Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris on Friday met with Arab American and Muslim leaders in Flint, Michigan, to address their concerns about US support for IsraelRussia’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
The meeting is of great importance to her presidential campaign as she tries to win back 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 his deep concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the civilian casualties resulting from the ongoing hostilities. She also outlined efforts to achieve peace and prevent a wider regional conflict during the meeting, according to a Reuters report.
Wa’el Alzayat, CEO of Emgage actiondescribed the meeting as a platform to express the community’s frustrations, noting that participants shared their deep frustration with the US’s handling of the crisis.
“Emgage Action asked Vice President Harris to impress upon President Biden the urgency of an immediate end to the violence” in Gaza and Lebanon, Reuters reported. Alzayat said, “She agrees that this war must end.”
Ed Gabriel, President of US Task Force Lebanonalso stressed the critical need for a ceasefire and the necessary support from the United States and its allies to address the dire humanitarian situation.
Despite the positive exchange, the meeting was not without controversy. Some prominent leaders declined the invitation, while others expressed grievances at their exclusion. Hala Hijazi, a close friend of Harris who lost many family members in Gaza, also did not attend the meeting.
As the presidential election nears, Harris faces a fierce battle against former Republican President Donald Trump. Both candidates have reportedly garnered similar levels of support among Arab Americans, a demographic Harris cannot afford to alienate.
Criticism has mounted against Biden and Harris for their alleged inaction in curbing Israel’s military campaign, a sentiment that resonates deeply in the community.
Earlier that day, Harris celebrated a union settlement that ended a major port strike in the city of Redford, demonstrating her commitment to labor issues. However, a Trump campaign spokesman quickly pushed back, claiming that Harris is putting thousands of auto jobs at risk by not clarifying her position on her proposed ban on internal combustion engine cars by 2035.
‘War must end’: Kamala Harris meets Arab American leaders amid growing discontent over US support for Israel – Times of India
