Unity

Paul Jonna, Acting Editor in Chief

This month I’d like to speak about unity. It’s the root word for “community” and has made it possible for the Chaldean community to exist for thousands of years. We are united in our faith, in our values, in our families. But apparently not in our politics.

Stacy Bahri addresses this conflict in her opinion piece, “Divided We Fall.” She talks about the mask debate, and how COVID-19 and our response to it has become so politicized. Since when do we argue and name-call over whether or not to follow government mandates? Social media has become the battleground for these debates, and the discourse is not always polite nor respectful. We need to remember that we are family, that we don’t always have to agree but we do need to get along.

Father Fadie writes about the Chaldean Mass and what makes it unique, and why we should attend, either in person or virtually. Our shared heritage, including the Mass that is celebrated the same in different parts of the world, is one of the things that unites us. It’s important to recognize the mystery of the Mass and to rely on faith to get us through tough times together.

Ashley Attisha sums up the local election results in, “Election Update.” Several Chaldean candidates will go on to run another race, bringing voice to the community and advancing our interests, divided though they may be. Democrat and Republican, we are one people.

Dr. Adhid Miri continues his series, “Chaldeans Around the World” with this month’s entry, “Chaldeans in Mexico.” He also gives us a beautiful history of the Ishtar Gate, one of the most widely recognized treasures of the Babylonian world, while Robert Dekelaita shares his knowledge of the cultural art pieces adorning the newly expanded Chaldean Community Foundation.

This month also brings a story of love and loss, with Jennifer Burlingame’s highly personal account of her father’s battle with prostate cancer. John Loussia was a community icon, well-loved and respected by all who knew him. With September being Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, this article is as timely as it is important.

And finally, in our cover story, Paul Natinsky writes about the ups and downs of residential and commercial real estate. In the midst of a worldwide pandemic, the American real estate game is still going strong. With virtual viewings, waived appraisals and sight-unseen purchases, the industry may never be the same.

As we head into the last few months of 2020, let’s make an effort to bring back civil discourse and to respectfully listen to opposing viewpoints.

With Gratitude,
Paul Jonna
Acting Editor in Chief