WASHINGTON: The prominent advocacy group Muslim Women for Harris-Walz has disbanded in protest over the Democratic Party’s refusal to include a Palestinian speaker in its lineup at the Democratic National Convention (DNC). The group’s decision underscores growing discontent among pro-Palestine Democrats regarding the Biden-Harris administration’s stance on Israel and Palestine.
Muslim Women for Harris-Walz, an organization that had supported Kamala Harris’s bid for Vice President, announced its dissolution following a request to feature a Palestinian speaker at the convention, which was subsequently denied. The controversy highlights the broader tensions within the Democratic Party over its Middle East policy.
The dispute began when uncommitted delegates, elected on pro-Palestine platforms in state primaries, traveled to the DNC in an effort to secure a speaking slot for a Palestinian representative. Abbas Al-Awieh, a Michigan delegate and spokesperson for the group of delegates, said that he received a phone call with the decision that their request had been denied.
In response, Muslim Women for Harris-Walz released a statement condemning the decision. The group expressed its inability to continue supporting Harris’s campaign in light of the refusal.
“We cannot in good conscience continue to support the Harris campaign,” the statement read. “This is a terrible message to send to Democrats. Palestinians have the right to speak about Palestine. We pray that the DNC and VP Harris team makes the right decision before this convention is over. For the sake of each of us.”
The controversy also prompted the pro-Palestine delegates to stage a rally outside the DNC, amplifying their call for inclusion and justice. Al-Awieh criticized the party’s decision, asserting, “The decision to suppress us is unacceptable. I’ve run out of options from my position as a delegate, so I’m leaning into my power as an everyday person. And I’m not going anywhere.” The delegates vowed to continue with their protests until their demands are addressed.
Support for the delegates came from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who backed their request, stating that asking for a Palestinian speaker was “not an irrational thing to ask for, it’s a basic thing to ask for.” The support underscores the growing faction within the Democratic Party that is pushing for more inclusive and representative discussions on Middle East issues.
The Democratic Party faces a critical challenge in addressing the concerns of its diverse base, particularly in states with large populations like Michigan, Minnesota, and North Carolina, where Democratic voters have shown strong support for pro-Palestine positions.
Margaret DeReus, executive director of the Institute for Middle East Understanding, emphasized the opportunity for Vice President Harris to address the discontent. “I think we’re at a moment of real opportunity where Vice President Harris can turn the page on what has been a disastrous chapter in President Biden’s administration,” DeReus said.
