Former US Senator Joseph Lieberman passed away on March 27. April 3rd marked the 28th anniversary of the tragic passing of Ronald Brown, the former US Secretary of Commerce. Arab Americans had the opportunity to actively engage in US politics as a cohesive community during the 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns of Jesse Jackson.
Given its significant recognition as the first campaign to specifically acknowledge Arab Americans, the community responded with immense enthusiasm. The registration of new voters was conducted with a high level of expertise, leading to a significant increase in the number of delegates for the national convention compared to previous years.
Many individuals enthusiastically took part in the state party conventions, leading to the successful approval of Palestinian statehood resolutions in 10 states. Due to their accomplishments, there was a notable increase in opposition from pro-Israel groups towards the involvement of Arab Americans.
They damaged the community’s reputation and used their power to manipulate candidates and elected officials into rejecting its endorsement. In 1984, for example, the presidential campaign of Walter Mondale chose to give back Arab American contributions. In 1998, the Michael Dukakis campaign chose not to accept an endorsement from Arab American Democrats.
After the 1988 campaign, Ron Brown was determined to eliminate this exclusion as he prepared to take on the role of chairman of the Democratic Party. During his first meeting as chair, he highlighted the Democratic Party’s commitment to inclusivity for Arab Americans. As he introduced me to key staff, he radiated confidence in the promising future for Arab Americans in the party. And it was.
After a few months, he had the privilege of being the inaugural party chair to address an Arab American convention. As per one of his team members, prior to joining our meeting, he had an unplanned coffee meeting with a well-known donor who showed significant support for Israel.
The donor emphasized the consequences of entering that room, including the risk of losing their donations and potentially discouraging others from contributing as well. I asked about Ron Brown’s plans. He expressed his desire to establish a connection with the Arab American community.
The challenges faced by Arab Americans continue to persist. Other candidates and elected officials at the local level made the regrettable decision to exclude Arab Americans, and sadly, many people supported this exclusion. Upon our arrival at the 1992 Democratic convention, the community was frustrated by the challenges they encountered while trying to work together with the Clinton campaign.
At the convention, I had a surprising encounter with David Ifshin, a highly experienced individual who has offered legal advice to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and has also been involved with the Clinton campaign. He noted that Arab Americans are highly engaged in participating in the campaign. He then used inappropriate language, expressing that there was no room for us and suggesting that we should find another place.
I conveyed my discontent and notified Ron Brown regarding the recent incident. He informed me of his diligent efforts, but faced challenges due to the interference of certain officials who were intent on impeding our progress. He suggested considering other possibilities.
Given my prior encounter with Senator Lieberman, I took the opportunity to talk about my experience with Ifshin. I had a contrasting viewpoint from the Senator, but I admired his courteous and receptive attitude towards engaging in conversation. I was right.
He was greatly concerned about the Ifshin story, which motivated him to promptly reach out to the Clinton campaign headquarters. He highlighted the significance of actively involving Arab Americans and ensuring their complete participation in the campaign. The next day, we were extended an invitation to meet and discuss our involvement in the campaign.
Throughout the following months, Arab Americans demonstrated their expertise and commitment, making it clear that they would not be disregarded in any upcoming Democratic presidential campaign. During Bill Clinton’s tenure in the White House, he made it a priority to create an inclusive environment that acknowledged and valued the contributions of Arab Americans.
This dedication extended to policy discussions, covering both domestic and international affairs. This has provided new opportunities for interaction and presented unique possibilities. Throughout the journey, there were moments of discouragement, questioning whether Arab Americans could overcome the resistance they faced in their efforts to participate in the political mainstream.
At one point, I conveyed to Jesse Jackson my willingness to step down. He gave me a stern look and said, “Avoid engaging in such actions, as it gives an advantage to your opponents.” Our main focus is ensuring your continued involvement in the conflict.
That’s exactly what the group has achieved, and even in the midst of the devastating war in Gaza, it’s important to remember that we still have the power to make a difference. Pause for a moment and recognize the remarkable achievements that have been accomplished.
Several mass mobilizations have arisen, calling for an end to hostilities and expressing concerns about the US supplying arms to Israel. People from more than 150 cities have come together to support a solution to the Israeli conflict.
A prominent nationwide movement has emerged, delivering a clear message to US President Joe Biden regarding the potential electoral consequences of his policies. Furthermore, there has been a clear change in public opinion, with an increasing backing for the Palestinian cause and a more scrutinizing perspective of Israel.
Change can be challenging and rarely occurs in isolation. It requires a high level of commitment and a strong network. The unwavering commitment and tireless efforts are what have propelled the Arab community to its current position. And that’s what today’s Arab American activists are dedicatedly focused on, aiming to address the deficiencies in America’s policies towards the Palestinian people.
