CHICAGO — Uncommitted delegates chanted “cease-fire now!” as they walked arm-in-arm through the hallway outside the Democratic convention’s floor — before briefly being barred from entering it.
After tense moments, convention workers allowed the delegates to take their seats to watch Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential nomination acceptance speech.
Many of the delegates wore keffiyehs in a show of support for the Palestinian cause — as a smattering of anti-Israel activists burned at least one US flag outside the event’s perimeter.
The delegates were elected earlier this year in state nominating contests in protest of President Biden’s support for the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip.
Many of the delegates, who were elected in protest of President Biden’s support for Israel’s invasion of the Gaza Strip, wore keffiyehs in a show of support for the Palestinian cause. REUTERS
Harris, who replaced Biden as the party’s nominee after he dropped out on July 21, has attracted fewer direct denunciations from activists.
Anti-Israel activists rallied outside the convention venue this week — including dismantling part of a security fence on Monday, resulting in arrests. AFP via Getty ImagesAnti-Israel marches outside the convention this week drew far fewer participants than organizers hoped.
Still, the convention’s lack of a Palestinian speaker outraged some Democrats — with the group Muslim Women yanking its endorsement of Harris, 59, over the omission after US citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s parents were given a speaking slot to talk about his captivity in Gaza.
Protests did yield substantial coverage in Chicago, despite their notably sparse attendance.
Activists on Monday dismantled a portion of the convention’s outer security fence, resulting in arrests — and hotels hosting delegates faced bomb threats and even a release of maggots at a breakfast in suspected related incidents.
Biden was heckled over the past year by activists calling him “Genocide Joe” — and protesters more recently have tried to dub Harris “Killer Kamala,” but gained less traction for that nickname.
Opponents of the conflict in Gaza were incensed by Biden declaring himself a “Zionist” and visiting Israel in a show of support shortly after the Oct. 7 Hamas massacre of about 1,200 people that started the war.
Harris also has stated she would support Israel if elected, but has used a more strident tone while denouncing civilian casualties in Gaza.
