Abbas Alawieh was seated cross-legged on the ground outside the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, almost in a meditative pose. Signs that read “Not another bomb” and “Arms embargo now” were laid out in front of him on the concrete, held down by water bottles in each corner. Despite the intense August sun beating down on him, Alawieh remained motionless, participating in a sit-in protest organized by delegates from the Uncommitted National Movement. They were protesting the Democrats’ decision to exclude a Palestinian American speaker from the main stage of the convention at the United Center.
Alawieh expressed his belief that the Democrats’ refusal to allow a Palestinian American speaker was a mistake, leading to a surge of support for the cause. The decision caused outrage among progressives and Democratic-allied groups, who saw it as an attempt to silence Palestinians and exclude them from the party’s coalition. The Uncommitted National Movement, consisting of around 30 delegates, emerged from the protest votes cast in the Democratic primaries against President Joe Biden’s support of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Despite their demands for an immediate ceasefire and an arms embargo on Israel, the movement’s request for a Palestinian speaker at the convention was denied. However, Alawieh highlighted that their presence at the convention had succeeded in bringing attention to the issue of Palestinian human rights and the need for policy changes towards Israel.
The rejection of a Palestinian speaker had a profound impact on delegates and their allies, with progressive political strategist Waleed Shahid expressing disappointment at the decision. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib accused the Democratic leadership of trying to erase Palestinian voices and called for their inclusion in the party. Lawmakers like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jesús “Chuy” García voiced support for the delegates, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the Palestinian community in the political sphere.
The exclusion of Palestinians from the convention stage raised concerns about political participation and civic engagement, with activists questioning the Democratic Party’s commitment to social justice. Despite the challenges, advocates like Hatem Abudayyeh and Maya Berry emphasized the need for continued activism and unity among different communities to push for change.