Loading ...Pro-Palestinian Protestors Gather at the Democratic National Convention
By: Nate Fox / Arab America Contributing Writer
Thousands of pro-Palestinian protestors emerged at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. This is undoubtedly over the party’s continued support for Israel despite the fresh candidacy of Kamal Harris. While Harris has been empathetic toward the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, it appears action is needed to regain the support of Arab Americans.
A variety of Arab organizations put out the call for protestors to gather at the Democratic Party Convention in protest of their continued support of Israel. Ceasefire talks continue with little long-term resolution in sight, and US support appears unwavering, with Israeli organizations pumping millions into lobbying for Congress and presidential candidates alike.
The only thing left to leverage is the crucial support Arab Americans have provided at the voting booth for Democrats for decades. With another close election in sight, this could be enough for some change regarding Harris’s policy, especially considering the large number of donations she’s received from alternative sources.
Protest was present on both sides, with a crowd of pro-Israel supporters waving Israeli flags while walking throughout the rally. Pro-Palestinian protesters acquired permits for their protest, while the Jewish protestors say they were not approved, citing some favoritism by the city.
Some pro-Palestinian protestors breached the barrier outside of the DNC, resulting in further security measures being taken. This was a smaller protesting group that separated itself from the main march and breached the outer perimeter of the DNC, though security reports there was never any threat to any protectees.
The city appears to support the majority of protestors seeking to have their voices heard and marching peacefully through the city, but it says it will not tolerate any mayhem. President Joe Biden mentioned the protest while stating he was working to achieve a ceasefire and end the war. He stated, “Those protesters out in the street, they have a point, then continued to say, “A lot of innocent people are being killed on both sides.”
Kamala Harris has arrived at a serious crossroads in her campaign process. Despite the more sympathetic feelings she portrayed for the Palestinian people, she still accepts money from pro-Israeli lobbying organizations, has pushed $20 billion in aid for Israel, and is endorsed by the Jewish Democratic Coalition of America, an organization with an agenda to maintain the status quo regarding US-Israeli relations.
The Palestinian-Israeli issue offered Kamala Harris an opportunity to separate herself from not just her opponent, Donald Trump, but her former running mate, Joe Biden, with the hopes of regaining support from Arab Americans. She doesn’t quite have the stain Biden does amongst Pro-Palestinians, with protesters referring to him as “Genocide Joe,” but with little action taken so far, she’s coming close.
The protests at the Democratic National Convention have highlighted the complex and sensitive nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within American politics. Kamala Harris finds herself at a critical juncture, attempting to balance support for Israel while expressing empathy for the Palestinian cause.
The demonstrations underscore the significance of Arab American support and the growing pressure on political candidates to address the ongoing crisis with meaningful action. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Harris and the Democratic Party will navigate these challenges and respond to the demands of various advocacy groups and voters.
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