How Important is the Issue of Palestine to Young Democrats?

In my previous blog, I talked about my plan to vote for a third-party candidate as a form of protest. I know this might end up benefiting Trump, but it's a stand I feel I have to take. In the past, I could overlook certain domestic policy issues, knowing that political promises often fall flat. But what I can't ignore is the blatant disregard for human rights by the Biden administration. It’s shocking to see our taxes funding a foreign government that many believe is committing atrocities. You don’t have to be pro-Palestine to be upset about how the current administration is handling the situation in Gaza.

There’s been a trend lately of putting the needs of foreign countries—like Ukraine and Israel—over our own. Isn’t it strange how we supposedly don’t have money to fix homelessness or make education affordable, yet we can find billions to send overseas? These are your tax dollars paying for bombs that fall on Palestinian children, instead of improving our infrastructure and social services.

I remember being at Long Branch Beach in NJ a month ago, seeing five flagpoles—one with the American flag and four with Israeli flags. When did we start treating Israel as if it’s more important than the United States? Maybe I’m overthinking it, but it seems ridiculous to fly four Israeli flags next to ours. How is this putting American citizens first? Even people on the right have a problem with where our nation's priorities lie.

Young voters of color, usually a reliable group for Democrats, are losing faith as the situation in Gaza gets worse. Some of my friends have lost family in the region, and it’s hard to support an administration responsible for over 35,000 deaths. Policy issues are one thing, but when innocent people are dying because of our tax dollars, that's where I draw the line.

This disillusionment isn’t just my feeling; it’s spreading among young Democrats. The issue of Palestine is no longer just a faraway concern—it’s a test of our leaders' morals. Young voters want a government that cares about human rights and aligns with their values. As the crisis in Gaza continues, how the administration responds will shape the political landscape and the loyalty of a key group of voters.

by Harman Kohli