CHICAGO — On Wednesday, more than 2,000 pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Chicago, marching past a park where pro-Israel demonstrators had gathered earlier in the day. The demonstration, which remained largely peaceful, was a powerful display of solidarity with the Palestinian people and their struggle for justice and peace.
The march was organized by the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, a Palestinian and Arab community-based organization, and drew on the support of the Chicago area’s large Palestinian community. Buses were brought in from suburban mosques, and families and people of different faiths came together to raise their voices and demand an end to the violence in Gaza.
One of the most heartwarming sights was that of Raed Shuk, a father who brought his young children to the march. His 2-year-old son sat on his shoulders, chanting along with the crowd. Shuk, whose parents are Palestinian, said that they have attended many rallies together and that his son has learned the chants by heart. This is a powerful reminder that the struggle for justice and peace is intergenerational and that the younger generation is already taking a stand for what they believe in.
The march itself took on a festive tone at times, with a drum line leading the way and a sea of Palestinian flags waving above the crowds. Children ate popsicles as they walked, and some were pushed in strollers or rode in wagons. It was a beautiful display of unity and determination.
The march stopped outside a park near the United Center, where the Democratic National Convention was being held, and used megaphones and air horns to call out elected leaders for their complicity in the ongoing war in Gaza. Among those criticized was Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who was under consideration as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate. Pritzker had previously criticized a cease-fire resolution that was approved by Chicago in January.
The diverse crowd of pro-Palestinian protesters included families and people of different faiths. Small groups of Muslims gathered in prayer at a park before the march began, using keffiyeh as prayer rugs. Rabbis were also among the leaders of the march, and a small group held a sign that read “Christians for Ceasefire.” This is a powerful reminder that the call for peace and justice in Palestine transcends religious and cultural boundaries.
Rabbi Brant Rosen, a founder of the Jewish Voice for Peace Rabbinical Council, spoke out against the Democratic Party for not addressing the war in Gaza at the convention. He stated, “The word Palestine is not allowed inside the Democratic National Convention. The word cease-fire has barely been uttered. This is a Hollywood-style coronation of a candidate. They assume they are entitled to our votes, but they are not entitled to our votes.” This is a call to action for the Democratic Party to take a stand for justice and peace in Palestine.
Earlier in the day, police escorted pro-Israel demonstrators out of a park near the United Center as the area was blocked off ahead of the march. This rally, organized by the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, was in stark contrast to the unsanctioned protest that took place outside the Israeli Consulate the night before. The clashes between police and protesters resulted in 56 arrests, but the march on Wednesday remained peaceful.
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling stated that those arrested on Tuesday night had “showed up with the intention of committing acts of violence, vandalism.” However, the response from the police was deemed “proportionate.” Thirty people were issued citations for disorderly conduct, while one person was arrested on a felony charge and nine were charged with misdemeanors.
Hatem Abudayyeh, co-founder of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, emphasized the responsibility of the police to protect the First Amendment rights of the protesters. He stated, “They have the responsibility of not infringing on our First Amendment rights.” This is a reminder that the right to peacefully protest is a fundamental part of democracy and must be protected.
The Israeli Consulate has been the site of numerous demonstrations since the war in Gaza began in October, and protests during the DNC have largely focused on opposing the Israel-Hamas war. The largest protest so far, which attracted about 3,500 people on Monday, was mostly peaceful with only 13 arrests. This is a testament to the determination and commitment of the pro-Palestinian movement to peacefully
