It’s been about a year since the most recent Israel-Palestine conflict started. Many Arab Americans are asking themselves who they are going to vote for. The Biden Administration, on one hand, has spoken very little about anything related to Gaza, and the Trump Administration seems preoccupied with other foreign policies. Because it is such a hard issue, many people see themselves turning to Trump. However, I’m here to tell you that by voting for Trump, you are worsening the issue.
It’s not hard to see that Trump is connected to Netanyahu and his officials. But what’s even more clear is his obvious bias, and “ride or die” mentality. When Trump commented on the issue, he said “[Let Israel] finish the job” and that he had a, “very nice” call with Netanyahu. Are we to believe that this man will fight for peace? Or will we as a country stand by, as Palestinians continue to suffer. It seems that Trump cares more about a strategic relationship with Israel, than the ideals of peace and freedom his campaign seems to use so freely.
Second, Kamala has done more to speak for Palestine during election season than Trump has done in most of his career. Kamala closed her Michigan rally with a message to the people, “We are joined today by leaders of the Arab American community, which has deep and proud roots here in Michigan… It is devastating [what is happening in Gaza], and as president, I will do everything in my power to end the war in Gaza, to bring home the hostages, end the suffering in Gaza, ensure Israel is secure, and ensure the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, freedom, security, and self-determination.” Though some could say a statement does not promise action, I beg to differ. Stating your intentions is the first step. Kamala’s statement is only a foot in the doorway, but the promise is enough to drive action.
I can admit that the Biden Administration has done a lousy job of endorsing Palestinian interest in peace, but, the moral compass of those who think Trump has a differing opinion is out of place. Rich Berdan writes, “On the other hand, President Biden reversed much of the Trump foreign policy by reinstituting aid to the Palestinians.” As if to imply the 235 million dollars donated to underprivileged Palestinians affected by war, is a bad thing. The truth is, Trump is heavily biased toward Israel, and this proves that he will continue to stand his position, despite circumstances, in exchange for money.
The election is far from perfect, and the steps needed to help the situation aren’t either. But putting your vote where your heart is, is one way to make a difference. James Zogby, the founder of the Arab American Institute, puts it perfectly, “This is not the election you want, It’s the election you’ve got. You can be as pissed off as you want to be at Democrats. But don’t forget who Donald Trump is and what he represents and what will happen in the next four years of his presidency.” Kamala has made a foot in the right direction in supporting Palestinians, Trump however, will set us back.
Sources
Kristof, Nicholas. “Don’t Let Liberal Purity Elect Trump.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 30 Oct. 2024,www.nytimes.com/2024/10/30/opinion/gaza-harris-trump.html
Unkown. “Human Rights in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.” Amnesty International,www.amnesty.org/en/location/middle-east-and-north-africa/middle-east/israel-and-the-occupied-palestinian-territory/report-israel-and-the-occupied-palestinian-territory/. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.
Berdan, Rich. “Trump is Better for Palestinians.” International Russian Council, https://russiancouncil.ru/en/analytics-and-comments/columns/middle-east-policy/trump-is-better-for-palestinians/ Accessed 2 Nov. 2024
“Where Does Donald Trump Stand on Israel, Palestine and the Middle East?” Middle East Eye, www.middleeasteye.net/news/donald-trump-middle-east-foreign-policy. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.
Glueck, Katie, and Nicholas Nehamas. “Harris, at Final Michigan Rally, Offers Forward-Looking Vision.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 4 Nov. 2024, www.nytimes.com/2024/11/03/us/politics/harris-michigan-state-university-rally.html
