Dearborn, Michigan, a city with a significant Lebanese population, has become a hub for pro-Hezbollah and anti-Israel sentiment. Mayor Abdullah Hammoud's participation in a recent rally where chants of "Death to Israel" were heard has sparked concerns about the growing influence of such rhetoric in the city.
The city of Dearborn, located in the Detroit metropolitan area, has a large Lebanese American community. In recent years, the city has witnessed a rise in pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel sentiments, with multiple rallies and demonstrations taking place.
One such rally, held on September 25, featured chants of "Death to Israel" and demands for Jews to be returned "back to Poland." Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud was among the attendees of this rally, which was organized to express support for Lebanon and Hezbollah.
Dearborn Mayor's Attendance at Rally Featuring Anti-Israel Chants Highlights Growing Dissatisfaction with Biden's Middle East Policy
Mayor Hammoud, who has previously expressed criticism of Israel's policies, has faced scrutiny for his attendance at the rally. Critics argue that his presence sends the wrong message and legitimizes the anti-Israel sentiment that has been growing in the city.
The rally was not an isolated incident. A vigil for slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was held in Dearborn at the end of September, where demonstrators were caught on video chanting "Khaybar, Khaybar, oh Jews," a common historical threat to Jewish people.
Dearborn Mayor's Attendance at Rally Featuring Anti-Israel Chants Highlights Growing Dissatisfaction with Biden's Middle East Policy
The growing resentment towards Israel in Dearborn has been fueled by the Biden administration's handling of the conflict in Gaza. Many residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the administration's policies and have launched movements aimed at preventing Biden from securing the Democratic nomination.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who is seen as a potential contender for the presidency in 2024, has made efforts to shore up support among African American and working-class voters in Michigan. However, her attempts to strike a balance between support for Israel and sympathy for the plight of Palestinians have not been well received by some voters in Dearborn.
Dearborn Mayor's Attendance at Rally Featuring Anti-Israel Chants Highlights Growing Dissatisfaction with Biden's Middle East Policy
The anti-Israel rhetoric in Dearborn has raised concerns among Jewish groups and organizations. Steven Stalinsky, the executive director of the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), which monitors and translates Middle Eastern media, described the chants of "Death to Israel" and "Khaybar, Khaybar, oh Jews" as "utterly chilling and disturbing."
Stalinsky argues that under normal circumstances, local authorities would be called on to investigate such incidents. However, considering the involvement of the mayor and other city officials in these rallies, he believes an investigation on the state level is necessary.
Dearborn Mayor's Attendance at Rally Featuring Anti-Israel Chants Highlights Growing Dissatisfaction with Biden's Middle East Policy
Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud has not publicly commented on the anti-Israel chants that were heard at the rally he attended. His office did not respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
The growing anti-Israel sentiment in Dearborn highlights the challenges faced by the Biden administration and Vice President Harris as they seek to maintain support among various voter groups in Michigan, a key swing state in the 2024 election.
