Biden’s Support for Israel Triggers Backlash and ‘Abandon Biden’ Movement Among Arab Americans

Arab Americans in Michigan Turn against President Biden over Gaza Conflict

An Unprecedented Tragedy in Gaza

DEARBORN, Mich. – In the early hours of the morning, Mohammad Enayah received the devastating news from Gaza. Thirty-seven members of his extended family, including his father’s cousin, had been killed in an Israeli air strike on a Palestinian refugee camp. The loss shook Enayah to his core, and little did he know that the death toll would eventually rise to 89 members of his family. The three generations were wiped out, leaving Enayah and thousands of other Arab Americans in southeastern Michigan in a state of profound pain and grief.

Arab American Anger over Biden’s Support for Israel

Since the start of the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, the Arab American community in Michigan has been deeply disappointed by President Joe Biden’s unwavering support for Israel. Biden’s solidarity with Israel and the supply of weapons for its offensive against Hamas have left Arab Americans feeling betrayed. The death toll and the devastation wreaked on Gaza have fueled their anger and commitment to see Biden defeated in the upcoming elections.

A Key Voting Bloc in Michigan

Arab Americans, comprising 5% of the vote in Michigan, a crucial swing state, played a significant role in Biden’s narrow victory in 2020. However, their support has diminished with Biden’s handling of the Gaza conflict. Frustration and disappointment with Biden’s response have prompted Arab Americans in Michigan to actively campaign against him and host meetings with third-party candidates. There is a growing movement to vote “uncommitted” in the state’s Democratic primary to send a clear message of disapproval to Biden.

White House Scrambles to Reassure the Arab American Community

Biden’s campaign adviser acknowledges the hurt and anger felt by Arab Americans and anticipates a decent showing for the “uncommitted” movement in the upcoming primary. The campaign is making efforts to be more responsive to Arab American concerns. Despite the tension and the Arab American community’s deep sense of betrayal, the campaign remains optimistic about its chances in Michigan in the general election, given the broad coalition of supporters it has in the state.

Can Biden Regain Arab American Trust?

Biden’s response to Arab American anger has been to dispatch senior advisers to engage with community leaders in Michigan. The advisers have apologized for the administration’s mistakes and missteps in its response to the Gaza conflict. However, Arab American leaders believe that meaningful action is required, not just words of apology, to restore trust. The powerful Arab American voting bloc in Michigan demands concrete action from Biden to address their concerns about the Palestinian plight.

Reluctance to “Vote for the Lesser of Two Evils”

Arab Americans in Michigan like Khalid Turaani and Imran Salha, who had supported Biden in the last election, are now withstanding the mere thought of voting for Biden again. The recent events and Biden’s handling of the conflict have shattered their trust. They refuse to cast their votes for the “lesser of two evils” and seek alternatives. Some are even considering voting for third-party candidates or abstaining, feeling disillusioned with both Biden and Trump.

A Terrible Dilemma

The story of Mohammad Enayah, Khalid Turaani, and the disillusionment of Arab Americans in Michigan encapsulate the deep impact of the Gaza conflict on their political choices. The tragic loss of lives and the devastation inflicted on Gaza have invoked an unyielding sentiment of betrayal within Arab American communities, leading them to demand meaningful change from President Biden. Only time will tell whether Biden can reconcile with this crucial voting bloc in Michigan.