A group of "uncommitted" delegates, representing voters who are dissatisfied with the Democratic Party's stance on Israel, staged a sit-in outside the United Center in Chicago, where the Democratic National Convention (DNC) is being held. The protest, which took place on Wednesday night, was organized by the Uncommitted National Movement and attracted around 50 supporters, along with a few prominent political figures, such as Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN). Their primary demand was for a Palestinian-American speaker to be given five minutes on the main stage to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The protest was sparked after the DNC repeatedly rejected requests to include a Palestinian speaker in the convention's lineup. The delegates argue that the party’s refusal is indicative of a broader issue: the silencing of Palestinian voices and the unconditional support the Democratic Party provides to Israel. Despite the sit-in and mounting pressure from within the party, DNC officials have not budged on their decision, fearing that such a speech could disrupt the unity that the convention aims to project.
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 extention. pic.twitter.com/b2iJj664K3
— Oliya Scootercaster đź›´ (@ScooterCasterNY) August 23, 2024
The protestors, led by Abbas Alawieh, a former chief of staff for Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO), held banners demanding an arms embargo against Israel, with slogans such as "Not another bomb." Alawieh, a Lebanese immigrant, shared his own traumatic experiences of surviving an Israeli bombing in 2006, emphasizing the personal stakes involved in their demands. The Uncommitted delegates represent approximately 740,000 voters who, during the primaries, chose not to endorse any Democratic candidate, instead voting "uncommitted" as a statement against the U.S. government's military support for Israel.
The sit-in continued throughout the night, with participants expressing their determination to stay until their demands were met. Some of the protestors, including individuals with serious health conditions, endured significant physical discomfort to make their voices heard. Mohammed, a delegate from Minnesota with multiple sclerosis, described the pain he was experiencing due to the cold ground, but insisted that it was worth it if it meant their message would reach the DNC leadership.
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 âśż (@8zal) August 19, 2024
The movement has garnered support from various progressive groups, including the Jewish-American organization IfNotNow, which opposes the Israeli occupation.
Rabbi Jason Kimelman-Block, a member of the group, briefly joined the sit-in, stressing the importance of acknowledging the pain felt by Palestinian Americans. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) also voiced her support, calling on the DNC to recognize the humanity of Palestinians and allow them a platform to speak.
The refusal of the DNC to accommodate the Uncommitted Movement’s request has highlighted the deep divisions within the party over U.S. policy toward Israel. Many progressive delegates, who have been vocal in their criticism of the Israeli government's actions in Gaza, see this as a critical moment for the Democratic Party to reevaluate its stance and align itself more closely with the values of its base. However, the DNC’s leadership remains cautious, concerned that any deviation from the current course could jeopardize party unity ahead of the 2024 election.
With the convention set to conclude on Thursday, the window for the DNC to reverse its decision is rapidly closing. The Uncommitted delegates have vowed to continue their protest until the very end, insisting that their demand is the “bare minimum” the party could do to acknowledge the suffering of Palestinians under Israeli bombardment. As the tension mounts, the protestors remain resolute in their fight to have Palestinian voices heard on the national stage.
