Skip to content
  • Image
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Podcasts
  • Email
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Opinion
  • News
  • Features
  • Comment
  • Store
The Arab Daily News

The Arab Daily News

Original news, features, opinions from Chicago to Jerusalem

  • About
    • About
    • Our Writers
    • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
    • Book Store
    • Contact
    • Submit Book Reviews, Press Releases
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Corrections Policy
    • Profile on Ray Hanania
    • Submit Press Release
  • Features
    • Food
    • Book Review
    • Humor
    • Movies
    • Travel
  • Arab Stores Targeted
  • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Community Network Page
    • Arab Heritage America resources
    • Directory
      • Groups & Organizations
      • Mosques, Churches
      • Restaurants
      • 2008 & 2014 Arab Media Directories
    • National Arab Heritage Month
    • Video: Chicago Arab History
    • Video: Photo Array of Chicago Arabs
    • Overview of Arabs in America
    • Hanania standup comedy
    • Arabs on the Titanic
    • Obituaries
  • Podcasts
    • Arab News Ray Hanania Radio
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
    • Podcast Info
    • Hanania Podcast intro
    • Live Arab Radio
  • Your Views
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • Toggle search form
  • Arab Democratic Club Feb 12, 2023 Forum & Brunch flier
    Arab Democrats host forum for Chicago and suburban candidates Feb. 12 American Arabs
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) announced Dr. Manal Fakhoury has been elected to the position of Chair of the National Board of Directors, and that attorneys Spojmie Nasiri of California and John Floyd of Texas have joined the organization’s National Board.
    CAIR Announces Dr. Manal Fakhoury as New Board Chair, New Board Members Spojmie Nasiri and John Floyd American Arabs
  • AHRC Executive Director Imad Hamad
    AHRC: Honor Dr. King Day with Civility, Unity, and Action American Arabs
  • Citgo Gas Station and Quik Mart at 3759 W. Chicago Ave in Chicago ordered closed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot because a street gang member with an AK-47 killed someone in front of the store. Only Arab and Muslim stores are being closed by the Mayor
    When Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot targeted Arab businesses in 2021 and 2022 Activism
  • Hussam al-Mayman, The Mayman Show, podcast Arab News
    Arab News launches third season of The Mayman Show podcast Arab News
  • State Rep. Cyril Nichols interviewed on live Arab American radio in Detroit with host Ray Hanania Friday Dec. 9, 2022
    Nichols discusses need to improve Arab-Black relations in Chicagoland American Arabs
  • Voting sticker issued to voters in Cook County elections in 2016. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Gov. Pritzker Announces Six Appointments to Boards and Commissions — no Arabs included American Arabs
  • Closure notice posted on the doors and windows of Arab American businesses during Mayor Lori Lightfoot's closure of Arab owned stores in June - Sept. 2021. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Pritzker again ignores needs of Arab businesses in latest appointments Activism
  • Arab American Democratic Club (AADC) official candidate endorsements for the November 8, 2022 General elections.
    Arab American Democratic Club issues endorsements for Nov. 8, 2022 Cook County Illinois elections Activism
  • Arab Democrats urge NO VOTE on Gov. J.B. Pritzker re-election bid Activism
  • Assyrian American GOP issues endorsements in Nov, 8, 2022 elections
    Assyrian American GOP group endorses candidates in Illinois Activism
  • Abdullah Hammoud, elected Mayor of Dearborn Nov. 2, 2021. Photo courtesy of Abdullah Hammoud Facebook Page
    AHRC’s 2022 Spirit of Humanity Gala a Great Success American Arabs
  • Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts Arab World
  • Rep. Cyril Nichols to be feted by supporters at fundraiser Saturday Oct. 22 Activism
  • Stand up For Human Rights website, United Nations
    UN experts condemn Israel’s ‘sadistic’ punitive measures against French-Palestinian rights defender Salah Hammouri Activism
Imad Hamad is the executive director of the American Human Rights Council

The Flood of 2021: A Time to Reflect and Seek Solutions

Posted on July 6, 2021July 6, 2021 By Imad_Hamad No Comments on The Flood of 2021: A Time to Reflect and Seek Solutions
SHARE ...
          
 
  

  • Tweet

The Flood of 2021: A Time to Reflect and Seek Solutions

Thousands of people were caught in the surprises floods that struck the Dearborn region again, seven years after a prior flood devastated homes and live-in 2014. Among the victims of the record-setting flooding that damages hundreds of homes and properties are Arab Americans and they are wondering what is being done to help them

By Imad Hamad

There is no doubt that the recent flooding in Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, and Detroit and across certain areas within Wayne County is another painful reminder of the 2014 flooding. People are angry and there are many questions that need to be answered.

It is not hard to realize the magnitude of the catastrophe. It can simply be ascertained by driving around and looking at the curb in many neighborhoods. There is so much material loss. But the pain is not only over material loss. Irreplaceable personal items, such as family albums and family heirlooms are gone. No one can replace these losses.

