CHALDEAN COMMUNITY
CHALDEAN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION The Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) is the nonprofit arm of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce. In 2013, it has helped more than 13,000 refugees and other low-income immigrants through the following programs. REFUGEE ACCULTURATION SUSTAINABILITY AND TRAINING (RAST)—helps refugees of the Iraq War and subsequent religious persecution to acculturate and become less dependent on federal and state subsidies and services PROJECT BISMUTHA—provides free or reduced cost healthcare to Iraqi Christian and Chaldean refugees without medical insurance through the Chaldean American Association for Health Professionals REFUGEE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES—supplies much-needed mental health services to Iraqi refugees and others in Southeast Michigan ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL)—teaches refugees English through a partnership with Macomb Community College CHALDEAN LOAN FUND—provides low-interest loans to help refugees purchase a car WAAD MURAD ADVOCACY FUND—offers a cash reward up to ,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the assailant(s) of violent crimes perpetuated against businesspeople BREAKING BARRIERS—provides assistance and advocacy to the disabled and respite to caregivers IMMIGRATION—helps refugees file applications to become naturalized citizens HOUSING—provides long-term housing solutions for refugees Visit www.chaldeanchamber.com to view the 2014 calendar of events and www.chaldeanfoundation.org to receive news about the CCF’s upcoming annual appeal and capital campaign. Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce and Chaldean Community Foundation 29850 Northwestern Highway, Suite 250 Southfield, MI 48034 248-996-8340 www.chaldeanchamber.com Chaldean Community Foundation – Sterling Heights Office 4171 15 Mile Road Sterling Heights, MI 48310 586-722-7253 www.chaldeanfoundation.org
CONTENTS DECEMBER 2013 THE CHALDEAN NEWS VOLUME 10 ISSUE XI 26 22 30 42 departments 6 From the Editor By Vanessa Denha Garmo ’Tis the season for giving 7 your letters 8 In My View By Michael Sarafa New book on Pope Francis has life lessons for us all 10 In the Church’s View By Fr. Frank Kalabat Birth control arguments are emotionally based By Fenar Kashat The not-so tricky question of birth control 12 Noteworthy 13 Bulletin Board 14 Chai Time 16 Halhole 18 Religion 19 Obituaries 38 Economics and Enterprise By Eric Younan It’s a ‘Rap’: Nick’s Chips partners with Eminem 39 10 Questions Baba Noel: The man of the moment 40 Classified Listings 42 Events CALC’s Shopping Extravaganza on the cover 22 ’Tis the Season for Charitable Giving By Joyce Wiswell It’s the most wonderful time of the year for donating 26 Stuff Those Stockings By Jovan Jane Kassab Cool ideas for under features 20 Chaldean on the Street By Anthony Samona What’s your favorite part of Christmas? 28 Open to Debate By Weam Namou Lecture on Iraq society spurs discussion 30 El Cajon Mayor Resigns By Vanessa Denha Garmo Chaldean leads the effort to oust mayor 32 A Voice for the People By Eric Younan Talks underway to establish civil rights org 34 Pedaling the Truth By Eric Younan Detroiter dispels ‘food desert’ myth 36 Spotlight on Refugees By Weam Namou ‘My Beloved Enemy’ makes its American debut this month DECEMBER 2013 CHALDEAN NEWS 5
