Muslim and Arab American groups are demanding action from President JoeBiden regarding his 2024 reelection campaign. They are threatening towithhold donations and votes unless immediate steps are taken to secure aGaza ceasefire.
One such group, the National Muslim Democratic Council, is comprised ofDemocratic Party leaders from crucial battleground states like Michigan,Ohio, and Pennsylvania. They have called on Biden to use his influence withIsrael to facilitate a ceasefire by 5pm ET on Tuesday, as outlined in theiropen letter titled “2023 Ceasefire Ultimatum.” In this letter, Muslimleaders have committed to mobilizing “Muslim, Arab, and allied voters” torefrain from supporting any candidate who supports the Israeli offensiveagainst the Palestinian people. They express concerns about theadministration’s unconditional support, including funding and armaments,contributing to ongoing violence and eroding trust among voters who hadpreviously supported Biden.
Emgage, a Muslim American civic group, reveals that nearly 1.1 millionMuslims participated in the 2020 election. Exit polls from the AssociatedPress indicate that 64% of Muslims voted for Biden, a Democrat, while 35%voted for his Republican opponent, Donald Trump. The Arab AmericanInstitute estimates that 3.7 million Americans have roots tracing back toan Arab country, and recent poll results from this group show a significantdrop in support for Biden and the Democrats.
As of now, Biden’s reelection campaign has not provided an immediateresponse. The White House has been actively addressing concerns raised bycommunity members and political appointees within the administration, andBiden met with a group of Muslim leaders last Thursday.
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While Biden has spoken out against increasing antisemitism andIslamophobia, Muslim leaders assert that the war in Gaza must come to anend.