Pro-Palestinian protesters are expected to converge outside the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on Monday, with the aim of influencing party policy regarding Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The event is expected to draw around 40,000 protesters, with some groups advocating for amendments to the party’s platform.
The Democratic Party is preparing for potential disruptions during high-profile speeches at the DNC. Delegates Against Genocide, a group critical of U.S. support for Israel’s offensive in Gaza, plans to push for an arms embargo throughout the convention. They intend to exercise their freedom of speech rights during the major events of the four-day gathering. While specific plans have not been disclosed, the group aims to introduce amendments to the party platform and speak on the convention floor.
Delegates Against Genocide is calling for the inclusion of language in the party platform that supports enforcing laws prohibiting military aid to individuals or security forces involved in gross human rights violations.
“We’re going to make our voices heard,” said Liano Sharon, a business consultant and delegate who signed an alternative platform along with 34 other delegates. Sharon emphasized that the convention should be a space for political engagement, not just a ceremonial event.
The Harris campaign has not commented on the group’s plans.
Another group, the Uncommitted National Movement, also advocates for an arms embargo and has unsuccessfully sought a main-stage speaking slot for a Palestinian American or Gaza humanitarian worker. Unlike Delegates Against Genocide, Uncommitted has stated it does not plan to disrupt the convention.
In response to these concerns, convention organizers added a panel discussion on Arab and Palestinian issues, as well as one on antisemitism, to Monday’s agenda.
Nadia Ahmad, a law professor and delegate, pointed out that while there are only about 60 Muslim delegates out of 5,000 total, many others share their concerns.
Protests are expected to occur daily throughout the convention, with various groups prioritizing an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The largest group, the Coalition to March on the DNC, has organized protests for the convention’s opening and closing days, anticipating at least 20,000 participants.
Liz Rathburn, a student organizer from the University of Illinois Chicago, highlighted the importance of the protests, stating that the decision-makers at the convention will influence U.S. foreign policy.
The Democratic Party’s draft platform, released in mid-July, calls for “an immediate and lasting ceasefire” in the Israel-Hamas war and the release of hostages. However, it does not mention the Palestinian casualties reported by Gaza health authorities or any intention to reduce U.S. arms shipments to Israel.
Pro-Palestinian activists have noted that Vice President Harris has shown more sympathy toward Gaza than President Biden. However, her national security adviser recently stated that she does not support an arms embargo on Israel.
Organizers of Monday’s protest estimate that the number of participants could exceed 100,000. The city has designated a park near the United Center, the convention venue, as a speakers’ stage, with each speaker allotted 45 minutes.
The convention is expected to attract about 50,000 attendees, including delegates, activists, and journalists. Activists believe the demonstrations in Chicago will be larger and more vigorous than those at last month’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. The city has coordinated with police and the Secret Service to ensure security, including street closures around the convention center.
