A religious leader in Dearborn, Michigan, made controversial statements during a sermon at the local Islamic Institute of Knowledge, comparing Israel to Nazi Germany and ISIS. Dr. Baqir Berry, the leader of the mosque, referred to Zionism as the “ISIS of today,” stating that the Jewish ISIS is a million times worse than the ISIS of Muslims. These comments came in the context of Dearborn’s growing resistance against President Biden’s campaign for re-election over his handling of the conflict in Gaza, with activists encouraging voters to mark “uncommitted” on their ballots during the Democratic primary in February.
Dearborn, which has the country’s highest per capita population of Muslims, has emerged as a center of anti-Israel sentiment in recent weeks. Concerns have been raised about extreme rhetoric coming out of the area, particularly after a rally during Ramadan where attendees chanted “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.” While local leaders and activists have stressed that such rhetoric represents a minority of residents, there are still concerns about the level of support for groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran within the community.
During the controversial sermon, Dr. Berry reiterated his anti-Israel stance, claiming that Israel poses a “great and imminent” danger to humanity. He compared the Jewish State to Nazi Germany and ISIS, arguing that the supposed danger posed by Israel cannot be removed without eliminating the entity altogether. Berry also suggested that “reeducating” Jewish people was necessary, promoting a culture of peace, tolerance, and openness instead of racism. The Islamic Institute of Knowledge did not respond to requests for comment on the matter.
The comments made by Dr. Berry and the growing anti-Israel sentiment in Dearborn have sparked concerns among observers. The comparison between Israel and Nazi Germany, as well as the calls for reeducation of Jewish people, have been met with criticism and skepticism. While some residents of Dearborn have expressed support for such views, others believe that this rhetoric does not represent the majority of the community. It remains to be seen how local leaders and activists will address these controversies and work towards promoting understanding and tolerance in the area.
The controversy in Dearborn comes at a time when tensions in the Middle East are high, with ongoing conflicts and disputes between Israel and Palestinian territories. The anti-Israel sentiment in the area reflects broader divisions and disagreements within the Muslim community, as well as concerns about human rights violations and violence in the region. It is important for community leaders and activists to engage in dialogue, promote peace, and address the root causes of such conflicts to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all residents.
Overall, the statements made by Dr. Berry and the growing resistance against President Biden’s policies regarding Israel have put Dearborn in the national spotlight. The city’s large Muslim population, along with its history of activism and social movements, has made it a focal point for discussions on foreign policy, religious freedom, and tolerance. While concerns about extreme rhetoric and anti-Israel sentiment persist, there is also an opportunity for dialogue, education, and understanding to bridge divides and promote a more harmonious and inclusive community for all residents.
