Comedian Amer Zahr. (File photo)
“Incitement”: Comedian Amer Zahr released from brief detention by ‘Israeli’ police
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- Palestinian-American comedian and Dearborn school official Amer Zahr was detained by ‘Israeli’ police after a performance in Nazareth, with supporters suggesting the arrest was related to his comedy being labeled as "incitement."
- Zahr was released after several hours of interrogation following calls for transparency from Michigan officials, later stating on social media that he was safe and reuniting with family.
Amer Zahr, a prominent Palestinian-American comedian and trustee on the Dearborn Board of Education in Michigan, was detained by ‘Israeli’ police in Nazareth following a comedy performance.
The incident occurred shortly after his show at a local venue, prompting immediate concerns from his supporters and US officials.
Zahr, known for his advocacy on Palestinian issues and his work as a comedian, author, and adjunct professor, has a significant following in both the United States and the Middle East.
His performances often address themes of identity, politics, and cultural heritage, drawing from his Palestinian roots.
According to reports, Zahr was arrested without formal charges being announced at the time of detention.
‘Israeli’ authorities took him into custody in Nazareth, a city in northern ‘Israel’ with a large Arab population, where he had been scheduled to perform at El Iwan Cafe.
The lack of disclosed reasons for the arrest led to speculation that it may relate to the content of his comedy, which Israeli officials reportedly viewed as potential incitement.
Zahr later alluded to this in a social media update, stating that "comedy is 'incitement.'"
Michigan State Representative Alabas Farhat publicly called for Zahr's immediate release via a video statement.
Community leaders in Dearborn, home to a large Arab-American population, also expressed alarm and demanded transparency.
Zahr was released after several hours of questioning by ‘Israeli’ authorities, with no further details provided on the interrogation.
He confirmed his safety in an Instagram post, noting that he was free from detention and reuniting with family in Palestine, while promising to share more details soon.
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