In a final effort to rally Muslim voters before the upcoming election, Tim Walz called for an end to the conflict in Gaza, pledging that, if elected, the Harris administration would work “side by side” with Muslim Americans.
Walz made this commitment during a virtual summit hosted by the Muslim advocacy group Emgage Action, following the vice-presidential debate. He acknowledged the deep sense of grief within Muslim and Arab American communities due to Israel’s war on Gaza, where over 42,000 Palestinians have lost their lives since October 7. “Our hearts are broken,” Walz stated.
“The scale of destruction and loss in Gaza is overwhelming. Innocent civilians are being killed, and families are constantly on the run for safety. This war must come to an end. The vice president is working daily to ensure Israel’s security, the return of hostages, and the immediate end to the suffering in Gaza. The Palestinian people deserve dignity, freedom, and self-determination.”
Walz also shared his close connection with the Muslim community in Minnesota. He highlighted his personal involvement, recalling how he and his wife hosted the first iftar at the Minnesota governor’s residence in 2019, and mentioned his efforts to provide interest-free down payment assistance to first-generation homebuyers to promote homeownership among Muslim Americans.
The event followed Emgage Action’s recent endorsement of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, a decision that was not easily made, according to Nada Al-Hanooti, Emgage Action’s national organizing deputy director. She emphasized that voting for a third party would essentially support Donald Trump, stating, “We don’t have the luxury of punishing the Democratic Party.”
Wa’el Alzayat, CEO of Emgage Action, explained that their endorsement aimed to advance anti-war goals, highlighting the need to block Trump’s policies while pushing for meaningful change. “This endorsement is not about accepting the status quo. It’s about preventing Trump’s return to power and advocating for the changes we seek,” Alzayat said.
Muslim and Arab American voters are expected to play a pivotal role in the election outcome. In the last presidential race, Joe Biden narrowly won Michigan, which has a significant Arab American population. Polls after the Democratic national convention indicated a split in support between Harris and Jill Stein, showing the importance of engaging this voter base.
During the summit, speakers warned of the dangers posed by a second Trump presidency. Trump had previously urged Biden to let Israel “finish the job” in Gaza, making his stance clear on the ongoing conflict. Walz reiterated his commitment to fighting anti-Muslim bigotry and ensuring that Muslims would be actively involved in the administration.
Keith Ellison, Minnesota’s attorney general and the first Muslim American elected to Congress, also voiced his support for Harris and Walz. “I believe they are the best chance to stop the violence in Gaza and Lebanon,” Ellison said, adding that politics is often about electing leaders who can be influenced, noting that “Trump cannot be pushed.”
Several Muslim leaders, including Ilhan Omar and the Black Muslim Leadership Council, have also thrown their support behind the Harris-Walz ticket. Although there has been criticism from Arab and Muslim American communities over the Democratic candidates’ engagement, Thursday’s summit served as a rallying cry for Muslim voter turnout.
Alzayat concluded with a powerful call to action, urging the Muslim community to vote in record numbers, reminding them of the human impact of another Trump presidency both in the U.S. and abroad.
