In the early days of his initial presidency in 2017, Donald Trump instituted executive decrees that prohibited travelers from seven countries, most of which had a Muslim majority population, from entering the United States. He had articulated during his campaign trail that he would contemplate seriously about closing down all mosques. To top it all, he pronounced unabashedly that ‘Islam hates us.’ Interestingly though, despite such severe actions and harsh rhetoric, Long Island’s Muslim community noticeably supported Trump in his successful endeavor for a second term.
Alongside, some who opted for third-party contender Jill Stein, this behaviour was reflective of a broader nationwide tendency, as noted by community thought leaders. A pivotal catalyst behind this phenomena was the resentment and disenchantment towards the political duo of Kamala Harris and Joe Biden which resonated strongly within the Muslim community.
Many from the Muslim community found the Biden administration’s conduct of the Israel-Hamas clash as abysmal, leading to a noticeable shift of Muslim votes away from the Democratic party. One illustration of this political shift is Farhana Islam, a registered Democrat and community mobiliser from Nassau County, who cast her vote for Stein.
The Muslim community was deeply perturbed by the loss of numerous lives in Gaza following Israel’s war declaration last year. The Israeli government avows some modifications to amplify aid inflow, nevertheless, the United Nations reports continued restrictions by Israel on shipments particularly towards Northern Gaza, escalating the civilian distress prompted by repetitive Israeli aerial attacks.
Despite attempts, a substantial ceasefire is yet to be implemented. An attitude of expectancy optimistically pervades many Muslims and Jews on Long Island towards the Abraham Accord, a peace initiative commenced by Trump during his primary presidency that fundamentally aspires to establish normalized relations between Israel and countries with a Muslim-dominated demography.
This support for Trump was particularly conspicuous in Dearborn, Michigan, which houses the largest Arab and Muslim populations across the nation. Trump emerged victorious in Dearborn with nearly 43% of the total votes, as per the official results.
Certain Jewish community leaders on Long Island also acknowledged substantial backing for Trump within their communities. Trump’s decision to relocate the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a choice that garnered approval from Israelis while simultaneously aggravating the Palestinians, is considered representative of his support for Israel.
However, there exists a palpable sense of unease and apprehension about the implications of Trump’s second term on the conflict’s landscape. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, Trump’s chosen candidate for the role of secretary of state, is considered a staunch supporter of Israel.
Many Jewish residents of Long Island place their aspirations for peace on the successful implementation of the Abraham Accord. The popular perception of Trump in Israel and his historical strides in the peace process instill hope in them.
Nevertheless, a faction remains doubtful, uncertain about the future implications for the region.