The conflict between Israel and Gaza seems to have caused divisions among people in New York, especially among Pakistani Americans.
This became clear during a recent special election in New York’s 3rd District, which was already divisive for many reasons but became more so due to the candidates’ strong pro-Israel stance.
Muslim voters, who often sympathize with Palestinians, found it challenging to choose between candidates with extreme views on Israel. The election stirred up emotions not only against the candidates but also against those who supported and participated in their campaigns.
The special election happened because a Republican, George Santos, was removed from Congress due to corruption charges. The Democratic winner was Tom Suozzi, a well-known politician with a history of supporting Israel. His opponent, Mazi Melesa Pilip, had served in the Israeli Defense Forces, making her background unpopular among Muslim voters.
The NY-03 constituency is diverse, with a significant number of Asian Americans, Jewish voters, and Muslim residents, mainly from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. The American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC) hosted both candidates to hear their views.
During the meeting, a member of APPAC questioned Suozzi about his support for Israel, expressing concerns about the situation in Gaza. Suozzi responded passionately, stating that he was there to meet with Muslim Pakistanis. Surprisingly, it was Mazi Pilip who requested a meeting with the Pakistani American organization.
After the meeting, APPAC decided not to endorse or donate money to either candidate, emphasizing their commitment to impartiality. However, a photo of APPAC meeting with Mazi led to criticism and accusations of being opportunistic.
On social media, some users expressed disappointment and called for boycotting APPAC, accusing them of supporting an IDF supporter. Some clarified that the organization had not endorsed any candidate, but the controversy continued.
The situation escalated when someone wrote “sellout” with colored liquid outside the home of Raza Datagir, who had attended the meet and greet with Mazi. Raza, not associated with APPAC, faced a hate crime, causing distress to his family.
The article suggests that the conflicts and controversies during the NY-03 special election are just the beginning. If not addressed, similar divisions may arise during future elections, particularly considering the strong stances of both Donald Trump and Joe Biden on the Israel-Palestine conflict.