JULY 2025

PUBLISHED BYChaldean News, LLCChaldean Community FoundationMartin MannaEDITORIALEDITOR IN CHIEFSarah KittleCONTRIBUTING WRITERSJenna AbrooGhazwan AlyassN. Peter AntoneMichael AntoonCrystal Kassab JabiroSarah KittleDr. Adhid MiriWeam NamouPaul NatinskyHanan QiaSteve SteinART & PRODUCTIONCREATIVE DIRECTORAlex Lumelsky with SKY CreativeGRAPHIC DESIGNERZina Lumelsky with SKY CreativePHOTOGRAPHERSDany AshakaJacob BacallCrystal Kassab JabiroAlex LumelskyJose MarreroWeam NamouSALESInterlink MediaSana NavarretteCLASSIFIEDSSana NavarretteSubscriptions: $35 per yearCONTACT INFORMATIONStory ideas: edit@chaldeannews.comAdvertisements: ads@chaldeannews.comSubscription and all other inquiries:info@chaldeannews.comChaldean News2075 Walnut Lake RoadWest Bloomfield, MI 48323www.chaldeannews.comPhone: (248) 851-8600Publication: The Chaldean News (P-6);Published monthly; Issue Date: July 2025Subscriptions: 12 months, $35.Publication Address:2075 Walnut Lake RoadWest Bloomfield, MI 48323Permit to mail at periodicals postage ratesis on file at Farmington Hills Post OfficePostmaster: Send address changes to“The Chaldean News 2075 Walnut LakeRoad, West Bloomfield, MI 48323”FROM THE EDITORWitnesses to EvolutionAs we continue to witness the evolutionof our world—politically, socially, andculturally—the articles in this issue offera glimpse into the lives and experiences of thosewho have shaped our past, as well as those whoare forging the future.In a guest column, N. Peter Antone explores theways in which politics has become a convenientscapegoat for broader societal issues, offeringa timely reflection on how we engage with andaddress the challenges of our times. It’s a thoughtprovokingread that underscores the needfor a more nuanced conversation on theissues facing us today.On a brighter note, we celebrate theremarkable life of Peter Essa, a ChaldeanAmerican WWII veteran who has reachedthe remarkable milestone of 100 years. Hisstory is one of heroism and an unshakeablecommitment to his country and community.In a similar vein, we bring you a profileof Bishop Soro, whose work to unite theEastern and Chaldean Church has garnered widespreadrespect. His efforts to bridge divides, foster understanding,and strengthen ties within the faith community are inspiring,even in times of division.On the horizon, we bring you news about the potentialopening of a new Chaldean American Chamber of Commercein California, which promises to further strengthen the tiesbetween our communities and amplify the voice of theChaldean American community in general.In Detroit, the 32nd Mass for Commerce in October standsas a beacon of collaboration and hope for the local economy.Meanwhile, we profile Bishop Thabet, who recently passed,offering a tribute to his legacy and his tireless dedication tothe Chaldean community.We also bring you an AP article that takes a globalperspective on the Middle East situation, offering insights intohow the world views the ongoing challenges in the region.SARAH KITTLEEDITORIN CHIEFOn the local front, we look at the auto industryin Michigan, with an in-depth outlook that exploresthe challenges and opportunities that lie ahead forone of the state’s key economic drivers.In sports, we celebrate the achievements ofBloomfield Academy of the Sacred Heart’s tennischampion Alana Hindo and her sister, Marian HighSchool tennis champion Lexa Hindo, whose dedicationand hard work have earned them a well-deservedplace in the spotlight.We also look back to the grand opening of CCFN. Peter Antone explores how politics hasbecome a convenient scapegoat for broadersocietal issues, offering a timely reflectionon how we engage with and address thechallenges of our times.West, a new chapter for our community that promises to bringfresh opportunities for connection, education, and growth. Theopening marks an exciting new phase in our collective journey.Finally, we include a powerful article by Dr. Adhid Miriabout Jewish holy shrines in Iraq—an exploration of the sharedhistory and enduring connection between our communities. Ina world often defined by division, this article is a reminder ofthe rich, intertwined history that binds us all together.As you read through these pages, we hope you are remindedof the combined attributes that define our community—whether through the arts, faith, or everyday acts of courage.This issue is a testament to the people and stories that shapeour lives, and we are honored to bring them to you.Sarah KittleEditor in Chief36+ ANNOUNCING YEARS OF OUR EXPERIENCE MERGER!+&ResidentialVacant LandExpertASSOCIATE BROKER/RECRUITERFREE HOME WARRANTYJIM MANNA / 248.763.2622Same great service, now #1 in Michigan too!6 CHALDEAN NEWS JULY 2025

PUBLISHER'S CIRCLEJoin thePublishers CircleAs the publication of record for Michigan’sChaldean community, the mission of theChaldean News is to preserve and archiveChaldean heritage and history, and to tell theongoing story of Chaldean contributions to thecommunities in which we live and work — in Michiganand around the world.In the past five years, the Chaldean News hassubstantially increased its readership and social mediafollowing, introduced new digital and website content, andexpanded storytelling with the help of small grant funding.With the generous help of individuals and organizations,together, we can ensure that this vital resource continuesto educate and connect the community, while evolving tomeet the needs of future generations.We truly appreciate your support of our efforts to expandand strengthen our coverage of the Chaldean community,both locally and globally. We are excited about theopportunities ahead, and your support will be essentialin helping us grow our digital presence, preserve ourcultural heritage, and tell even more compelling storiesabout the Chaldean community.You can take part in helping to preserve yourChaldean heritage by joining the Publisher’sCircle today. Together, we can continue toensure that the Chaldean News remains avital resource for generations to come.wabeekcc.comTo learn more, visit chaldeannews.comor contact us at 248-851-8600Let’s grow the circle.JULY 2025 CHALDEAN NEWS 7