Thousands of Israelis took to the streets to protest the frightening racism that is turning deadly in the occupied Palestinian territories. The demonstrations came after militant Zionists burned down a Palestinian home in the West Bank, killing 18-month-old Ali Dawabsha and injuring his parents and 4-year-old brother. 

Israelis, whose government protects and sponsors the violent settlers, are protesting for baby Ali. But here in southeast Michigan, we are not aware of a single protest or press release by Arab Americans to condemn the crime that drew criticism from across the world, even from Israel’s most extremist leaders.

Killing Palestinians with impunity should not go unnoticed. It is a shame that our local community seems to be abandoning the Palestinian cause.  

Arab Americans disagree on the politics of the Middle East. They are divided over Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Egypt. But there is near unanimous consent in our community over supporting Palestinians’ right to self-determination. 

It is bewildering that we are paying no attention to Palestine, which brings us together. 

Baby Ali was one of thousands of Palestinian children murdered by Israeli fanaticism and lack of regard for human life. 

But his death should have been a symbolic reminder that there is an Arab nation called Palestine, whose people are suffering daily and whose land is being chewed up by a murderous colonialist power.

Every organization and every activist who overlooked baby Ali’s murder should have been more active.

Demonstrating for the Palestinian cause has two practical positive effects. First, it spreads the word to our fellow Americans about the atrocities unfolding in Palestine. Second, it sends a soothing message of support to suffering Palestinians. 

Baby Ali’s death was felt by all people with human compassion across the world. As a community, we should have expressed our condemnation to it.