The Arab American National Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, which receives government funding, is facing mounting criticism over pro-Palestinian content and its treatment of Israel and the October 7 Hamas massacre.
According to a Fox News report, portions of the museum feature works accusing Israel of "occupation" and "apartheid," harming civilians, and denying basic necessities to Palestinians. The museum's gift shop sells items with Palestinian motifs, including magnets and keychains shaped like maps, keffiyehs (traditional Arab headdresses), and coloring books focused on "Palestinian heritage."
Additional controversy is expected around an event scheduled for September 10, the eve of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The museum plans to screen "Seeds for Liberation," a film that, according to its description cited in the report, frames the October 7 Hamas massacre as part of a decades-long Palestinian "struggle."
The museum has also drawn criticism for how it addresses the September 11 attacks. One exhibit states that the Arab American community "suffered twice" following the attacks, both from the assault itself and from subsequent treatment. The museum regularly hosts events examining discrimination and law enforcement measures targeting Arabs and Muslims in the aftermath of 9/11.
Founded in 2005, the museum is an independent institution with an official partnership with the Smithsonian Institution and has received hundreds of thousands of dollars in government grants over the years.
Neither the museum nor the Smithsonian responded to Fox News's request for comment.
