Abbas Alawieh and other delegates from the Uncommitted National Movement staged a sit-in outside the Democratic National Convention in Chicago to protest the party’s refusal to allow a Palestinian American speaker on stage. The move to turn down the request sparked outrage from progressives and allied groups, leading to calls for an arms embargo on Israel. The Uncommitted National Movement emerged from a protest movement against President Joe Biden’s support of Israel’s war in Gaza, with their demands including a permanent ceasefire and Palestinian representation at the convention.
Despite the rejection of a Palestinian speaker, delegates like Alawieh continue to push for Palestinian human rights and an arms embargo on Israel to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Several lawmakers, including Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, have expressed solidarity with the delegates and called for Palestinian representation at the convention. The United Auto Workers (UAW) also supported the call for a Palestinian speaker.
The exclusion of Palestinians from the main stage of the convention highlighted the struggle for Palestinian rights and the need for meaningful action from the Democratic Party. Activists like Hatem Abudayyeh emphasized the importance of organizing in the streets to push for social justice, while Maya Berry of the Arab American Institute stressed the need for civic engagement in Arab communities. The sit-in in Chicago served as a platform to raise awareness of the Palestinian cause and hold the Democratic Party accountable for its actions.
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