The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has sparked significant controversy by rejecting a request from Palestinian Americans to have a representative speak at the party's national convention. This decision has intensified the already growing divide within the Democratic Party over the Biden administration's handling of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Lily Greenberg Call, a former Biden administration staffer who resigned over the U.S. response to Israel's military actions in Gaza, expressed her deep disappointment with the DNC's decision. Greenberg Call, who served in the Interior Department for over a year, described the DNC's refusal as "massively disappointing" and indicative of a disconnect between party leadership and its base. "We can't claim to be a party of inclusivity while excluding Palestinian Americans from the conversation," she told POLITICO. Her sentiments echo the frustration of many within the party who feel that Palestinian voices are being marginalized.
The controversy comes as the Biden administration's stance on the Gaza conflict has become a contentious issue within the Democratic Party. Many delegates, particularly those who are part of the Uncommitted National Movement, have expressed dissatisfaction with Vice President Kamala Harris as the presumptive Democratic nominee. These delegates argue that the administration's approach to Gaza is alienating a significant portion of the party's base, particularly younger and more progressive voters.
The DNC's decision not to grant a speaking slot to a Palestinian American was reportedly influenced by concerns that such a speech could disrupt the perceived unity at the convention. Democratic leaders were worried that addressing the Gaza conflict from the convention stage could inflame tensions and overshadow the broader message of the event.
Abbas Alawieh, an uncommitted delegate from Michigan and a prominent figure in the Uncommitted National Movement, confirmed that the DNC had denied their request despite proposing several prominent Palestinian American speakers. These included Georgia state Rep. Ruwa Romman, Illinois state Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid, and Dr. Tanya Haj-Hassan, a pediatrician who has provided medical care in Gaza. "We believe that this party should not silence voices, even when there are policy disagreements," Alawieh said.
The rejection has prompted protests both inside and outside the convention. On Wednesday night, uncommitted delegates and their allies staged a sit-in protest, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and condemning the DNC's decision. Video footage from inside the convention showed protesters wearing keffiyehs, a symbol of Palestinian solidarity, chanting "ceasefire now."
This controversy has also led to the disbanding of the Muslim Women for Harris-Walz group, which had supported Harris' candidacy. The group issued a statement condemning the DNC's decision, saying, "Palestinians have the right to speak about Palestine. This is a terrible message to send to Democrats."
Adding to the complexity of the situation, the United Auto Workers union, which endorsed Harris in July, has also called on the convention organizers to grant a speaking slot to a Palestinian American. "If we want the war in Gaza to end, we can't ignore the voices of Palestinian Americans in the Democratic Party," the union stated on X.
