Unmoved by Harris replacing Biden, pro-Palestinian protesters plan to march on DNC

Advocates for Palestinian rights, both within and outside the Democratic National Convention, are determined to make their voices heard at this week's gathering in Chicago , beginning with a significant march on Monday.

In addition to the large number of people planning to protest near the site , 30 delegates chosen to represent the "uncommitted" movement will be inside the convention promoting an anti-war agenda. They will not endorse Harris without guarantees that her administration will support an arms embargo on Israel .

According to a source familiar with the situation, Harris-Walz campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez, along with other top campaign officials, met with local Arab American and Jewish American leaders in Michigan last week, including Deputy Wayne County Executive Assad Turfe. He described the meeting as "incredibly productive," noting that "these meetings highlighted the Harris team's commitment to ensuring our community has a significant role in the decision-making process."

March on DNC, the group leading several organizations in the protests, indicated they were not swayed by Vice President Kamala Harris' rise to the top of the Democratic ticket. The group, which strongly disagreed with President Joe Biden's approach to the U.S. response to the war against Hamas in Gaza -- and the deaths of Palestinian civilians -- views Harris' and Biden's statements as essentially the same.

"Some folks thought that it would change things a tiny bit, but not one organization said they were going to leave the coalition," Hatem Abudayyeh, the national chair of March on DNC, told
. "Everyone said she is representative of the administration; that there's no reason to believe that any policies would change under her leadership of the ticket."

This will likely become clear when the coalition of about 200 social justice organizations from across the country moves forward with marches on Monday and Thursday.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at an event with U.S. President Joe Biden (not pictured) in Prince George's County, Md., Aug. 15, 2024.
Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters

Inside the convention hall, undecided delegates from states such as Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, and Washington will be present. They have stated that they will adopt a different approach than those outside the convention, focusing solely on fulfilling their "duty as delegates."

"The Uncommitted National Movement is not participating in the March on the DNC," stated Michigan uncommitted delegate Abbas Alawieh regarding the protest efforts.

"My participation is focused on the convention proceedings. My goal is to amplify the voices of voters who demand our government cease sending funds and weapons to harm Palestinian children."

Alawieh, along with Layla Elabed, the sister of Michigan Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib, briefly engaged in conversation with Harris before her Detroit rally last week. According to the group, they requested a meeting with Harris to discuss an arms embargo on Israel, and Harris indicated openness to the proposal, introducing the two leaders to members of her staff.

They have submitted numerous requests to both the campaign and the DNC to include a Palestinian speaker on the event schedule. The group remains optimistic that Harris will "take the right action" and unify their party around what they describe as "a more compassionate policy towards Gaza."

"We think putting someone from the Palestinian-American community on stage is critical and an important opportunity to begin to repair a deeply strained relationship with Americans who feel deeply betrayed by the Democratic Party," Alawieh told
.


has reached out to both the Harris-Walz campaign and the DNC for comment.

On Tuesday. the protest groups will also hold a memorial outside the United Center for the both Palestinians and Israelis who have been killed since Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel. A spokesperson told
they see it as an "opportunity to get a moment of mourning for all the people who have been impacted by this past years violence."

The death toll in Gaza surpassed a tragic milestone this past week with more than 40,000 dead , according to Gaza's Hamas-run Health Ministry.

Harris has demonstrably attempted to find common ground on the war in Gaza in an effort to bridge divisions within the party regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. While she has aligned with Biden in pledging unwavering support for Israel, after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on July 25 she notably stated, "Israel has the right to defend itself, and how it does so -- matters" -- particularly with respect to protecting civilians.

PHOTO: Protesters are demonstrating outside City Hall in Chicago,  August 15, 2024. Demonstrators are feeling outraged over the city's restrictions on the ''March On the DNC'' protest permits during next week's 2024 Democratic National Convention.
Pro-Palestinian protesters are demonstrating outside City Hall in Chicago, August 15, 2024. Demonstrators are feeling outraged over the city's restrictions on the ''March On the DNC'' protest permits during next week's 2024 Democratic National Convention. Some of the conditions are including no stages or platforms, portable restrooms or toilets, tents or canopies, or sound equipment.
Kyle Mazza/Shutterstock

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators were present at the Harris-Walz rally in Detroit. They chanted "Kamala, Kamala you can't hide, we won't vote for genocide." The crowd booed and drowned out the protesters with chants of "Kamala."

She remarked, "I am here because we believe in democracy. Everyone's voice is important, but I am speaking now. I am speaking now," but added a more direct response: "You know what, if you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, I'm speaking."

Members of the uncommitted movement have indicated to
that Harris' language regarding Gaza in the coming months is crucial to gaining their support, something they've said they would not have been able to give to Biden.

Alawieh said he will not be taking part in the protests outside of the DNC.

The march scheduled for Monday will include organizations such as Code Pink, dedicated to promoting reproductive rights, and Climate Defiance, focused on addressing climate change.

After their initial request for a permit in March to hold two protest marches within blocks of the DNC was denied , the city of Chicago finally yielded on Thursday, following months of legal proceedings, but with certain restrictions. The permit did not allow for the erection of stages or platforms, the use of sound equipment, or the provision of portable toilets.

Many feared a repeat of the violence and unrest witnessed at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, given the absence of proper permits. However, Illinois Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker dismissed those comparisons to CNN on Sunday, describing it as a "distinct situation." Pritzker predicted that the protests would largely be "peaceful."

"The protesters are raising concerns about issues far removed from our immediate location," said Pritzker. "This is not about people being drafted from here to serve overseas. It's a completely different scenario. And to be honest, I anticipate that the protests will be peaceful. We will safeguard the protesters."

Chicago's Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson assured
"This Week" co-anchor Martha Raddatz on Sunday that Chicago police along with the U.S. Secret Service have worked to "ensure a safe, peaceful yet vibrant, exciting convention."

"We're fully prepared for this convention. Our local police department has been working closely with the Secret Service and other local agencies to ensure a safe, peaceful, vibrant, and exciting convention," Johnson stated. "Chicago has been recognized as the top city for convention centers, demonstrating our commitment to protecting people while showcasing the beauty and essence of our community."

On Friday, the court ruled in favor of the protesters, granting them permission to set up a stage and sound system for speeches in Union Park before their marches towards the United Center. This decision provided a solution for protesters like Abudayyeh, who were concerned that despite obtaining a permit to demonstrate within earshot and view of the convention, their voices might not be heard.

"They were aware it wouldn't stand up in court, but they also knew we've been working tirelessly to secure crucial support in Chicago, where people have been advocating for us," said Abudayyeh.

Now the group is looking to extend the 1.1 mile route they've been granted to march on to 2.4 miles. They told
, they'll be working with Chicago officials up until they start marching to get their request approved.


' Beatrice Peterson and Michelle Stoddart contributed to this report.