American Muslim leaders cite US support for Gaza genocide in decision not to back Harris

By Hakan Copur and Rabia Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - American Muslim leaders who refrained from backing Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris due to the Biden administration's response to Gaza said their decision was rooted in what they perceive as its support for the "genocide” taking place there.

Following Republican nominee Donald Trump’s victory in the Nov. 5 election, representatives from several Muslim civil society organizations across the US held a press conference at the National Press Building in Washington, D.C. to outline their stance.

Jaylani Hussein, executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), highlighted that while American Muslims have historically aligned with the Democratic Party, the Biden-Harris administration’s silence on what he described as the "genocide" in Gaza, coupled with US arms transfers to Israel drove many to reconsider their political loyalties.

He added that supporting a genocide through arms supplies will be a "stain" on the current administration for years to come.

Other speakers emphasized that the votes of American Muslims are not guaranteed for any party, stressing that these votes made a significant difference in the Nov. 5 election results.

- American Muslim votes made significant impact on outcome

Michigan community leader Rex Nazarko told Anadolu that the Muslim community's votes impacted the election outcome.

"People doubted us. There was a lot of spotlight on the American Muslim factor in this election, and we delivered. We showed clearly that the main driving factor behind the voter dynamic of the American Muslim community was the genocide that is happening in Gaza and the extension of the war into Lebanon and the broader region," he said.

However, he also cautioned over Trump's approach to the region.

"There’s no cause for celebration yet because we are expecting a shift in policy within the next two months for President (Joe) Biden to secure his legacy, to not be the president of war and genocide and war crimes," he said.

He also indicated hope that the Trump administration would work to halt the violence in Gaza, though he added that the community remains "on edge."

Also noting other factors that might have played a role in people's voting preferences, he said: "I think voters have clearly expressed that, that nor should it be a platform in America. So it was America first in this election, not Israel first."

- 'We Warned Them'

Imam Tom Facchine, research director of Islam and Society at the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, said they have long warned the Democratic Party about losing support over their policies on Gaza.

"For me personally, it was very expected," Facchine said.

"We said that if you proceed with supporting Israel in this way, without any conditions whatsoever, then we are going to punish you electorally at the ballot box in November, and you will lose. And that is exactly what we did.”

But he added that it is also a "bittersweet moment" for Muslim Americans.

"Are we necessarily thrilled about an incoming Trump presidency? Not exactly. There are opportunities, but there are also significant challenges."

Facchine said there might be criminalization of the pro-Palestinian movement under the Trump administration, adding: "We have very, very cautious optimism."

While Facchine is cautiously optimistic about Trump’s handling of Gaza, he said a balanced approach from the new administration could offer some hope.

He concluded by stressing that the significant turnout and influence of American Muslims in this election underscored the community’s power at the ballot box.

"We have realized that our power comes from actually withholding our political allegiance from both parties until they come to us and they attempt to make concessions," he added.