Michigan communities protest growing conflict in the Middle East
Dear Readers,
This week people gathered in Dearborn to protest Israel’s attacks in South Lebanon. In Hamtramck, Mayor Amer Ghalib endorsed Donald Trump for president.
This weekend join a conversation that is shaping the Bangladeshi community, and learn more on how the climate crisis is impacting local communities.
Sincerely,
Nargis
Hundreds killed by Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon
This week over 550 people were killed in Israel’s attack in South Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. Since then, thousands of people have been displaced. The U.S. Department of State issued a travel advisory on September 21 for U.S. citizens to leave Lebanon. Michigan has a one of the largest populations of Lebanese Americans, many of who are from Bint Jbeil in South Lebanon — many of who lost family members in the attacks.
State Rep. Alabas Farhat of the 3rd district posted about the incident.
Isreal said the U.S. added a $8.7 billion aid package toward ongoing war in the region.
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib released a statement about the bombing. She said in the release, “deploying more U.S. troops and sending more U.S. bombs will only lead to more suffering and carnage.”
A rally was held Thursday night in front of the Henry Ford Centennial Library in Dearborn, protesting the growing conflict in Lebanon.
For ongoing coverage, check out Al Jazeera updates here.
Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib endorses Trump
Mayor Amer Ghalib leads one of the most densly populated cities in Michigan. Ghalib met with former President Donald Trump before his Flint town hall earlier this month. Now, the mayor has endorsed him for president, calling him a “man of principles.”
While some Hamtramck residents disagree with the endorsement, others say this comes after frustration with the Democratic Party’s lack of understanding of conservative Muslim voters, which moved more people to the Republican Party, along with the Biden-Harris’s administrations lack of calling for a ceasefire in the war on Gaza. Trump visited Warren today for another town hall.
Other headlines:
A group of activists, journalists, artists and community members are hosting a discussion on how climate change impacts communities. The event takes place on Sept. 30 from 6-8 p.m. at Salina Intermediate School.
APIA Vote MI is hosting a virtual panel on Oct. 5 to discuss stigmas impacting Asian American communities.
The FBI published new data showing there were nearly 12,000 hate crimes in 2023.
Hamtramck’s Downtown Development Authority is hosting a Night Bazaar on Oct. 5 featuring a food truck, henna, art and more at the Pope Park at 10037 Joseph Campau Ave. Hamtramck, MI.
Weekend foods to try:
Looking for a wholesome comfort butter chicken pasta? It comes together nicely with a dash of cilantro for garnish.
Use this 20-min butter chicken recipe, or a instant pot version one here.
Try the viral 15-min kimchi cucumber salad that goes well as a side or all by itself.