As the Democratic National Convention (DNC) unfolds in Chicago, a significant controversy has emerged over the refusal to allow a Palestinian speaker to address the convention. The Uncommitted National Movement, which garnered substantial support in the Democratic primary against the Biden-Harris administration’s stance on Israel, has been pushing for a Palestinian American voice on the DNC main stage. However, despite repeated efforts, DNC organizers have rejected these requests, leaving a cloud of frustration and speculation in its wake.
The proposed speech, intended to be delivered by Ruwa Romman, a Palestinian American and the first Palestinian elected to public office in Georgia, would have been a historic moment for the Democratic Party. Romman’s speech was poised to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israel—currently on trial for genocide at the World Court—continues its military operations. The speech also sought to emphasize the growing coalition within the Democratic Party that is advocating for Palestinian rights and a ceasefire in Gaza.
Romman’s background as a Palestinian American deeply connected to her heritage added a powerful personal narrative to the speech. “My name is Ruwa Romman, and I’m honored to be the first Palestinian elected to public office in the great state of Georgia and the first Palestinian to ever speak at the Democratic National Convention,” her speech begins. Romman intended to share her family’s history, rooted in the villages of Suba and Al Khalil (Hebron), and the impact of her grandfather, who never saw his homeland again before he passed away. “Not a day goes by that I don’t miss him,” she planned to say, reflecting on the pain of displacement and loss that has affected generations of Palestinians.
Romman’s speech also intended to address the ongoing violence in Gaza, drawing parallels between her grandfather’s experiences and the current suffering of Palestinians. “As we’ve been moral witnesses to the massacres in Gaza, I’ve thought of him, wondering if this was the pain he knew too well,” Romman wrote. Her message was one of solidarity, highlighting the multifaith, multiracial, and multigenerational coalition within the Democratic Party that has stood together for 320 days, demanding an end to the violence and a path to peace.
But the DNC’s refusal to allow this speech to be delivered on the main stage has sparked outrage and protest. Romman expressed her frustration, stating, “We don’t know why the campaign said no. We literally have no feedback. We are in the dark.” This lack of communication has only fueled speculation that the DNC is concerned about the potential for Romman’s speech to criticize the Biden administration’s unwavering support for Israel, which includes tens of billions of dollars in military assistance and diplomatic cover at the United Nations.
In response to the DNC’s decision, Uncommitted and allied groups, including Let Palestine Speak and Not Another Bomb, held a press conference outside the United Center, where the convention is being held. The press conference, along with a sit-in protest by approximately 30 Uncommitted delegates and their supporters, underscored the growing demand within the Democratic Party for a more inclusive platform that acknowledges the rights and suffering of Palestinians.
Progressive lawmakers and human rights defenders have also weighed in, urging the Democratic Party to reconsider its stance. Representative Cori Bush, a prominent progressive voice, criticized the DNC’s decision, stating, “We need the stages of the DNC to reflect the fullness of our party, inclusive of Palestinian Americans, who are grieving and mourning and demanding better of their leaders.” Bush’s sponsorship of a Gaza ceasefire resolution led to a torrent of campaign funding from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) for her pro-Israel primary opponent, illustrating the deep divisions within the party over this issue.
The refusal to allow a Palestinian speaker has raised questions about the Democratic Party’s commitment to human rights, a core tenet of its platform. Bush highlighted this contradiction, stating, “The Democratic Party prides itself on being the party of human rights… So when it comes to defending Palestinian lives and ending the ongoing genocide in Gaza, the Democratic Party needs to uphold those same values.”
As the controversy continues to unfold, the Democratic Party faces a critical moment of reckoning. The refusal to allow Romman’s speech has not only alienated a significant portion of the party’s base but has also brought to the forefront the growing tensions over the party’s stance on Israel and Palestine. With the election approaching, the Democratic Party must navigate these complex issues carefully to maintain its credibility and unit y.
“Let’s fight for the policies long overdue—from restoring access to abortions to ensuring a living wage, to demanding an end to reckless war and a ceasefire in Gaza.” Her words reflect a broader call for the Democratic Party to live up to its values and to ensure that all voices, including those of Palestinian Americans, are heard and respected.
As Romman stated, “Our party’s greatest strength has always been our ability to unite. Some see that as a weakness, but it’s time we flex that strength.” Whether the Democratic Party heeds this call remains to be seen, but the demand for change is loud and clear.
COMMENTS