Arab American leaders are calling on Vice President Kamala Harris to change her stance on Israel and do more to end the war in order to earn Arab American votes.
The meeting in Flint, Michigan, highlighted the political significance of the state in the upcoming election while focusing on humanitarian issues and foreign policy differences.
CNN reported that Vice President Harris held a private meeting with Arab American advocates in Flint, Michigan, a city known for its political importance, especially with its substantial Arab American community.
Initially scheduled for ten minutes, the meeting was extended to twenty as advocates had much to discuss. Among the topics were humanitarian aid, engagement with the Arab American community, and foreign policy.
Emgage Action's CEO, Wa'el Alzayat, expressed the group's discontent with the current U.S. administration's foreign policy in the meeting. The advocacy group, despite endorsing Harris, conveyed dissatisfaction with President Joe Biden's handling of Gaza.
Michigan is crucial in the upcoming election, magnified by its considerable Arab American population.
The meeting underscored the necessity to engage with this community sincerely. Key figures like Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Harris' campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez, and Edward Gabriel joined the discussions, emphasizing the importance of local input in national decisions.
Assad Turfe highlighted the inadequacy of the U.S. humanitarian aid package of $157 million to Lebanon, stressing the impact such assistance could have if applied effectively.
The dialogue also included poignant personal recounts. Turfe, for instance, recalled personal losses in Lebanon's conflict and the ongoing violence that affects his family.
Among the voices seeking deeper engagement was Abbas Alawieh, co-founder of Uncommitted, who emphasized Vice President Harris's need to adhere to international humanitarian laws.
The absence of the Uncommitted movement from the meeting was notable, yet Alawieh commended the growing involvement resulting from their pressures. At the same time, he urged Harris to stop supplying the Israeli military with weapons should she become president.
Meanwhile, James Zogby, a member of the Democratic National Committee, declined to attend, citing demand for a more robust campaign approach.
His remarks reflect a critical stance on the current subpar handling of pressing international issues, notably the crisis in Lebanon.
During the meeting, Abed Ayoub from the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee spoke on the necessity of an immediate ceasefire both in Gaza and Lebanon.
Ayoub emphasized halting what he described as genocide in Palestine, urging the international community to take action.
Timed with these discussions was a disruption faced by Harris's campaign rallies from pro-Palestinian activists, indicating widespread unrest over the administration’s policies.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, addressing the Emgage Action summit, talked about the massive devastation in Gaza.
Echoing the deep-seated pain within the affected communities, he stressed the need to keep these concerns at the forefront of political discourse, describing the dire humanitarian situation resulting from the conflict.
While the conversation in Flint sought to address the fundamental humanitarian crises, it also set the tone for extensive political dialogues as candidates vie for crucial voter support. Arab American leaders assert that tangible commitments and actions are essential for moving forward.
Overall, the meeting in Flint, Michigan, served as a vital platform for Arab American leaders to express their concerns, hoping for more active intervention from Vice President Harris in the evolving Middle East crises.
