There have long been stories—almost mythological in nature—about the Assyrian Church of the East and the Chaldean Catholic Church uniting as one. A romanticized vision of ecclesial reunion, born centuries ago in Mesopotamia, found its way to America in the 1970s. For some, that vision eventually became a shattered dream—a bubble burst after years of hopeful anticipation.

Private 1st Class Peter Essa was among the brave soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944, under the command of General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Their mission was to liberate Western Europe from Nazi control and establish a second front against Germany.

For years, the Chaldean News has been covering the gas station wars—with the Pennsylvania-based Sheetz Corporation planning to open 50-60 (down from nearly 100) stores in metro Detroit, and existing gas station retailers opposing their plans. A recent article in support of Sheetz’ development calls the opposition “illegitimate” and accuses various principalities of government overreach.

On the evening of June 9, the second floor of the Crystal Ballroom in El Cajon, Calif., buzzed with conversation about establishing a Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce (CACC) modeled after Michigan’s successful 2003 organization.

Dr. Ali Eli, a university professor with a Ph.D. in accounting, is a well-known figure in Nasiriyah, his birthplace and the historic city of Ur—the ancient homeland of the Chaldeans. His Facebook page proudly displays images of the Chaldean flag and Pope Francis, reflecting the deep Chaldean heritage he uncovered later in life.

The historical connection between Babylon and the Israelites is profound and enduring. While Jerusalem is widely recognized as a sacred city central to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, its deep ties to ancient Mesopotamia are less commonly acknowledged.

On the morning of Tuesday, June 18, 2025, sorrow swept over the town of Alqosh and touched every Chaldean household in Iraq and the diaspora. The faithful mourned the passing of His Excellency Bishop Mar Paulus Thabet Habib Mako, shepherd of the Chaldean Diocese of Alqosh, who died at the age of 49. He devoted his life to his faith and the Church, walking alongside his people through both hardship and peace.

Several close U.S. allies urged a return to the negotiating table following American strikes on Iran that fueled fears of a wider conflict, while noting the threat posed by Tehran’s nuclear program. Some countries and groups in the region, including those that support Iran, condemned the move while also urging de-escalation.

Eahab Ishak was born on June 18, 1981, in Baghdad, Iraq, into a loving and faithful Chaldean Catholic family. One of six children—five sons and one daughter—Eahab was the second-youngest in a household where faith was a constant presence. Joseph Naji Nannoshi was born on December 10, 1996, and raised in West Bloomfield, Michigan. The oldest of three brothers, Joseph grew up in a warm and faithful home, the son of Namir and Balsam Nannoshi.

The Grand Opening and Blessing of the new community center, CCF West, on June 4 featured a private program emceed by Fr. Marcus Shammami followed by a special blessing ceremony led by Bishop Francis Kalabat, Bishop Ibrahim Ibrahim, Bishop Basilio Yaldo and other esteemed members of the clergy.

Art is often seen as a reflection of a thriving society—one full of life, growth and expression. It profoundly influences communities by offering a platform for individuals to share their visions, values and self-expression with the world. Art reflects the times, often carries political meaning, and serves as a mirror of collective experience.

The future for Michigan’s automakers and dealers is a lot like the state’s weather—unpredictable. And today’s economic policy environment is only adding to the uncertainty. At the center of the debate are tariffs, a key flashpoint in U.S. economic policy. The goal is to protect American industry by making it harder for foreign companies to sell goods and services in the United States. The primary tool? Imposing steep tariffs on those imports.

في‭ ‬صباح‭ ‬الثلاثاء،‭ ‬الثامن‭ ‬عشر‭ ‬من‭ ‬حزيران‭ ‬2025،‭ ‬خيّم‭ ‬الحزن‭ ‬على‭ ‬بلدة‭ ‬ألقوش،‭ ‬وامتدّ‭ ‬إلى‭ ‬كل‭ ‬بيت‭ ‬كلداني‭ ‬في‭ ‬العراق‭ ‬والمهجر،‭ ‬بعد‭ ‬أن‭ ‬أعلن‭ ‬عن‭ ‬وفاة‭ ‬سيادة‭ ‬المطران‭ ‬مار‭ ‬بولس‭ ‬ثابت‭ ‬حبيب‭ ‬المكو،‭ ‬راعي‭ ‬أبرشية‭ ‬ألقوش‭ ‬الكلدانية،‭ ‬عن‭ ‬عمر‭ ‬ناهز‭ ‬49‭ ‬عامًا،‭ ‬قضاه‭ ‬في‭ ‬خدمة‭ ‬الإيمان‭ ‬والكنيسة،‭ ‬ورافق‭ ‬فيه‭ ‬شعبه‭ ‬في‭ ‬السراء‭ ‬والضراء‭.‬

