Following Donald Trump’s electoral victory, Arab Americans who previously hosted him in Dearborn are urging him to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon. In a letter, community leaders express their concerns over Trump’s cabinet choices and seek his influence in advocating for peace, highlighting the role of Arab Americans in his electoral success.
Arab Americans who played a significant role in hosting Donald Trump during his campaign in Dearborn are now advocating for him to use his influence to call for a ceasefire in the ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon. Two weeks following the election, Faye Nemer, CEO of the Middle Eastern North African American Chamber of Commerce, and Albert Abbas, a Lebanese community liaison, sent a letter to Trump asking for his immediate action toward peace in the region. They noted that Trump’s previous promises of peace should be honored as he assumes the presidency. During Trump’s visit to Dearborn, a city recognized for its high concentration of Arab Americans, he was warmly welcomed, an event that significantly contributed to his electoral success in Michigan. Now, the same community is requesting his commitment to facilitating a ceasefire, especially in light of recent Israeli airstrikes on Lebanese territories. The letter stated, “an equitable and unconditioned ceasefire would serve as a catalyst for all parties to negotiate a lasting peace.” Nemer and Abbas expressed both pride in their community’s role in Trump’s victory and concern over his cabinet selections, particularly those perceived as unsympathetic to Arab American issues. They also criticized the potential appointments of Mike Huckabee as ambassador to Israel and Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, citing their past controversial remarks about Palestinians and their stance on the region’s conflicts. The tone of the letter indicated a desire for Trump to appoint more supportive individuals, such as Richard Grenell, who is viewed as more aligned with the community’s interests. Despite these efforts, Trump has yet to publicly advocate for a ceasefire or express criticism regarding the escalation of violence in Gaza and Lebanon. Arab Americans delivered messages of peace to both Trump and President Biden, reflecting their urgent call for a diplomatic resolution amid increasing tensions.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza and Lebanon has intensified, with recent Israeli military actions drawing international scrutiny and raising alarm among affected communities, including Arab Americans. This demographic has garnered political attention, particularly in areas like Dearborn, Michigan, which boasts the largest concentration of Arab Americans in the U.S. Recently, the Arab American community has been increasingly vocal about their concerns surrounding U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, notably urging elected officials to advocate for peace and ceasefire amid continuous hostilities.
Arab Americans in Dearborn, having previously supported Trump during his campaign, are now pressing him to act upon his promises regarding peace in the Middle East, specifically advocating for a ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza. Their letter emphasizes the vital role of diplomatic negotiations grounded in ceasefire agreements to facilitate enduring peace. As they navigate their concerns about unsatisfactory cabinet appointments, they remain committed to holding their elected officials accountable for addressing the complexities of foreign policy affecting their communities.
Original Source: www.freep.com
