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In the West Bank village of Khallet al-Daba, a torn Palestinian flag waves following an assault by Israeli settlers on October 26, 2023.
While I once envisioned myself as a part of the Democratic Party’s future, a recent trip to Palestine has led me to change course. Witnessing the party’s leadership, including President Biden, elected officials, and candidates, turning a blind eye to a live-streamed genocide has pushed me away permanently.
For 33 years, the Democratic Party was my political sanctuary, intertwined with significant moments in my life. Growing up in New Hampshire’s prominent college town, the national spotlight on our primary elections made politics a local affair. Legend has it that Bill Clinton even planted a kiss on me at a rally when I was a baby. Leading my high school’s Democratic Club, we campaigned for then-State Senate Majority Leader Maggie Hassan. Meeting Senator Barack Obama at a rally left a lasting impression, with his words finding a place on my yearbook page after his election victory.
Upon relocating to Washington, the thrill of hearing someone I went on a date with mentioned on a popular liberal podcast was a unique experience. Following the 2016 election, I delved into webinars and seriously considered a return to New Hampshire to run for local office as a Democrat.
The path I once envisioned now diverges. Working within the federal government alongside my political idols, I now find myself planning to work towards their electoral defeat. The recent civilian tragedy in Gaza has exposed the Democratic Party’s stance on a brutal and inhumane chapter of history. Their silence in the face of pleas, especially from the party’s future representatives, has severed my ties with this political home.
The haunting images of lifeless children in Gaza and the harrowing stories of families collecting the remains of their loved ones have reshaped my perspective. The Democratic Party’s inaction on these atrocities, including President Biden’s failure to act, is unforgivable.
I am not alone in this sentiment. A December poll by The New York Times/Siena College revealed dissatisfaction with Biden’s handling of the conflict. Actions like the Michigan primary results and disruptions at campaign rallies underscore the growing discontent. The launch of Biden’s TikTok account was met with a flood of pro-Palestinian sentiments, reflecting a shift in public opinion.
Returning from Palestine, I bore witness to injustices firsthand. From land seizures in Bethlehem to the rubble of East Jerusalem, the reality of occupation was stark. Waiting at a checkpoint in Nablus and hearing the firsthand accounts of families in Gaza highlighted the urgency of the situation.
In a symbolic gesture, I removed the iconic Shepard Fairey “Hope” poster from my office, a relic from the 2008 Obama campaign. The Democratic Party’s betrayal of its values and the Palestinian cause compelled this action.
My resolve remains firm: unless the Democratic Party and its leaders advocate for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the Israeli occupation, my support will not be forthcoming.
Emma West Rasmus, a member of the Israel/Palestine Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church (USA), is employed at the Department of Justice.
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