Many Muslim American organizers are outraged by an aid package for Israel making its way through Congress that President Joe Biden intends to sign into law. This anger stems from Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war, with activists feeling that the president’s support for the aid package reaffirms their decision not to back him for a second term. Muslim American organizations urged voters to contact members of Congress to vote against the aid package, but it ultimately passed with a majority favor. This decision is seen as a point of no return for the already strained relationship between the Biden administration and the American Muslim community.
The aid package, heading to the Senate for likely passage next week, represents a significant increase in U.S. support for Israel amidst criticism from Democratic lawmakers about arms support to the country. Rep. Pramila Jayapal and others are working to ensure that the weapons authorized in the aid package are not immediately sent to Israel. Biden has praised the passing of the aid package, emphasizing the critical support it will provide to Israel, along with humanitarian aid to various countries around the world. The fallout from Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict could be crucial in swing states that he won by slim margins in the 2020 election.
Prominent Muslim American leaders like Osama Abu Irshaid and Ahmed Ewaisha have expressed their disappointment in Biden’s policies towards Israel and Gaza, with many indicating that they will not support him in the upcoming election. Despite the administration’s outreach efforts to Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian communities, the rift between Biden and Muslim American voters appears to be deepening. Activists like Ayah Ziyadeh are working on an American Muslim election task force to determine how they will vote in November, reflecting growing disillusionment with the current administration’s approach to the conflict.
As the war between Israel and Hamas escalates, Biden has shifted his rhetoric to criticize Israeli tactics and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While the president has expressed concern over civilian casualties and aid worker deaths in Gaza, Muslim American organizations remain critical of his response to the conflict. Considering the impact their votes could have on the next election, activists are urging Biden to address their concerns in order to prevent a potential victory for former President Donald Trump. Despite shared concerns about Trump’s policies towards Muslims, some organizers feel that the responsibility lies with Biden to regain their support.
Activist Linda Sarsour, executive director of MPower Change, has been vocal about the need for Biden to address the issues facing Muslim American voters amid the ongoing conflict. She, along with others like Salam Al-Marayati, President of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, is undecided about their vote in November. The fracture within Biden’s own party, combined with the growing discontent among Muslim American voters, presents a challenge for the administration as they navigate the fallout from the Israel-Hamas war. The impact of this rift on the upcoming election remains to be seen as Muslim American voters grapple with their options in a highly polarized political landscape.
