MARCH 2025

FEATUREMandeans, were also targeted for destructionbased on their ethnic, religious,and national identities.The museum’s mission is to spreadawareness about this unparalleledtragedy, encourage reflection on moraland spiritual questions raised by theevents, and inspire visitors to takeresponsibility for preventing futuregenocides.Remembering the UnspokenGenocide gallery to open in the new Cultural CenterBY ADHID MIRI, PHDThe Chaldean Community Foundation(CCF) is expanding toreach across Woodward andestablish a presence with the ChaldeanAmerican Chamber of Commerce(CACC) on Oakland County’s westside. Formerly known as The Corners,the property at Walnut Lake and InksterRoads next to Market Square isbeing transformed into the new ChaldeanCommunity Center, housing theCACC and administrative offices forthe Foundation. Chamber staff hasbeen calling it “CCF West” for a while.The new center will serve as a hubfor a comprehensive range of communityresources, including a businessincubator, a gymnasium, televisionand radio studio, classrooms, a demonstrationkitchen, the Bishop IbrahimLibrary (housing a treasure troveof cultural archives), a theater for educationalforums and events, and anexpanded Chaldean Cultural Center,which will grow as a museum for theChaldean people.• Village Life• Genocide• Journey to North America• Chaldeans TodayA major focus will be the genocidestories of the past century, particularlythe 21st century, with a spotlight onthe post-2003 ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and militiaatrocities. A critical part of thisendeavor is securing original artifactsfrom Iraq to tell the genocide story inan authentic and impactful way.The genocide section will commemorateand chronicle the tragicevents of the ISIS years, highlightingthe persecution and martyrdom ofChristians in Iraq. This part of the museumis dedicated to educating visitorsabout the genocidal crimes againsthumanity that threaten the survival ofIraq’s Christian minority.Mission StatementMuseums serve as crucial tools for societiesconfronting the aftermath of genocide.They combine educational narrativeswith memory to teach vital lessonsabout the past. The Genocide Galleryaims to document, study, and interpretthe ISIS genocide of the 21st century,preserving the memory of the hundredsof thousands of Christians displaced,killed, or forced to flee Iraq since 2003.Other minorities, such as Yazidis andGenocide: A Dark Chapter in HistoryGenocide is one of humanity’s gravestcrimes. Defined as mass exterminationof a group based on race, ethnicity, religion,or nationality, it is distinguishedby the intention to destroy a group entirely.The term “genocide” was coinedin 1944 and has since been used to describeatrocities like those committedby ISIS against Christians, Yazidis, andMandeans in Iraq and Syria. In 2016,the U.S. accused ISIS of carrying outgenocide against these groups.Our museum will draw attention toISIS’s campaign of terror from 2014 to2017, when vast atrocities were committedagainst minority groups in Iraq.The exhibit will explore the devastationof towns, the destruction of communities,and the human toll of thisgenocidal campaign.Why a Genocide Museum?The museum’s primary goal is tobroaden public understanding of theISIS genocide through exhibitions,research, and preservation of artifacts.It will also host annual Days ofRemembrance, distribute educationalmaterials, and engage the public withprogramming aimed at preventing futureatrocities. The museum will be aThe Chaldean Cultural Center:Expanding HorizonsThe Chaldean Cultural Center, currentlyat Shenandoah Country Club, willmove to the new facility and expand inboth size and scope. The museum willconsist of six galleries:• Ancient Mesopotamia• Faith and ChurchCaption30 CHALDEAN NEWS MARCH 2025

key player in ensuring that the lessonsof the past are not forgotten and thatthe atrocities are not repeated.Education: A Path to ReconciliationMemorial museums are vital for societiesaddressing genocide. Theyfoster dialogue, counter genocidedenial, and promote reconciliation.The Genocide Gallery will educate thepublic about the ISIS genocide and itscontinuing impact. Visitors will learnabout the culture and life of the victims,the communities affected, andthe continuing consequences of theatrocities.The Continuing ThreatChristianity in Iraq, along with otherreligious minorities, faces the threatof extinction, with the roots of Christianityin Iraq dating back to the earliestdays of the faith. The violence andpersecution committed by ISIS havecontributed to the world’s largest refugeecrisis since World War II and theHolocaust. The museum’s mission is tohighlight the ongoing struggle and toadvocate for a comprehensive plan tostudy and address the persecution ofIraq’s Christian communities.Martyrs Memorial WallThe Chaldean Catholic Church is famouslycalled, “The Church of theMartyrs,” because so many of theirmembers have been killed for theirfaith. The Martyrs Memorial Wall willhonor those who perished duringthe ISIS genocide. It will include thenames, photos, and artifacts of thevictims. The wall will serve as a powerfulreminder of the lives lost and thelegacy of the Chaldean people.Proposed ExhibitsThe museum will feature several permanentexhibits, including:• Iraqi Minorities and the Genocide• Path to Genocide• First-Hand Witnesses• Stories to Remember• Images of Destroyed Towns andChurchesThese exhibits will be enhancedwith original artifacts from theNineveh Plain region and will includemultimedia elements such as videofootage, touchscreen platforms, andinteractive displays.Obtaining Artifacts andOriginal MaterialArtifacts for the genocide exhibit willbe sourced from the Nineveh Plainregion, including churches, villages,and museums. Key partners includethe Chaldean Bishop of Mosul andrepresentatives from the Iraqi government,as well as international organizations.Obtaining approval from the Iraqigovernment, local bishops, and theMinistry of Antiquities is essentialfor shipping artifacts from Iraq to theUnited States. This process will requirecollaboration with key local and internationalpartners.In-Country Partners• Chaldean Bishop of Mosul & Aqra,Michael Najib Michael• Syriac Orthodox Bishop MorNicodemus Matti Sharaf• Chaldean Archbishop of Erbil,Bashar Warda• Mayors of Tel Kaif, Qaraqosh,Ankawa, and AlqoushChallenges and SupportKey challenges in this project includesecuring ISIS artifacts, navigating legaland logistical hurdles, and ensuringthe preservation of historical sitesin Iraq. Overcoming these obstacles requirescooperation from governments,local communities, and internationalorganizations.Funding for the museum will besourced through donations, grants,and other forms of support. The projectwill also involve detailed cost planningfor the acquisition, shipment,and installation of artifacts.Final WordsWe need your help. The genocidesection of the museum is in its earlystages, and we are seeking contributionsfrom survivors, witnesses, andcommunity members. If you have stories,material, or artifacts that can helppreserve the history of the genocide,we encourage you to share them withus. Your contributions are vital to thesuccess of this project, and together,we can ensure that the memory of thevictims lives on.To share your stories or learn moreabout the museum, visit our socialmedia pages or email edit@chaldeannews.com.Chaldeanculture isunique.Stay engagedwith yourcommunity,by supportingits publicationof record,since 2004.SUBSCRIBE!H Sign-up to have an issuemailed to you each monthH Gift a subscription to yourfamily and friendsH Sponsor a subscriptionfor a recent refugee familyMARCH 2025 CHALDEAN NEWS 31