Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris reacts as she speaks during a campaign event at Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin, U.S., October 3, 2024. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo
Vice President Kamala Harris to Meet with Arab American and Muslim Leaders in Michigan Amid Rising Tensions Over U.S. Support for Israel
Meeting Aims to Address Concerns Among Muslim and Arab Voters
Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to meet with Arab American and Muslim leaders in Flint, Michigan, on Friday. This meeting comes as her presidential campaign seeks to regain the support of voters disillusioned by U.S. backing of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, according to two anonymous sources.
The effort is part of several recent attempts to address concerns within these communities, who were strong supporters of President Joe Biden in 2020 but are now expressing frustration. The potential loss of votes from Arab American and Muslim voters in key states, such as Michigan, could pose a serious risk to Harris’ presidential campaign.
Engagement with Key Organizations and Individuals
Among the participants in the meeting will be Emgage, a national organization advocating for Muslim American civic engagement, which recently endorsed Harris. Also in attendance will be the American Task Force on Lebanon and Hala Hijazi, a longtime friend of Harris who has lost numerous family members in Gaza. The sources providing this information requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions.
Jim Zogby, founder of the Arab American Institute and a long-standing member of the Democratic National Committee, declined the invitation to participate. Leaders from the Uncommitted National Movement, a protest campaign, have stated they were not invited to the meeting.
Recent Discussions on U.S. Policy in the Middle East
On Wednesday, Phil Gordon, Harris’ national security adviser, held a virtual meeting with leaders from the Arab American and Muslim communities. Gordon reaffirmed the administration’s support for a ceasefire in Gaza, diplomatic efforts in Lebanon, and stability in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
In a related effort, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Harris’ vice-presidential running mate, participated in a Zoom call with Muslim voters on Thursday. During the call, Walz assured participants that Muslims would be given an equal role in a Harris administration.
Harris Faces Challenges in Key States
Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate for the 2024 presidential election, is running against Republican former President Donald Trump in what is projected to be a close race. Arab American leaders and voters in Michigan, a key battleground state, have expressed significant dissatisfaction with Harris’ stance on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, particularly her alignment with President Biden’s support for Israel.
Ali Dagher, a Lebanese American attorney and community leader, voiced his concerns, stating, “Harris is going to lose Michigan.” Dagher emphasized his own refusal to vote for Harris, saying, “No one I know will vote for her. I cannot find a single person in the community who supports her.”
A recent poll by the Arab American Institute indicates that support for Harris and Trump among Arab Americans is now at nearly equal levels.
Efforts to Strengthen Union Support
In addition to her meeting with Arab and Muslim leaders, Harris made an appearance in Redford Township, Michigan, outside Detroit, where she celebrated the recent union agreement that resolved a major port strike. The event, held at a fire station, was intended to underscore her support among rank-and-file union members, although the International Association of Fire Fighters had declined to make a presidential endorsement the previous day.
Later on Friday, Harris is expected to visit Flint, where she will be accompanied by United Auto Workers union President Shawn Fain. She plans to express her commitment to the auto industry, a key sector in Michigan’s economy.
Criticism of U.S. Policy on the Gaza Conflict
Critics argue that the Biden administration, including Vice President Harris, has done too little to halt Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, while continuing to supply weapons to Israel. The ongoing offensive in Gaza, launched in response to a deadly Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has led to significant loss of life and a humanitarian crisis.
According to Palestinian health authorities, more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza. In Lebanon, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has resulted in over 1,900 deaths and 9,000 injuries. The majority of casualties in Lebanon have occurred in the last two weeks, based on Lebanese government data.
Both Israeli and Hamas leaders are under investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for potential war crimes related to the Hamas assault and Israel’s subsequent military response. Israel has denied these accusations.
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