لا تخلو صفحة من صفحات تأريخ العراق الحديث إلا وتجري الاشارة والاشادة بتأريخ ودور اليهود العراقيين في اغناء جوانب كثيرة ورائدة في مجتمع وحياة العراقيين لكن سياسة الانظمة، والتعصب والكراهية فعلت فعلتها تجاه هذا المكون الاصيل فكان الاضطهاد والتسقيط والتهجير والملاحقة، وجرى وبتعمد تام تغييب تأريخ يهود العراق في القرن العشرين، حتى بدأت هذه الحالة الشاذة تتساقط امام تطور المجتمعات، ، وانتشار المعرفة، والثقافة. واليوم لم يعد هناك وجود ليهود العراق في وطنهم الأم، ولكن إرثهم الحضاري ومزاراتهم ورموزهم ما زالت موجودة.

Two sisters winning girls tennis state championships while playing for different high school teams is a remarkable achievement. The coincidences surrounding Alana and Lexa Hindo’s state titles make their story even more extraordinary.

Throughout history, leaders have often turned to a familiar tactic during times of political tension: the scapegoat. By channeling public frustration toward a specific group or class, politicians can deflect attention from complex problems and avoid offering real solutions. This pattern continues in modern American politics across the ideological spectrum.

As we continue to witness the evolution of our world—politically, socially, and culturally—the articles in this issue offer a glimpse into the lives and experiences of those who have shaped our past, as well as those who are forging the future.

Community members who have recently passed away.

State Rep. Tom Kuhn (R-Troy) testified before the House Government Operations Committee on behalf of his bill to name the month of May as “Chaldean American Month” in Michigan. “This is a well-earned and long-overdue recognition,” said Kuhn. “Chaldean Americans are a cornerstone of Michigan’s cultural, economic, and civic life, especially in Southeast Michigan.

The roots of the Chaldean American community in Michigan stretch back nearly a century, to a small but determined group of Iraqi immigrants who gathered in April 1943 at the Danish Hall of Detroit. Their mission: to create a better life for their families and preserve their culture in a new land.

On May 2, 2025, a special ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark a major milestone in our community’s story. The Chaldean Community Foundation officially unveiled its new campus in West Bloomfield—known as CCF West—a space that builds on the Foundation’s mission with a renewed focus on cultural preservation and community growth.

In the heart of West Bloomfield, a new culinary space is bridging generations, cultures, and flavors. Nana Bernadette’s Kitchen, a demonstration kitchen at the Chaldean Community Foundation West, stands as a tribute to the late Bernadette Sarafa, mother of Anmar and Haithem Sarafa, prominent community leaders and philanthropists.

Protocol. That became our catchphrase during our trip to Iraq in the fall of 2023—sometimes used in jest, sometimes in earnest. In Iraq, “protocol” carries far more weight than the relatively informal customs of the more egalitarian West. There, it’s a profession. Every ministry, embassy, and consulate general office has a full department of protocol staff.

Each June, Immigrant Heritage Month offers a time to recognize and celebrate the millions of immigrants who have shaped—and continue to enrich—the American story. It’s a moment to honor the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and journeys that define the soul of the United States.

The city of Erbil in northern Iraq is truly magnificent in many ways. Few places on Earth can claim as much uninterrupted history. Erbil is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with settlement origins dating back at least 8,000 years.

قلعة‭ ‬أربيل‭ ‬هي‭ ‬قلعة‭ ‬وحصن‭ ‬أثري‭ ‬تقع‭ ‬فوق‭ ‬تل‭ ‬في‭ ‬مركز‭ ‬مدينة‭ ‬أربيل‭ ‬في‭ ‬كردستان‭ ‬العراق‭ ‬وهي‭ ‬بمثابة‭ ‬مركز‭ ‬مدينة‭ ‬أربيل‭ ‬التاريخي‭ ‬وأُدرجت‭ ‬القلعة‭ ‬على‭ ‬قائمة‭ ‬التراث‭ ‬العالمي‭ ‬منذ‭ ‬21‭ ‬يونيو‭ ‬2014

The vibrant artistry of the Chaldean-American community will be on full display this summer as the Perspectives 3 exhibition opens at Southfield City Hall. Featuring the work of eight Michigan-based Chaldean-American artists, the exhibit is a tribute to cultural identity, creative expression, and the power of visual storytelling.

This issue of Chaldean News is especially meaningful as it captures a powerful moment of growth and celebration. With the opening of the Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) West, we are quite literally opening the doors to a new chapter in the story—one that reflects both the richness of Chaldean heritage and the promise of its future.

The Chaldean Community Foundation launched its 2025 Academic Scholarship Program on June 2, 2025. With anticipated scholarship awards reaching nearly $85,000 this year, several endowment and family funds will be contributing directly toward Chaldean students’ education.