In recent elections, the left has achieved significant victories in both France and Britain, providing powerful examples for U.S. progressives to follow. The key to their success? Their unapologetic support for Palestine.
For too long, the issue of Palestine has been a taboo subject in Western politics. Politicians have been afraid to speak out in support of the Palestinian people, fearing backlash from powerful pro-Israel lobbies. But the recent elections in France and Britain have shown that this fear is unfounded – and that taking a strong stance on Palestine can actually lead to electoral success.
Let’s start with France, where the left-wing party La France Insoumise (LFI) made a stunning comeback in the recent municipal elections. Led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the party won control of several major cities, including Marseille and Montpellier. And their success can be directly linked to their vocal support for Palestinian rights.
In the lead-up to the elections, LFI made Palestine a central issue in their campaign. They called for an end to French arms sales to Israel and pledged to support the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. And their efforts paid off – the party’s strong stance on Palestine resonated with voters, particularly with the younger generation who are increasingly showing solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Similarly, in Britain, the Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership also saw a surge in popularity during the 2017 general election. Many credit this to Corbyn’s long-standing support for Palestinian rights and his commitment to a just solution for the conflict. Despite facing intense criticism and smears from the media and his own party, Corbyn remained steadfast in his support for Palestine and inspired a new generation of progressive voters.
But it’s not just about electoral success. The victories in France and Britain also show that supporting Palestine is not a liability – it’s a winning strategy. For too long, politicians have shied away from the issue, fearing the consequences. But the truth is that the majority of people, especially younger voters, are increasingly aware of the injustices faced by Palestinians and are looking for leaders who are willing to take a stand.
This presents a critical lesson for U.S. progressives, particularly within the Democratic Party. In recent years, there has been a growing shift towards supporting Palestinian rights, with more and more politicians speaking out against the Israeli occupation and advocating for a just solution. But there is still a long way to go.
The Democratic Party must learn from the successes of their counterparts in France and Britain and take a strong and unequivocal stance on Palestine. This means not just paying lip service to the cause, but actively supporting the BDS movement and ending the U.S.’s unconditional support for Israel. It also means standing up to the powerful pro-Israel lobby and their attempts to silence any criticism of Israel.
Some may argue that taking a strong stance on Palestine could harm the Democratic Party’s chances in future elections. But the victories in France and Britain have shown that the opposite is true – supporting Palestine can actually attract more voters and inspire a new generation of progressives.
Moreover, it’s a moral imperative for the Democratic Party to support Palestinian rights. As the party that claims to champion human rights and social justice, it’s time for them to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people who have been living under a brutal military occupation for decades.
The victories in France and Britain have sent a powerful message – that supporting Palestine is not only the right thing to do, but it’s also a winning strategy. U.S. progressives must learn from this and take a bold stand for justice and equality for all, including the Palestinian people. It’s time for the Democratic Party to embrace this message and lead by example. The future of progressive politics depends on it.
