Democratic candidates, including Vice President Kamala Harris, are facing criticism from the left over their handling of the Gaza conflict, particularly regarding the supply of weapons to Israel. University students, known for their vocal activism, have expressed disappointment with the Biden administration's policies on Gaza, leading some to question whether Harris, now in the running against GOP opponent Donald Trump, will provide a different approach.

Evgeny Stolyarov, a member of Jewish Voice for Peace Action and a junior at Northwestern University, has been actively involved in protests against the war in Gaza. Stolyarov believes that despite Harris's public statements in support of a cease-fire and Palestinian self-determination, the actions of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) and the Harris campaign do not align with these words.

Stolyarov expressed concern over the absence of a Palestinian speaker at the DNC, suggesting that it sends a clear message that the campaign is not actually committed to ensuring a cease-fire and Palestinian self-determination. While acknowledging that Harris's role as Vice President limits her ability to bring about immediate change, Stolyarov suggests that her presidency could differ from Biden's if she aligns with the popular demand for an arms embargo on Israel.

Harris's recent remarks at the DNC, in which she called for a cease-fire and highlighted her support for Israel's right to defend itself, have been deemed more forceful than President Biden's rhetoric. However, Stolyarov emphasizes that the discrepancy between rhetoric and action raises doubts among the hundreds of thousands of people who are calling for tangible change. The absence of any substantial shifts in policy thus far fuels skepticism that Harris will bring about the necessary foreign policy changes, such as an arms embargo.

Jewish Voice for Peace Action, the student group Stolyarov is a part of, is keen on hearing specific commitments from both Harris and Trump before considering an endorsement. Their primary demand is a call for an arms embargo on Israel, a measure that garners support not only from Americans but also from a majority of American Jews. Aligning actions with the rhetoric surrounding Palestinian self-determination is seen as the first step in securing endorsements from advocacy groups like Jewish Voice for Peace Action.

As the fall semester approaches, Stolyarov anticipates that protests on college campuses will continue if a cease-fire is not established. Northwestern University, where Stolyarov attends, has already witnessed protests throughout the summer, with students facing punitive measures from the university administration. Despite these challenges, students remain committed to their cause, fighting for divestment and an end to what they perceive as a genocide.

The concerns expressed by activists like Stolyarov highlight the growing scrutiny that Democratic candidates face regarding their stance on the Gaza conflict. As the campaign continues, the pressure to demonstrate genuine commitment to Palestinian self-determination and concrete actions to alleviate the suffering in Gaza intensifies. With the desire for an arms embargo resonating with a significant portion of the population, candidates will need to address these concerns directly to secure endorsements and votes from those advocating for change.