Gaza's complex history of both pain and pride has come under the spotlight following controversial remarks by former President Donald Trump. The Arab Americans for Peace group, previously known as Arab Americans for Trump, rebranded last week. This change came swiftly after Trump suggested transforming Gaza into a "riviera" for global enjoyment, urging Palestinians to vacate the region. His comments resonated positively with the Israeli prime minister's ruling coalition and other far-right factions in Israel, sparking a mix of reactions across communities with ties to the Middle East.
Dearborn, Michigan, home to over 110,000 residents, more than half of whom are of Arab descent, is one of the largest Arab communities outside the Middle East. In a surprising turn during the last presidential election, Trump garnered more votes in Dearborn than Democratic candidate Kamala Harris or Green Party candidate Jill Stein. Just days before the election, Trump dined at the Great Commoner, a café owned by an Arab American businessperson, reflecting his engagement with the community.
"Gaza’s history is one of both pain and pride," remarked the Arab American News.
The outlet further highlighted Gaza's rich history, tracing back to ancient civilizations and notable resistance against invasions, such as Alexander the Great's siege in 332 BCE.
For Palestinian Americans like Zaynah Jadallah and Amer Zahr, Trump's comments echo a painful legacy of displacement. Jadallah's family was uprooted from Nazareth, Jaffa, and Akka during the Nakba, a period marked by mass expulsions of Palestinians in 1948. She recalled harrowing stories of survival and loss.
"They fled the attacks in two cars for Jordan. One of the cars made it, the other was bombed and they were burned alive," she recounted.
Jadallah did not mince words regarding Trump's comments.
"He has a history of being loyal to the Zionist movement of genocide and colonizing [of the] the Palestinian people," she stated.
"The president of the United States calling for ethnic cleansing and the continued genocide of Palestinians," she added.
Amer Zahr shared his disillusionment with Trump's rhetoric.
"Nobody is really shocked. Everybody is disgusted," said Zahr.
Despite voting for Jill Stein in the election, Zahr expressed frustration at the broader political discourse.
"I’m really angry at the notion that we’re talking about the thing that Trump said on Tuesday like it’s new or novel or unique. It is not," he emphasized.
Zahr's sentiments reflect a broader skepticism within the community about promises of peace and stability in the region.
Bishara Bahbah, whose family was also affected by displacement during the Nakba, believes Trump's statements might be more strategic than they appear.
“I think Trump's main goal is peace in the Middle East,” Bahbah speculated.
However, he warned against taking Trump's words at face value, describing them as a potential "testing of the waters."
For many like Jadallah, Trump's approach seems misaligned with domestic priorities.
"Because if he wants an America first agenda, he would talk about how we can spend our hard-earned tax dollars to improve our healthcare systems and our schools," Jadallah pointed out.
The rebranding of Arab Americans for Peace signifies a shift in political alignment within the community. This change highlights growing discontent with policies perceived as undermining Palestinian rights and heritage. It also underscores a desire for advocacy that aligns more closely with values of peace and justice.