Tensions Erupt as Anti-Israel Protesters Clash with Police Outside Chicago Consulate DNC

Social Media · August 21

On a tense night in Chicago, as anti-Israel protesters clashed with police officers outside the Israeli consulate, which is located just a couple of miles from the United Center, where the Democratic National Convention was taking place. The demonstrators, who were chanting "Free, free Palestine" and waving Palestinian flags, attempted to break through a police line formed by officers in riot gear outside the building housing the consulate.

Videos captured the chaotic scene as police officers were seen shoving demonstrators, with some being tackled to the ground before being taken into custody. The night saw at least eight arrests. Adding to the tension, some protesters set fire to an American flag in the middle of the street, an act that further inflamed the situation. As dusk fell, the protesters shifted their chants to, "CPD, go home or we will bring the war home!" indicating their readiness for a continued standoff with law enforcement.

One speaker, amplifying the urgency and anger of the crowd, shouted into a microphone, "Make them feel what Gaza feels! Make the DNC feel what Gaza feels! This f–king empire needs to burn to the ground!" The intensity of the emotions and rhetoric highlighted the depth of the protesters' grievances, particularly regarding the situation in Gaza.

The Chicago Police Department issued an order to disperse the crowd around 8:30 p.m. local time. However, the protests had already made their mark, both in the physical scuffles with police and the symbolic acts, such as the flag burning.

Among the protesters was Mike Lehman, a 50-year-old Chicago resident, who held a sign that read, "make Israel pay all its war-murder costs now." Lehman expressed his desire for the Democratic Party to take a stronger stance against Israel, reflecting the sentiments of many who had gathered that evening.

The protests coincided with the second night of the Democratic National Convention, during which several prominent Democrats, including Senators Chuck Schumer and Bernie Sanders, as well as former President Barack Obama, were slated to speak. The proximity of the protests to such a significant political event underscored the broader national and international implications of the unrest.

The Israeli consulate in Chicago has been a focal point for demonstrations since the outbreak of war in Gaza on October 7. The consulate is located in a building connected to the Ogilvie Transportation Center, a key hub for commuters. On Tuesday, law enforcement had closed most of the entrances to the consulate, leaving only one entrance open to travelers, where armed officers were stationed. The Associated Press reported that many of the shops within the building were also closed in anticipation of potential unrest.

Earlier in the day, a group of Israel supporters, including family members of hostages kidnapped by Hamas, gathered near the consulate at an art installation. They called for continued U.S. military support for Israel and urged action to free those still held captive by the militants. This gathering provided a stark contrast to the later clashes, illustrating the deep divisions within the community regarding the conflict.

While pro-Palestinian protesters have been given an array of accommodations by the city, the Jewish protesters are only able to gather due to the donation of a private lot by an owner for their use. Even as pro-Palestinian protesters veered off approved routes and tore down security fencing, it will be the Jewish protesters who will reportedly remain confined to this private lot under the watchful eye of the Chicago Police Department.

Josh Weiner, co-founder of Chicago Jewish Alliance, confirmed that the group was not granted permits, so all they could do is walk around such approved protests to “make our presence felt.”

He added that “pro-Palestine protesters have gotten multiple permits, including a march, which seems to be a little bit weighted on one side.” For Chicagoans like myself, the treatment of the pro-Israel protesters at the DNC could not be more ironic or disturbing.

As the Democratic National Convention continued, the protests served as a stark reminder of the ongoing and passionate debate surrounding U.S. policy in the Middle East, particularly regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The clashes in Chicago highlighted the deep divisions and the powerful emotions that the issue evokes on both sides. As the convention progressed, the city remained on high alert, with the potential for further demonstrations and unrest looming large.

Credit: NYP 2024-08-22

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gargamon · August 21

How can you not be anti netanyahu's Israel? Indiscriminate killing of Innocent women and children. Backs Israeli settlers kicking Palestinians put of their homes and stealing the land. Get back to a govt that follows international rules and they might get a bit more support.