Abeer Kawas Makes History as New York’s First Palestinian-American Woman Elected to State Legislature

Palestinian-American candidate Abeer Kawas has won a seat in the New York State Legislature, making history as the first Palestinian-American and the first woman wearing a hijab to be elected to the state legislature.

Kawas secured victory in New York State Senate District 12 with 75 percent of the vote. The New York Times projected her victory after 90 percent of the ballots had been counted.

Her campaign slogan was “Invest in Dignity, Fight Against Destruction.” She campaigned on a platform that included universal healthcare, improved public transportation, affordable housing, climate action, protection of immigrant rights, and an end to funding wars.

She received endorsements from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib.

Before entering politics, Kawas spent more than 15 years advocating for the rights of workers, immigrants, and Palestinians. She was also involved in initiatives through nonprofit organizations in New York aimed at ending financial support for Israeli settler activities.

Born and raised in Brooklyn to Palestinian immigrant parents, Kawas has been a vocal advocate for immigrant rights. She has also pledged to end cooperation between New York’s local authorities and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

A vocal supporter of Palestinian rights, Kawas has also protested Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visits to New York. She was arrested during one such protest but was later released.

Source: Middle East Eye