Many Palestinian Americans have been grappling with a difficult situation – torn between the escalating crisis in Gaza and their government’s support for Israel. As the death toll rises and destruction unfolds, they are faced with tough decisions leading up to the upcoming U.S. election on Nov. 5.

Samia Assed, a community organizer from New Mexico, symbolizes the disillusionment felt by many Palestinian Americans. Disheartened by the Biden administration’s response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, she had hoped for a “ray of hope” in Vice President Kamala Harris. However, her hopes were shattered during the Democratic National Convention, where the absence of a Palestinian American speaker and Harris’ statements left her feeling unseen and erased.

In Georgia, Ghada Elnajjar mourns the loss of over 100 relatives in Gaza due to the war. She, like many others, is searching for policy changes but remains “uncommitted” for now, unwilling to fully support any candidate who does not address the root issues.

The Democratic Party faces mounting pressure from Palestinian Americans and their allies for a significant policy shift. While some acknowledge Harris’ empathy for Gaza’s suffering, others demand concrete actions such as a permanent cease-fire and an embargo on U.S. weapons to Israel.

The rift within the Palestinian American community was evident at an August rally in Michigan, where protesters confronted Harris. The struggle to balance their values with political pragmatism is real, as they navigate their role in shaping the future of U.S. policies towards Israel and Palestine.

A recent Pew survey revealed that a majority of U.S. Muslim voters lean Democratic, with only a small percentage feeling that the U.S. strikes a fair balance in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This complex political landscape underscores the challenge faced by Palestinian Americans in aligning their values with their voting decisions.

As the election approaches, Palestinian Americans find themselves at a crossroads, torn between their desire for change and their concerns about the candidates’ stances on issues close to their hearts. The outcome of this internal conflict could have far-reaching implications for the community at large and the future of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving narrative and the impact of Palestinian American voices in shaping the political discourse in the United States.