Israel - Hamas War protests at the DNC
Thousands marched within blocks of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center.
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - 270 Pro-Palestinian organizations joined forces at the Democratic National Convention to protest the U.S’s involvement in the Israel-Hamas War.
“From the River to the Sea” echoed from Union Park in Chicago roughly all day on Monday. The pro-Palestinian groups gathered to express their displeasure with the Biden-Harris Administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas War.
“I want to show solidarity with Palestinians,” a protester named Jon said. “I want to see a ceasefire.”
He was one of thousands who attended the rally. But Jon said he was disappointed more protesters weren’t there.
“I was a little disappointed with the turnout,” Jon said. “I was expecting tens of thousands of people.”
Jewish Voices for Peace Chicago spokesperson Mallie Hartenstein said the U.S. must stop supporting Israel which she claims is killing innocent Palestinians.
“This cannot continue in the name of American Jews, Chicagoans and Americans,” Hartenstein said. “Enough is enough. An arms embargo now is what we want, demand and need.”
Hartenstein would rather resources going to war be used here at home. She says whether it’s democrats or republicans — her organization doesn’t want to support politics that lead to what she calls genocide.
“I have faith in people to continue to put what’s best for us and our communities first,” Hartenstein said.
Generation Zion - a pro Israel group -- also made their presence known at the protest. Both groups with different messages but the same end goal — peace.
“A positive show of Christian’s and Jews standing together—highlighting antisemitism and advocating that Jews live safely here and an abroad,” Isaac Woodward, organizer said. “And for peace and tolerance to reign. There’s been a lot of heated rhetoric.”
The pro-Israel group has protests planned until the conclusion of the DNC on Thursday.
Towards the end of the demonstration, a group of protesters clashed with police after breeching a barricade.
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling confirmed four arrests. A Gray TV crew observed two additional people detained.
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