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Cultural Bridges

The Building Community Initiative celebrates

its successes and looks toward the future.

I

t was a time to celebrate successes,
examine impact and look toward the
future as Lawrence Techonological
University in Southfield hosted an eve-
ning of hor d'oeuvres and drinks for
nearly 200 in honor of the Chaldean-
Jewish Building Community Initiative.
Launched by Arthur Horwitz, publish-
er of the Jewish News, and Martin Manna,
co-publisher of the Chaldean News, both
based in Southfield, Building Community
has come a long way since April 2010.
Recognizing the similarities between
the two cultural groups, the initiative
prompted activities and offered opportu-
nities for friendships to ignite, especially
through its five workgroups; has pro-
vided entrepreneurs and social activists
with a forum to percolate ideas; gathered
Chaldean and Jewish teens to dialogue
at a Teen Forum and dispel stereotypes
and realize similarities, and then again to
volunteer together at the Yad Ezra kosher
pantry in Berkley; and allowed food lov-
ers to share cultural cuisines, and more.
Building Community Initiative activi-
ties, along with the histories and simi-
larities of both cultures, have been docu-
mented in special sections in the Jewish
News and the Chaldean News, giving each
population the tools to better understand

each other and to build cultural bridges.
Speaking of cultural bridges, at the
Dec. 1 event, Manna teased Horwitz
about adapting Chaldean characteris-
tics — putting gel in his hair, wearing
too much cologne and driving a Cadillac
Escalade. Horwitz retorted that he also
had white rocks in his yard. Stereotypes?
Yes, but uttered in a brotherly way that
shows how close the two have become.
"I couldn't have been prouder of the
friendships formed in the work groups
and that continue to blossom;' Manna
said, as the pair acknowledged the work
of co-chairs Florine Mark, president and
CEO of Farmington Hills-based WW
Group Inc., and District Judge Diane
D'Agostini of Bloomfield Township as
well as the workgroup chairs.
The pair also thanked major sponsors.
Among them were Bank of America,
Presenting Sponsor, and Wayne State
University, Meijer and St. John Providence
Health System, Gold Sponsors.
Though the event at Lawrence Tech
capped a year full of activities, there's more
to come: another Teen Forum, this time
with Walled Lake Consolidated Schools;
development of a food pantry by the
Chaldean American Ladies of Charity mod-
eled after Yad Ezra; exploring opportunities

Lawrence Tech's Robin Leclerc and Layth Barash of West
Bloomfield

Krystal Shiklanian of Royal Oak, Ginger Penfil of Commerce Township, Lois
Shulman of Waterford and Seta Bederian of Royal Oak

District Judge Diane D'Agostini and husband, Lorenzo, Nada Jamoua of
Bloomfield Hills and Majida Asmar of West Bloomfield

to include other communities to strengthen
ties to the region; making contributions to
Detroit as the city makes a comeback; and
creating an itinerary for a Jewish/Chaldean
pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
"I think it's terrific that the past suc-

cesses are going to go forward with the
possibility to include other groups:' said
Jeannie Weiner, co-chair of the Social
Action workgroup. "I now have so many
friends. It's been very meaningful for
me."

Marcia Gershenson, an Oakland County
Arthur Horwitz, Jewish News publisher, and Martin
Manna, Chaldean News co-publisher, talk about how their commisioner, and Samira Cholagh from
West Bloomfield
relationship has grown.

Far left: Guest
Berry Phillips
gets ready to
sample a beef
tenderloin
sandwich.

Near left: Joel
Smith of West
Bloomfield,
Yvonne Petrone
of Detroit and
Jim Manna of
West Bloomfield
converse.

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December 15 • 2011