A Message of Hope
As Christians in this Easter season, we celebrate the promise of a future assured by God and secured by Jesus on the cross. It couldn’t come at a better time. Ravaged by COVID, divisive politics, and still more store shootings, this community could use some hope.
Our cover story is a sad reminder that while many strides have been made in the relations between the Detroit community and city businessowners, we still have a long way to go. Those who themselves escaped the threat of violence in their homeland or had ancestors who did shouldn’t have to fear for their lives while operating a legitimate business in the United States. And sadly, almost every single Chaldean who lost their lives in this way left behind family, a family that will never forget and will never stop suffering from the loss of their loved one.
Dr. Miri educates us once again with his installment chronicling the Christian Genocide of the 21st Century. Persecution is something this community knows all too well, but we also know that faith conquers fear. For those who may be feeling disheartened, read Bishop Francis’s Easter greeting and remember that joy comes in the morning! Featured in this month’s issue is a portrait of Renee Tomina, who worked her way to upper management at DTE Energy, the Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Renee was celebrated at a Chaldean Women’s Committee event in March, inspiring those who heard her story to chart their own paths to success.
Cal Abbo gives us a story about redistricting problems for the Chaldean community in California and the lawsuit they have engaged in; we are also running an opinion piece sent to us from a Californian Chaldean who has his own thoughts on redistricting and politics in general. Another story, sent in by N. Peter Antone, talks about discrimination and bias and how the Chaldean community has, for the most part, thrived in spite of these issues.
Writer Steve Stein takes us through the Chaldean Hockey League’s season, Crystal Jabiro gives tips on traveling with kids, and Dr. Rachel Kado provides practical advice on dealing with allergies.
While we strive to cover Chaldean stories from around the world, one of our main focuses is Iraq. Recently, some homes that had been confiscated were returned to Christians through the Committee for the Restitution of Christian and Sabaean Property. This is a good beginning but there is still much work to be done before families start returning to the homeland.
Photographer Wilson Sarkis’s photos of Alqosh grace our pages this month and showcase the natural beauty and rich history of Iraq. The faith and service that the early monks demonstrated is humbling to those who never knew the struggles of having to hide to survive.
And finally, Martin Manna, publisher of this magazine and president of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce, shares his thoughts on the recent murders of Benham Rasho and Saad Halabo (#sayhisname) and what needs to be done to make sure the community’s small business owners are protected.
We hope you enjoy the April issue and that you and your family have a blessed and holy Easter!
-Sarah Kittle, Editor