A heated confrontation unfolded at a Dearborn City Council meeting, when Mayor Abdullah Hammoud told Christian resident Edward “Ted” Barham that, although he lives in the city, he was “not welcome here.”
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 and Hezbollah.
Here’s the first Muslim 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 immigrants always act this way? pic.twitter.com/aFE0xV53ER
— Savanah Hernandez (@sav_says_) September 17, 2025
Barham, a Christian minister with experience living in Lebanon 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 martyrs” nourishing the land of Palestine.
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 Muslims 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 Palestinians’ 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 violent person, and you can interpret his words any way you want, but I will guarantee you he is not intending to incite violence anywhere in the world.”
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 Muslim 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.
Ted Barham, undeterred, affirmed he won’t retaliate with hate. Drawing on his Christian faith, he emphasized that disagreement does not equate to hatred and that beliefs should be shared freely.
After Hammoud’s outburst, Barham responded, “God bless you, mayor,” prompting further retorts before the council president intervened.
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