Before There Were Borders

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Before There Were Borders

We are sisters who want to share our vision of Iraq with the world, as well as share its stories.

Before There Were Borders is more than a book - it is a movement. Josephine Attisha founded a full-service grant management company that specializes in serving non-profit and non-governmental organizations who focus on minority populations all over the world.

07/08/2025

Genocide doesn’t begin with mass violence, it begins with warning signs. If we fail to recognize them, we risk repeating history and condemning future generations to suffering.

In 2022, we stood on the soil of Simele, not just an archaeological hill, but a sacred resting place for thousands of Assyrians massacred in 1933.

Among the lives lost or displaced were our own paternal great-grandparents. Our grandfather became an orphan as a result of these atrocities. He was a survivor of not just one, but two waves of violence that targeted our people.

He was barely an infant, left under a tree to die. But he was found, rescued, and given a second chance at life.

We came to bear witness.

We came to pray.

We prayed for the souls lost to violence.

We prayed for the grief that has lingered for generations.

We prayed for a people scattered by persecution, but never erased.

We prayed for the future, that we may rise not only in memory, but in legacy.

And to live in peace and work in harmony with our neighbors to prevent this from happening again.

This land holds more than layers of history.

It holds our story.

09/07/2024

-acs is seeking proposals to hire qualified IT and marketing professionals to serve our partners. Please share this with anyone who may be interested. The deadline for applicants is 16 August 2024 - May the odds be ever in your favor

04/10/2023

I'm incredibly excited to share some news with you all! At the first annual SMILE Fundraiser at Boulan Park on Sunday, October 8th with , I'll be walking with a particular purpose. I'm proud to announce that I'm starting "TEAM Attisha" in honor of my Maid of Honor, Crystal Attisha, and her twin daughters, Katalina and Klaudia.

These two remarkable girls, Katalina and Klaudia, were born with cerebral palsy and Angelman syndrome, conditions that have presented them with unique challenges. Yet, their unwavering spirit, determination, and contagious laughter have taught us about the true meaning of resilience and love. Their laughter can brighten anyone's day and add a smile to your face, reminding us of the power of joy in the face of adversity.

Crystal, Kevin, Klaudia, Katalina, and Karmine have shown us what it means to transform challenges into triumphs. Through fervent prayers and tireless devotion, I've watched Crystal become an incredible advocate and loving mother. Her strength and resilience are awe-inspiring.

As we walk together at the SMILE Fundraiser, let's celebrate the milestones achieved and continue to spread awareness and support organizations working to improve the lives of those affected by cerebral palsy and Angelman syndrome. "TEAM Attisha" is not just about raising funds; it's about coming together as a community to make a meaningful impact.

Join us on this journey of love and strength, and together, we can make a difference and bring more smiles to the faces of Katalina, Klaudia, and their remarkable family. Let's help create SMILES on the faces of youth with special needs in Iraq and worldwide. 💙🌟

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15/09/2023

We've been overwhelmed by the outpouring of interest in the SMILE Fundraiser! 🌟 Today, we want to give you more context about our mission and how you can get involved.

"SMILE," which stands for Specialized Mar Qardakh International Learning Experience, is a heartwarming initiative with a clear purpose. Our mission is to provide unwavering educational support and raise awareness for children born with special needs. ☀️

In close partnership with Mar Qardakh International School in Ankawa, Erbil, Iraq, the SMILE program is designed to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child, regardless of their abilities, can flourish and grow. 📚✨

Here's a glimpse into our strategy to make this dream a reality:
1️⃣ Empower teachers with specialized training.
2️⃣ Offer personalized educational and therapeutic interventions.
3️⃣ Organize fun activities and sensory workshops.
4️⃣ Collaborate closely with parents for effective support.

But there's more! We invite you to look at the slides for an even deeper understanding of the impact we aim to make. 📊

Our fundraiser is the lifeline for the Erbil community and its surroundings. In collaboration with remarkable mom groups from various parishes within the Chaldean Diocese, like , .annemomsgroup, , and , we're joining forces to raise awareness and vital funds for children and families facing unique challenges in Iraq. 💪❤️

Thanks to this incredible community, we've become a beacon of hope, providing essential resources and unwavering support to those in need. 🌍

We invite you to join us on this transformative journey by participating in our walkathon, sponsoring, volunteering, donating, or simply sharing this post to spread the word. 🚶‍♀️💕

And remember, if you're curious and want more details, don't hesitate to check out our slides for an in-depth look at our mission. 📑

Have questions or suggestions? Feel free to reach out. Together, we can truly make a difference. 🤗

27/08/2023

📚 Exciting News! Join us at the 90th Annual AANF Convention next Saturday-Sunday, September 2-3, for an exclusive Meet and Greet with the talented authors of "Before There Were Borders," Josephine and Mary. 📖

🌟 Dive into the world of their captivating coming-of-age novel that beautifully weaves stories of culture, identity, and personal growth. Learn about their journey as authors, their inspiration, and the incredible journey they've embarked on with this book.

