Protesters in Dearborn, Michigan, participated in an International Al-Quds Day rally where they shouted “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!” The rally was organized by the Hadi institute, and activist Tarek Bazzi spoke at the event, urging participants to direct their chants against America due to its support for Israel. Bazzi quoted Malcom X, calling the U.S. one of the “rottenest countries” and advocated for the elimination of the entire American system. He then turned his focus to Israel, stating that the chant “Death to Israel” is the most logical response to those questioning Israel’s right to exist. The rally in Dearborn is part of a larger movement that is critical of both the U.S. and Israel.
International Al-Quds Day is an annual pro-Palestinian event that is held on the last Friday of Ramadan and enjoys significant support in Dearborn, Michigan, which has a high proportion of Muslim residents. Celebrations of the day have been controversial worldwide, with German authorities banning the event in Berlin on multiple occasions. Rallies to mark the day have been taking place in Dearborn for at least 20 years, and the town has been described as a “hotbed of hate” by MEMRI Executive Director Steven Stalinsky. Stalinsky noted that threats coming from the city have become more pronounced since the recent terrorist attacks on Israel, and the spread of extremist rhetoric is a growing concern.
Michigan Republican State Rep. Phil Green expressed concerns over the rising problem of extremism and divisive rhetoric in Dearborn and across the country. Green acknowledged that while the majority of Dearborn’s citizens are peaceful and do not promote violence, there are movements emerging from the town that are worth monitoring closely by lawmakers. Dearborn also became the center of a protest movement against President Biden last month, with activists calling on Democrats to vote “uncommitted” instead of supporting Biden’s re-election bid. The town has become a focal point for various political and social movements, including those critical of U.S. and Israeli policies.
During the rally in Dearborn, Iman Usama Abdulghani spoke out against Israel, referring to it as an “evil settler colonialist project” and a “cancer.” Abdulghani praised those who publicly criticize Israel and equated the country to “ISIS, Nazis, fascists, and racists.” Protesters at the rally were heard chanting slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “From the River to the Sea,” a phrase classified as “hate” by the American Jewish Committee. This type of rhetoric has become a common theme in Dearborn, according to Stalinsky, who noted a significant level of support for jihadi groups in the city.
The rally in Dearborn and the sentiments expressed by speakers like Tarek Bazzi and Usama Abdulghani reflect a broader movement critical of the U.S. and Israel. The International Al-Quds Day event in Dearborn has drawn attention for its anti-American and anti-Israel chants, as well as its support for Palestinian rights. The town’s diverse population and history of political activism make it a significant location for such events, with rallies and demonstrations taking place regularly. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the spread of extremist rhetoric and hate speech in Dearborn, calling for increased monitoring and intervention by lawmakers and authorities. The ongoing tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Palestine continue to fuel political activism in communities like Dearborn, where different perspectives and opinions are expressed through public demonstrations and protests.
