The Republicans left Cleveland and the Democrats arrived in Philadelphia this week. The Democratic National Convention (DNC) began on Monday and will continue through Thursday. There are many events in Philadelphia that are of interested to Arab Americans.

On Monday, the American Friends Service Committee hosted a discussion on Progressive for Palestine: Is the US Ready to Rethink Policy on Israel? Delegates and guests heard from Representative Keith Ellison; Linda Sarsour, New York delegate and co-founder of the Muslim Democratic Club of New York; and Jim Zogby, from the Arab American Institute. Josh Ruebner from US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation moderated the event.

On Wednesday, guests will hear from two discussion panels. Maya Berry from the Arab American Institute; Michael German from the Brennan Center for Justice; Susan Herman from the American Civil Liberties Union and Vincent from the Center for Constitutional Rights will discuss Civil Rights and Civil Liberties In a Climate of Suspicion.

That panel will be followed by another panel with Sam Bahour from Americans for a Vibrant Palestinian Economy; Peter Beinart, columnist and author; Debra DeLee, from Americans for Peace Now; and Jim Zogby, from the AAI discussing US Policy Options for Palestine and Israel. 

With all of this work, there was a need for play and the AAI provided it last night with their Ahlan Wa Sahlan Block Party.  It was a warm night of food, drink, music, and dabkeh!  Delegates and friends – Arabic and other joined together for fun.

Many Arab Americans have made an appearance at the DNC, including Arab America president, Warren David, and director, Amal David. Arab American delegates from across the country have shown up to throw their support behind Hillary Clinton, who was officially nominated as the Democatic presidentical candidate.

Featured Delegate

One prominent delegate in attendance was Ahmad Chebbani from Michigan. While speaking to Arab America, Chebbani said he has a lot of respect for Hillary, but “Bernie came and he talked about grassroots directly, and about important issues that really impact my kids – about colleges and underprivileged kids… and poverty. And Hillary has failed to do that, that’s why I like Bernie.”

Chebbani continued by saying it is a long process to reach the ambitious goals of Bernie Sanders, which many have criticized as unattainable, but his interest in solving the issues in the first place is what sets him apart from other candidates.

The Lebanese American delegate came to the U.S. 36 years ago to attend college and build a life full of opportunity for himself and his family. Today, Chebbani is an active member of the Arab American community and is the president and CEO of Omnex Accounting & Tax Services in Dearborn, Michigan.

Chebbani is one of many Arab American voters who are continuing to support Bernie Sanders and the movement he started, despite Hillary Clinton’s nomination. For many Arab Americans, Sanders represents a political future with sound policy toward Israel/Palestine, better opportunities for children to be educated, and community-level efforts for Arab American inclusion in politics and society.

What’s Up Next
Both conventions provided some tense moments, touching moments, and unpredictable moments. Through it all Arab Americans were a part of the action. You’ve seen that we were presenters, discussion leaders, musicians, party hosts, delegates, elected officials, and more.

We must continue to participate in the political process at all levels. Like every group that has come to the US, entry into the political arena is a key factor of acceptance into the American life. With just over 100 days until the presidential election, the campaigns need you now.  You can make a difference!

What’s next in the race for the White House? Now that the presidential candidates and their vice presidential picks have been accepted by the parties, there are more debates to come. Be sure to follow up with us when Clinton and Trump take the stage together on Monday, September 26. It’s sure to be an interesting show!