Activist Group Disbands Over DNC’s Unsuspected Actions

A key Muslim women’s support group for Vice President Kamala Harris has disbanded, citing neglect and exclusion at the Democratic National Convention.

At a Glance

Muslim Women for Harris-Walz group disbanded due to DNC’s refusal to allow a Palestinian speaker
The group’s dissolution coincided with protests by the Uncommitted National Movement
Democratic leaders are divided on the issue, with some supporting Palestinian representation
The controversy highlights growing tensions within the Democratic Party over Middle East policies

Muslim Women’s Group Withdraws Support

In a surprising turn of events, the “Muslim Women For Harris-Walz” group has announced its decision to disband, dealing a blow to Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign. The group, which had been a staunch supporter of the Biden-Harris ticket in the 2020 election, cited the Democratic National Committee’s refusal to allow a Palestinian American speaker at the convention as the primary reason for their withdrawal.

The group’s decision comes amid growing tensions within the Democratic Party over its stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The controversy has exposed a rift between the party establishment and its progressive wing, particularly on issues related to foreign policy in the Middle East.

'Muslim Women For Harris-Walz' Group Disbands Following DNC Neglect, Speaker Slot Refusal https://t.co/2Xy2ibfwBV #OAN

— One America News (@OANN) August 22, 2024

Protests and Sit-ins at the DNC

The announcement of the group’s disbandment coincided with a sit-in by the Uncommitted National Movement and their supporters outside the convention center. This demonstration was a direct response to the DNC’s decision not to allow a Palestinian speaker on the main stage, despite permitting the family of an Israeli hostage to address the convention.

“We cannot in good conscience continue Muslim Women for Harris-Walz, in light of this new information from the Uncommitted movement, that VP Harris’ team declined their request to have a Palestinian American speaker take the stage at the DNC,” the group’s statement reads.

The sit-in garnered support from prominent progressive figures, including Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who joined the protesters in person, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who showed her solidarity via FaceTime. This display of unity among progressive Democrats highlights the growing divide within the party over its approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Implications for the Democratic Party

The controversy surrounding the exclusion of Palestinian voices at the DNC has broader implications for the Democratic Party’s relationship with Muslim and Arab American voters. With Chicago, the convention’s location, being home to one of the largest Palestinian communities in the U.S., the decision to not include a Palestinian speaker on the main stage has been seen as particularly tone-deaf.

“The family of the Israeli hostage that was on the stage tonight, has shown more empathy towards Palestinian Americans and Palestinians, than our candidate or the DNC has,” Muslim Women for Harris’s statement read. “This is a terrible message to send to Democrats. Palestinians have the right to speak about Palestine.”

The disbandment of the Muslim Women for Harris-Walz group and the ongoing protests serve as a wake-up call for the Democratic leadership. As the party navigates the complex terrain of Middle East politics, it must find a way to address the concerns of its diverse base without alienating key constituencies. The controversy underscores the delicate balance the Democrats must strike as they gear up for the upcoming election, where every vote will be crucial.