Mona K. Oshana immigrated to the United States at the age nine. She was born in Karkuk, Iraq.  Mona says, “Leaving my homeland was not by choice, it was by force”.  She tells her story from the heart, and still considers herself a constituent of Iraq.  Being born in Iraq and remaining aware of the current state of affairs, she comprehends the pain and the struggles of the people.  Her focus has been to bring more attention to the forgotten component of the country...the people.    Currently she is very involved in several communities, raising awareness of the ongoing struggle of the Iraqi population.  Her unending compassionate efforts have kept her vigilant towards her homeland and poised to the cries of her people.  In recent years she has tirelessly worked as a volunteer alongside many of the U.S resettlement agencies in Phoenix Arizona to help Iraqi family’s feel less displace.   She also works with non-profit organizations such as The Assyrian Aid Society, the Chaldean Federation of America, as well as many church groups, to address the growing issues leading to the massive Christian exodus from Iraq.  She served as a contributing English Editor for Assyrian Star magazine and has been featured in countless T.V programs and Newspaper articles encouraging awareness, focusing more attention to the hurting people as well as promoting an end to the ongoing violence in Iraq.  In 2001 and 2004 she was recognized, respectively, by the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East as well as the Assyrian Aid Society of America for her diligent leadership, dedication and encouragement of the Christian Youth of America. In 2005 she was recognized for her outstanding commitment and devotion to her people by being presented with the “Woman of the Year” award by His Excellency Mr. Yonadam Kanna, member of the Iraqi Parliament and current Secretary General of the Assyrian Democratic Movement. 

Since being published, Look Beyond the Fire has become more then just a story, it has become a campaign for a greater cause. It is
serving to reveal the untold story of the populations’ silent cry for help      

 Mona Says:
“I would like to see peace in Iraq, but not at the price of democracy.  Democracy must prevail, before true peace can be obtained.  I have a vision of a brighter tomorrow for Iraq and all Iraqis.  I pray for a stronger, unified and free Iraq!