Vice President Kamala Harris is set to convene with Arab American leaders in Flint, Michigan, on October 4, 2024, as part of an effort to address concerns over U.S. support for Israel's military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. This meeting comes at a critical juncture, with the presidential election scheduled for November 5, 2024, just one month away.
The gathering will include representatives from various Arab American organizations, such as the Muslim advocacy group Emgage, which has recently endorsed Harris, and the American Task Force on Lebanon. Hala Hijazi, a long-standing friend of the Vice President who has lost numerous family members in Gaza, is also expected to attend.
Flint, known for its water crisis that began in 2014, serves as a symbolic location for this meeting. Michigan, home to the highest concentration of Arab Americans in the United States, is a key swing state in the upcoming election. The Arab American population in the U.S. is estimated to be around 3.7 million, with a significant presence in Michigan.
Some notable figures, including Jim Zogby, founder of the Arab American Institute and a veteran member of the Democratic National Committee, have declined the invitation. Leaders from the Uncommitted National Movement protest campaign reported not receiving invitations to the event.
Prior to this meeting, Phil Gordon, Harris' national security adviser, held a virtual conference with community leaders. During this discussion, he affirmed the administration's support for a ceasefire in Gaza, diplomatic efforts in Lebanon, and stability in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
The political landscape has shifted significantly since the 2020 election when President Joe Biden secured a majority of Muslim and Arab votes. Recent polls indicate a sharp decline in Arab American support for Democrats, with Harris and former President Donald Trump now showing similar levels of backing among this demographic.
"A poll published this week by the Arab American Institute found Harris and Trump, at roughly even levels of support among Arab Americans. In recent years, the group had favored Democrats by large margins."
This change in sentiment is largely attributed to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began following a Hamas incursion on October 7, 2023. The subsequent Israeli military offensive has resulted in significant Palestinian casualties and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with widespread displacement and food insecurity affecting nearly all of its 2 million residents.
The situation in Lebanon has also escalated, with cross-border fighting between Israel and Hezbollah resulting in numerous casualties over the past year. These conflicts have intensified criticism of the U.S. administration's approach to the region.
As the election approaches, the meeting in Flint represents a crucial opportunity for Harris to engage with Arab American leaders and address their concerns. The outcome of this dialogue could have significant implications for the Democratic ticket's performance in Michigan and other states with substantial Arab American populations.