🗓️ Date: 09/02-09/03
🕒 Time: 10AM - 5PM
📍 Location: Hilton - Foyer of Bazaar

If you’re in Southern California, then mark your calendars for this unique opportunity to connect with Josephine and Mary, share insights, grab a copy, and celebrate the power of storytelling to bridge borders and bring communities together. We can't wait to see you there! 🎉

01/04/2023

Tomorrow, April 1st, is the 6773rd celebration for the Assyrian New Year or resha’d shata.

The Assyrian New Year is celebrated on the first of April every year. It is known as the Akkadian name “Akitu” and commonly referred to as 'Kha b-Nisan (which is the Syriac translation of April 1st).

Rather than redefine the meaning of this ancient tradition, we have referenced :

“Kha b’Nissan was not only the first day of the new year, but it also marked the start of Spring. During this time, trees and flowers would begin to bloom again. As such, the holiday was a symbol of revival—a major theme in ancient Assyrian mythology. Many Assyrians viewed this day each year as the “start of a new life.”

In ancient times, the Akitu festival was celebrated for twelve days. According to the ancient calendar, the first of April coincided with the Spring Equinox (March 21). It was only after the Assyrians adopted Christianity and embraced the Gregorian Calendar that the date was moved.

Assyrian mythology tells of a story where the goddess of love marries the vegetation god. Their unity, which occurred during the Spring Equinox, ensured the renewal of life, blessing the Earth with fertility. This myth was central to the Akitu celebrations.”

We wish our brothers and sisters in the homeland and diaspora a warm celebration filled with unity, joy, and unforgettable memories.

May we continue to forge our identity through our bond and love for one another. May we persevere so our nation reigns for another thousand years and beyond. Khaya Atour idyou ou kulla danneh.

31/10/2022

The Michigan Chapter for Assyrian Aid Society of America is pleased to announce our annual Thanksgiving Party with entertainment from and

The event is on Friday, November 18th at

We have sold out more than half the tickets! Pickup your ticket from or go to Ishtar Cultural Center on Mound Road in Sterling Heights

Please join our efforts to bring the mobile medical clinic back to operations in the 2023-2024 to serve vulnerable communities in rural regions of northern Iraq. We look forward to seeing you there!

22/09/2022

We stand in solidarity with the women in Iran and all over the world who are defending their freedom.

Mary and I wanted to share an excerpt from “Before There Were Borders” inspired from recent events.

Sara, the story’s main character, is forced to marry a man she’s never met. She has other plans. Sara wants to finish school, go to college and become a world leader.

So, she takes matters into her own hands to escape the betrothal and engagement. Sara sneaks out of the event and does the unthinkable - she chops off all her hair to make herself look unattractive.

Although the scene doesn’t end well for Sara, she successfully sabotages the marriage arrangement because the other family thinks she is crazy for suddenly chopping off all her hair.

We hope you enjoy it. (If you want to read more, you can continue reading the full version, please order a copy by going to a website.)

29/08/2022

The Michigan chapter will be hosting the first-ever annual board meeting for 2022.

In the evening, we will be celebrating the 30th anniversary at in Sterling Heights with live entertainment from with coordinating from

Josephine serves on the Board of Directors and invites you to attend or sponsor the event if you are in the area.

Come join us as we celebrate 30 years of serving our resilient communities with support and stability in Iraq 🇮🇶

03/05/2022

📢 SOUND ON 📢

Construction in Iraqi hotels has no limits or consideration.

Exhibit A: the sound of construction in the neighboring hotel room echoed throughout at 9am. (At least this tradesman waited until 9am to start banging his hammer away lol)

My sister, Mary, and I shared a room our entire trip. Almost every single morning, we were woken up to construction banging or drilling. The third morning at 4:29am we were woken up to a jack hammer.

Do you know what a jack hammer sounds like during a REM sleep cycle?

To us, it sounded like a machine gun😬

Is this normal in other countries pr have we just been spoiled in America?

Have you had issues with guest considerations relating to construction? Please share in the comments below 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

We look forward to sharing more pictures and videos in the coming days and weeks 📸

Address

Simele, Iraq
Simele
42003

Website

http://www.beforetherewereborders.com/

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