Those who have sewer backup coverage are protected and will be compensated. But not everyone has that. Those who do not have that optional insurance coverage are in a difficult position. Was it prudent to buy the additional coverage? Yes. Was it reasonable to believe that after all the money spent on the sewer system, this disaster would not happen again? Yes.

Imad Hamad is the executive director of the American Human Rights Council
Imad Hamad is the executive director of the American Human Rights Council

This is government failure and governments at the local, county and state own this problem. Government should compensate the victims of this flood. The system set up to compensate for flood- related losses should not be complicated and too technical. Many citizens complain that in 2014 they filed claims with the city but were not compensated. Let’s not see a repeat of that.

Many citizens of Dearborn bitterly recall the 2014 flood and government response. The city of Dearborn set up a system and process that a number of citizens say denied them the compensation they were owed. They perceive the technical requirements as obstacles to compensation designed to provide an easy excuse for denial. That’s unfair.

What is to be done? Revisiting the issue of the city’s infrastructure is a must. A neutral, transparent and independent examination of the current sewage system in Dearborn, Dearborn Heights and Detroit is a must. People are justifiably anxious that this is a vicious circle and another flood can hit them in a few more years.

Who is responsible? This crisis is the collective responsibility of the politicians and administrators of the region and the state. All must be held accountable. However, it is immoral to single out one politician or administrator for public anger. Singling out one elected official as the only “guilty” person is not based on facts or logic. Anger over the crisis is being weaponized for political advantage. It is very unfortunate that many took advantage of this crisis to politically target and politically lynch one elected official for no reason but to hinder her bid being a mayoral candidate. This orchestrated campaign is an immoral campaign and those behind it should be called out.

Public anger over the flood is genuine and justified. People are simply fed up. But citizens have to realize that elected officials and administrators also part of the community hit by the flood. The flooded homes are their homes or the homes of their family members and friends.

It is clear that something is seriously wrong with the existing sewer system in Dearborn and the region. It’s very old. The infrastructure needs to keep up with the city’s population growth. I am not fond of the politics of division, East vs. West or vice versa. However, the ongoing crisis is reinforcing some people’s belief that the city’s East side is not given the equal attention and equal resources that it needs. This perception should be addressed by the politicians and the administrators of the city.

This crisis comes amidst a primary. This primary is an opportunity to think deeply and clearly about the issues facing the city and who is most qualified to deal with them. The question for every voter is which candidate would be faithful to the oath of public service, serving the best interests of all citizens. We urge everyone to vote and make their voice heard. The vote should not be emotional, the result of manipulation. The vote should be a result of an assessment of the candidates, their experience and their readiness to assume the responsibilities of office.

Imad Hamad is the executive director of the American Human Rights Council base din Dearborn.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Imad_Hamad
Imad_Hamad
Director, Columnist at American Human Rights Council
Imad Hamad is the director of the American Human Rights Council based in Greater Detroit.

The American Human Rights Council (AHRC) is dedicated to defending and protecting human rights as outlined in the U.S. Constitution and the United Nations 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The AHRC was formed to protect these rights and advocate for anyone whose rights are being violated or denied. To that end, the AHRC will build a tenacious, objective, and carefully guided advocacy program that will serve to defend individual human rights, whenever and wherever they are being infringed upon.

Reach Imad at ihamadusa@gmail.com
Imad_Hamad
Latest posts by Imad_Hamad (see all)
  • AHRC’s 2022 Spirit of Humanity Gala a Great Success - October 26, 2022
  • City of Dearborn’s Tribute to Debbie Dingell, well-deserved farewell  - September 28, 2022
  • AHRC Calls for Moral Consistency on Human Rights, Urges President Biden to Pause His Trip to Israel: - May 24, 2022

  • Tweet

SHARE ...
          
 
  
 
          
 
 Tweet 
American Arabs, Bloggers, Business, Commentary, mainstream, Opinion Tags:2014, 2021, Arab Americans need help, Detroit, flood damage, flooding Dearborn, homes destroyed, no government support, property damaged

Post navigation

Previous Post: Museum of the Palestinian People seeks Communications director
Next Post: Video Podcast Arab Radio: Dearborn flooding, UAE peace deal July 7

Related Posts

  • Arab comic artists among those feted by Arab Museum Activism
  • Why Trump should support “Sanctuary Cities” American Arabs
  • Saudi denial of visa for Israeli journalist not the real issue Arab World
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan, and Bahrain Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa stand on the Blue Room Balcony during the Abraham Accords signing ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon courtesy of the Arab News Newspaper
    Analysis of the Abraham Accords, UAE, Bahrain and Israel American Arabs
  • US secretary of Defense, Ash Carter met secretly with Saudi and Houthi officials in Amman Ali Younes
  • Egypt economy plummets under el-Sisi Arab World

