Protesters in Dearborn, Michigan, recently held an International Al-Quds Day rally, where they chanted “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!” One activist, Tarek Bazzi, stated that the focus of the rally was anti-America because the United States government provides funds for atrocities, such as the Israeli siege of Gaza. Bazzi quoted Malcom X, arguing for the elimination of the entire American system. He also called for the removal of President Biden, stating that any system that supports atrocities does not deserve to exist. The rally also featured chants of “Death to Israel” from the crowd.
The International Al-Quds Day rally is an annual pro-Palestinian event that is held on the last Friday of Ramadan and has significant support in Dearborn, which has high Muslim population rates. However, celebrations of the day have been controversial, with German authorities banning it on multiple occasions. Dearborn has been described as a “hotbed of hate” by MEMRI Executive Director Steven Stalinsky, with rallies in support of terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah taking place in the town. Michigan Republican State Rep. Phil Green also expressed concern about the rise of extremism and rhetoric of violence in Dearborn.
The rally in Dearborn also saw remarks from Michigan Imam Usama Abdulghani, who referred to Israel as an “evil settler colonialist project” and a “cancer.” He praised those who publicly criticize Israel and equated the country to ISIS, Nazis, fascists, and racists. Protesters were heard chanting “Free Palestine” and “From the River to the Sea,” a phrase classified as hate speech by the American Jewish Committee. Stalinsky noted that support for jihadi groups is prevalent in Dearborn, although not everyone in the town is a terrorist.
The International Al-Quds Day rally in Dearborn has become a cause for concern for many, as anti-American and anti-Israeli sentiments were expressed. Calls for the eradication of the entire American system and denouncements of Israel were prevalent during the event, which has been a source of controversy in the town. Representatives like Phil Green have expressed worry over the rise of extremism and hateful rhetoric in Dearborn, while Steven Stalinsky highlighted the town’s support for jihadi groups. The rally featured chants and speeches equating Israel to various negative entities and expressing support for the Palestinian cause.
Dearborn also witnessed a protest movement against President Biden last month, with activists encouraging Democrats to vote “uncommitted” rather than supporting his re-election bid. The town has seen a rise in divisive rhetoric and threats of violence, which was previously more common in the Middle East. While acknowledging that most citizens of Dearborn are peaceful, lawmakers are monitoring the movements bubbling up from the town. The International Al-Quds Day rally in Dearborn has drawn attention to the prevalence of extremist views and support for terrorist organizations in the area, prompting concerns from officials and members of the community.