Democratic National Convention Rejects Palestinian American Speakers
The Democratic National Convention (DNC) has faced criticism for its decision to exclude Palestinian Americans from speaking on the main stage. In response, a group of “Uncommitted” delegates staged a sit-in outside the convention venue in Chicago. The move was intended to protest the party’s stance on the war and demand that Palestinian voices be heard.
The sit-in was led by Abbas Alawieh, an uncommitted delegate from Michigan and a leader with the Uncommitted movement. Alawieh contacted the Kamala Harris campaign during a press conference, urging the vice president to reconsider the decision. Rep. Ilhan Omar, who had criticized President Joe Biden’s administration earlier in the day for its handling of the conflict, also joined the protest.
DNC organizers have not provided an official comment on their decision to exclude Palestinian American speakers. Delegates from the Uncommitted movement, along with political leaders like Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, had been advocating for the inclusion of two Palestinian American speakers throughout the convention. They had suggested Dr. Tanya Haj-Hassan, a pediatric intensive care physician who treated patients in Gaza, as a potential speaker. However, their requests were denied.
The DNC did schedule a panel discussion on Palestinian human rights, but the Uncommitted delegates argued that it was not a sufficient substitute for their demand for speakers. They believed that equal representation and treatment should be given to all delegates, especially considering that speaker slots had been granted to family members of hostages taken by Hamas.
The exclusion of Palestinian American speakers has drawn criticism from various Democratic representatives. Rep. Delia Ramirez highlighted the lack of discussion on the rise of Islamophobia during the convention and called for a Muslim Palestinian leader to be given a platform. Rep. Cori Bush described the decision as “disgraceful” and called on the DNC to do better. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also criticized the decision, emphasizing the need to center the humanity of Palestinians.
The Uncommitted movement emerged as a protest against Biden’s policy on Gaza, particularly the provision of unconditional military aid to Israel. Even delegates committed to Kamala Harris joined the movement’s push for a ceasefire and a change in Israel policy. While Harris has called for a ceasefire and the protection of civilians in Gaza, it remains unclear if her administration would adopt a different policy towards Israel than Biden’s.
The sit-in outside the convention venue was accompanied by a screening of a documentary on Gaza, featuring families affected by Israeli forces. Reps. Summer Lee and Delia Ramirez gave remarks at the event, highlighting the need for Palestinian voices to be heard.
The exclusion of Palestinian American speakers at the DNC has sparked a debate within the party about the representation of diverse voices and the need to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Critics argue that denying Palestinian Americans a platform undermines the party’s commitment to inclusivity and human rights. As the sit-in continues, delegates and activists hope that their demands will be heard and that Palestinian voices will be given the opportunity to be heard on the national stage.