Dearborn’s Muslim mayor tells Christian he’s ‘not welcome’ in debate on honoring pro-terror Arab leader
Dearborn, Michigan, Mayor Abdullah Hammoud tells Ted Barham he will celebrate the day the resident moves out of the city. City of Dearborn / YouTube
At a recent Dearborn City Council meeting, a heated exchange unfolded between Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud and local resident Edward “Ted” Barham, who raised objections to street signs honoring Arab American News publisher Osama Siblani.
Barham, who identified himself as a Christian and longtime Dearborn resident, criticized the county-installed signs, citing Siblani’s past controversial remarks. “He’s a promoter of Hezbollah and Hamas,” Barham said, quoting a speech in which Siblani referred to “the blood of the martyrs” and encouraged resistance “within his means.”
Barham equated the signs with naming roads after extremist groups, calling them “provocative,” and stressed his desire for peace, concluding his remarks by quoting the Bible: “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
Council members interrupted to remind Barham that the street signs were not a city decision. “The sign was placed on Warren Avenue, which is a county road, and that was done by the Wayne County Executive,” one official clarified. Still, Barham argued that the issue impacted Dearborn residents since the signs stood within city limits.
Mayor Hammoud responded strongly, defending Siblani’s contributions to the community and condemning Barham’s comments. “The best suggestion I have for you is to not drive on Warren Avenue or to close your eyes while you’re doing it,” Hammoud said. He then escalated his remarks, saying, “You’re a bigot, and you are racist, and you’re an Islamophobe… Although you live here, I want you to know as mayor, you are not welcome here. 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.”
The exchange drew audible reactions from those in attendance and has since sparked debate over free speech, religious tolerance, and the tone of civic discourse.
The signs honoring Siblani were installed in August at two intersections on Warren Avenue by Wayne County, with support from the county commission. The City of Dearborn was not involved in the decision but Mayor Hammoud and other officials attended the unveiling ceremony.
FOX 2 Detroit reported the county’s role in the designation and noted that attempts to reach Hammoud, Siblani, and Barham for comment were unsuccessful.
Dearborn — home to the largest percentage of Muslim residents in the U.S. — has long been a focal point for discussions about cultural identity, religious freedom, and political representation. For some residents, the confrontation at City Hall has raised concerns about whether civic leaders are open to diverse viewpoints — or only to voices they agree with.
About Post Author
