The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has faced significant backlash for refusing to allow a Palestinian American to speak at their convention, a decision that has prompted pro-Palestinian activists, led by Abbas Alawieh, to stage a sit-in outside the United Center in Chicago. The request was denied despite the DNC featuring the parents of an Israeli American hostage, leading to criticism from various Democratic factions, including the United Autoworkers Union. The protests have been largely peaceful but have highlighted internal divisions within the party over its stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. Sen. Bernie Sanders has been one of the few prominent voices at the convention calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, a stance that resonated strongly with the crowd. Sanders also emphasized the need to end the war, bring home hostages, and criticized the influence of big money in politics. This controversy underscores the broader challenge the Democratic Party faces in balancing diverse viewpoints within its coalition.