Vice President and Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris on Friday met Arab American and Muslim leaders in Flint, Michigan, aiming to address their concerns regarding US support for Israel‘s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
This meeting holds significant importance for her presidential campaign, as she attempts to regain the trust of a demographic that played a vital role in the Democratic victory in 2020 but now risks withdrawing their support.
During the half-hour discussion, Harris expressed her deep concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the civilian casualties resulting from the ongoing hostilities. She also elaborated on efforts to broker peace and prevent a broader regional conflict during the meeting, according to a Reuters report.
Wa’el Alzayat, CEO of Emgage Action, described the meeting as a platform for expressing the community’s frustrations, pointing out that participants shared their deep disappointment with the US handling of the crisis.
“Emgage Action asked Vice President Harris to impress upon President Biden the urgency of bringing an immediate end to the violence” in Gaza and Lebanon, Reuters reported Alzayat as saying, “She agrees that this war needs to end.”
Ed Gabriel, president of the American Task Force on Lebanon, also highlighted the critical need for a ceasefire and the support required from the United States and its allies to address the dire humanitarian situation.
Despite the positive exchanges, the meeting was not without controversies. Some notable leaders declined the invitation, while others voiced grievances about their exclusion. Hala Hijazi, a close friend of Harris who has lost numerous family members in Gaza, too didn’t attend the meeting.
As the presidential election approaches, Harris faces a tight contest against Republican former President Donald Trump. Both candidates have reportedly garnered similar levels of support among Arab Americans, a demographic that Harris cannot afford to alienate.
Criticism has mounted against Biden and Harris for their perceived inaction in curbing Israel’s military campaign, a sentiment that resonates deeply within the community.
Earlier that day, Harris celebrated a union deal that ended a significant port strike in Redford Township, showcasing her commitment to labor issues. However, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign swiftly countered, asserting that Harris is jeopardizing thousands of auto jobs by not clarifying her stance on her proposed ban on internal combustion engine cars by 2035.