Delegates and activists staged a sit-in outside the United Center on Thursday, demanding that the Democratic National Convention (DNC) allow a Palestinian American to speak from the main stage. The move followed the convention's failure to meet a 6 p.m. CT deadline set by the protestors for a final decision on their request.
The uncommitted delegates, who advocate for a ceasefire and arms embargo, had initially sought to feature Dr. Tanya Haj-Hassan, a Gaza-based doctor, but later simplified their request to include any Palestinian American leader. The convention's refusal to include this perspective has sparked significant backlash from both delegates and external protesters.
Leaders of the movement expressed disappointment at a press conference outside the convention, accusing Democratic party leaders of ignoring Palestinian human rights. Abbas Alawieh, an uncommitted delegate from Michigan, criticized the party's stance, saying, "The scandal is that there are forces within Democratic party leadership who do not want us to talk about Palestinian human rights. They’re out of step with the majority of the Democratic base."
Ruwa Romman, a Georgia state representative and one of the few Palestinian elected officials in the U.S., read a speech she had hoped would be included in the convention's program. The speech, published earlier by Mother Jones, highlighted her unique position and called for a focus on both Palestinian rights and broader progressive issues.
The protestors, who had staged an impromptu sit-in both Wednesday and Thursday, camped outside the convention site, with some remaining overnight. The police did not intervene, allowing the demonstrators to continue their protest without disruption.
In addition to the sit-in, a separate group of anti-war demonstrators gathered in Chicago for a second March on the Democratic Convention. Thousands of pro-Palestinian activists marched past the United Center, voicing their demands for an end to U.S. military aid to Israel and criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris.
Michael, a protester with Palestinian and Irish heritage, expressed frustration, stating, “We demand that the U.S. stop funding genocide. Harris needs to listen to us and empathize with ordinary Palestinians.” The demonstrators chanted slogans such as “End the occupation!” and “It is right to rebel!” in their march.
Organizers estimated that about 11,000 people participated in Thursday’s march, adding to the 20,000 who joined a similar demonstration earlier in the week. Nadiah Alyafai of the US Palestinian Community Network remarked, “A combined 30,000+ people from communities the Democrats claim to represent marched on the DNC to demand a stop to the genocide and an end to all U.S. aid to Israel.”
The Uncommitted National Movement, which began in Michigan and spread across the U.S., garnered 30 uncommitted delegates to the convention. These delegates have worked to sway support within the party, including among Harris’s delegates, to endorse their demands for a ceasefire and arms embargo.
James Zogby, founder of the Arab American Institute, criticized the convention’s decision to exclude Palestinian voices, calling it a strategic error. “This is a boneheaded mistake that undermines the convention's narrative and alienates voters,” he said.
Despite offers from the Harris campaign to meet with various officials, including mid-level staff and senators, the uncommitted movement remained dissatisfied. Layla Elabed, a leader within the movement, argued, “Tonight is supposed to be about Vice President Harris. But the convention had two months and multiple opportunities to address our concerns. We were not given the respect we deserved.”
As the convention continues, the debate over Palestinian representation remains a focal point of contention, highlighting broader tensions within the Democratic party and among its supporters.
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