A protest after the murder of an imam and his assistant in New York – Photo by Reuters

Arab American immigrants have crossed thousands of miles, leaving behind family histories that stretch back generations, in search of opportunities, peace and freedom here.

The land that had supported them for thousands of years became infested by violence and poverty.

Sectarianism is one of the major forces behind the decline of Arab countries. It is the evil that is fueling the wars unfolding across the Middle East.

Bringing these divisions to our new home is a dangerous act of madness.

Some fringe voices have used the democratic process of an electoral race in the community to accuse The Arab American News and its publisher of being anti-Sunni. This is far from the truth.

It is a vile allegation, whose treachery goes beyond personal smears and political disputes. Fanning the flames of sectarianism threatens the fabric of society and endangers the entire community. 

This newspaper has always been committed to the secular principles of Pan-
Arabism.

Throughout our 32-year history, we have documented and objected to discrimination against people of all faiths and creeds. A quick search on our website and social media pages would show our advocacy for the entire community.

Our editorial positions on Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon and other crises in the Arab World may not align with the views of all Arab Americans. However, members of the same families differ in their positions on these conflicts. Any opinion expressed on these matters would be contentious by nature.

While some instigators are accusing us of being pro-Shi’a today, in the past, we have been accused of being anti-Shi’a for opposing the Iraq war and criticizing certain rituals.

Moreover, The AANews has always been welcoming of opinions from all sides of the political spectrums. Our pages are open to opinion pieces and letters to the editors that represent different perspectives. If diversity of opinions on Middle Eastern issues lacks sometimes, it is because those who disagree with us have not presented their point of view. 

Difficult times

Away from the death, destruction and media incitement, Arabs in the United States have a moral responsibility to rise above the divisions and set an example in collective solidarity and success.

During these difficult times, Arab and Muslim Americans’ unity is imperative for the wellbeing of their communities.

The racist Islamophobia industry does not pay attention to sect.

This week, an imam and his assistant were assassinated in New York. 

In Tulsa, Khalid Jabara, a Christian Lebanese man, was murdered by a neighbor who had called the victim’s family “dirty Arabs.” 

Stanley Majors, the suspect, had been harassing the Jabaras for years. The police failed to protect the Arab American family.

Last year, Majors had run over Khalid’s mother, Haifa Jabara, with his car. On police records, he called the family “filthy Lebanese.” He was never charged with a hate crime. Three months ago, a judge allowed his release on bond.

Majors got out and executed Khalid. 

If the Jabaras had not been Arab; if Majors had not been White, Majors would have remained in jail and Khalid Jabara would still be alive. 

It did not matter that the Jabaras were Christians. They were still targets of violent hate enabled by the institutional racism in the police and judiciary.

While violence targets Arabs and Muslims, federal officials have presented themselves as the defenders of these communities.

But here in Southeast Michigan, FBI informants have targeted two vulnerable young men, luring them into making incriminating statements, as to make them appear like dangerous terrorists.

One of the unfortunate young man is Shi’a; the other is Sunni. Both are Arab American.

The ironic symbolism should be a wake up call for this community to reject sectarianism and form a united front to face the unprecedented challenges of bigotry and racism here in America.