US: 3 Michigan cities gets first Muslim, Arab mayors

Lebanese-American Abdullah Hammoud yesterday became the first Muslim and Arab to be elected mayor of Dearborn, Michigan. Hammoud was elected along with Yemeni-American Amer Ghalib who was appointed mayor of Hamtramck, while Lebanese-American Bill Bazzi was appointed in Dearborn Heights.

In a post on social media, Hammoud wrote: “I’m honored and humbled by today’s support. Our residents spoke loudly – we want change and bold leadership to tackle the challenges our city faces. We live in the greatest city in America and I’m excited about what we can achieve together. Let’s get to work!”

Dearborn, we won!

I’m honored & humbled by today’s support. Our residents spoke loudly — we want change & bold leadership to tackle the challenges our city faces. 

We live in the greatest city in America and I’m excited about what we can achieve together.

Let's get to work! pic.twitter.com/q8u1VmSzdc

— Abdullah H. Hammoud (@AHammoudMI) November 3, 2021

Earlier this year, during Israel’s 11-day bombardment of the Gaza Strip, Hammoud handed US President Joe Biden a letter urging him to “use every tool at his disposal” to deliver a ceasefire of hostilities, where Israeli attacks have caused widespread destruction in Gaza, and to deliver “true justice, one that contains a free Palestine.”

“We’re here to push forward and represent our communities in their honor and to be the best we can be,” he told Biden during the brief meeting.

5/ Before leaving, I asked the President for one commitment – to read the letter I had written him. He called over his aid, who took the letter, and gave his word to personally read and write in return.

To just and freedom for Palestine.

Pictured is the letter. pic.twitter.com/u4DQ60jeFK

— Abdullah H. Hammoud (@AHammoudMI) May 19, 2021

Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, who herself made waves by becoming the first Palestinian-American, Muslim Congresswoman, said Hammoud’s victory was “inspiring”.

Inspiring. https://t.co/a6NZWuhifn

— Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) November 3, 2021

In the Michigan city of Hamtramck, Amer Ghalib, an immigrant from Yemen, was also elected to the office of mayor. Forty-two-year-old Ghalib secured 68 per cent of the vote, beating his rival incumbent, Mayor Karen Majewski.

“Our victory is a testament to the American dream — that an immigrant like myself, who came here working a factory job at age 17, now has the honor and opportunity to serve the community that raised him, as its next mayor,” said Ghalib yesterday.

While in Dearborn Heights, 58-year-old Bill Bazzi – born in Lebanon – became the first Muslim and Arab-American mayor to be elected in the city.

Bazzi immigrated to the US when he was ten years old. He joined the US Marine Corps after high school, serving in active duty from 1984 to 1988.  He served in the Marine Corps Reserve from 1999 to 2016, rising in rank to gunnery sergeant serving with military police and intelligence, according to his biography posted on the city’s website. He said he was stationed around the Horn of Africa, Middle East and other areas. He retired from the Marines Reserves in 2016

“I served my country honorably,” Bazzi said. “I want to serve our city honorably. … My objective is always: represent the people and the residents.”

READ: Tlaib slams tax status of entities supporting illegal settlements

Updated 04 November 2021 at 09:25 to include details of the winners in Hamtramck and Dearborn Heights. Headline updated to include the multiple wins.