Delegates Without Loyalty to Any Candidate Protest Outside Democratic National Convention, Call for Palestinian Speaker to be Included

A group of “uncommitted” delegates, representing voters dissatisfied with the Democratic Party’s Israel policy, held a sit-in outside the United Center in Chicago, the venue of the Democratic National Convention (DNC). The protest, organized by the Uncommitted National Movement, gathered around 50 supporters, including figures like Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN). They demanded a Palestinian-American speaker to address the Gaza crisis on the main stage.

The protest arose as the DNC rejected requests for a Palestinian speaker, sparking outrage among delegates who see it as silencing Palestinian voices and blindly supporting Israel. Despite pressure, the DNC stood firm, fearing disruption of convention unity.

NOW: “Oink Oink Piggy Piggy We Gonna Make Your Life Shitty!” thousands chant as DNC Protest march has been standing in place for over 20 minutes, after their official permit ended at 8pm and they were unable to negotiate an extension. pic.twitter.com/b2iJj664K3

— Oliya Scootercaster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) August 23, 2024

The protesters, led by Abbas Alawieh, a former chief of staff for Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO), called for an arms embargo on Israel, citing personal experiences like surviving an Israeli bombing. The Uncommitted delegates, representing 740,000 voters who remained uncommitted during the primaries to protest U.S. military support for Israel, persisted through the night, some enduring physical discomfort due to health conditions to make their voices heard.

#BREAKING

Pro-Palestinian protesters march through Chicago ahead of DNC 08/19

Thousands march in protests ahead of Democratic National Convention in Chicago 08/19 pic.twitter.com/ftOtx4g7Hh

— ❀ N ✿ (@8zal) August 19, 2024

The movement received support from progressive groups, including IfNotNow, a Jewish-American organization against the Israeli occupation. Rabbi Jason Kimelman-Block, a group member, emphasized the need to acknowledge Palestinian American pain. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) echoed this sentiment, urging the DNC to recognize Palestinian humanity and provide them a platform to speak.

The DNC’s refusal to accommodate the Uncommitted Movement’s request underscores party divisions on U.S. Israel policy. Progressive delegates advocate a reevaluation aligning with their base’s values, but the DNC’s leadership remains cautious to preserve unity for the 2024 election.

As the convention nears its end, the Uncommitted delegates persist in their protest, viewing their demand as the bare minimum to acknowledge Palestinian suffering. The tension rises as protestors stand firm in their fight for Palestinian voices on the national stage.