When how unrelenting Israel’s assault on Gaza would be became clear, many Arab Americans of my age had a bit of PTSD. This story can best be told by Arab American progress in three cities: Chicago IL, Dearborn MI, and Paterson NJ. Chicago is home to the US’s largest Palestinian community; Arab Americans make up 4–5% of the city’s electorate. This and similar events hosted by other Chica­go-based Arab American political groups now draw practically every candidate for public office. Michigan’s Arab American population is so large and well orga­nized that they can be the margin of victory or defeat in a close presidential election.

Source: The Nation February 25, 2024 06:08 UTC