Osama Siblani sat at his office desk, enjoying his morning coffee, when a message from one of President Joe Biden’s advisers appeared on his phone. Being the publisher of the Arab American News in Dearborn, Michigan, Siblani often served as a sounding board, and the White House was interested in hearing his thoughts on Biden’s recent conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Months of growing concerns over the plight of Palestinians in Gaza had led Biden to make a public, albeit somewhat ambiguous, declaration about potentially reducing U.S. aid to Israel’s military operations in the region controlled by Hamas.
Siblani replied, “We need giant steps instead of baby steps. This is just the beginning.”
The White House has fostered behind-the-scenes communication amidst growing frustration from Muslim and Arab American leaders over President Biden’s support for Israel. These informal contacts have become increasingly significant, as some leaders have declined opportunities to engage directly with Biden or his advisers. They feel disheartened that their private conversations and public expressions of concern have failed to influence any change in policy.
The White House maintains its commitment to fostering open dialogue, even when it involves challenging discussions. However, persuading individuals to engage in such conversations can often prove to be a daunting task.
Siblani expressed his frustration, stating that their efforts merely aim to persuade people that progress is being made towards their desired goals. However, he believes that the pace of change is too sluggish and is resulting in more deaths and casualties.
Last week, a Palestinian American doctor made headlines when he walked out of a meeting with Biden, showcasing a high-profile example of stonewalling. However, interviews with Muslim and Arab American leaders shed light on how this face-to-face protest was just one instance of a larger fracture. This fracture has not only damaged crucial relationships but has also closed off avenues that are necessary for their repair.
“We respect the decision of those who choose not to participate,” he stated. “However, we believe that those who have engaged in the conversation have found it to be a valuable and productive exchange.”
The White House is confident that it can still connect with receptive audiences. For example, they recently held a series of meetings with Lebanese Americans to discuss efforts in preventing the conflict from escalating along Israel’s northern border, where Hezbollah is active.
The current situation poses a challenge for President Biden, known for his belief in the political influence of personal connections and his ability to engage with opponents and critics. This predicament could potentially put his reelection at risk, as some Muslims have expressed their unwillingness to support him. Even if it means a potential return of Donald Trump to the White House, who is the presumptive Republican nominee.
According to Salam Al-Marayati, a Los Angeles resident and leader of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, he sees the attitude as one of indifference, stating, “Forget them. They have to learn a lesson. And if they lose, that’s the lesson they should learn.”
His disappointment with Biden started shortly after the war commenced on October 7th, when Hamas launched a surprise attack and claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis. During a visit to Israel later that month, the president openly identified as a Zionist, underscoring his conviction in the significance of a Jewish state in ensuring the safety of a population that has long faced persecution worldwide.
Al-Marayati interpreted the statement in a different way.
He said that it meant he doesn’t care about the Palestinian people and their displacement.
Al-Marayati and members of his organization actively engaged in meetings with officials from the National Security Council and the State Department. However, he became disillusioned with the discussions.
Al-Marayati expressed his frustration, stating, “They were not actually listening to us. They may have appeared to be nodding along while we spoke, but their policies remained unchanged.”
According to the Gaza-based Ministry of Health, an agency in the Hamas-controlled government, Israel has been responsible for the deaths of over 33,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, as the war enters its seventh month.
U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, a Democrat hailing from Minnesota and a practicing Muslim, emphasized the significance of backing Biden as a means of safeguarding our democracy against the potential resurgence of Trump.
According to Omar, Biden’s stance on the war is not currently aligned with our expectations. It is our responsibility to exert pressure and guide him towards the position we require.
“It’s extremely difficult to engage in meaningful dialogue when the White House fails to implement any policy changes aimed at preventing the delivery of weapons to Israel,” she expressed her frustration.
Biden has been hesitant to take that step, but he has inched closer to it. Following his latest conversation with Netanyahu, the White House stated that the president emphasized that the United States’ approach towards Gaza would be based on their evaluation of Israel’s prompt efforts to safeguard civilians and facilitate greater humanitarian aid.
During the private meeting at the White House, there was a change in plans as it became the venue for a discussion about the ongoing war. Among the attendees was Thaer Ahmad, a Palestinian American doctor who has selflessly volunteered in Gaza. Frustrated with the continuous supply of U.S. weapons to Israel, Ahmad took a stand and expressed his intention to leave the meeting directly to President Biden.
Some discussions at the White House have centered around the concerns of Lebanese Americans regarding the escalating war. One of these conversations occurred recently in the intimate setting of a Lebanese restaurant’s private basement dining room in Detroit. Another gathering was held in Houston, organized by a Lebanese American entrepreneur.
Gabriel questioned, “When will the president finally declare, ‘Enough is enough, it must be done now?'” He acknowledged the administration’s objectives, but emphasized the difficulty in comprehending the situation after witnessing 30,000 deaths. This poses a significant challenge for the president.
