Dearborn, Michigan – Layla Elabed and other Arab Americans have been feeling a sense of collective mourning for over a year. As Israel’s wars on Gaza and Lebanon continue to rage on, Elabed expressed feelings of grief, frustration, anger, and betrayal. Arab American voters in Michigan are now being asked to set aside their sorrow and vote for presidential candidates who lack a clear plan to stop the violence. Elabed, a leader in the Uncommitted Movement, has been pushing for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to end their unwavering support for Israel. Despite Harris promising to continue arming Israel, some Arab Americans are still supporting her over Trump, citing domestic and foreign policy reasons.
However, Elabed has chosen to leave the presidential ballot blank, as she believes neither candidate has a clear plan to stop the bombings. The Arab American community in Michigan is divided on how to approach the election, with some advocating for skipping the presidential race altogether or supporting third-party candidates like Jill Stein. Alissa Hakim, a Lebanese American, expressed disillusionment with both major candidates, highlighting the need for self-respect in voting decisions.
Even in Dearborn, known as the Capital of Arab America, the major presidential campaigns are struggling to secure overwhelming support. Signs for local candidates and flags from the Middle East outnumber those for Biden and Harris. While Biden won the majority of Arab American votes in 2020, Harris is facing challenges in gaining the community’s support this time around. Some Arab Americans who endorsed Harris have voiced frustrations with her positions and campaign missteps.
Despite the difficulties, some Arab American Democrats have endorsed Harris, viewing her as the lesser of two evils compared to Trump. They hope to work within the system to push for policy changes on Israel and Palestine. Others, like Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib, advocate for breaking away from the Democratic Party altogether, citing the need for a new approach. The shifting allegiances within the Arab American community reflect a complex and evolving political landscape in Michigan.