A Dearborn-area Imam, who was featured in a George Washington University’s Report on Extremism last year, received $13,400 in taxpayer funds via Newcomer Rental Subsidies provided by the State of Michigan.
Under a Freedom of Information Act Request, Michigan Enjoyer confirmed Hezbollah-aligned Mohammad Ali Elahi, Imam of Dearborn’s Islamic House of Wisdom (IHW), received the subsidies beginning in February 2024 and ending in May 2025:
The House of Wisdom is listed in Georgetown’s report on extremism and describes Elahi as a former Iranian Naval Officer with deep connections to Iranian politicians and military, despite living in Dearborn for several decades.
The report features a photograph of him with Iranian Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, whom he described as “an exceptional religious authority.”
Elahi’s Islamic House of Wisdom is funded through the Alavi Foundation, a “prolific” Iranian think tank responsible for funding pro-Iranian propaganda throughout the U.S.
As of October 2024, the Alavi Foundation is currently the target of ongoing litigation by the U.S. Department of Justice for potentially funneling money to Iran.
Elahi’s Facebook posts show a strong support of Hamas, Gaza, and Hezbollah and constant disdain for Israel, including at events with prominent Michigan Democrats. He openly was supporting Hezbollah as recently as September 2024, suggesting Israel’s victory will be “short-lived.”
Elahi marched with several prominent Democrats for Black Lives Matter, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Mayor Mike Duggan, and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist in 2020.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris met with him at a vaccination clinic in 2021, and he even gave a speech at Gov. Whitmer’s second inauguration.
In January, during the ongoing escalation of violence in the Middle East and brutal Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, Elahi met with Lieutenant Gov. Garlin Gilchrist on behalf of Gaza and Lebanon.
In March, Elahi met with Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Debbie Dingell to oppose the Pager Act and condemn Israel and support Lebanon in the wake of the death of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, whom he described as a “sacred figure” and “martyr.”
Since October 1, 2023, Michigan Taxpayers have awarded over $3.3 million to Michigan “newcomers” and “other immigrants” (pretty much any immigrant, which may include illegals).
Newcomers can receive $500 a month in rental assistance for up to a year through an application process, proof of residency, and “willingness” to find employment.
The good news is that, as of June 4, a message on the Newcomer Rental Subsidy Page states the program will no longer be accepting new applications.
Elahi will have to call in his friends in Iran if he wants to fund more “newcomers” to Michigan.
Anna Hoffman is a hockey mom of three living in Ann Arbor. Follow her on X @shoesonplease.
