Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce Condemns Iraq Archbishop Death as Act of Targeted Persecution

PRLog (Press Release) – Mar 13, 2008 – The Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce (CACC) today condemned the death of the kidnapped Chaldean archbishop, Paulos Faraj Rahho, as a targeted act of persecution on Christianity.  
    Christians in Iraq are increasingly fearful that these escalating and intentional acts of violence are about driving the Christian community from Iraq.  As such, the Chaldean American Chamber calls upon the President and U.S. Congressional leaders, as well as the Iraqi government, to step up its protection of the vulnerable and defenseless minorities and the indigenous people of Iraq.
“The Christian community in Iraq is one of the basic components of Iraqi society and should never be parted from its people or culture,” said Dave Nona, chairman of the Chamber.  “A symbolic assault such as this represents an act of violence against the entire Christian community of Iraq and may be intended to intimidate Christians to leave their ancestral lands.”  
   Chaldeans are the indigenous people of Iraq who speak Aramaic and are Eastern Rite Catholic.  Metro Detroit hosts the largest Chaldean population outside of Iraq with an estimated population of 120,000. Chaldean Americans own an estimated 8,000 businesses in the State of Michigan including a large number of liquor/party stores, supermarkets, hotels and restaurants.
   The Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce is a partnership of Chaldean businesses and professionals working together to strengthen members’ business, increase job opportunities, encourage expansion and promote Chaldean business and culture.  The Chamber seeks to service and represent Aramaic-speaking people, including Assyrians, Chaldeans and Syriacs.  For more information, visit www.chaldeanchamber.com.