Memorial Service for Hezbollah Leader in Dearborn
The Islamic Institute in Dearborn, Michigan, hosted a memorial event last Friday to commemorate the first anniversary of the passing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. During the gathering, organizers emphasized the “courage” of Nasrallah, who has been labeled a terrorist by the US. They also paid their respects to Iranian Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and expressed gratitude to Iranian authorities for their support.
The event took place at the Hadi Youth Community Centre and featured families, including many with young children. Participants referred to Nasrallah’s legacy, describing it as “martianism.” Osama Abdulgani, who the group identifies as the “spiritual leader” of the Hadi Institute—and who is also linked to the K-5 Hadi Montessori School—addressed the attendees near a large portrait of Nasrallah during a live-streamed program. He mentioned how many never anticipated witnessing such an event: “We never imagined our Seyed would be a martyr in our lifetime; it’s been a year since his martyrdom,” he noted.
Abdulgani expressed his feelings about Nasrallah, saying, “I was blessed to be in the presence of one of Allah’s greatest allies.” He reminisced about Nasrallah’s qualities: “We miss his smile, his love for humanity, and his courage.” Abdulgani also encouraged attendees to view Nasrallah’s death as a call to action, inspiring people to emulate his example: “We will take this lesson from Seyed and follow the path of our Lord,” he concluded with a prayer.
The program included a video montage of Nasrallah denouncing Israel and the United States, along with statements pledging loyalty to Khamenei. The evening concluded with an emotional musical tribute, where a performer addressed Nasrallah directly, recounting how his loss had shaken hearts: “A year ago, you were taken… we send you Salam.” The heartfelt message reflected a desire to keep his spirit and teachings alive.
According to the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), materials from the event featured claims that Nasrallah was a “great martyr,” with calls for prayers for the “ultimate victory of resistance.” The commemoration was shared on YouTube via the “Guidance Light” channel, although the video was later removed. MEMRI documented earlier events at the Hadi Institute that honored various Iranian figures, including Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
Nasrallah, who led Hezbollah for over three decades, was central to Tehran’s regional strategy until he was killed in February 2025 by Israeli forces.
Just days after his death last year, the Hadi Institute held a memorial where speakers praised him and criticized the United States. In April, a viral video showed a large crowd in Dearborn chanting anti-American and anti-Israeli slogans during an al-Quds Day Rally, drawing renewed attention to such gatherings in the U.S.