More Related Articles

Palestinian activists Moheyaldeen Dabbah and MK Haneen Zoubi at the Chicago event at Alhambra Palce which featured an appearance by Congressman Luis Gutierrez Gutierrez stands with Palestinian activist Haneen Zoubi American Arabs
Sam Jammal, candidate for Congress in the 39th District in California. Photo courtesy of Sam Jammal Campaign Sam Jammal thanks voters for their support Activism
Gaza Life in Photos, strawberry harvest begins Bloggers
Christian religious presence imposes itself in Jerusalem despite pressures from all sides. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania يجب على العرب أن يوقفوا التواصل بإسرائيل حتى تعترف بفلسطين Arab News
Suheir Hammad to perform at 11th Annual Diversity Conference April 10 American Arabs
Muslim solutions to Terrorism in Paris Arab World

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Tiktok.com/@RayHanania
    Israeli-push behind effort to ban Tiktok in the United States
    January 19, 2023
  • Ghassan Rubeiz
    To what extent is Hezbollah responsible for the current crisis in Lebanon?
    January 17, 2023
  • Image from Rashid-al-Din Hamadani's "A Compendium of Chronicles. Image courtesy of Wikipedia
    Why allow religious extremists to re-define Islam in the West?
    January 10, 2023
  • CAIR Executive Director and co-founder Nihad Awad
    This Thanksgiving, let’s use our Blessings for good
    November 23, 2022
  • NEWS
  • Arab Democratic Club Feb 12, 2023 Forum & Brunch flier
    Arab Democrats host forum for Chicago and suburban candidates Feb. 12
    January 18, 2023
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) announced Dr. Manal Fakhoury has been elected to the position of Chair of the National Board of Directors, and that attorneys Spojmie Nasiri of California and John Floyd of Texas have joined the organization’s National Board.
    CAIR Announces Dr. Manal Fakhoury as New Board Chair, New Board Members Spojmie Nasiri and John Floyd
    January 12, 2023
  • AHRC Executive Director Imad Hamad
    AHRC: Honor Dr. King Day with Civility, Unity, and Action
    January 11, 2023
  • Citgo Gas Station and Quik Mart at 3759 W. Chicago Ave in Chicago ordered closed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot because a street gang member with an AK-47 killed someone in front of the store. Only Arab and Muslim stores are being closed by the Mayor
    When Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot targeted Arab businesses in 2021 and 2022
    January 4, 2023
  • NEWSWIRE
  • Arab Democratic Club Feb 12, 2023 Forum & Brunch flier
    Arab Democrats host forum for Chicago and suburban candidates Feb. 12
    January 18, 2023
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) announced Dr. Manal Fakhoury has been elected to the position of Chair of the National Board of Directors, and that attorneys Spojmie Nasiri of California and John Floyd of Texas have joined the organization’s National Board.
    CAIR Announces Dr. Manal Fakhoury as New Board Chair, New Board Members Spojmie Nasiri and John Floyd
    January 12, 2023
  • AHRC Executive Director Imad Hamad
    AHRC: Honor Dr. King Day with Civility, Unity, and Action
    January 11, 2023
  • Stand up For Human Rights website, United Nations
    UN experts condemn Israel’s ‘sadistic’ punitive measures against French-Palestinian rights defender Salah Hammouri
    October 19, 2022

Creative Commons License
All work on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

  • ZiyadBrandLogo-2016BlackRedBackgrnd.jpg
  • 08-09-21-Ziyad-Ad-Pantry-essentials.jpg
  • 08-09-21-Ziyad-Sices-Ad.jpg
  • BOOK REVIEWS
  • Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    October 24, 2022
  • Stories My Father Told Me by author and artist Helen Zughaib, book cover. Photo courtesy of Cune Press
    Stories My Father Told Me by author and artist Helen Zughaib
    November 1, 2021
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • Hussam al-Mayman, The Mayman Show, podcast Arab News
    Arab News launches third season of The Mayman Show podcast
    December 15, 2022
  • Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    Interlink 2022 Cookbooks Make the Best Holiday Gifts
    October 24, 2022
  • Comedian Ramy Youssef courtesy of his Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ramysfaceboo/
    “Ramy” cable series melds Arab world reality with every day American life
    October 22, 2022
  • The Ray Hanania Radio Show Live Wed 5 PM EST in Detroit, Washington DC, Ontario and on Thursday in Chicago. Watch the program live at Facebook.com/ArabNews
    Second Season of “The Ray Hanania Show” Arab American radio launches April 6
    April 4, 2022
  • American Arab CHamber President HassanNijem accepts the Proclamation from Chicago Ald. Roderick Sawyer at the Chamber dinner March 30, 2022
    Chicagoland celebrates Arab American Heritage Month
    March 31, 2022
  • New-iTunes-1400-x-1400-The-Ray-Hanania-Show-Podcast-Icon-300-x-300.jpg
  • powerpr300x300ad.jpg
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png
  • terroristbookcover-300-x-300.jpg
  • Podcast-iTunes-Logo-Chi-City-Hall-1985.jpg
Arab News Newspaper Logo
Read the Arab News, the leading English language newspaper in the MIddle East

Follow Ray Hanania at Gab.com, MeWe.com and IDobbinate.com, the alternatives to Facebook and Twitter Censorship.

Click here to get information on The Ray Hanania Radio Show and its podcasts

Copyright © 2023 The Arab Daily News.

Powered by PressBook Premium theme