MICHIGAN: The Muslim advocacy organization Emgage Action announced its endorsement of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris on Wednesday, despite expressing ongoing concerns about the conflict in Gaza. They believe that the greater threat comes from former President Donald Trump, who has indicated plans to reinstate travel bans on countries with predominantly Muslim populations.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the competition between Harris and Trump remains highly competitive ahead of the November 5th vote. Arab American and Muslim voters are expected to play a crucial role in key states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Georgia, where their support was instrumental in Joe Biden’s victory over Trump in 2020.
Several organizations within the Muslim community, including Emgage Action, have voiced criticism of the Biden administration—where Harris serves as vice president—particularly for its backing of Israel during the Gaza conflict. Harris has called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages, stating her support for Israel’s right to self-defense while also championing the Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
“Although we may not agree with all of Harris’ policies, especially regarding the Gaza situation, we’re approaching this election with a mix of practicality and conviction,” said Emgage CEO Wa’el Alzayat in a statement. He emphasized the organization’s commitment to providing “transparent advice for our voters as they navigate the tough choices ahead on Election Day.”
Emgage Action, which had endorsed Biden in the 2020 election, claims to have mobilized a million Muslim voters during that cycle. Their endorsement of Harris reflects a sense of responsibility to prevent Trump’s return to power and protect the community from what they perceive as a revival of Islamophobic and damaging policies.
The Trump campaign has not provided an immediate response to the endorsement. Recently, they have held numerous events targeting Arab Americans and Muslims in pivotal states, with plans for additional gatherings, including one in Michigan this weekend, as stated by Richard Grenell, Trump’s former acting director of national intelligence.
Trump has declared his intention to reinstigate a “travel ban” that limits entry into the U.S. from a list of mostly Muslim-majority countries. This travel restriction was lifted by Biden shortly after he took office in January 2021.
The Harris campaign expressed appreciation for the endorsement, particularly after the pro-Palestinian grassroots group Uncommitted National Movement announced it would not endorse Harris, Trump, or any third-party candidates.
Harris has gained support from smaller Muslim organizations, including the Black Muslim Leadership Council Fund and the American Muslim Democratic Caucus.
The U.S., as Israel’s primary ally and arms supplier, has sent over 10,000 laser-guided bombs and thousands of Hellfire missiles to Israel since the onset of the conflict in Gaza, as reported by U.S. officials to Reuters in June.
The current situation in Gaza escalated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israeli communities, resulting in around 1,200 fatalities and approximately 250 hostages taken, according to figures from Israeli authorities. Following this, Israel’s military response has devastated large areas of Gaza, displacing nearly all of its 2.3 million residents and leading to severe shortages of food and medical care, with over 41,000 people reported dead, according to Palestinian health officials.