In the months ahead of the Democratic National Convention, Chicago prepared for massive protests against U.S. support for Israel’s war in Gaza. Instead of violent clashes, Arash Azizi writes, the convention may have facilitated the birth of a new Palestinian movement. [https://theatln.tc/7HcfUXCJ](https://theatln.tc/7HcfUXCJ)
“The most impressive pro-Palestinian effort at the DNC was organized by the Uncommitted National Movement,” Azizi writes. The movement demanded a speaking slot for a Palestinian American onstage, and was backed by progressive firebrands such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, but also pro-Israel advocacy groups such as J Street and Americans for Peace Now.
“The unexpected solidarity ran both ways,” Azizi continues. “Uncommitted showed remarkable message discipline and highlighted a set of demands that, unlike many of those aired in pro-Palestinian demonstrations of the past few months, could have been shared by many Zionists and Israelis.”
“Jo-Ann Mort, a board member of Americans for Peace Now and a longtime activist, is excited about the possibility of a coalition between the pro-Palestinian and progressive Zionist movements,” Azizi writes. “There should have been a voice given on the main stage for Palestinian American anguish,” she told Azizi, adding, “I also think that the pro-Palestinian movement must include voices like mine—progressive Zionists who urgently want self-determination for two peoples, Israeli and Palestinian. This can mainstream the movement.”
“If the pro-Palestinian movement replaces its aim of a blanket boycotting of Israelis with a hand extended toward them, it could achieve unprecedented results,” Azizi continues at the link in our bio. And although that’s not the only possible approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, “last week showed that another path was possible for the rest of us.”
— Mariana Labbate, audience and engagement editor, The Atlantic
_Faucheuse_ on
That’s not how speaking at an event like this works. There are thousands of groups applying for a chance to have a few minutes on that stage. You don’t just walk up and on the final day ask for a spot. These events are planned for months and months in advance. It’s like crying because you couldn’t play the halftime show at the Superbowl just because you bought a ticket.
Sinan_reis on
anyone got a way around the paywall?
No_Vast6645 on
The really interesting scenario is if the pro-Palestinians withhold their vote and the Democrats win anyways. Who do the pro-Palestinian coalition turn to to champion their cause? Do they resort to more disruptive tactics like Greenpeace? Do the Democrats marginalize the pro-Palestinian coalition?
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In the months ahead of the Democratic National Convention, Chicago prepared for massive protests against U.S. support for Israel’s war in Gaza. Instead of violent clashes, Arash Azizi writes, the convention may have facilitated the birth of a new Palestinian movement. [https://theatln.tc/7HcfUXCJ](https://theatln.tc/7HcfUXCJ)
“The most impressive pro-Palestinian effort at the DNC was organized by the Uncommitted National Movement,” Azizi writes. The movement demanded a speaking slot for a Palestinian American onstage, and was backed by progressive firebrands such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, but also pro-Israel advocacy groups such as J Street and Americans for Peace Now.
“The unexpected solidarity ran both ways,” Azizi continues. “Uncommitted showed remarkable message discipline and highlighted a set of demands that, unlike many of those aired in pro-Palestinian demonstrations of the past few months, could have been shared by many Zionists and Israelis.”
“Jo-Ann Mort, a board member of Americans for Peace Now and a longtime activist, is excited about the possibility of a coalition between the pro-Palestinian and progressive Zionist movements,” Azizi writes. “There should have been a voice given on the main stage for Palestinian American anguish,” she told Azizi, adding, “I also think that the pro-Palestinian movement must include voices like mine—progressive Zionists who urgently want self-determination for two peoples, Israeli and Palestinian. This can mainstream the movement.”
“If the pro-Palestinian movement replaces its aim of a blanket boycotting of Israelis with a hand extended toward them, it could achieve unprecedented results,” Azizi continues at the link in our bio. And although that’s not the only possible approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, “last week showed that another path was possible for the rest of us.”
Read more: [https://theatln.tc/7HcfUXCJ](https://theatln.tc/7HcfUXCJ)
— Mariana Labbate, audience and engagement editor, The Atlantic
That’s not how speaking at an event like this works. There are thousands of groups applying for a chance to have a few minutes on that stage. You don’t just walk up and on the final day ask for a spot. These events are planned for months and months in advance. It’s like crying because you couldn’t play the halftime show at the Superbowl just because you bought a ticket.
anyone got a way around the paywall?
The really interesting scenario is if the pro-Palestinians withhold their vote and the Democrats win anyways. Who do the pro-Palestinian coalition turn to to champion their cause? Do they resort to more disruptive tactics like Greenpeace? Do the Democrats marginalize the pro-Palestinian coalition?