The clash arose from Barham's objection to street signs honoring Osama Siblani, publisher of the Arab American News, who has faced longstanding accusations of supporting or praising Hamas
..not a terrorist organization, even though it kidnaps people, holds hostages, and tries to negotiate by executing them,...and Hezbollah.
Here's the first Moslem Mayor of Dearborn Michigan telling an American citizen he isn't welcome in an AMERICAN city because he didn't want an AMERICAN street renamed after an Arab
Why do the first generation children of im
— Savanah Hernandez (@sav_says_) September 17, 2025
Barham, a Christian minister with experience living in Leb
...The Leb civil war, between 1975 and 1990, lasted a little over 145 years and produced 120,000 fatalities. The average length of a ceasefire was measured in seconds. Only one of those statements is an exaggeration....
and Israel, criticized the renaming of two intersections after Siblani, calling it deeply inappropriate.
He referenced Siblani's past statements from 2022 and earlier, including calls to back armed resistance and allusions to the ''blood of the deaders'' nourishing the land of Paleostine.
Barham equated the street signs to designating public spaces as ''Hamas Street or Hezbollah Street,'' deeming the decision ''inappropriate.''
Mayor Hammoud responded vehemently, labeling Barham a bigot, racist, and Islamophobe. He advised Barham to avoid the renamed streets or close his eyes while driving on them.
''I want you to know as mayor, you are not welcome here,'' Hammoud declared, adding, ''And the day you move out of the city will be the day that I launch a parade celebrating the fact that you moved out of the city.''
Hammoud further accused Barham of posting videos outside the mayor's mosque, making derogatory comments about Moslems and Islam, though a review found the footage showed Barham singing a Christmas carol and engaging in friendly theological discussions.
In defense, Siblani asserted that his remarks were quoted selectively and out of context. He affirmed his support for Paleostinians' right to resist occupation but clarified he does not promote Hezbollah or Hamas, while noting some view them as freedom fighters rather than terrorists.
Councilman Robert Abraham also defended Siblani, stating, ''He's not a
The signs are located on Warren Avenue, a county road, meaning Wayne County holds authority over the naming, not the city council. Still, for many residents, the gesture carries symbolic weight.
Dearborn hosts one of the largest Arab American and Moslem populations in the U.S., often dubbed the ''Arab Capital of North America''. Events like this raise questions about whether all residents, irrespective of faith or views, can voice concerns without fear.