Chantilly, Virginia — On Friday evening, Abdul El‑Sayed, the nation’s first Muslim senator, appeared at the Arab America Foundation’s CONNECT Empowerment Summit held at a Marriott conference center just outside Washington, D.C. The event, organized by the nonprofit that helped mobilize support for his election, drew a colorful mix of activists, cultural performers, and community organizers.
Arrival and atmosphere
At 7:39 p.m., a black GMC Yukon Denali pulled into a side entrance. A driver opened the rear door and El‑Sayed stepped out, briefly slipping on his jacket before climbing the steps. The senator‑elect was greeted by enthusiastic applause and traditional Arab ululations, known as zaghrouta, that filled the ballroom.
Inside, attendees included representatives from left‑leaning groups such as CodePink, co‑founded by Medea Benjamin, as well as pro‑Palestinian activists. Benjamin, wearing a bright fuchsia tunic, and her husband Tighe Barry, in a Chinese‑style jacket and Mao‑inspired cap, were among the many who gathered to celebrate El‑Sayed’s victory.
Coalition dynamics
The summit highlighted a growing “red‑green” network—an informal alliance linking socialist‑leaning organizations (the “red”) with Muslim and Arab advocacy groups (the “green”). Participants noted shared concerns over U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel, and a desire for greater representation of Arab‑American voices in public life.
Prominent figures such as Linda Sarsour, Hazami Barmada, and streamer Hasan Piker were cited as supporters of El‑Sayed’s campaign. While some of these individuals have faced criticism for their outspoken positions, the event underscored the broad, if unconventional, base that helped propel El‑Sayed to the Senate.
Program highlights
The evening featured cultural performances, including women dancing with bare shoulders and flowing hair, and a display of Palestinian‑themed artwork. A table showcased a handcrafted wooden silhouette of Palestine painted in the flag’s colors, with an opening bid of $100.
Later, the summit’s “Leading from the Front” session introduced leaders of the Uncommitted National Movement, a group that organized Democratic voters in 2024 to cast “uncommitted” ballots in protest of the Biden administration’s policies toward Israel and the Gaza conflict. El‑Sayed expressed support for the movement’s call for a more independent foreign‑policy stance.
Future political plans
During the event, El‑Sayed registered a leadership political action committee, Habibi PAC, with the Federal Election Commission. The PAC will allow the new senator to raise funds and make contributions to other candidates and political committees, signaling an intention to build a broader network of allies in Washington.
Emcee Ameera David, daughter of the Arab America Foundation’s co‑founders, shared a light‑hearted moment when her seven‑year‑old son asked if he could run for president. The audience responded with cheers, reflecting the optimism many attendees feel about the new senator’s potential impact.
Community response
Local residents and activists praised the summit as a celebration of both cultural heritage and political engagement. While critics have warned that the “red‑green” coalition includes extremist elements, supporters argue that the gathering represents a legitimate expression of diverse American voices seeking greater inclusion.
As Abdul El‑Sayed prepares to take his seat in the U.S. Senate, the Chantilly summit serves as a reminder of the evolving political landscape and the role of grassroots coalitions in shaping the nation’s future.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
