A Florida delegate at the Democratic National Convention was struck by a man with a “we love Joe” sign while protesting Israel’s actions in Gaza during President Joe Biden’s speech. Nadia Ahmad, a law professor and delegate at the convention, accused the Biden administration of being willing to sacrifice everything to support Israel, stating that they are prepared to lose elections to allow the genocide in Palestine to continue. The delegate, wearing a hijab, and other protesters unfurled a banner that read “STOP ARMING ISRAEL” during Biden’s speech, leading to the altercation that was captured on video. Ahmad said she was protesting to honor students and show support for those facing arrest for speaking out against the situation in Palestine.
Lauren Steiner, an activist, organized the protest and reached out to delegates to participate. The initial plan was to chant “ceasefire now” during Biden’s speech, but with only four participants, they decided to hold up the banner with the more controversial message “Stop Arming Israel.” Steiner painted the banner, and Ahmad concealed it under her dress to bring it into the convention hall. While more delegates were initially interested in participating, some changed their minds or were intimidated by party leaders. The protesters wanted to draw attention to the ongoing conflict and the need for a ceasefire in Gaza.
President Biden addressed the war in Gaza during his speech at the convention, acknowledging that protesters had a point and expressing concern for the civilian suffering on both sides. He stated that his administration is working to prevent a wider war, reunite hostages with their families, and provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The conflict in Gaza, which has lasted for over 11 months, has resulted in the death of over 40,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Many residents have been displaced, and the true death toll is likely higher due to bodies buried under rubble from airstrikes.
Ahmad accused the Biden administration of prioritizing political power over ending the genocide in Palestine, stating that they are willing to sacrifice lives to maintain control of the White House and Congress. She emphasized the need for accountability for the actions of the United States and Israel, calling for both countries to answer to international courts. The protesters at the convention wanted to ensure that the world witnessed their resistance against the ongoing violence and displacement in Palestine. They aimed to prevent the situation from being ignored or downplayed for political gain in upcoming elections.
The incident at the Democratic National Convention highlights the ongoing tensions around the Israel-Palestine conflict and the diverging views within the Democratic Party on how to address the issue. Activists like Nadia Ahmad and Lauren Steiner are pushing for a more vocal and decisive stance against Israel’s actions in Gaza, while President Biden has emphasized a more diplomatic approach to resolving the conflict. The protest during Biden’s speech serves as a reminder of the urgency and complexity of the situation, with calls for immediate action to stop the violence and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
