Chaldean-Jewish Alliance

Our Story

An Unexpected
Encounter

The Chaldean Jewish Alliance was inspired by an unexpected encounter in Iraq between a young Chaldean and a Jewish Rabbi, who quickly discovered a meaningful bond rooted in shared history, faith, values, and ancestral ties to the region. As their conversation unfolded, the Rabbi turned out to be Rabbi Asher, a highly respected leader in the Jewish community.

They soon realized that, despite meeting halfway across the world, both were connected to vibrant communities in Michigan. What began as a chance meeting became the spark for a broader vision of friendship, understanding, and collaboration between the Chaldean and Jewish communities.

Today, the Chaldean Jewish Alliance is dedicated to strengthening relationships through dialogue, cultural connection, and community-building initiatives. Its inaugural event was held on January 7, 2026, at the Detroit Athletic Club, marking the formal beginning of this important effort. A second gathering is scheduled for May 2026 as the Alliance continues to build a lasting foundation for mutual respect, partnership, and shared community engagement.

Rabbi Asher Lopatin at the Tomb of Nahum in Alqosh, Iraq

Rabbi Asher Lopatin at the Tomb of Nahum · Alqosh, Iraq · April 2025

Shared Heritage

One Beginning

Father Abraham — known to Chaldeans as Mar Oraha and to Jews as Avraham — is the common ancestral starting point for both peoples. He was born in Ur of the Chaldeans, in Mesopotamia, the very homeland of the Chaldean people. From that ancient land, Abraham was called by God and became the Patriarch through whom a covenant was established — one that would shape the course of human history.

The covenant continued through his son Isaac (Mar Ishak / Yitzhak) and his grandson Jacob (Mar Yacoob / Yaakov), later named Israel. Isaac was born into Abraham's household, raised in the same Chaldean culture, language, and worldview that Chaldeans trace their heritage to. Jacob, the father of the people of Israel, is directly rooted in that same lineage.

What this means is simple but powerful: before there were distinctions, there was one family. The line from Abraham to Israel is both physical and spiritual, and it originates in Chaldea. Chaldeans preserve the land, language, and continuity of that origin. Jews preserve the covenant and the nation that came from it.

Abraham & Isaac

Inaugural Event

First Annual Chaldean-Jewish Luncheon

January 7, 2026 · Detroit Athletic Club

First Annual Chaldean-Jewish Alliance Luncheon

Detroit Athletic Club · January 7, 2026

An elite gathering of Chaldeans and Jews from across the world met for the first time for a Kosher lunch at the Detroit Athletic Club — the beginning of something lasting.

Speakers

Weam Namou

Author & Previous Director, The Chaldean Cultural Center

Rabbi Asher Lopatin

Rabbi & Director, American Jewish Committee Detroit

Chaldean–JewishAlliance

An UnexpectedEncounter

One Beginning

First Annual Chaldean-Jewish Luncheon

Chaldean–Jewish
Alliance

An Unexpected
Encounter