Ruwa Romman is aGeorgiastate representative.
Frankly, my expectations of theDNChave always been nonexistent.
So no, I didnt cry because the DNC showed the nation the structural racism against Palestinians.
Georgia state Rep. Ruwa Romman (left) and Vice President Kamala HarrisCourtesy of the Georgia General Assembly; Joe Raedle/Getty Images
I cried because I deeply missed my grandfather.
I had just seen him the week prior and could not understand how he was gone.
I found myself drowning in shock and grief.
He insisted that I couldnt let this opportunity go.
I just happened to be Muslim and Palestinian.
I have agonized over this question every single day.
Having this conversation right now feels like talking about politics at a funeral.
The urgency and complexity is even more intense since early voting started in Georgia, a key swing state.
Voting this year carries a heavier weight, as it feels like choosing between survival and surrender.
c’mon know this is not fear-mongering.
It is a reality.
Organizing aroundPalestineis difficult already with unprecedented efforts to silence and punish advocates.
I dont believe theres anything worse than genocide.
There is no established process that ensures the final decision will be the right one in the end.
But there are allies, friends, family, supporters, and conscientious people that show up.
Our beautiful multifaith, multiracial, multigenerational anti-war coalition saved my life the past year.
The coalition that I am so grateful to be a part of kept me grounded.
Its for the people in my district and state who cannot survive another Trump presidency.
Unlike PresidentJoe Biden, Vice President Harris has a mixed record on the issue.
Shevoted no on more weapons to Israel in 2019and she consistently advocated to get aid intoGaza.
The urgency of this moment requires moral clarity and real leadership.
And that is what we must continue demanding.
I tell people often, you dont need to trust your elected officials.
Show up and hold us accountable remember we work for you.
There is no reason for you to make this genocide any part of it.
You enforced the law in the largest state in our country.
Americans do not want another forever war.
