Muslim Women for Harris-Walz Disbands After Palestinian Voice Blocked from DNC Stage

By: TMO Staff 

Muslim Women for Harris-Walz, a group formed to back the Harris-Walz campaign, has been disbanded. The group dissolved after their request to have a Palestinian American speaker at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) was denied. They expressed disappointment in the campaign’s refusal, stating they could no longer support the campaign in good conscience.

The group had high hopes for the Harris-Walz ticket. They believed that the campaign would stand for inclusivity and fairness. But their expectations were shattered when the request for a Palestinian speaker was turned down. This decision has created division within the Democratic Party. Many progressives feel their voices are not being heard, especially when it comes to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The uncommitted movement, which has been calling for an arms embargo against Israel and advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza, pushed for Palestinian representation on the DNC stage. However, the Harris-Walz campaign declined the request. This refusal led to frustration, particularly among the more progressive members of the party.

Outside the convention venue, delegates from the uncommitted movement staged a sit-in. They wanted the campaign to reconsider and allow a Palestinian speaker to address the convention. The sit-in reflected the growing tension among party members, who believe that the convention should include voices from both sides of the conflict. These delegates feel that Palestinian representation is crucial to sending a message of unity and justice.

The DNC convention has so far featured speakers who have been affected by the conflict in Israel. However, no Palestinian voices were included in the program.

This omission has caused frustration among progressives, who argue that excluding Palestinian perspectives weakens the party’s commitment to promoting peace and fairness.

Waleed Shahid, a prominent figure in the uncommitted movement, expressed his disappointment during a press conference. “Last night was difficult for us,” Shahid said. “We were offered meetings with the campaign, but that isn’t enough. We need real change, and that starts with being heard on the main stage.”

Despite the pressure from various groups, the Harris-Walz campaign has remained firm in its decision. The campaign stated that the convention’s focus needed to stay on unity. They have emphasized that it is impossible to accommodate every request for speaking time, especially during such a critical moment for the party.

Brianna Wu, the executive director of Rebellion PAC, defended the campaign’s decision. Wu stated, “Disrupting the event wouldn’t have helped anyone. We have to focus on winning the election. That’s the most important thing right now.”

For Muslim Women for Harris-Walz, the decision marked the end of their support for the campaign. The group hoped the Harris-Walz campaign would take a stronger stand by including a Palestinian voice at the convention, but after the campaign declined, they felt they could no longer stand behind it.

“We pray that the DNC and the Harris-Walz team make the right decision,” the group said in their final statement.

At this time the Harris-Walz campaign has not yet responded to the disbandment of the group. It remains to be seen how this decision will affect their relationship with Muslim voters and progressive members of the party.

As the convention continues, the party faces growing pressure from within. Many are calling for a broader representation of voices and a more inclusive approach to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Whether the Harris-Walz campaign will make adjustments remains uncertain. But for now, the disbandment of Muslim Women for Harris-Walz signals a shift in the campaign’s dynamics.

The Democratic National Convention has concluded and it’s nearly 70 days until the election.