DEARBORN — After ISIS orchestrated attacks across the world last week, national attention shfted focus to both Muslims and refugees. 

 Arab American political activists and religious leaders met with U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn) and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) Saturday, Nov. 21 to discuss concerns and potential solutions. 

The conversation centered on the rise of anti-Muslim sentiments perpetuated by the media and Republican presidential candidates, and opposition to refugee resettlement.

“This is such an incredibly scary time,” Stabenow said. 

Citing the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII, the senator added, “We have seen this other times with hatred and rhetoric and politics that overtook our humanity.”

Attorney Nabih Ayad said Arab Americans are becoming increasingly unpopular in public opinion. He asked Stabenow to speak up for the community in Washington. 

“This is, I think, the most important thing that’s happened since the 9/11 attacks,” he said of the recent wave of terrorism. “We’re once again under the scope.” 

Stabenow said there has also been “fear-mongering” on Syrian refugees. To combat that, she said she is focusing on separating facts from misinformation that many believe — including some of her colleagues in the Senate. 

Refugees undergo a rigorous, multi-year screening process, Stabenow said. The senator added that of the nearly 2,000 Syrian refugees accepted to the United States in the past five years, none have been affiliated with terrorist activity in the country.

However, she called terrorism a real threat. 

“And those who are refugees have felt it more than anyone else,” she said.

Refugees have unjustly become symbolic of terror, said Dr. Yahya Basha, an advocate for Syrian Americans. 

“We need the (positive) voices to be loud enough to overcome all the negative rhetoric,” he said.

Dingell said negative comments are often rooted in a misunderstanding of Islam. She said more Americans need to receive the real message about the religion. 

Area leaders at the meeting included Westland Mayor Bill Wild; Wayne County Commissioner Al Haidous; Dearborn City Council President Susan Dabaja; Dearborn School Board Trustee Mariam Bazzi; U.S. Attorney Abed Hammoud and Wayne County Corporation Counsel Zenna Elhassan. 

Imam Husham Al-Husainy, Imam Mohamad Dbouk and Imam Mohammad Mardini also took part in the discussion. 

All affirmed their position against ISIS, saying it does not represent Islam or the community. The leaders agreed to work with Stabenow and Dingell to combat Islamophobia and protect national security.

“We are all united in fighting evil,” Dingell said. “When we let fear divide us and when we let fear cause hatred, we let the terrorists win.”