People often shop locally in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Photo by Ana Kasper
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the diverse Arab and Muslim community in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. Known for its vibrant cultural identity, this neighborhood is home to many Arab and Muslim Americans who are increasingly active in political conversations about the upcoming election. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has added complexity to these discussions, influencing community perspectives and shaping their hopes for the future.
Amid the bustling streets of Bay Ridge, Mariam Khai, a long-time resident, embodies the sentiments of many Arab and Muslim Americans in the area. She expresses a deep sense of disillusionment:
“AIPAC controls both parties, so no matter who will be the president, that won’t change the fact that they support the genocide and don’t care about Arab lives.”
In a candid interview, Mariam shares her aspirations for a government that respects and values diversity while addressing the issues that matter most to her community. However, political views in Bay Ridge are far from monolithic. Community members show a range of support from progressive candidates to more conservative leanings, reflecting a tapestry of perspectives shaped by individual experiences and priorities. Bay Ridge is gearing up to make its voices heard in the upcoming election, advocating for leaders who will listen to their concerns amid a complex political landscape. This engagement signals a broader desire within the Arab and Muslim communities to influence national discourse.
Interview with Mariam Khai
How would you describe the political dynamics in your neighborhood? How does the upcoming election shape that?
Mariam: The Bay Ridge community is deeply connected and supportive of one another. While political differences exist among local organizations, we always unite during challenging times, whether it’s helping one person or the entire community. The upcoming election is already affecting our community, reflecting broader national trends. People support various candidates—some for Harris, others for Trump, and some for third-party candidates like Jill Stein. But in the end, I don’t believe the election will significantly divide us; we stand together regardless of our differing views.
With the ongoing Middle East conflict, how is that impacting the Muslim and Arab community of Bay Ridge?
Mariam: I don’t think I’ve ever seen our community so deeply affected by events in the MENA region, especially Palestine. Every day, we do our best to support the innocent people who pay the price for political decisions beyond their control. It’s not even a conflict; for a conflict, there should be equal powers. What we’re seeing is a genocide.
Which news sources do you trust to get a clear picture of what’s happening in the Middle East?
Mariam: I trust the journalists and people reporting directly from the ground. Every media outlet has its own agenda, but those who are living through the nightmare and risking their lives to cover what’s going on—those are the people providing reliable news.
What are some common political discussions or concerns within your community?
Mariam: A surprising number of people here support Trump. It’s interesting because many know he’s unapologetically Islamophobic. When I ask why they’re voting for him, they say it’s because he doesn’t support the genocide “as much” as Harris and the Democratic Party. In my view, AIPAC controls both parties, so no matter who wins, they support the genocide and don’t care about Arab lives.
If there was one change you could see happen politically in your community after the election, what would it be?
Mariam: I love my community, but I hope we can unite more to give zakat to support Palestine and advocate for the entire MENA region. The collective power of American Muslims could reduce AIPAC’s influence on presidential elections. Just imagine—if all Muslims contributed, AIPAC wouldn’t be able to control so much of the political conversation, leading to fewer issues in places like Palestine.
Looking ahead, where do you see the future political landscape of America heading if the election doesn’t turn out favorably?
Mariam: While it’s frustrating to check the news these days, there’s one thing that gives me hope. Despite today’s politics, I’ve never seen such a strong global sense of unity. I truly believe the good people in the USA will ultimately steer this country forward.
Due to the political situation in Mariam’s country, she requested to not be photographed.
As the election draws near, Bay Ridge stands as a microcosm of a broader national dialogue—one where diverse views coexist, often clashing but rooted in a shared hope for meaningful representation. The perspectives within Bay Ridge’s Arab and Muslim community echo the sentiments of many across America: a longing for leaders who understand their challenges in an increasingly complex world.
Series: Elections
