Dearborn, MI – The Ford Community and Performing Arts Center in Dearborn was the epicenter of a gathering where over 1,200 people came together to voice their denouncement of Israel and the bombings in Gaza.
The recent Hamas attack on Israel, leading to a significant mobilization of military reservists, was seen by the attendees as not an unprovoked action.
“We are not going to be intimidated,” declared Osama Siblani, Publisher of the Arab American News. “Hamas is not a terrorist organization, and we have to say to them that the terrorist is Benjamin Netanyahu and his government.”
The atmosphere was filled with music, cheering, and chants as the crowd and speakers strongly criticized the Israeli government. They expressed their anger towards politicians ranging from President Joe Biden to local officials who have publicly declared their support for Israel.
Notably, President Biden and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, among others, were met with boos, and empty chairs were placed on the stage to symbolize their expected presence.
“They’re not here with us today because they were busy dancing yesterday,” noted Nasser Beydoun. “Before you end the occupation of Palestine, you have to end the occupation in Congress.”
Attendees were encouraged to be vocal in their support for pro-Palestinian organizations and causes. They pledged never to support politicians who do not renounce their allegiance to Israel.
