Vice President Kamala Harris was in metro Detroit on Friday and emphasized the critical need for peace in the Middle East.
Harris acknowledged the significant contributions of Arab American leaders in the region, including Wayne County Deputy Executive Assad Turfe, and highlighted the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Lebanon.
“Our Arab American community has deep and proud roots in the Detroit metro area, and I am very proud to have the support of Arab American leaders like Wayne County Deputy Executive Assad Turfe,” Harris said.
She also expressed her empathy and concern for those affected by the conflict, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon. “I know this year has been very difficult given the scale of death and destruction in Gaza and given the civilian casualties and displacement in Lebanon, it is devastating.”
Harris also referenced the recent death of Yahya Sinwar, a senior leader of Hamas, as a possible turning point in the conflict, urging all parties to seize the opportunity to move toward peace.
“Sinwar’s death can and must be a turning point. Everyone must seize this opportunity to finally end the war in Gaza, bring the hostages home, and end the suffering once and for all.”
She reiterated her commitment to working toward a future that ensures security and dignity for all, including in Israel and Lebanon.
“I continue to believe diplomacy is the answer to bringing lasting stability across the Israel-Lebanon border,” she said. “As vice president, and with your help as president, I will do everything in my power to achieve these goals and work toward a future with security and dignity for all people in the region.”