### Arab Americans in Dearborn Grapple with Election Dilemma Amid Gaza Crisis

Orthopedic surgeon Adam Fahs finds it difficult to hold back tears when recounting his experiences in Gaza last December. The grim conditions he faced in the European Hospital, where wards were filled with injured women and children, and the severe shortage of medical supplies left an indelible mark on him. Fahs, a Lebanese American, is now back in Michigan, ahead of a critical election where every vote counts.

Dearborn, Michigan, the only Arab-majority city in the United States, is facing a challenging decision regarding the upcoming general election. Traditionally leaning Democratic, many in the Arab American community are now expressing disillusionment with both major parties, particularly due to the U.S. handling of the Gaza conflict. This frustration is compounded by domestic concerns such as inflation and healthcare.

Fahs voices his dissatisfaction with both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, feeling that no candidate truly cares about Gaza or Arab life. This sentiment is echoed by many Arab Americans in Dearborn, who are contemplating whether to support traditional candidates, vote third party, or abstain altogether.

Mayor Abdullah Hammoud emphasized Dearborn's unique position, noting that the city represents a home for Arab Americans where their voices are heard. Despite Michigan's swing state status, Dearborn has historically supported Democratic candidates. However, in a recent Democratic presidential primary, a significant portion of voters chose the "uncommitted" option, hoping to pressure President Joe Biden into advocating for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza.

At ArabCon, a convention for Arab Americans held recently in Dearborn, the frustration was palpable. Vendors sold "Free Palestine" merchandise, and panels frequently touched on the conflict in Gaza. Activist Linda Sarsour pointed out that while the Gaza conflict is a priority, the community also cares deeply about other domestic issues like healthcare and economic stability.

The ongoing war in Yemen, with U.S. support for Saudi-led efforts, has also left a mark on the community. Similar sentiments are felt about the lasting effects of the Iraq War and American military actions in Syria and Libya. Iraqi American Sayed Saleh Qazwini, a local religious leader, criticized U.S. foreign policy for its detrimental impact on the region.

As the election nears, young voters like Zena Alzein and Zahraa Bahsoon, both 19-year-old Lebanese Americans, express reluctance to support either Harris or Trump due to their Middle East policies. Maryam Hassanein, who quit her role in the Biden administration over the U.S. handling of the Gaza war, believes that true change requires more than loyalty to the Democratic Party.

Despite these frustrations, Harris has garnered some endorsements from within the Arab and Muslim American communities. Her campaign emphasizes her long-standing support for these communities, while Trump’s campaign criticizes the current administration for chaos in the Middle East, promoting Trump as a stabilizing force despite his contentious past policies.

With the death toll in Gaza exceeding 42,000 and the conflict continuing, the Arab American community in Dearborn remains torn, seeking a candidate who aligns with their values both domestically and in foreign policy.