The Al-Quds Day rally in Dearborn illuminates the concerning animosity towards America, Jews, and the West within Michigan’s Muslim community, signaling a need for heightened vigilance and law enforcement oversight, particularly among those with allegiance to Iran.
Dearborn, Michigan, once lauded by the Left for its “diversity,” has transformed into a hub of Islamization and radicalization. In recent years, this Midwestern enclave has emerged as a breeding ground for Islamic extremism, significantly influenced by Iran. Over the past weekend, Muslims from across the city gathered for the annual Al-Quds Day rally, displaying troubling hatred towards the West, America, Jews, and Israel.
The Al-Quds Day, or “Jerusalem Day,” originated in 1979 with Iranian Ayatollah Khomeini, aiming to radicalize supporters against Western civilization, Israel, and the Jewish people. Chants of “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” echoed alongside placards condemning Israel.
Al-Quds Day is inherently anti-Jewish and challenges America’s morals and values. Given the surge of anti-Jewish sentiment in America post the Hamas terror attacks on October 7, 2023, there’s concern that the constant and widespread protests further escalate tensions.
Dearborn hosts the largest Al-Quds Day gathering in America, home to a significant Islamic population of Hezbollah and Iranian regime supporters. Dubbed the Arab capital of North America, it houses diverse communities predominantly of the Shiite Muslim denomination. Arabic signs adorn businesses, and Halal meat is served even in public schools, gradually introducing elements of Sharia.
Speakers at the rally routinely glorify designated terrorist entities and advocate for Israel’s destruction. During the recent rally on April 5, 2024, streamed live on Dearborn.org’s Facebook page, protesters chanted “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!” Michigan activist Tarek Bazzi, affiliated with the Hadi Institute, slammed President Biden and the entire U.S. system. Quoting Malcolm X, Bazzi painted America as one of the “rottenest countries” and declared “death to Israel” as the “most logical chant shouted across the world today.” Imam Usama Abdulghani echoed these sentiments, denouncing Israel as a “cancer” and equating it with ISIS, Nazis, and fascists.
Just a few months ago, at a February 9, 2024, commemoration of the anniversary of the Iranian Islamic Revolution held at the Hadi Institute Youth Community Center in Dearborn, Imam Usama Abdulghani praised Iranian leaders Ruhollah Khomeini, Ali Khamenei, and IRGC Qods Force leader General Qasem Soleimani. He said that if Muslims fear “Genocide Joe,” then that is who they will get. He recounted the story of the hostages taken in the U.S. Embassy as told by Khamenei. Abdulghani said that while “weak liberal individuals” suggested the hostages should be released, Khamenei pledged before Khomeini that he is not afraid of the Americans and was directed to keep the Americans hostage. The event was streamed live on the YouTube and Facebook pages of Light of Guidance.
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Meanwhile, the rally reached a chilling crescendo when Bazzi encouraged a young child to lead the genocidal chant: “Free Palestine! From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free,” which is code for eradicating the State of Israel and its millions of Jews. The river means the Jordan River, which runs east of Israel’s territory, and the sea means the Mediterranean Sea, which borders Israel to the west. The slogan negates Israel’s right to exist as a protective Jewish state.
The Al-Quds Day rally in Dearborn serves as a distressing reminder of the dangers of hate-fueled ideologies. It underscores the urgent need for authorities and civil society to denounce such gatherings and uphold the values of tolerance, diversity, and respect, lest they further divide communities and endanger residents’ safety and well-being.