Full Breakdown
Amer Zahr Detained by Israeli Police During Comedy Show
12/28/2025, 10:14:07 PM
Incident Overview
On December 26, 2025, Amer Zahr, a trustee of the Dearborn Board of Education and a Palestinian American comedian, was detained by Israeli police following a comedy show in Nazareth. Zahr reported that he was questioned for approximately an hour and a half regarding whether he was "inciting against Israel." He stated that he denied the allegations and expressed concerns about being pressured to sign a document in Hebrew, a language he does not understand.
Details of the Detention
Zahr was performing at the Liwan Cultural Cafe when he was approached by police after his first show. He indicated that he was not allowed to have his lawyer, who was present outside, accompany him during the questioning. The police warned him about the possibility of "administrative detention" if they deemed his responses as incitement. Zahr later shared on social media that he was released after the questioning but was late for his subsequent performance, which the audience patiently awaited.
Community and Political Response
The incident drew attention from local political figures, including Michigan State Representative Alabas Farhat, who called for the U.S. government to ensure Zahr's safety and well-being. Farhat expressed concern over the lack of clarity surrounding Zahr's detention and emphasized the need for transparency and due process. Zahr's colleague on the Dearborn Board of Education, Adel A. Mozip, also voiced his worries regarding Zahr's safety.
Zahr's Advocacy and Background
Amer Zahr is known for his advocacy for Palestinian rights and has been a prominent figure in the Dearborn community. He has led protests and is recognized for his contributions to cultural events, including founding the 1001 Laughs Dearborn Comedy Festival. Zahr holds a law degree from the University of Michigan and produced the documentary "We're Not White," which addresses Arab American identity in the U.S.
Official Statements & Responses
Zahr's situation has prompted calls for intervention from various community leaders. In a Facebook post, Farhat stated, "Amer deserves full transparency, due process, and immediate access to legal and consular support." Zahr himself described the support from the Dearborn community as "beautiful," highlighting the solidarity he received during the incident.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If you incite against Israel, we can detain you for a very long time. It's called administrative detention.” — Amer Zahr
- “I am free from Israeli detention and safe with family in Palestine. I will share more soon. Apparently, comedy is ‘incitement.’” — Amer Zahr
- “While details remain unclear, what is known is that the Israeli government has a documented record of human rights violations and inhumane conditions for prisoners,” — Alabas Farhat
What's Next
Following his release, Zahr is scheduled to perform in Haifa and Ramallah, continuing his advocacy through comedy. The situation remains under scrutiny, with ongoing discussions about the implications of his detention for freedom of expression and the treatment of Palestinian advocates in Israel.
