My knowledge is up to date as of January 2022.

Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by several countries and international organizations, including the United States, the European Union, Israel, and others.

Imad Hamad, the executive director of the American Human Rights Council in Dearborn, stood at the forefront of condemnation, articulating the sentiments of a united front of Arab American and Muslim leaders in response to the inflammatory chants heard at the rally. In a resolute statement, he declared, “We, as a community, unequivocally denounce the inflammatory speeches and chants that emerged from that gathering… your messages of extremism do not resonate with us.” This collective voice echoed a firm rejection of such divisive rhetoric, reaffirming Dearborn's identity as a bastion of diversity and inclusivity.

Joining in this chorus of disapproval, Osama Siblani, a prominent Arab American activist and publisher of the Dearborn-based Arab American News, expressed his disdain for those who instigated the abhorrent chants. He minced no words, asserting, “Your pathetic ill speeches and the disgusting chants that you incited and invited are totally and unequivocally rejected by all Arab Americans and Muslims in Dearborn and everywhere.” His message underscored the unwavering commitment of Dearborn to remain a welcoming city, intolerant of bigotry and hatred.

Even the organizers of the event, Al Quds Committee Detroit, were quick to distance themselves from the reprehensible remarks, labeling them as "wrongful" and "a mistake." Sheikh Usama Abdulghani, one of the event's organizers, expressed bewilderment at the outburst, emphasizing, “Why would somebody do that on this day?” His sentiments echoed the sentiments of many within the Arab and Muslim American communities, for whom such rhetoric is antithetical to their values and aspirations.

As someone deeply embedded in these communities, I can attest that such chants are not reflective of their ethos. Throughout my extensive involvement in various events, the notion of chanting "death to America" or "death to Israel" has never found resonance. Any attempt to sow seeds of discord is met with swift and unequivocal backlash, underscoring the collective commitment to fostering harmony and understanding.

Criticism of the policies enacted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration, particularly amidst the devastating suffering inflicted upon innocent civilians in Gaza, is not only justified but imperative for those who uphold the principles of humanity. Likewise, the freedom to critique the actions of any US president is a fundamental tenet of our democratic society. However, language that dehumanizes and fosters an atmosphere of hatred or fear must be unequivocally condemned, as demonstrated by Arab and Muslim American leaders in Dearborn.

It is crucial to denounce hate speech propagated by foreign entities that can permeate communities within the United States, whether it originates from antisemitic rhetoric in Iran or the vilification of Muslims and Arabs by extremist factions in Israel. Thus, the Biden administration’s condemnation of chants advocating “death to Arabs” by thousands of right-wing Israelis during the May 2023 Jerusalem Day celebration was significant. This annual event commemorates the Israeli military's capture of East Jerusalem from Jordan in the 1967 war. However, the previous year's march took a disturbing turn, with Jewish supremacists taunting Palestinian Christians and Muslims with incendiary chants like “may your village burn.”

While such abhorrent chants have regrettably been present in Israel for years, the 2023 Jerusalem Day rally was particularly alarming due to the participation of Itamar Ben-Gvir, a member of Netanyahu’s cabinet with a history of inciting racism against Arabs. Rather than condemning the hateful rhetoric, Netanyahu characterized the march as “a splendid day to celebrate our return to our eternal capital,” a response that was deeply troubling.

Passion surrounding the Middle East conflict is undeniable, but when fervor descends into hate and dehumanization, it must be met with resolute condemnation. This holds true regardless of the individuals or groups perpetuating such toxic messages. The leaders in Dearborn exemplified how to take a principled stand and refuse to tolerate such divisive rhetoric within their community.

In conclusion, the events unfolding in Dearborn serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of standing firm against hate and bigotry, regardless of its origins. The resolute denunciation of inflammatory rhetoric by Arab and Muslim American leaders underscores their commitment to fostering a community built on principles of diversity, inclusivity, and respect. As we navigate the complexities of the Middle East conflict and confront the passionate sentiments it evokes, let us not waver in our dedication to upholding the dignity and humanity of all individuals. It is through such steadfast resolve that we can strive towards a future where dialogue and understanding triumph over division and animosity.