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noteworthy NOTEWORTHY continued from page 12 They also call on the U.S. government and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq to urge the government of Iraq to implement provisions in the Iraqi Constitution that provide protections for Iraq’s religious minorities; and urge the U.S. government to continue to fund a new minorities committee whose membership is selected by Iraq’s minority communities. “The violence, forced displacement, discrimination, marginalization and neglect suffered by members of these groups threaten these ancient communities’ very existence in Iraq, and jeopardize Iraq’s future as a diverse, pluralistic, and free society,” said Leo. That, he added, is why USCIRF has recommended that Iraq be designated a “country of particular concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act for its egregious and ongoing violations of religious freedom. USCIRF is also urging the U.S. government to make the minorities a high priority in its ongoing relationship with the both the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government. In other news, Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington, has called for the U.S. to develop a policy akin to the Marshall Plan to assist refugees and internally displaced persons. “Iraqi Christians continue to be the targets of systematic violence, especially in Mosul and Nineveh,” he said, adding that the communities “face potential extinction.” Shenandoah Scores Shenandoah Country Club has been ranked No. 4 golf course in Michigan and one of the Top 100 Courses in the U.S. by Golflink.com, which covers all things related to the sport. “I have to say it was one of the best golf experiences I’ve ever had. From the bag drop to the cold beer after the round, quality,” wrote one user about Shenandoah on the website. “It was a true country club experience. The staff was very friendly and helpful. This is a must-play in Michigan.” Good Medicine: Project Bismutha Launches Project Bismutha has been established by the Chaldean American Association of Health Professionals (CAAHP) in partnership with the Chaldean American Ladies of Charity (CALC) to provide free medical services to qualified uninsured individuals. “The need for health coverage within our Chaldean community has grown drastically due to economic conditions,” said Dr. Nahid Elyas, CAAHP president, in a statement. Project Bismutha — which translates into “the act of healing” — began on July 19. It is open to adult members of the Metro Detroit Chaldean community who meet specific eligibility guidelines. Medical services are provided free of charge through physician volunteers. The project offers primary and preventative health care, management of common medical problems, and maintenance of chronic health challenges. Project Bismutha also provides access to prescription medications from Chaldean pharmacists at minimal fees to the participant. During the first six months, Project Bismutha’s goal will be to enroll 100 individuals, which organizers say is ‘Chaldeans’ Author Dies Bryon Perry, who authored the book “The Chaldeans,” died on June 17. In the process of writing the book, Perry researched the history of the Chaldean community and interviewed many community members. The book was commissioned and published by the Chaldean Cultural Center. “Mr. Perry immersed himself in the writing of the book, ‘The Chaldeans.’ He admired many aspects of our culture and befriended some of the individuals that he got to know through his research,” said the CCC’s Mary Romaya, who provided editorial supervision on the book. “Bryon understood the thousands of years of our unique history and the many important contributions we have made to civilization.” Perry is survived by his wife Pamela, four children, and nine grandchildren. far less than the number of applications received and the amount of people who need assistance. Donations are being solicited to help pay for prescription costs and fees, equipment, supplies and materials, and other expenses related to the operation of the project. “Much funding will be needed to sustain and grow a project of this magnitude,” said LeeAnn Kirma, president of CALC. Project Bismutha is sponsored and supported by the St. Thomas the Apostle Chaldean Catholic Diocese — USA, the Chaldean Federation of America, the Chaldean Community Foundation and Heinz Family Philanthropies. The public is welcomed to join the opening of Project Bismutha on October 13 at the Shenandoah Country Club. For more information call CALC at (248) 539- 9400 or visit www.ProjectBismutha.org. Susan Kattula Chaldeans Needed for Health Study Henry Ford Health System is seeking Chaldeans and other individuals to participate in a clinical research study to identify genetic factors contributing to inflammatory bowel disease. Henry Ford is seeking 400 individuals, specifically those with an Ashkenazi Jewish or Chaldean background. The purpose of study is to identify genes that are involved in inflammatory bowel disease in Ashkenazi Jews and Chaldeans because, historically, both groups came from the same area and have remained as distinct groups for thousands of years, said Ann Silverman, M.D., director of Henry Ford Health System’s Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center. It is estimated that between one and two