The Chaldean Community Foundation Honors Akram Kareem

Akram Kareem

By Sarah Kittle

The Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) in Sterling Heights honored Akram Kareem (aka Hermiz) at their 4th annual Gala on September 29 as Humanitarian of the Year.

Akram deserves every accolade heaped upon him. A merchant son of a merchant from Telkaif, his is a story of perseverance, dedication, generosity, and faith.

The Iraq that Akram grew up in exists now only in photographs and memories, but it was a land of opportunity for someone with his skill set. As a young man, he saw the influx of foreigners at embassies in Baghdad and decided he would cater to them, providing a modern grocery store with the convenience of prepared food.

It was such a successful endeavor that he branched out into the import/export business and was subsequently imprisoned by Saddam Hussein for creating a monopoly. “You’re too successful, Akram,” the regime seemed to say. So, he moved to Jordan.

His adopted country was to benefit greatly for providing the peace and security Akram needed. In Jordan, he donated to the Our Lady of Peace Center, an organization that serves persons with disabilities. It is a comprehensive rehabilitation and special education center which offers free services to everyone, regardless of their nationality, religion, or sex. But he was not done giving.

Caritas Jordan was also a beneficiary of Akram’s kindness. Caritas, a Latin word meaning, “love,” is a charitable organization within the Catholic Church, established in 1967 as a response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the Six Days War. According to their website, Caritas Jordan was one of the first (if not the first) to aid refugees in the region. Since then, Caritas has been working with other groups in need, including Iraqi refugees.

Another opportunity to give came in 2009 when Pope Benedict XVI visited Amman, Jordan; his first stop on a week-long pilgrimage through the Middle East. It was his first visit as pontiff to an Arab country, and Akram wanted to make sure the Pope was comfortable and felt welcomed, so the import/export dealer provided special furniture for the historic Mass out of his own pocket.

“Akram is really a servant of the Church,” said Jacob Bacall more than ten years ago when Akram was recognized by the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce for his humanitarian efforts. “He believes in something, and he does what he believes in,” Bacall added.

“Akram and Bernadette Kareem were close friends of my parents, Karim and Bernadette Sarafa,” remembers Anmar Sarafa. “I have vivid memories of their family’s visits to our home whenever they were in Jordan…(they) would always come bearing some sort of gift(s) for my parents, as well as spices and other native foods that my Mom would use to cook her authentic Chaldean dishes.

“Akram was instrumental in having Pope Francis accept an invitation to travel to Iraq for his historic trip in March 2021 to show support for the Christians there,” said Sarafa. “What stands out the most is whenever we would see Akram, Bernadette, and their children, they were always exceptionally kind and humble, and so deeply respectful of my parents…if they were here today, they would certainly be happy and excited to acknowledge that Akram is truly deserving of being honored for the CCF’s Lifetime Humanitarian Award.”

Akram has a chapel in his Jordan home, which has seen Mass celebrated by the first Chaldean cardinal, Mar Delly. He has been recognized for his charitable work by no less than three popes — Pope (Saint) John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis.

As you may be able to conclude, the Catholic Church is important to Akram. St. George Chaldean Church in Shelby Township holds a special place in his heart because it reminds him of Mar Gorgis Monastery in Iraq. When you find comfort in a church, that church may be located anywhere. “I love the Church,” says Akram, “It is the parent, educator, teacher.”

Akram is an educator, too, although he may not see himself that way. “He is very humble,” it has been said about him. “He does everything quietly.”

Including publishing books; currently, Akram is working on the eighth edition of his prayer book, originally printed in 2002. With each new edition, Akram adds more prayers. The newest has writings from Pope Francis, who called the prayer book, “a blessed work.” His plan is to distribute the eighth edition prayer book in Iraq, Jordan, and parts of Europe as well as here in the US.

Akram has also published books on Pope Francis’ visit to Iraq and one called “Ur of the Chaldees,” which was just published in 2021.

For his assistance in restoring The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, Akram and his wife Bernadette were awarded the medal of Knight Commander of the Holy Sepulchre on March 14, 2010. “Our feeling is indescribable,” said Akram, “to be servants of the Lord Jesus and faithful guards of the Holy Sepulchre.”

The site had been the target of multiple conquests over the centuries. In fact, the Holy Crusades were undertaken to liberate and regain control of this and other holy sites in that holiest of lands. Wars waged left battle scars. Full restoration of the church began in 1962. Akram was only too happy to lend his pocketbook in those efforts.

As far as Akram’s contributions to the Chaldean community in Michigan, they come from a place of pride and love. “It is everyone’s duty to preserve our heritage, our language, and our history,” said Akram. “I encourage, support, and commend what the churches are doing here.”

Teaching the Chaldean language, customs, and rites to first-, second-, and now even third-generation Chaldean Americans keeps the culture alive. It also helps “introduce the world to the Chaldean community,” says Akram, through visits to the Chaldean Community Foundation, community activities, and outreach and events through the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce.

“Our mission,” says Akram, “is to set a good example to others that will reflect our dedication to work, devotion to the country in which we live, and to be a source of pride for others with our love, humility, and service.”

He divides his time between his business in Jordan and his family in Sterling Heights, Michigan.