In Michigan, Joe Biden needs the support of Arab voters to secure his re-election in the fall. However, many of these voters are disillusioned with Biden’s Middle East policy. In Dearborn, a suburb of Detroit where Ford established a car factory years ago, there is a significant Arab population. The mayor, police chief, and district judge in this area all have Arab roots, showcasing the influence of the Arab community. During the Democratic primary, only 40% of participants in Dearborn voted for Biden while almost 60% checked the “uncommitted” box in protest against American support for Israel during the Gaza war.
Four individuals provide insight into why they did not vote for Biden and what they are looking for in his Israel policy. Terry Ahwal, a Christian Palestinian woman who voiced her disappointment with Biden’s support for Israel despite her traumatic experiences during the Six-Day War in 1967 and her observations of violence inflicted by Israeli forces. Another protester Andy Levin believes that Biden must change course in his Gaza war strategy to win their election. Levin emphasizes the importance of achieving peace in the Middle East and criticizes the use of military aid in conflicts that hinder humanitarian aid. Nasser Beydoun, a businessman and Democrat, criticizes Biden for his support of Israel and expresses doubt about the president’s ability to win back Arab voters’ support. Beydoun and his campaign manager Lexis Zeidan are part of an “uncommitted” campaign against Biden and are working to push for a change in his Middle East policy.
Zeidan advocates for a one-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and asserts that the current situation began with the founding of the Israeli state in 1948. This group of protest voters consists mainly of disenchanted Arab Americans and young voters who could make a difference on election day. These protesters urge Biden to reconsider his stance on Middle Eastern conflict to secure their support in upcoming elections.
Biden’s re-election bid could be significantly impacted by these disillusioned Arab voters if he does not make changes to his policies towards Israel and Palestine.
