Amid the high stakes in the recent presidential election, which is considered the closest presidential contest in years, Vice President Kamala Harris is receiving a boost from several Muslim groups that have recently come out in support of her candidacy. These endorsements come as many within the Muslim community grapple with the implications of the election, particularly in light of concerns surrounding the policies of former President Donald Trump. Key organizations and leaders are voicing their support for Harris, emphasizing her commitment to addressing issues that matter to marginalized communities, including her calls for a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and her focus on domestic policies that uplift Black Americans.
Muslim faith leaders endorse Harris
A group of 25 imams from multiple states has publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in an open letter first shared with NBC News, providing a significant boost to her campaign as she seeks to reconnect with disillusioned Muslim voters amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The endorsement comes as Harris faces considerable backlash from Muslim and Arab voters due to the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s actions in Gaza, particularly in critical battleground states like Michigan where this community’s votes could be pivotal.
The imams emphasize the importance of making informed voting decisions, arguing that supporting Harris is a better option than the alternatives. They highlight her commitment to advocating for a ceasefire and ending the violence in Gaza and Lebanon as key reasons for their endorsement. The letter also warns against the dangers of allowing former President Donald Trump to return to office, stating that voting for him or a third-party candidate would be a moral and strategic failure, especially in swing states where such votes could lead to Trump’s victory.
This endorsement is particularly noteworthy as Harris has struggled to find prominent support within the Muslim community, where some groups have chosen to endorse anti-war third-party candidates instead. The imams assert that they have a responsibility to protect their community from harm and urge voters not to let strong emotions dictate their choices, especially given Trump’s history of actions that have negatively affected Muslims and Palestinians.
Top Muslim-voter organization endorses Harris as Middle East conflict escalates
According to the Associated Press, Vice President Kamala Harris has received a significant endorsement from Emgage Action, one of the country’s largest Muslim-American voter mobilization groups. This endorsement comes at a crucial time as many Muslim and Arab American organizations have chosen to support third-party candidates or have not endorsed any candidate at all. Emgage Action, which operates in eight states including key battlegrounds like Michigan and Pennsylvania, stated that their endorsement is driven by the responsibility to prevent Donald Trump’s return to the presidency in November.
While acknowledging their disagreements with Harris on certain issues, particularly regarding the war in Gaza, Emgage Action’s CEO, Wa’el Alzayat, emphasized that the endorsement is meant to guide voters through a challenging electoral decision. The organization believes that Harris’s domestic policies align with their values and expresses hope that she will adopt a more favorable approach to the Middle East conflict if elected. The decision to endorse her was described as “excruciatingly difficult,” reflecting months of discussions and outreach with her campaign.
The endorsement highlights the ongoing tensions between Muslim and Arab American groups and Democratic leaders, especially concerning the Biden administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war. Many community leaders have opted not to endorse any candidate as a form of protest. Emgage Action’s support for Harris is positioned as a proactive measure to avoid a return to policies deemed harmful to the Muslim community, particularly in light of Trump’s previous administration, which included the controversial “Muslim ban.”
Somali Community Leaders Endorse Harris-Walz Ticket Amid Concerns Over Trump Presidency
A coalition of over 35 Somali imams, religious scholars, and community leaders gathered in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to endorse the Harris-Walz ticket, expressing their concerns about the future of American Muslims under a potential second Donald Trump presidency. They urged the Somali community to support the Democratic ticket in order to safeguard their rights and discussed key voting priorities for American Muslims both in Minnesota and nationwide. The group voiced deep concerns over the violence in Gaza and Lebanon, calling for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid access, an end to the Israeli occupation, and the recognition of Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
While supporting the Harris-Walz ticket, the coalition also voiced opposition to certain policies, particularly those related to the situations in Gaza and Lebanon. They emphasized that despite their disagreements, they perceive Trump’s policies as a more significant threat to the rights and dignity of marginalized communities, citing his promotion of division and Islamophobia. Imam Mohamed Mukhtar highlighted the dangers posed by Trump’s actions, such as the Muslim travel ban and his extremist plans, reinforcing the coalition’s commitment to stand against threats to their community and those in Palestine. The leaders clarified that they are acting independently and do not represent any specific organization.
Black Muslim leaders rally for Harris in Philadelphia
According to Phialdelvia Tribune, Black Muslim faith leaders united with elected officials on North Broad Street to express their support for Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election. They urged Black Muslims, particularly men, to focus on the truths of the campaign rather than distractions. This gathering followed a significant endorsement letter from 25 imams and faith leaders, reinforcing Harris’s backing from Muslim communities amidst ongoing debates regarding U.S. support for Israel in light of the escalating violence in Gaza.
During the event at the Laborers’ District Council, the leaders acknowledged the humanitarian crisis but emphasized the importance of addressing domestic issues for Black Americans. Iman Muhammad Abdul Aleem, one of the signatories of the endorsement letter, strongly contrasted Trump’s history of incendiary behavior with Harris’s record, asserting that character is a vital attribute for leadership. He highlighted that anyone unfit to be in a room alone with one’s family members should not be presidential material, further emphasizing the need for ethical leadership.
The Harris-Walz campaign also unveiled its Opportunity Agenda for Black Men, focusing on initiatives such as decriminalizing marijuana, improving health outcomes, and providing forgivable business loans for Black entrepreneurs. Ryan Boyer, business manager for the Building Trades Council, praised the Biden-Harris administration for fostering record growth in Black wealth, while also advocating for rational discourse amidst protests about the Gaza situation. State Sen. Sharif Street underscored the contrasting policies of Harris and Trump, particularly regarding support for minority-owned businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, while Imam Suetwedien Muhammad stressed the significance of this election and the collective power of Philadelphia’s unity in influencing broader change.
