2021 Australian Census, more than 60,000 people identified with Neo-Aramaic origins, settling primarily in Sydney and Melbourne.
Read MoreEver since I was a little girl, one of the final lines in my evening prayers has been, “Thank You for making me an American.” Even then, small and sheltered as I was, I sensed there was something special about this country. (I also thanked God for making me female, but that’s a topic for another day.)
Read MoreSoccer in Iraq is a unifying cultural force governed by the Iraq Football Association, which was founded in 1948 and joined FIFA in 1950. Known as the “Lions of Mesopotamia,” the national team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup twice (Mexico 1986 and the expanded 2026 tournament) and famously won the 2007 AFC Asian Cup.
Read MoreFormer Michigan Chaldean soccer clubs, players, and Iraqi-Chaldean soccer fans are invited to a special 2026 FIFA World Cup Game Watch Party celebrating Iraq’s matchup against France. The event will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026, beginning with a reception and program at 3:00 p.m., followed by kickoff festivities at 5:00 p.m. The gathering will take place at the Chaldean Community Foundation – West, located at 2075 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield (Main Street).
Read MoreSummertime always feels like the season of fun and adventure. As children, we wait for the end of the school year and impatiently look forward to days spent playing outside, swimming, and enjoying homework-free fun. As adults, many of us are simply looking forward to a break from the cold, relentless Michigan winters. Summer also brings time off work, family reunions, and, best of all—vacations.
Read MoreJune is recognized as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to encouraging honest conversations about emotional well-being, addiction, depression, anxiety, and the silent struggles many men face behind closed doors. For generations, men have often been taught to suppress pain rather than confront it, leaving many to cope in unhealthy ways. In the Chaldean community and beyond, the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction can make asking for help even more difficult.
Read MoreThe Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce PAC has steadily expanded its role in local civic life in recent months, positioning itself as a growing voice for increased transparency, accountability, and resident participation in township decision-making across West Bloomfield.
Read MoreLewis Yaldo, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and beloved uncle, passed away on November 1, 2025. Born in 1928, he overcame early family hardships to build a successful plumbing and import business with his brother and cousins. Lewis was cherished for his toughness, generosity, and storytelling, leaving a lasting legacy with his family and the Chaldean community. He is survived by his wife Juliet, children, grandchildren, and extended family.
Read MoreBeginning in 2026, the month of May will officially be recognized as Chaldean American Month across Michigan, marking a historic acknowledgment of the cultural, economic, and civic contributions of Chaldean Americans throughout the state. The announcement came during a defining moment for the community.
Read MoreWhen I was in third grade, my teacher didn’t believe I was Chaldean or that my parents were Iraqi. She told me to ask them again and let her know the next day. When I went home and told my dad, he was miffed—but also understood that she may have had a different frame of reference when it came to people from the Middle East.
Read MoreAcross Michigan, green historical markers line roadsides, neighborhoods, and public spaces. They are quiet but powerful reminders of the people and places that shaped the state. Each one represents more than a moment in history; it reflects a deliberate, research-driven effort to ensure that Michigan’s diverse stories are recognized, preserved, and made visible to the public.
Read MoreOn Friday, Apr. 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., Oakland University hosted the graduation ceremony for the Chaldean Language Workshop in The Habitat at the Oakland Center. Thirteen students completed the introductory and intermediate levels of Chaldean, receiving certificates of completion. This marked an achievement that was both academic and deeply cultural.
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