“We’re Here Today to Support the Palestinian People,” Say Protesters at Dearborn Police Station
With President Joe Biden in town, a pro-Palestinian rally drew about 1,000 demonstrators to the Dearborn Police Station Tuesday.
About 1,000 protesters gathered at the Dearborn Police Station on Tuesday to show their support for the Palestinian people amid escalating violence between Palestine and Israel.
With President Joe Biden in town visiting Ford Motor Co.’s electric vehicle plant in Dearborn, demonstrators were also protesting America’s continued financial and military support of Israel. The Middle Eastern country has been bombing the mostly Palestinian Gaza strip, killing scores in the worst conflict the region has seen in years.
The crowd booed the mention of President Biden’s name several times. Karima G. of Dearborn is Yemeni American and she is hoping that the current administration has a change of heart.
“We’re here today to support the Palestinian people and to make sure that their voices are heard,” she said. “And that, you know, hopefully the U.S. can stand up and stand with them instead of against them.”
Amer Zahr is the President of the New Generation for Palestine. In addition to leading cheers at the Dearborn protest, he highlighted the diversity among the protest’s attendees.
“We have Jordanians with us. We have Lebanese with us. We have our Yemeni brothers and sisters.”
Yousif Hasan, a Palestinian American small business owner in Dearborn, also came out to show his support for Palestine. He stood with his brothers holding one corner of a 16-by-32-foot Palestinian flag the group had sewn themselves. He said protests are a way of showing pride.
“You know, we’re hoping it’s gonna end soon. Some people gave up but you know, we’re not gonna give up on our country,” he said.
Hasan remains optimistic about a peaceful end to this latest conflict between Israel and the Palestinians and hopefully a place his people can call home again.
“We’re gonna be here for a while. Palestine, hopefully soon or near future is going to be free,” he said.
The protest was one of three held on Tuesday in Dearborn, with more demonstrations planned for later in the week.
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