Michigan community mourns Kamel Jawad killed in Lebanon strike
- Kamel Jawad, a Lebanese-American, was killed on October 1 during an Israeli airstrike in Nabatieh, Lebanon.
- His funeral in Dearborn, Michigan, drew a large crowd, highlighting his legacy of generosity and community service.
- The incident has raised concerns about the US government's response to the safety of its citizens abroad and its support for Israel.
In Lebanon, Kamel Jawad, a 56-year-old Lebanese-American, was killed on October 1 during an Israeli airstrike while he was volunteering in his hometown of Nabatieh. His death has sparked mourning within the Lebanese-American community in Michigan, where a large funeral was held at the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn. Jawad was known for his generosity and commitment to helping those in need, having established a nonprofit organization in the US. His son, Ali, highlighted his father's legacy of service and support for the oppressed. The US State Department confirmed Jawad's citizenship and expressed alarm over his death, emphasizing the need for Israel to take precautions to avoid civilian casualties. However, many in the Arab-American community feel that the US government has not done enough to protect its citizens abroad, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in the region. Criticism has been directed at the Biden administration for its perceived indifference towards Americans of color affected by Israeli military actions. Palestinian-American Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib voiced her concerns about the government's failure to assist American citizens in Lebanon, questioning the continued US support for Israel amidst rising civilian casualties. Jawad's death is part of a broader pattern of violence affecting US citizens in the region, raising urgent questions about the safety and protection of Americans abroad.