WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — Pro-Palestinian protesters are ramping up their efforts to make the war in Gaza a central focus of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Uncommitted delegates pushed for a Palestinian-American to be granted a speaking spot on the convention’s last night.
“Our vote matters, and we know that,” said Fedaa Ballouta, a Palestinian-American at a nearby rally. “The Democratic Party will not get our vote if the genocide in Gaza doesn’t end immediately.”
Thousands of voters made that clear when they cast “uncommitted” ballots in this year’s Democratic primaries. Those votes sent uncommitted delegates to the convention. Organizers said they do not take these voters for granted but have no intention of letting them speak.
However, the convention did acknowledge the Gaza war, and the hostages still held by Hamas.
“We love you,” said Rachel Goldberg, the mother of 23-year-old hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin. “Stay strong. Survive.”
Goldberg and her husband spoke to the convention Wednesday, demanding a ceasefire and hostage release agreement.
“This is a political convention,” said Jon Polin. “But needing our only son and all of the cherished hostages home is not a political issue.”
Near the convention, artists opened “Hostage Square Chicago” to highlight Hersh’s story, along with the other remaining American hostages, including the bodies of Lea Silvert’s aunt and uncle.
“I’m sad,” Silvert said at the temporary exhibit. “I’m disappointed that we’re still in this situation.”
The White House said President Joe Biden pressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Wednesday to get a ceasefire deal across the finish line, but it’s still unclear whether it will come together.
