A person films people holding Palestinian flags during a protest to demand reproductive justice, defend the rights of trans and queer people and demand a cease-fire in Gaza on the eve of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, Aug. 18, 2024. (Matthew Hatcher/AFP via Getty Images)

The One Issue That Won’t Be Discussed at the DNC

The Media Line Staff

08/22/2024

Al-Ittihad, UAE, August 13

Democrats are gearing up for their convention with a keen awareness of the critical issues at stake in this election. There is widespread concern about what a second Trump Administration would mean for women’s rights, civil rights, environmental protections, immigration policy, civil discourse, and the bedrock of US democracy. These topics, among others, are extensively covered in this year’s Democratic Party platform and will be highlighted by speakers at the convention. However, what will not be discussed are the war in Gaza, the ongoing erosion of Palestinian rights in the occupied territories, and the role of the United States in supporting Israel’s violations of international law. These issues deserve discussion but will be conspicuously absent. In response, the Arab American Institute, in collaboration with Rev. Jesse Jackson’s organization and other prominent progressive groups, will host three days of programming before the formal convention kicks off. The topics to be covered during these events organized by the Arab American Institute include topics like the role of money in politics. This segment will explore how pro-Israel organizations spent over $35 million this year to smear and defeat two progressive Black members of Congress who advocate for Palestinian rights. This kind of money has been a growing issue over the past three election cycles. Efforts to pass resolutions banning its use in Democratic Party primaries have been blocked by party leaders. Without regulation, the problem will worsen, allowing not only pro-Israel organizations, but also other special interest groups (such as Big Pharma, banks, and health insurance companies), to exploit loopholes and inundate our elections with unlimited funds. Another planned session is titled “Congress’s Role in Sponsoring Legislation To Silence Free Speech.” As the American political debate over Israel/Palestine intensifies, pro-Israel groups are working with some members of Congress and state lawmakers to silence critical voices and punish dissent. By expanding the definition of antisemitism to encompass most criticism of Israel and denying Americans the right to boycott or call for sanctions, free speech is being increasingly restricted. More than 30 states have enacted such laws, and Congress is currently debating legislation that would equate criticism of Israel with antisemitism and obligate universities and other federally funded institutions to establish enforcement mechanisms. A third session, titled “The Role of the War on Gaza in Changing Public Opinion and Its Impact on the Future of the Democratic Party,” will focus on how a majority of Democrats oppose Israel’s conduct in the Gaza war, advocate for a cease-fire, support restricting US aid to Israel, and back justice and Palestinian rights. These views are particularly strong among young voters, progressive Jewish organizations, and Black, Latino, Asian, and Arab Americans, all crucial demographics for Democratic victories. In addition to the three-day event, other organizations aiming to push the establishment to alter its stance on various significant issues will also host events. However, this particular event is singular in its challenge to the party to confront the big elephant in the room: its unwavering support for Israel in its relentless campaign against the Palestinians. It is an issue that most Democrats want their party to address, and a policy they hope the administration will change. —James Zogby (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)