Emgage, one of the largest American Muslim political organizations, has endorsed Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders, citing his inclusive campaign and commitment to equality of all citizens.
“More than any other presidential candidate, Senator Sanders has built a historically inclusive and forward-thinking movement: one that represents America as a set of ideas grounded in the belief that all humans are equal and worthy of a dignified life,” Wa’el Alzayat, Emgage PAC’s CEO, said in a statement.
Emgage, currently has chapters and affiliates in 11 states, and seeks to “build the political awareness and capacity of Muslim Americans to engage on key policy issues that affect all of us as Americans, but especially as Muslims.”
Ssander’s campaign has several members from diverse communities, and latest polls show he has been consistently expanding his support among African American and Hispanic American communities. Faiz Shakir, a Pakistani-American, is the Vermont Senator’s campaign manager.
“Our endorsement is intended to galvanize Muslim Americans at the polls to ensure that our voices are heard. Furthermore, we hope that this endorsement marks a new era of presidential candidates including Muslim American voices in the political process and policy-making decisions,” Emgage leader Alzayat added.
Senator Sanders, who has won praise from American Muslims for his honest views on some of the biggest international issues including Kashmir and Palestine, welcomed the endorsement, saying his movement is working to bring Muslims and people of all backgrounds into the political system.
Several prominent American Muslim leaders including Democratic Congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib and a key Democrat Keith Ellison, are backing Sanders, who is the foremost hopeful with polls putting him in double digit lead over his rivals as the party searches a candidate to contest 2020 election against President Donald Trump.
Addressing the annual conference of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) in September last year, Sanders called out India’s repressive actions in Jammu and Kashmir, terming human rights violations and curbs as “unacceptable”.
“The communications blockade must be lifted immediately, and the United States government must speak out boldly in support of international humanitarian law and in support of a UN-backed peaceful resolution that respects the will of the Kashmiri people.”
He has also called out Israeli government’s policies and supports a two-state solution to one of the longest-running UN-recognized disputes.
