Palestinian American Doctor Walks Out of Meeting with President Biden Amid Israel-Hamas War
In a bold move underscoring the tension and concern within Arab, Palestinian, and Muslim American communities during the Israel-Hamas war, a Palestinian American doctor left a meeting with President Joe Biden before its conclusion on Tuesday evening. Dr. Thaer Ahmad, an emergency physician from Chicago who recently visited Gaza, walked out of the meeting that included Vice President Kamala Harris, national security adviser Jake Sullivan, and other officials, along with a small group of Muslim community leaders.
This unexpected departure highlights the deep frustration within key parts of Biden’s coalition, including Arab and Muslim Americans, as the administration continues to support Israel’s actions in Gaza. The meeting, initially planned as an iftar dinner to break the Ramadan fast, was changed to a discussion due to the sensitivity of celebrating while Gaza faces a humanitarian crisis. This shift reflects the strained relationship between the administration and the Muslim American community since the conflict began.
Following the meeting, a White House official acknowledged the pain felt by many in the Muslim and Arab communities and reiterated Biden’s commitment to securing a ceasefire and increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza. Dr. Ahmad, who had previously worked in Gaza, expressed his disappointment with the situation on the ground and urged Biden to take a stronger stance to protect civilians and aid workers in the region.
Dr. Nahreen Ahmed, an ICU physician who also attended the meeting, emphasized the need to humanize the suffering in Gaza and called for urgent action to address the crisis. The meeting, which lasted over an hour, saw various community leaders discussing the dire conditions in Gaza and urging Biden to prioritize the protection of civilians.
Despite the challenges and frustrations expressed during the meeting, it served as a platform for marginalized voices to be heard and for critical issues to be addressed. The ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to test the administration’s response and support from key communities, posing political challenges for Biden as he navigates the complexities of the situation.
