Arizona Leaders Warn: Trump Victory Could Spell Disaster for Palestinians

In Arizona, a key swing state, numerous community leaders—including Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim activists—have issued a public plea in an open letter released on Thursday. They are urging voters to reject Republican nominee Donald Trump in the upcoming election by voting for Vice President Kamala Harris, despite their reservations about the Biden administration’s involvement in the violent conflict in Gaza.

“We recognize that voting for Kamala Harris might be challenging for many in our communities due to the Biden administration’s involvement in what many see as genocidal actions. We share these concerns,” the letter states. “Some of us have mourned the loss of family members in Gaza and Lebanon. We honor those who feel they cannot support a member of an administration responsible for the bombings that killed their loved ones.”

“However, after careful deliberation, we believe that supporting Kamala Harris represents the best path forward for the Palestinian cause and our communities,” the letter continues. “We understand this viewpoint may not be universally accepted. We simply ask that you consider our perspective with an open mind and heart, acknowledging that we are making what we believe to be the correct choice in a situation where no ideal options exist.”

“Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir, Smotrich, and the entire far-right faction in Israel are rooting for a Trump victory, which would give Israel unchecked control. We cannot allow this to happen.”

The leaders clarified that endorsing Harris does not imply approval of the Biden administration’s policies regarding the conflict in Gaza, which include ongoing arms shipments and diplomatic support as Israel faces a genocide investigation at the United Nations’ highest court, and potential arrest warrants for some of its leaders from the International Criminal Court.

Their endorsement of Harris, they explained, is a pragmatic choice in response to the severe threat Trump poses to Palestinians, immigrants, democratic values, and the environment.

“It is abundantly clear that a Trump presidency would be the most harmful outcome for the Palestinian people,” the letter states. “A Trump victory would pose a grave risk to Muslims in our nation, all immigrants, and the American pro-Palestine movement. It would represent an existential threat to our democracy and our planet.”

The assault on Gaza has been devastating, and as the letter highlights, “even a genocide can worsen,” referencing Trump’s recent comments praising Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and criticizing President Joe Biden for restraining him.

The letter also mentions a report indicating that Miriam Adelson, a billionaire donor to Trump, has expressed a desire for Trump to support the full annexation of the West Bank in return for her financial backing.

“We must not fulfill the desires of Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir, Smotrich, and the far-right in Israel for a Trump victory that would grant Israel unchecked authority. Trump must be defeated, and the only way to achieve this is by electing Kamala Harris.”

The presidential race in Arizona is extremely close, with Trump currently leading Harris by just under two points, according to FiveThirtyEight. President Joe Biden narrowly won Arizona in the 2020 election.

The Arizona community leaders cautioned against voting for third-party candidates in critical swing states as a form of protest against Harris and other Democrats for their role in the ongoing genocide.

“While casting a third-party vote might be a strategic move in non-swing states as a protest against current U.S. policies on Israel/Palestine or to help the Green Party reach the 5% threshold for future public funding, doing so in swing states like Arizona could be catastrophic in such a tight election,” their letter warns. “By electing Kamala Harris, we can declare, ‘Despite everything, we gave you another chance and helped you assume office to protect democracy and uphold our highest American values. Now fulfill those values: End the genocide and ensure Palestinian self-determination. We will tirelessly work to hold you accountable.'”

“If Harris and the Democrats win, we will be more equipped to challenge them with increased support from the American public, Congress, and the White House,” they added. “If they fail to deliver, we will have the mandate and mass support needed to hold them accountable through every peaceful democratic means available, including protests, resignations, civil disobedience, primary challenges, and possibly widespread noncooperation. It’s a challenging path, but it offers the most hope.”

“The first step—and our best option in this dire situation—is to defeat Trump by electing Harris,” they concluded. “We implore you to stand with us.”