In Dearborn, Michigan, a significant portion of the Arab American community is grappling with profound grief and frustration in the wake of ongoing wars in Gaza and Lebanon. Layla Elabed, a local leader, describes this sentiment as a “collective funeral” for the Arab American community, where they feel betrayed by the lack of action to stop the violence. Elabed, who leads the Uncommitted Movement, seeks to pressure U.S. leaders like President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to cease their support for Israel's military actions, but remains disheartened by their stance.

The community faces a dilemma ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Arab American voters are torn between casting their votes for Harris, the Democratic candidate, who continues to support arming Israel, and Donald Trump, the Republican candidate with a record of staunch pro-Israel policies. Elabed has chosen to leave the top of the ticket blank, reflecting a broader division in the community.

While some Arab Americans back Harris, seeing her as a better option on domestic and foreign policies, others are drawn to Trump’s unpredictable approach or are advocating for third-party candidates like Jill Stein from the Green Party. Many, however, express dissatisfaction with both major candidates.

In Dearborn, home to a large Arab population, the mood is one of disillusionment. There is a visible lack of enthusiasm for the two major parties, with local elections and cultural symbols like Palestinian flags taking precedence over campaign signs for Harris or Trump. Despite Biden’s overwhelming support from the Arab American community in the 2020 election, Harris now faces resistance, even from past supporters, due to her stance on the ongoing conflicts.

The Arab American political divide is further reflected in the positions of local leaders and activists. Some prominent figures, like Democratic activist Ali Dagher, endorse Harris, seeing Trump as a greater danger on civil rights and domestic issues. However, this endorsement comes with a recognition of the deep disappointment and frustration within the community.

Others, like Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib, have chosen to support Trump, seeking to distance themselves from the Democratic Party, which they feel has failed to advocate for their interests in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Ghalib argues that continuing to support Democrats will not yield different results.

The situation is dire, with many in the Arab American community directly impacted by the violence in Gaza and Lebanon. Families are grieving the loss of loved ones, and the trauma of witnessing the ongoing devastation weighs heavily on them. For some, like Wissam Charafeddine, a local activist, this trauma is driving a retreat from political participation altogether, as many feel disillusioned with the entire political system.

As Election Day approaches, Arab Americans in Dearborn face an impossible choice. Some may abstain from voting, others will vote for third-party candidates, but for many, the overwhelming feeling is one of heartbreak and a lack of viable options.