Counter Protesters Shrug off Rain to Promote Unity

posted on: Apr 23, 2011

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For the second consecutive day, a crowd of people turned out in support of Dearborn’s Muslim community and in defiance of the Pastor Terry Jones’ planned Friday protest at the Islamic Center of America, this time in front of Dearborn’s Centennial Library on Michigan Avenue.

Upwards of 300 people showed up to hear speakers that included Publisher of The Arab American News Osama Siblani, Congressman John Dingell (D-Dearborn), Wayne Country Executive Robert Ficano, attorney Ali Hammoud, Ali Sayed and Sheikh Elahi. Siblani said they did not go to the Islamic Center to counter protest because there are four churches on Altar Road next to it and they did not want to cause a traffic jam for those attending Good Friday services.

They came to denounce Jones and stand in solidarity against his views and promote peace in Dearborn and the world, Siblani said.

“Here today, we will send a message,” he said. “This message is not directed one man, but it is directed against the whole world that we are united Americans, that we believe in democracy and we believe in freedom of speech.”

Alan Burdziak
Press & Guide