Governor Whitmer Declares April Chaldean-American Month

By Cal Abbo

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared on Thursday that April is Chaldean-American month.

The declaration comes as the Chaldean community mourns two beloved fathers, Behnam Rasho and Saad Halabo. Both were shot and killed at their place of business in separate incidents; Rasho was killed in January and Halabo was murdered in March.

The proclamation recognizes Chaldeans, Assyrians, and Syriacs as a Semitic people indigenous to Mesopotamia. “Collectively, there are nearly half a million Chaldeans/Assyrians/Syriacs in the United States, including about 160,000 in Michigan, the largest concentration in the country,” the proclamation said.

The document also recognizes the protracted history of Chaldean persecution in the homeland as well as their success in the diaspora. The month of April is meant to line up with Akitu, an ancient festival still celebrated by Chaldeans that signals spring, rebirth, and renewal. April 24 is the anniversary of Seyfo, the horrific genocide of Chaldeans and Assyrians during World War I.

The proclamation ends on a positive note, nodding to the broad range of Chaldean accomplishments and contributions throughout Michigan:

“The Chaldean/Assyrian/Syriac people are a community of rich tradition and culture who enrich Michigan’s cultural tapestry and prosperity through their success in the arts, business, law, politics, education, medicine, architecture, and engineering.”