Public Media from Michigan State University

MI Muslims Criticize U.S. Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as Israeli Capital

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Malak Aldasouqi is a Palestinian-American who attends the Islamic Center of East Lansing. She's shocked by the Trump administration's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the official capital of Israel.
Kevin Lavery

The founder of America’s largest Arab American newspaper is condemning President Trump’s decision to move the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

 

Osama Siblani publishes the Arab-American News based in Dearborn.  He says he’s shocked by the announcement that the U.S. will recognize Jerusalem as the Israeli capital.  Palestinians recognize East Jerusalem as their capital, despite Israel’s 50-year occupation. 

 

Siblani says the United States cannot dictate the region’s future.

 

“They have been defeated in Iraq, they were not successful in Afghanistan, they’ve made a big mess in Libya,” Siblani says.  “So, taking a move like this doesn’t mean the United States is walking with a first step.”

 

Siblani says he’s fielding a number of phone calls from the Muslim community in southeast Michigan indicating a protest rally may be forthcoming in the next few days

 

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Kevin Lavery served as a general assignment reporter and occasional local host for Morning Edition and All Things Considered before retiring in 2023.