Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s terrorist leader and notorious Holocaust denier, was killed by an IDF airstrike. As tributes poured in from radical supporters in the U.S., including a fiery memorial service in Dearborn, Michigan, tensions escalated as Israel continues its fight against Hezbollah’s growing aggression.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, a staunch anti-Israel figure and radical Islamist, was killed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in a precision airstrike on Friday. Nasrallah, who led the Iran-backed terrorist group since 1992, was notorious for his violent rhetoric, antisemitism, and Holocaust denial. In a 2001 statement, he infamously remarked, “If Jews all gather in Israel, it will save us the trouble of going after them worldwide,” a quote reported by the New York Times in 2004. Nasrallah also claimed that the Holocaust was exaggerated, stating, “The Jews invented the legend of the Nazi atrocities.”
While Israel’s operation dealt a significant blow to Hezbollah, the aftermath of Nasrallah’s death has sparked a troubling display of support on U.S. soil. On Saturday, a memorial service for Nasrallah took place at the Hadi Youth Community Center in Dearborn, Michigan. The service, which was broadcast live on YouTube, featured speeches that glorified Nasrallah’s actions and condemned the United States. Imam Usama Abdulghani, who led the service, declared that Nasrallah’s “martyrdom” was a “reward” from Allah for his lifetime of jihad.
Tarek Bazzi, a teacher and activist, went further in his speech, celebrating not only Nasrallah but also prominent Iranian figures like former leader Ruhollah Khomeini and Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Bazzi expressed condolences to the global Muslim community, asking attendees to recognize these men as “godly” leaders. He also sharply denounced the U.S. government, accusing American institutions of spreading their own form of terrorism while maligning “the soldiers and saints” of Islam.
The service highlighted the complex and growing radicalism within Dearborn, a city that has become a focal point for anti-Israel demonstrations. In April, a viral video showed protesters in Dearborn chanting “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” during an International Al-Quds Day rally, fueling national controversy.
Hezbollah, founded as a Shiite militia in Lebanon, has long been designated a terrorist organization by much of the international community, including the United States. Under Nasrallah’s leadership, the group expanded its reach and terrorist activities, launching numerous attacks against Israeli and Western targets. His death comes amidst escalating clashes between Hezbollah and Israel, which have intensified since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israeli civilians. Nearly 1,200 were killed, and more than 240 hostages were taken in that assault.
In response to Hezbollah’s continuing aggression, U.S. Senator Tom Cotton called for the complete elimination of Hezbollah’s leadership, insisting that the U.S. should fully support Israel in dismantling the group’s influence in the region.
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