‘There’s nothing to celebrate’: Gaza Protests Persist During DNC

The streets of Chicago resonated with the echoing chants of thousands protesting against US support for Israel, timed with the Democratic National Convention (DNC) hosted in the city. Numerous parallels have been drawn between this and the DNC event held in the same city in 1968, which saw a vehement crackdown on anti-Vietnam war protesters.

Unyielding Protestors

The convention, now in its third day, is symbolizing the official nomination of Kamala Harris as the Democratic party’s presidential candidate. Ominously referencing the electoral defeat of Democratic candidate Hubert Humphrey to Richard Nixon in 1968, the protesters are giving a stark warning that their support for Harris hinged upon her commitment to ending the United States’ unconditioned backing of Israel.

With the grim chant, “DNC your hands are red, over 40,000 dead,” protesters marched, waving Palestinian flags, expressing their frustration and sorrow over the war in Gaza that has, over the past 10 months, resulted in the deaths of more than 40,000 Palestinians at the hands of Israel. Yet, the demonstration has so far remained peaceful.

Heightened Security and Reported Arrests

Throughout the protest, a police chopper hovered above while officers escorted a line of bicycles, forming a moving barrier, alongside the road. This was an apparent strategy to keep protesters on the predetermined path and prevent them from nearing the venue. Notwithstanding the protests remained peaceful, Al Jazeera has witnessed the violent arrest of two young women, both donned in hijabs, at a transit station.

Officers on-site refused to clarify why these two women were singled out for arrest amidst the dozens taking photos at the platform. The Chicago Police Department has not immediately responded to the requests for comments on the issue. As the convention is set to conclude with Harris accepting the Democratic nomination, more protests are also scheduled for the coming days.

Chicago’s Distinct Stand

Chicago, being home to one of the largest Palestinian communities in the US, has garnered diverse support for the cause. Many in the city, including social justice activists, have expressed their empathy for the atrocities faced by the Palestinians in Gaza. Emphasizing the distinctive standpoint of the city, one of the activists, Lizette Garza told Al Jazeera, “It’s really important for Chicago being particularly a liberal city to represent and to be antiwar when our families and communities are hurting so much.”