Instagram Reel of Dearborn Mayor’s “Not Welcome” Remark on Osama Siblani Street Sign Goes Viral

Lead An Instagram reel posted September 17 captures Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud telling a Christian resident he’s “not welcome” after the man objected to street signs honoring Arab American publisher Osama Siblani. The clip, originally from a September 9 City Council meeting, has drawn widespread attention online.

Nut Graf The resurfaced video spotlights deep divisions in Dearborn over Wayne County’s decision to place honorary street signs for Siblani along Warren Avenue. It underscores ongoing debate about free speech, community identity, and the legacy of a publisher both celebrated and criticized.

Heated City Council Exchange

At the September 9 meeting, resident Edward “Ted” Barham objected to two intersections being ceremonially renamed after Siblani, accusing him of supporting Hezbollah and Hamas. Mayor Hammoud sharply rebutted, calling Barham “a bigot” and declaring him unwelcome in the city he inhabits.

Who Is Osama Siblani?

Osama Siblani, Lebanese-born publisher of The Arab American News since 1984, is a prominent voice for Michigan’s Arab American community. He has been honored for his four decades of journalism and advocacy-even as critics cite past comments praising militant groups.

Community and Social Media Reaction

The Instagram reel’s rapid spread has elicited polarized responses. Supporters praise Hammoud’s defense of Siblani and the city’s Arab American heritage, while opponents accuse the mayor of stifling dissent and inflaming religious tensions. Local hashtags like #DearbornDebate and #SiblaniStreet have trended regionally.

Background and Significance

  • Street Sign Ceremony: Wayne County unveiled the signs on September 8 to honor Siblani’s contributions to the Arab American community.
  • Barham’s Objection: Barham likened the signs to naming a road “Hezbollah Street,” quoting Siblani’s rally remarks endorsing resistance “with stones, guns, planes, drones, and rockets”.
  • Mayor’s Defense: Hammoud insisted the signs celebrate a figure who “has done a lot for this community” and urged critics to avoid Warren Avenue if they disagree.

What’s Next?

City and county officials face mounting calls for clarification on the decision-making process behind the street sign designation. Dearborn residents and activists are planning forums to discuss cultural recognition, civic discourse, and the boundaries of public honoring.