Still No Palestinians Scheduled To Speak At DNC
Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg’s moving speech about their captive Israeli son came as uncommitted delegates and pro-Palestinian activists are still urging the DNC to include a Palestinian voice at the convention.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has remained a point of contention at the convention, with demonstrations taking place outside of the arena to rally support for getting more aid into Gaza, as well as calling for an immediate ceasefire.
Earlier Wednesday, the Uncommitted National Movement, which is leading the demonstrations, expressed its support for having the Goldbergs speak on the main stage, while also urging Democrats to “reject a hierarchy of human value” and ensure that Palestinian voices also get the same opportunity.
"Excluding a Palestinian speaker betrays the party’s commitment in our platform to valuing Israelis and Palestinian lives equally,” the group said in a statement. “Vice President Harris must unite this party with a vision that fights for everyone, including Palestinians.”
Still, uncommitted delegates took their seats in the arena so they could be there for Polin and Goldberg’s speech, the New York Times reported.
Rep. Ilhan Omar, who has criticized the U.S.’s military aid for Israel, was also seen clapping for Polin and Goldberg’s speech, as they called for the end of “civilian suffering” in Gaza, according to the Associated Press’ congressional reporter Farnoush Amiri.