An investigation by the Middle East Forum revealed that various Islamic centers in Michigan, which have received over $47 million in federal funding, have also propagated anti-American and anti-Jewish rhetoric. This report highlights specific instances of alarming speeches made by these centers' officials and the troubling juxtaposition of their funding sources.
• Funding Details:
• Over $47 million in federal grants has been allocated to Muslim institutions in Michigan, with the Islamic Center of Detroit receiving the majority at approximately $45 million. Most of this funding came from the Department of Agriculture through the national school lunch program.
• A total of 12 institutions were identified as beneficiaries of this funding, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Health and Human Services.
• Rhetorical Content:
• Speeches delivered at these centers include deeply inflammatory comments against Jews and America. For example, one sermon at the Islamic Center of Detroit included a prayer calling for killing Israeli leaders and their supporters.
• Dr. Zulfiqar Shah, an Islamic scholar, referred to America as “the House of Shaitan” (House of Satan) and urged Muslims to reclaim their narrative in relation to the nation’s founding documents.
• Political Involvement:
• Politicians, including Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, have engaged with these Islamic centers. El-Sayed used the Islamic Center of Detroit for campaign activities and received endorsements from its leaders.
• Notably, public officials have honored these institutions despite their troubling rhetoric. For instance, Michigan's Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist acknowledged the Islamic Center of Detroit's anniversary even as inflammatory speeches continued.
• Other Noteworthy Incidents:
• The Islamic House of Wisdom and other centers have been recorded making pro-Hezbollah statements, and several leaders have made calls for violent action against perceived enemies.
• The Middle East Forum cataloged 928 recordings across 36 Michigan mosques, with specific instances of leaders praying for violence against Jews and the glorification of militant actions.
The investigation raises significant concerns over the intersection of federal funding and the promotion of hatred in the rhetoric of certain Islamic centers in Michigan. The evidence suggests a striking contrast between public funding and the extremist messages being communicated from these institutions. Authorities are faced with difficult questions regarding the oversight of how federal grants are utilized by organizations that espouse dangerous ideologies.
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