This group is known for mobilizing a significant number of voters in Michigan to abstain from voting for President Joe Biden in the primary, due to the administration's backing of Israel's conflict with Hamas.
As reported by The Post Millennial, the group's founders, Abbas Alawieh and Layla Elabed, were part of the welcoming committee for Harris and her VP choice, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. They expressed their desire to support Harris, but also conveyed the concerns of the anti-Israel voters they represent. They urged Harris to contemplate an arms embargo against Israel.
August 09, 2024
During the meeting, Harris listened to accounts from Michigan residents who allegedly have family members in Gaza. The group's leaders asserted that Harris was receptive to the idea of an arms embargo, suggesting they follow up with her staff. However, a source close to Harris contested this claim, stating that Harris was not open to the idea.
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The news of this meeting sparked immediate backlash, given Harris' inconsistent record on supporting Israel, a key American ally. The controversy was further fueled by allegations that Harris had overlooked Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as her running mate due to criticism from her party's far-left faction over his Jewish identity.
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In an attempt to mitigate the backlash, Harris' campaign released a statement, "Since October 7, the Vice President has prioritized engaging with Arab, Muslim, and Palestinian community members and others regarding the war in Gaza. In this brief engagement, she reaffirmed that her campaign will continue to engage with those communities. The Vice President has been clear: she will always work to ensure Israel is able to defend itself against Iran and Iran-backed terrorist groups. The Vice President is focused on securing the ceasefire and hostage deal currently on the table. As she has said, it is time for this war to end in a way where: Israel is secure, hostages are released, the suffering of Palestinian civilians ends, and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, freedom, and self-determination."
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Despite this statement, Harris' interaction with the radical activists did not seem to pacify the anti-Israel sentiments at her rally. During her speech, she was interrupted by pro-Palestinian activists, underscoring the complexity of the issue and the challenges that lie ahead.
