Demoralized Palestinian Americans have been grappling with the Biden administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war, feeling a sense of disillusionment as they witness rising Palestinian death tolls and suffering in Gaza. Many have protested, lobbied, and organized against the U.S. support for Israel during the conflict. Despite their pain, they now face difficult decisions regarding their voting choices in battleground states for the upcoming election.
Pressure is mounting on Palestinian American voters like Samia Assed, who feels conflicted about supporting Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, due to the perceived continuation of pro-Israel policies. Assed, a staunch Democrat and feminist, is torn between her desire to block another Trump presidency and her disappointment in the lack of meaningful change in U.S. foreign policy towards Israel. Many Palestinian Americans find themselves in a similar predicament, struggling to support a party that aligns with their values.
At the Democratic National Convention, the rejection of a request for a Palestinian American speaker and a perceived disconnect between U.S. policies and Harris’ statements further deepened the rift between Palestinian Americans and the Democratic Party. Despite Harris’ rhetoric on ending the war and addressing Palestinian suffering, activists are demanding concrete policy shifts, such as an embargo on U.S. weapons to Israel. Without significant changes, some are considering withholding their votes or remaining uncommitted in the election.
The Uncommitted National Movement, a group advocating for policy changes and Palestinian rights, is pushing for a meeting with Harris and her team before making a decision on endorsing her candidacy. Activists like Layla Elabed stress the importance of holding Harris and the Democratic Party accountable for their stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. They are urging a shift in policy towards Israel and a more empathetic approach towards Palestinian suffering to earn their support.
Palestinian Americans are navigating a delicate balance between their desire to influence U.S. foreign policy towards Israel and their concerns about potential repercussions of withholding their votes. While some are considering voting third party or leaving the top of the ticket blank, others are advocating for continued engagement with the Democratic Party to push for change from within. The tensions within the community reflect a broader debate on the role of the Palestinian American vote in shaping U.S. foreign policy.
As the election approaches, Palestinian Americans are grappling with their desire to prevent another Trump presidency, their frustrations with the Democratic Party’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, and their hopes for meaningful policy changes. The community’s diverse perspectives and experiences highlight the complexities of being a Palestinian American voter in the current political climate. Despite the challenges and divisions, many activists remain committed to advocating for Palestinian rights and pushing for a more balanced approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
