Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad receives in recognition of providing community safety from outgoing ICA Board of Directors Chairman Dr. Afif Jawad (C) and newly-elected Chairman Jamal Dakroub. PHOTOS: Nafeh AbuNab/American Elite Studios

DEARBORN — Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad and Joe
Nahhas, the man who went to police immediately after overhearing a discussion
on a planned explosion at the Islamic Center of America (ICA) in Dearborn, were
both honored at the ICA’s spring fundraising dinner May 15.

Roger Stockham of California is accused of attempting to
ignite explosions at the ICA, and was arrested at the mosque’s parking lot
where police found explosive devices in his car. Nahhas is credited for leading
police to Stockham before a potential incident occurred. 

ICA Executive Administrater Kassem Allie said Haddad was
honored for going beyond the call of duty to keep the community safe
during  extremist Florida Pastor
Terry Jones’  attempted protest at
the mosque in April.

Allie says Nahhas acted as a good Samaritan and placed
himself at personal risk by going to police.

Sayyed Hassan Qazwini, imam of the ICA, also spoke at the
event. He talked about the recent Terry Jones visit and how it was an event to
strengthen the unity among Muslims and Christians in the area. He thanked the
participation of Archbishop Allen Vigneron of the Catholic Archdiocese of
Detroit and other Christian leaders from various denominations for their strong
presence on the day of Jones’ visit despite it being a holy day for their
congregations. He also thanked Rev. Edwin Rowe from Central United Methodist
Church for his brave and strong support. Qazwini preached tolerance and
cooperation among all faiths and thanked Dearborn Mayor Jack O’Reilly for his
leadership as well. In addition, 19th District Court Judge Mark Somers and
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy were thanked for their efforts to preserve
peace during Jones’ visit.

Imam Sayyed Hassan Qazwini thanked various community members and spoke of tolerance and unity.

About 900 attended the fundraiser that generated over
$300,000 for the Islamic Center.

“We encourage the community to support their local
organizations that have great value in our community,” Allie said. He says
keeping the community safe is a responsibility Nahhas exemplified. People who
attack Islam often do it with ignorance, or for personal gain and to further
their own agenda, Allie said. 

The ICA’s new board of trustees was elected on May 17. They
include ChairmanHaj Jamal Dakroub, First Vice Chairman Haj Haytham Fakih,
Second Vice Chairman Abbas A. Abbas, 
Treasurer Haj Salah Hazimi, Comptroller Haj Wiley Pickett, Recording
Secretary Haj Adnan Chirri, and Correspondence Secretary Haj Allie Bazzy.