million Americans suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is comprised of two chronic diseases that cause chronic and relapsing intestinal inflammation: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD is thought to be immunerelated, with symptoms such as abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, fever and weight loss. The causes of IBD are unknown but there are known racial and ethnic differences in the risk for developing IBD. “We know that inflammatory bowel disease is inherited, particularly Crohn’s disease, therefore if we can identify the specific genes involved in specific populations, we can tailor drug therapy to treat these patients,” Silverman said in a statement. “Right now, the drugs used to treat the disease cause a general suppression of the immune system. It’s like using a chain saw to cut a twig. If we can identify patients by ethnic characteristics, we can identify and treat the disease in a more effective and efficient manner.” The study is sponsored by Yale University, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, and the National Institutes of Digestive Diseases and Kidney (NIDDK). Patients may be eligible if they have been diagnosed by a physician with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis and are age 18 or older. Participation in the study will require one visit to Henry Ford’s IBD Clinic, where participants will be asked to donate a small sample of blood and/or, if determined by the physician, a sample of saliva. Participants will be asked to share their medical histories and may also be asked if their family members would be willing to participate in the study. To participate in the Henry Ford study, contact Nicole Samuels at (248) 344-2358 or qsamuel1@hfhs.org. Chamber Joins Cancer Walk Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce members Sandra Hanna, Sharon Hannawa and Sonya Kory are assembling a team for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event on October 9. The women and fellow chamber members will walk five miles on Belle Isle for the fundraiser. Donations can be made by visiting www.cancer.org/stridesonline and going to the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce Team Page. All are invited to join the team by calling Valerie Cholagh at the chamber office at (248) 996-8340. Head of the Class Susan Kattula has been appointed President of the Warren Consolidated Schools Board of Education. She is serving her fifth year as a board member after being reelected in 2009 to a second term. WCS district is located within 3 cities — Warren, Sterling Heights and Troy — and has about 15,800 students, one third of whom are Chaldean. 14 CHALDEAN NEWS SEPTEMBER 2010
Community Bulletin Board Team Player Anita Kallabat’s Team Faten raised the most funds of all participants in the First Annual Royal Oak Undy 5000 on July 31 at Beaumont Hospital. Kallabat got nearly 60 people to join her team – mostly Chaldeans — and together they raised ,868 for the Colon Cancer Alliance. The team was named for Kallabat’s mother, Faten Sitto-Kallabat, who died eight years ago of colon cancer. “It was amazing to see so many people come together,” said Kallabat, who also took first-place honors for individually raising the most money: ,313. “I plan on participating every year in this event.” Designing Woman Olivia Oram of Bloomfield Hills beat out more than 34,000 entries to win a design contest for tennis star Venus Williams. Sponsored by Tide, the 10-week contest was judged by website voters and Williams herself. As the grand-prize winner, the 20-year-old Oram received a ,000 shopping spree – and the opportunity to fly to New York to watch Williams wear her outfit in the U.S. Open in late August. “I used my creativity and my own style and designed something different yet classy that Venus would love to wear,” she said. Oram is seen here in another of her creations. Classic Members of the Sarafa family gathered for the 2010 Dream Cruise on August 22. Daniel Sarafa (left) drove in with his parents from Columbus, Ohio, while Hayden Sarafa Williams flew in from the Chicago area. Josie Sarafa is the proud grandma. East Coast Elevation Mar Barnaba Yousif Habash was ordained as a bishop on July 31 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Bayonne, New Jersey. He is the second Syriac bishop for the United States and Canada. Mar Habash is from Bakhdida and has served the church in Iraq and the United States. Bishops, priests, friends and relatives came from Iraq, Lebanon, Europe, Canada and the United States to attend the ceremony, including Sister Germaine Wadha, a Dominican nun visiting from Lebanon, and Galia Thomas, who flew in from Michigan. Sharing His Story Sharkey S. Haddad is the lone Chaldean featured in the new book, “The Sweetness of Freedom, Stories of Immigrants” published by the Michigan State University Press. The book by Martha Bloomfield and Steve Ostrander includes oral histories from 18 immigrants who came to Michigan in the late 19th and 20th centuries. This picture of the Haddad family —Tess, Hilda, Sharkey, Sindel and Blake — is included. To purchase the book, call (517) 355-9543, ext. 100. Have an item for the Bulletin Board? Send it to Chaldean News, 29850 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, MI 48034, or e-mail info@chaldeannews.com. SEPTEMBER 2010 CHALDEAN NEWS 15
