World
Advocating for Palestinian Voices at the Democratic National Convention
Explore the importance of amplifying Palestinian voices at the Democratic National Convention. This article discusses the intersection of advocacy, politics, and the need for inclusive dialogue on critical issues affecting Palestine.
Voices at the Democratic National Convention
Behind the scenes at the Democratic National Convention, a group known as Uncommitted is making its presence known as they advocate for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza and an arms embargo on Israel. This movement is calling for a Palestinian speaker to address the convention from the main stage, especially in light of the emotional testimony from the parents of a hostage currently held in Gaza, who spoke on Wednesday evening.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Uncommitted urged the Democratic Party to demonstrate balance by ensuring that Palestinian voices are represented on the main stage. They expressed concern that the absence of Palestinian representation sends a troubling message to antiwar voters, suggesting that their perspectives are not genuinely included within the party’s discourse.
The call for representation came after a report by The Forward, a Jewish magazine, highlighting that the parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a young man abducted during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, would be addressing the convention that night. Uncommitted expressed strong support for this decision while simultaneously hoping for a platform for Palestinian voices.
Later that evening, Rachel Goldberg and Jon Polin, the Chicago-based parents of the hostage, took the convention stage. They wore pieces of masking tape inscribed with the number 320, representing the days their son has been held captive. Their appearance was met with a standing ovation and chants of “Bring them home!” from the audience.
In a deeply emotional moment, Ms. Goldberg broke down in tears as she addressed the crowd. “At this moment, 109 treasured human beings are being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza,” she stated, emphasizing the diversity among the hostages. “They are Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists.”
Ms. Goldberg went on to highlight the international nature of the hostages’ situation, noting that they come from 23 different countries, including eight Americans. Among those is her only son, who, like the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, was born in Oakland, California. Tragically, part of his left arm was severed by a Hamas grenade on the very day he was abducted.