Washington, DC – Despite her consistent support for Israel during conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is now seeking to appeal to Arab and Muslim communities in the United States ahead of the upcoming elections. In recent weeks, Harris and her team have met with Arab and Muslim leaders and received endorsements from individuals and groups within the Democratic Party aligned with these communities. However, critics argue that Harris’s continued backing of Israel and refusal to distance herself from President Joe Biden’s unwavering support for the country may hinder her efforts to win over Arab and Muslim voters. Many advocates believe that the private meetings held by Harris with selected individuals, whose identities are often kept undisclosed, do not accurately represent the views of the communities she is trying to engage with. Laura Albast, a Palestinian American activist, expressed her concerns about Harris’s campaign strategy, stating that the use of token groups and individuals to appeal to Arab and Muslim voters is superficial and lacks meaningful policy impact. Despite these critiques, Harris continues to reach out to Arab and Muslim voters, particularly in key battleground states with significant Arab populations, such as Michigan. However, some community members feel that these efforts are merely symbolic and lack genuine substance. The ongoing conflict in Gaza and Lebanon has intensified the urgency for Harris to address the concerns of these communities, particularly regarding US military aid to Israel. While some groups, such as Emgage, have endorsed Harris’s candidacy, others have voiced their disappointment with her stance on the Israeli offensive. Critics argue that endorsing Harris despite her support for Israel’s actions is a betrayal of the suffering endured by Arab and Muslim communities impacted by the conflict. Despite some endorsements from Muslim imams and community figures, the debate over Harris’s position on the Israeli offensive continues to divide opinions within Arab and Muslim communities in the US.
