The 2024 presidential election is heating up, and a key battleground state, Michigan, is facing a growing wave of anti-Israel sentiment, particularly in the city of Dearborn. This development poses a challenge for Vice President Kamala Harris, who is trying to solidify support among a diverse coalition in the state.
Recent events in Dearborn, a suburb west of Detroit with a large Arab American population, have seen several rallies with participants chanting anti-Israel slogans, including the chilling ‘Death to Israel.’ One such rally, held on September 25th, was attended by Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, who spoke in support of slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The rally also featured demands for Jews to be returned ‘back to Poland.’ Video footage of the event, reported by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), highlights the increasing resentment towards Israel in the city.
Hammoud’s presence at the rally and his statements have sparked significant controversy. While he attempted to downplay the situation by claiming that ‘we understand the values which we advocate for here in Dearborn… for the people across this globe,’ his support for Nasrallah, a figure associated with violent extremism, is concerning for many.
The situation in Dearborn has become particularly relevant for Harris’s campaign strategy. She is attempting to maintain the support of voters who backed President Biden in 2020, a group that includes many Arab Americans. However, recent events have highlighted the growing dissatisfaction among some Arab Americans with the Biden administration’s handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly in Gaza.
Despite attempts to bridge the gap between her campaign and Dearborn residents, who overwhelmingly voted for Biden in 2020, Harris has shifted her focus to shoring up support among working-class voters in other Michigan cities like Flint and Detroit.
However, the recent surge in anti-Israel sentiment in Dearborn is a stark reminder of the challenges facing Harris in her bid for the presidency. While the current polls suggest a slight lead for former President Trump in Michigan, the growing anti-Israel rhetoric in Dearborn could potentially influence the outcome of the election in this crucial swing state.
The situation also raises broader concerns about antisemitism and calls for violence against Jewish communities. MEMRI reports that at another event in Dearborn, demonstrators were seen chanting ‘Khaybar, Khaybar, oh Jews,’ a historical threat to Jewish people. This chant, referencing a battle between Muslims and Jews in the 7th century, is considered a direct call for violence against Jewish communities.
The escalating anti-Israel sentiment in Dearborn has prompted calls for a thorough investigation by state authorities, with concerns that local authorities, including the mayor’s office, might not adequately address the issue. It remains to be seen how this complex situation will unfold, but it is clear that the events in Dearborn have implications for both the 2024 election and the broader fight against antisemitism in the United States.