Season of Thanskgiving

As we near the end of 2021, there are many things the Chaldean community has to be grateful for. One of the most exciting is the designation of Ankawa, in Erbil, as a distinct and separate autonomous district. If you’ve been following the politics in Iraq, you know that the voting process is still being hammered out, and that many feared the “Christian” candidates were not representative of the people they claimed to represent. Autonomy for Ankawa means that its citizens will select their own mayor and have a say in their own security.

This is important because Ankawa is a Christian enclave inside a predominantly Muslim country. Thousands sought refuge in this northeastern Iraqi district when ISIS took over their homelands in the Nineveh Plains. The Chaldean Catholic Church, spearheaded by Bishop Bashar Warda, has been investing in Erbil, establishing a university there and coordinating relief efforts from governments and charities. This declaration is a major win for Christians everywhere, but especially those of the Eastern Rite.

In this season of Thanksgiving, it’s another thing to be thankful for.

This month’s edition celebrates all things Chaldean, from notable community members such as Judge Zina Daimi Ashourian, who ranks right up there as a Federal Supervisory Administrative Law Judge, Alexa Shouneyia, who is making a name for herself in the music industry, and Weam Namou, who is finally seeing her vision brought to life on the big screen, to Iraqi villagers who celebrate their uniqueness by dressing in their native village garb.

We are also celebrating our CCF scholarship recipients, who have worked so hard to earn the funding that allows them to continue with their education. Most of these worthy students have a plan to provide their own scholarships when able, and all of them feel and appreciate the support of the entire Chaldean community. It is a wondrous thing to behold.

And what’s the deal with school, anyway? How are students handling the return to in-person classes? In Family Time, Danielle Alexander talks about how students’ last “normal” school year was in 2019, and how excited they are to be back with their classmates. In-person education has had a positive impact on the kids’ mental health, even as educators struggle with staffing issues.

Returning to talk of wonders, Dankha Zomaya has three new art installations currently on display at the Chaldean Community Foundation. They represent the vision of an artist for the marriage of past and present and encapsulate the history of a people. Dr. Robert DeKelaita writes about them and the feelings they evoke.

Others are celebrating community members, too. Sam Kassab raised money for veterans this summer, offering up his own home as a venue for the charity event. For his outstanding efforts, the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund named him Patriot Man of the Year.

Sports returns to The Chaldean News with a heartwarming story about Farmington Hills Mercy High School athlete Mary Acho-Tartoni, who impresses her coaches and teammates daily. Mary’s winning attributes secure her spot as goalie on the school’s field hockey team. Like most other young Chaldeans who excel, Mary credits her success to her upbringing.

As we head into the winter months, it’s good to know that the community has your back and is stronger than ever. We’d love to hear from you about your experiences!

Sarah Kittle

Managing Editor

Sarah Kittle