Islamic Cultural Center
New York: Hundreds of Muslims from the surrounding areas come to Friday prayers at the Islamic Cultural Center on Riverside Drive in New York City. After the namaz, there is a special prayer for the people of Gaza. Ali, who works in the corporate sector, offers namaz regularly, especially on Fridays. He says that in the presidential elections to be held on November 5, international issues are dominating the local issues of Muslims.
There is no other issue more important than Gaza
“There are a lot of issues, but I don’t think what we’re seeing in Gaza is necessarily an issue,” he said. A large section of the Muslim community is not feeling comfortable with the statements and actions of the candidates.” He said, “It appears that the Democratic Party is afraid that the pro-Israel party might get angry. I think this lack of compassion and empathy is very disappointing.”
Facing complex political situation
Muslims of New York are facing a complex political situation in this presidential election. The community appears to be torn between its concerns on both domestic and international issues. The situation in Gaza is of greatest concern to members of this influential voter group. Many of them clearly expressed disappointment in the government’s handling of the situation in West Asia. “The situation in Gaza is very important for us,” says Waqas, a resident of Long Island, New York. The war must end, and we do not think the present government is doing much in this matter. “Other issues like abortion rights and even LGBTQ are worrisome, but Gaza is the most worrisome right now.”
The Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) recently conducted a survey in three states (Georgia, Pennsylvania and Michigan), which revealed that the ongoing war in Gaza is the biggest issue of concern for the majority of Muslim voters (61 percent). Is. The survey also said that this is the biggest issue for Muslims across gender, age, caste and party lines. (Language)
