Philadelphia Candidate Puts Palestinian Rights at the Core of His Campaign
CHICAGO — Pennsylvania State Representative Chris Rabb, a five-term Democrat now running for Congress from Philadelphia, is making Palestinian human rights a central pillar of his campaign, drawing parallels between the Palestinian struggle and the American civil rights movement.
In an interview with Arab News, Rabb emphasized that many Americans—particularly African Americans—see “very clear similarities” between the two movements. “I believe you can’t be free until we’re all free, and I stand in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and oppose the genocide that’s going on there,” he stated.
Rabb, who is competing for the Democratic nomination in Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District, has faced criticism from pro-Israel groups. Yet he remains steadfast, arguing that supporting Palestinian rights does not equate to antisemitism. He noted his long-standing ties to the Jewish community, recalling, “I actually grew up learning Yiddish,” and emphasized continued support from Jewish constituents.
The state legislator pushed back against what he described as efforts to “weaponize antisemitism” against his campaign. “I can’t be silent. When you’re silent, you’re complicit,” he said. “I won’t apologize for being a humanitarian without exception.”
Rabb also addressed personal risks that come with his stance. “My sons are afraid for my life, to be perfectly frank, because of the positions I take, even though I believe that they’re fair and measured.”
He stressed the universality of human rights, saying, “I don’t believe there’s a hierarchy for human life.” At the same time, he distinguished between the Israeli people and the country’s leadership, criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government for policies he described as driving “genocide” in Gaza and escalating violence in the West Bank.
Rabb pointed to a tradition of African American solidarity with Palestinians dating back to the 1960s. He also highlighted the broad support he receives from many American Jews, including local rabbis, who he says have “embraced me as one of their own.”
The Philadelphia-based district is considered safely Democratic, giving Rabb a platform to advocate for what he calls “transformational change” grounded in justice and empathy for all.
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