The number of Arab and Muslim candidates in Illinois elections has seen a significant increase, almost quadrupling in recent years. Activists attribute this to events such as the Gaza war and rising discrimination. Candidates are motivated to ensure better representation and voice community concerns in government, with expectations of similar trends in other states with large Arab and Muslim populations. Local elections are viewed as vital for influencing broader public policy.
The number of Arab and Muslim candidates running for office in Illinois has surged, nearly quadrupling since previous elections. Activists attribute this trend to the impact of the Gaza war and increasing anti-Arab racism and Islamophobia. In 2021, nine candidates participated, while this year, 34 candidates filed for local offices in Cook, DuPage, and Will counties, where these populations are concentrated.
Ahmad Sows, president of the Arab American Democracy Coalition, highlighted that the Arab-American community feels disillusioned by their politicians due to a lack of genuine representation. He noted a rise in hate crimes against Arabs and expressed disappointment over taxpayers’ money being used for perceived injustices.
The sense of being sidelined is pushing many Arab Americans to run for office, hoping it will ensure their perspectives and needs are acknowledged in the political landscape. Illinois’s local elections are held before many other states, and the increased participation in Illinois indicates a similar trend may emerge in states like California, New York, and New Jersey, where Arab and Muslim populations are significant.
In Illinois, there are approximately 450,000 Arab Americans, constituting about 10% of the national Arab population, with the Chicago area being a central hub. Mohammed Jaber, a local school board member who represents a district with a substantial Arab student population, emphasized that local elections are crucial for Arabs and Muslims to influence public policy.
He believes that to address national issues related to Palestine and Lebanon, engagement at the local level is essential. Jaber’s election marks a pivotal moment in the district’s history, as prior attempts to elect an Arab or Muslim candidate failed from 1992 to 2008.
The demographic shift in the Arab and Muslim student population within the district has increased to around 25% in recent years. However, Jaber faced resistance when the board voted against his proposal to adjust final exams to accommodate Eid, underscoring ongoing challenges in advocacy.
Candidate Tasneem Amine emphasized the importance of fresh perspectives in local governance, citing her passion for helping others and her commitment to represent all constituents, regardless of background. Amine expressed that more Arab leaders are needed to ensure comprehensive representation, highlighting the community’s contributions and engagement.
Lena Matariyeh, who is campaigning for the Orland Township board, advocates for strong community-focused leadership to ensure inclusivity and essential services for all residents. She noted a rising trend of civic engagement and commitment to positive change across diverse communities.
Suzan Atallah, running for the District 118 school board, aims to improve the educational environment based on her experience as a longtime teacher and her family’s positive association with the district. She emphasized the importance of diverse representation to address the needs of students and taxpayers effectively.
While the increase in Arab and Muslim candidates is promising, Ahmad Sows acknowledged that many non-Arab elected officials have also supported the community, underscoring the need for collaboration across the political spectrum.
The rise in Arab and Muslim candidates in Illinois reflects a significant cultural shift, driven by events such as the Gaza conflict and a demand for better representation. The community’s increased political engagement is expected to serve as a catalyst for similar efforts in other states. As candidates like Jaber, Amine, Matariyeh, and Atallah seek to address local needs, they represent a growing movement toward inclusivity and representation in governance. Despite the challenges faced, the commitment to advocate for the community’s voices underscores a broader narrative of empowerment and civic responsibility. Collaborations with non-Arab community members will play a crucial role in achieving comprehensive support for all constituents. Overall, the political landscape in Illinois showcases a burgeoning engagement of Arab and Muslim Americans, aiming for a more representative and inclusive governance structure.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
