DEARBORN — In a country where most institutions are disabled by political bickering and divisions, Lebanese security forces are the most respected and functioning presence in the state.

As the general director of national security, Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim is one of the few figures in Lebanon with appeal across the political spectrum. His achievements include successful negotiations to free hostages across the Middle East, foiling terrorist attacks, welcoming refugees and maintaining the fragile stability in Lebanon in a tough geopolitical neighborhood.

Ibrahim, who had been the target of an assassination plot by ISIS, visited Southeast Michigan on Saturday, where Lebanese American leaders were competing to welcome him.

The major general, who was accompanied by a delegation of Lebanese officials, visited the Church of St. Maron, the oldest Maronite church in Michigan, and the Islamic Center of America, the largest mosque in the United States. He was also greeted by community members at the Islamic Institute of Knowledge and the offices of The Arab American News.

The security chief had a message of hope during a luncheon ceremony at Habib’s Cuisine banquet hall on Saturday afternoon. He said that despite the difficulties, Lebanon will rise from the ashes like the Phoenix.

Elected officials and community members attended the event, which was coordinated by a committee led by pharmacist Jihad Fadlallah.

Salim Sessine, Abbas Tlais, Osama Siblani and Louis Ghafari were also on the committee.

Former Fordson High School principal Imad Fadlallah emceed the ceremony and heaped praise on Ibrahim. 

Ibrahim praised the historical role of Lebanese expatriates. He said Lebanon has two wings, represented by its population at home and citizens in the diaspora.

Maj. Gen. Ibrahim with Publisher Siblani and U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell.

The major general was on an official visit to the United States to increase security cooperation between the two nations. Before coming to Michigan, he held meetings in Washington D.C. with top U.S. security officials, including CIA Director John Brennan. 

Ibrahim expressed gratitude to Washington for supporting Lebanon’s anti-terrorism efforts. He said Lebanon was a pioneer in implementing democracy in the Middle East, but the Lebanese experience is facing hurdles of divisions and regional instability.

“We need to reject sectarianism and promote knowledge and unity to be able to build a bright future for the Country of Cedars,” he said.

Ibrahim added that a united Lebanon has the ability to overcome the challenges in the Middle East. He said Lebanon has defeated terror and pushed it away from its borders.

Louis Ghafari, a businessman and community advocate, urged Ibrahim to tell politicians in Beirut how the Lebanese are excelling in America, where the law rules equally over everyone.

“This community is a microcosm of the Lebanese fabric in the motherland,” Ghafari said. “But what distinguish us from the people in Lebanon is that we live in a country that respects the dignity and freedom of citizens.”

He added that Lebanese Americans do not agree on everything, but they resolve their differences through respectful dialogue.

Siblani with Ibrahim at The Arab American News office.

“We ask you to convey this positive aspect of our community to Lebanese leaders; perhaps they would realize Lebanon’s value to civilization and save what is left of it,” Ghafari told Ibrahim.

“Also tell them to retire and rest; and we will lead the country there,” he added,
jokingly.

Ned Fawaz, a veteran activist, also stressed Lebanese Americans’ success and the key role that younger people play here.

He urged the Lebanese government to protect the rights of expatriates, who represent the country all over the world.

“We want to see our homeland enjoying security, prosperity and peace,” he said. “That’s the concern of the Lebanese in the diaspora.”

Publisher Osama Siblani lauded Ibrahim, saying that books could be written about his achievements. He said many Chaldean Americans reached out to express gratitude to Ibrahim because of his efforts to accommodate Iraqi Christian refugees in Lebanon.

Siblani presented Ibrahim with a replica of the World Cup trophy with the security chief’s name engraved on it. He said it is Lebanese American technology made by his nephew Ali Siblani’s 3-D printing company, EnvisionTec, which is headquartered in Dearborn.

Siblani said the national Lebanese consensus over Ibrahim is telling.

“The fact that people from all sects and political parties are rallying around the major general reflects the Lebanese citizens’ longing for unity,” he said. “The people find in him an exceptional leader that transcends sects and narrow political calculations.”

Lebanese American leaders awarded Ibrahim a plaque to express their appreciation to his efforts to keep Lebanon safe.

Dearborn Mayor Jack O’Reilly also awarded Ibrahim a coin commemorating the city. O’Reilly highlighted the contributions of Dearborn’s Lebanese residents. He said the city would not be as successful if Lebanese immigrants had not chosen to come here.

“All my life in this community, the Lebanese Americans have been a part of everything that’s helped us develop and succeed,” he said.

Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad presented Ibrahim with an honorary badge.

“I’m going to promise you that we’re going to keep all of our people safe, particularly our Lebanese brothers and sisters, and I would ask that you to keep my cousins safe in Beirut,” the Lebanese American chief told Ibrahim in a light hearted comment.