Dearborn, a city in Michigan, has recently increased police patrols in response to an opinion article published by the Wall Street Journal that labeled the city as “America’s Jihad Capital.” Mayor Abdullah Hammoud expressed concern over the article, stating that it puts Dearborn residents at risk and leads to an increase in hate speech targeting the city. As the first Muslim and Arab American mayor of Dearborn, Hammoud took to social media to alert the community to the inflammatory article and urged them to stay vigilant.
The neighboring city of Dearborn Heights also expressed solidarity with Dearborn, with Mayor Bill Bazzi condemning the derogatory term used to describe Dearborn and emphasizing the dangers of spreading hateful misinformation through mainstream media. State leaders, including Michigan Senate Majority Whip Mallory McMorrow and Wayne County Commissioner David Knezek, showed support for Hammoud and praised his leadership in bringing the community together.
The opinion article in question, titled “Welcome to Dearborn, America’s Jihad Capital,” was written by Steven Stalinsky, a commentator on Middle Eastern terrorism. Stalinsky compared pro-Palestinian protests in Dearborn to celebrations of violence in the West Bank, raising concerns about terrorism support in southern Michigan. Hammoud responded to Stalinsky’s article on social media, denouncing it as reckless, bigoted, and Islamophobic. Mehdi Hasan, a former MSNBC journalist, also retweeted Hammoud’s posts, highlighting a double standard faced by Muslims in the U.S.
The publication of this article comes on the heels of a protest by Dearborn residents against President Joe Biden’s visit to the area. The community values of Dearborn and its high graduation rates were cited by social media users as evidence against the claims made by Stalinsky and his supporters. Many argued that such articles spread false information and hate speech that could potentially attract individuals with ill intentions into their community.
In response to the situation, Dearborn Police have increased patrols and are monitoring social media for potential threats. The city is determined to protect its residents and maintain the safety and harmony it is known for.
Dearborn, often recognized as a vibrant and diverse city, is home to a large Arab American population and has a rich cultural heritage. It is unfortunate that the Wall Street Journal article has generated such negative attention. However, the response from local leaders and community members demonstrates their commitment to standing against hate and misinformation, while emphasizing the true spirit of Dearborn as one of the greatest American cities.
