Muslim Women for Harris-Walz, a group initially supporting Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Senator Tina Smith, decided to disband following the Democratic National Convention. Their disbandment was prompted by the Democratic Party’s refusal to allow a Palestinian American to speak at the convention, a request made by the uncommitted delegates group. This group, consisting of 30 delegates, had been formed to challenge Democratic candidates by withholding support and calling for an arms embargo.
The uncommitted delegates had advocated for a commitment from Vice President Harris and the Democratic Party to enforce an arms embargo. They were dismayed by the refusal to provide a platform for a Palestinian American speaker, which they saw as a significant oversight given the current conflict.
The group’s statement indicated that the decision to disband was influenced by the convention’s failure to address their concerns and their belief that the Harris-Walz campaign’s response was inadequate.
Group of Muslim Women for Harris-Walz Disbands Over DNC’s Denial of Palestinian American Speaker
During the convention, speeches were given by Jonathan Dekel-Chen, whose son is a hostage in Gaza, and the parents of an Israeli American hostage. They called for a cease-fire and an end to the suffering of innocent people in Gaza.
The Muslim Women for Harris-Walz group criticized the convention for not showing sufficient empathy towards Palestinian Americans and Palestinians, comparing the family of the Israeli hostage’s empathy to the lack of response from the DNC and Harris’s team.
Some Democrats, including members of the progressive group “the Squad” such as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, supported the inclusion of a Palestinian speaker and expressed criticism of the Biden administration’s handling of the Gaza conflict.
They participated in pro-Palestine gatherings in Chicago and voiced their concerns about the ongoing situation, which they described as an “unfolding genocide.”
The broader context of the conflict includes a recent attack by Hamas on Israel, which resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The U.S. has been involved in attempting to broker a cease-fire and a deal for the release of hostages.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had accepted a cease-fire deal, though Hamas had not yet responded. The situation remains complex, with ongoing efforts from the U.S. to mediate a resolution.
