The Democratic Party's Silencing of Palestinian Voices Was a Critical Misstep and Missed Opportunity [WASHINGTON D.C., August 22, 2024] - The Democratic Party’s decision to deny a Palestinian speaker the platform at the DNC in Chicago—a city with the largest population of Palestinian-Americans—while opting to adopt a one-sided approach by granting stage time to an Israeli American family of a hostage, sends a deeply troubling message: the lives and voices of Palestinians are not as valuable as those of Israelis. This choice reflects an alignment with the Biden administration’s belief that Israeli lives are more valued than Palestinian lives, rather than treating them as equal. This dehumanization of Palestinians is outright wrong and reflects the Harris-Walz campaign's unwillingness to depart from the failed and immoral approach of the Biden administration, of which Vice President Harris has been a part over the past ten months.  This decision is not just a moral failing; it is a severe political miscalculation that deepens the divisions within the Democratic Party at a time of already heightened polarization. It’s a massive error that signals the Democratic Party is comfortable erasing Palestinian voices. This exclusion represents a missed opportunity to garner support within the Palestinian and pro-Palestinian community and to help regain trust from a significant voting population. There is an evergrowing voting bloc—Arabs, Muslims, and pro-Palestinian Americans—who have indicated that they are open to supporting the Democratic nominee since Vice President Harris launched her campaign. However, this support hinges on the expectation of substantive change in U.S. policy toward Palestine and Israel. By ignoring our demands and sidelining our voices at this critical juncture, the Democratic Party is effectively sending the message that our support, concerns, and lives are not valued. The Democratic Party must understand that true leadership and moral clarity go beyond empty rhetoric. They require real, substantive change that acknowledges and respects the dignity and humanity of ALL people, including Palestinians. Continuing to ignore our voices and perpetuate these double standards will only alienate a crucial constituency, one that is essential to securing a just and equitable future for all Americans. The time for meaningful action is now; anything less is unacceptable. AJP Action demands that the Democratic National Committee reverse this decision immediately and provide a platform for a Palestinian speaker. It is imperative that the DNC demonstrate true leadership by acknowledging the dignity and humanity of all people, including Palestinians, and address this injustice without delay. In solidarity,
AJP Action | 
