Arab American leaders kick over Israel as Harris meets community members
DEARBORN, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 27: A Democratic voter uncommitted to President Joe Biden rallies outside of a polling location at Maples Elementary School on February 27, 2024 in Dearborn, Michigan. Michigan votes headed to the polls today to vote in the Democratic and Republican primary elections. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Vice President Kamala Harris met with Arab American and Muslim leaders in Flint, Michigan, to address concerns over US support for Israel’s conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.
Harris sought to mend fences with Muslim and Arab voters, crucial in the key state of Michigan after they overwhelmingly backed Joe Biden in 2020.
Harris discussed ending the war, preventing regional conflict, and addressing suffering in Gaza and Lebanon. Attendees expressed disappointment with the US handling of the crisis and urged her to push President Biden for immediate action.
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The meeting follows Harris’ national security adviser’s virtual meeting with Arab and Muslim leaders, where he expressed support for a ceasefire in Gaza and diplomacy in Lebanon. However, some Arab Americans criticize Harris for not distancing herself from Biden’s Middle East policies.
“Harris is going to lose Michigan,” said Ali Dagher, a Lebanese American attorney and community leader. “I will not be voting for Kamala Harris. No one I know will vote for her. I cannot find a single person in the community who supports her.”
A recent poll shows Harris and Trump at similar levels of support among Arab Americans. Critics argue Biden and Harris have done too little to stop Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
The 2024 United States elections are scheduled to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. The president and vice president will be elected during this presidential election year.
In addition, all 435 seats in the United States House of Representatives and 34 of the 100 seats in the United States Senate will be contested to determine the membership of the 119th United States Congress.
