Amid escalating violence in Gaza, many Arab and Muslim voters in the U.S. are increasingly rallying behind Green Party candidate Jill Stein. Frustrated by the unwavering support that both major parties offer to Israel, a growing number of these voters are rejecting both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The “Abandon Harris” campaign, launched in Dearborn, Michigan, is at the forefront of this shift, urging voters to choose Stein as a principled stand against bipartisan support for Israel’s actions.
A Movement Against “Genocide Support”
As U.S. support for Israel continues, Arab and Muslim Americans are voicing discontent with both Harris and Trump. At a recent protest in Dearborn, chants rang out, calling for accountability. Hassan Abdel Salam, co-founder of the “Abandon Harris” campaign, said the group endorses Stein because of her strong stance on Palestinian rights. Many supporters view a vote for Stein as a moral choice that signals frustration with mainstream parties. “She best represents our stand against genocide,” Abdel Salam stated.
Read: UNICEF Condemns Deadly Attacks on Civilians in North Gaza
Growing Support Among Arab and Muslim Communities
Polls show that Stein’s support among Arab and Muslim Americans is on the rise, especially in Michigan, a state that President Joe Biden previously won with robust backing from these communities. Organizations like the American Arab and Muslim Political Action Committee (AMPAC) have also endorsed Stein. In a recent statement, AMPAC criticized both the Harris and Trump campaigns for failing to address critical issues facing their communities, particularly the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Lebanon.
“The need for a ceasefire is paramount,” AMPAC emphasized, adding that Stein’s advocacy for peace aligns more closely with the values of their community. Stein’s supporters argue that their votes are not just symbolic but rather part of a broader strategy to send a clear message to U.S. politicians.
Pushback from Democrats
In response to Stein’s growing popularity, the Harris campaign has launched ads warning Arab American voters that voting for a third-party candidate could indirectly benefit Trump. However, Stein supporters reject this argument. Palestinian-American comedian and activist Amer Zahr, who supports Stein, criticized this logic as “paternalistic.” He argued that, without Stein, many voters wouldn’t necessarily back the Democratic candidate and might instead consider Trump—or abstain altogether.
Stein’s backers assert that their votes are not wasted. Zahr added that Stein’s anti-genocide stance is crucial to them, explaining, “Voters choose those who speak to their issues, and Stein’s message on Palestinian rights resonates deeply.”
A “Principled Choice” Over Mainstream Politics
For many voters, supporting Stein goes beyond immediate election results. Wissam Charafeddine, a longtime Stein supporter, believes that voting should reflect values rather than tactics. Arab Americans in Michigan, a critical swing state, find their votes amplified, making their decision to back Stein both symbolic and strategic.
“When we vote for Dr. Jill Stein, it is a vote for peace and justice, aligned with our values and a statement against genocide,” Charafeddine noted. This stance reflects a broader sentiment among Arab and Muslim voters who view both major parties as indistinguishable on Middle East policy.
A Message to the Political Establishment
Ultimately, many Arab and Muslim voters supporting Stein hope their choice will reshape the political landscape. By voting against the two major parties, they aim to create greater visibility for issues important to their communities and send a message that U.S. support for Israel, without consideration of Palestinian rights, won’t go unanswered. As Abdel Salam put it, “These are two genocidal parties, and we can’t align with either.”
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