A Dearborn, Michigan, resident was publicly told he was “not welcome” in the city after raising objections to street signs honoring Arab American News publisher Osama Siblani, a figure accused of supporting extremist groups.
The exchange unfolded at a city council meeting last week, drawing attention to tensions over cultural representation in the community.
Edward “Ted” Barham, a Christian resident, addressed the council and criticized signs at two intersections commemorating Siblani.
He described the publisher as promoting Hezbollah and Hamas, quoting past statements, including, “the blood of the martyrs irrigates the land of Palestine … whether we are in Michigan and whether we are in Yemen.”
Barham compared the signage to naming a road “Hezbollah Street or Hamas Street,” emphasizing his Christian commitment to peace by quoting Jesus: “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
Council members clarified that the city had no control over the designations, which were approved by Wayne County, but Barham stressed that the signs were visible in the city and mattered to its residents.
Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud (D), a Muslim, responded by labeling Barham “a bigot” and “an Islamophobe,” adding, “Although you live here, I want you to know as mayor, you are not welcome here. And