DEARBORN — The effects of the terrorist attacks in Beirut and Paris have been felt here. Thousands of Dearbornites call Beirut home and the suicide bombings in the Lebanese capital killed three local residents. Moreover, the Paris attacks sparked a wave of hatred against Arab Americans.

The community held candlelight vigils and religious services to commemorate the victims in Lebanon, France and across the world.

Terrorism claimed the lives of 42 people in the Beirut suburb of Borj el-Barajne on Nov. 12 and at least 120 victims in Paris a day later.

At a vigil in front of the Henry Ford Centennial Library, on Friday, Nov. 13, Lebanese Americans stressed the importance of unity to overcome the violence.

“In the face of disaster, the Lebanese remain resilient and prepared to fight against terrorism, which aims to target innocent lives and civilian neighborhoods,” read a statement by the America with Beirut Coalition, which called for the event with the Lebanese American Heritage Club.

Hussein Hachem, the chairman of the LAHC’s Youth Leadership Committee, said the Lebanese passion for life will defeat extremism.

The crowded streets of Borj el-Barajne days after the attack highlighted that enthusiasm.

“No matter what they do, we will remain here,” a merchant in the stricken neighborhood told MurrTV on Monday. “If they bring 500 suicide bombers, we are not leaving… And the hookah is still working.”

Hachem said terrorism knows no religion, race or age.

“They’re attacking humanity, but they’re not going to stop us from living.”

Rola Kanafer, a Wayne State University student, said the attack was tragic. 

The bombings raised fears of sectarian tensions in Lebanon and the local Arab community. Kanafer said the reaction to terror must be peaceful.

“We must remain together and continue to coexist, not to allow the terrorists to win,” she said. 

Hussein, a local resident, asked the Lebanese to rise above their differences to prevail over the challenges.

“In the face of a tragedy like this, all we can do is mourn and stick together,” he said.

Mamoud Taleb, who is originally from Sida, Lebanon, said people of all religions and ideologies have always gotten along in his hometown.

“Coexistence has been an important aspect of Lebanon ever since there was a Lebanon,” he said. 

Student organizations at the University of Dearborn-Michigan also held a candlelight vigil for the victims on Monday, Nov. 16. 

The Islamic Institute of Knowledge organized services to commemorate people who died in the attacks.

Local officials pay tribute to victims

Local politicians also paid tribute to the casualties of terror tragedies across the world.

The Wayne County Commission observed a moment of silence for the local residents killed in the Beirut attack.

Commission Chairman Gary Woronchak included commemorating the victims under the “Resolutions In Memoriam” section.

Dearborn City Council President Susan Dabaja said reading about the tragedies leave her with a heavy heart.

“So sad what is occurring in our world today,” she wrote on Facebook. “These families and innocent people deserve better. Our children deserve better.”

Councilman Mike Sareini also took to social media to condemn terror.

“We stand with the people of France and Lebanon united,” he tweeted.

State Rep. George Darany (D-Dearborn) denounced the attacks in Lebanon and France.

“It is with a heavy heart that I offer my most sincere condolences to not only the people of Paris, but to the victims of the recent terrorist attacks throughout the world, including those in Beirut,” he said in a statement.