At the Democratic National Convention, Dr. Tanya Haj-Hassan, a pediatrician who has treated injured children in Gaza, shared harrowing accounts of the devastation she witnessed. Speaking at the first official Democratic panel focused on Palestinian human rights, Dr. Haj-Hassan described the profound trauma experienced by children who lost their families and suffered severe injuries and amputations. Her testimony moved many in the audience to tears, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Dr. Haj-Hassan, who was part of a panel on Palestinian human rights, recounted a particularly poignant case of a young boy who, after losing his entire family, expressed a desire to have died himself. She also shared the painful experience of holding children as they passed away, without family members present.
The panel, which included other speakers detailing personal losses and experiences, was a significant event for the Democratic Party, marking its first official discussion on this topic. Hala Hijazi, a party organizer who has lost over 100 family members in Gaza, spoke with deep emotion about her sense of duty to speak out despite living a relatively safe life in the United States.
This panel is part of a broader Democratic effort to address the Gaza conflict as the party gears up for the 2024 U.S. elections. Delegates are rallying around Kamala Harris, who represents a shift from Joe Biden's previous stance. Many hope Harris will advocate for a ceasefire and a re-evaluation of U.S. policy towards Israel. However, critics argue that Harris has yet to clearly differentiate her position from Biden’s policies.
The "Uncommitted" delegates, who previously protested during the primaries, sought a prominent speaking slot for Dr. Haj-Hassan, but have only been allotted a panel and press conference space. Despite this, they view the panel as a step forward in their campaign for a ceasefire and arms embargo. The convention has seen significant turnout from activists and delegates supporting these causes, reflecting a growing demand for policy change within the party.
Jim Zogby, founder of the Arab American Institute, emphasized that the goal is not merely symbolic but aims for substantive policy shifts. “The real prize is changing policy,” Zogby asserted.
During the panel, attendees, many wearing ceasefire pins or keffiyehs, were urged to actively support the cause. Former Michigan Congressman Andy Levin and other panelists expressed hope that Harris could lead the party towards a more just approach. Layla Elabed, a Michigan organizer, encouraged the crowd to sign petitions and commit to advocating for Palestinian human rights, receiving enthusiastic support from the audience.
The Democratic Party’s current platform, which will be voted on this week, does not yet include an arms embargo or significant deviations from Biden's policies. It emphasizes Biden’s efforts to broker a ceasefire and maintain a secure Israel. However, activists are pushing for a more robust stance, reflecting the deep concern and activism surrounding the Gaza conflict.
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