Thousands rally near the DNC, demanding an end to U.S. Support for Israel, as tensions rise with violent arrests and poignant displays of solidarity with Gaza

Chicago, Illinois – As the Democratic National Convention (DNC) unfolds at the United Center, thousands of protesters have taken to the streets to voice their demands for a shift in U.S. foreign policy regarding Israel and Palestine. The demonstration, marking the third consecutive day of protests, has drawn significant attention amid the high-profile political event celebrating Kamala Harris’s official nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate.

Echoing the turbulent scenes of 1968, when anti-Vietnam War protests overshadowed the DNC in Chicago, today’s demonstrators see a stark parallel in their fight for Palestinian rights. “Just like 1968, there’s nothing to celebrate,” chanted the crowd, drawing historical comparisons to emphasize their message. They accuse the Democratic Party of ignoring their calls for justice and continuing unconditional support for Israel despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The protesters, waving Palestinian flags and holding up vivid signs with slogans like “DNC your hands are red, over 40,000 dead,” marched through the streets surrounding the convention centre. Their chants and banners aimed to pressure Kamala Harris and the Democratic leadership to reconsider U.S. aid to Israel, which they argue contributes to the suffering of Palestinians.

Police maintained a tight perimeter around the convention site, using bicycles to form barriers and deploying a helicopter overhead to monitor the crowd. Despite these measures, the protests remained largely peaceful, though tension flared as law enforcement clashed with demonstrators at a nearby transit station.

Al Jazeera’s coverage captured a particularly intense moment when police officers arrested two young women wearing hijabs at the Damen transit station. The women were among several people taking photos of the protest, which had attracted numerous journalists and photographers documenting the event. Witnesses described a violent altercation as officers forcibly subdued the women and handcuffed them, leading to further outcry from the crowd.

Jinan Chehade, an activist involved in the protests, highlighted the significance of the turnout, describing it as a powerful testament to the strength and unity of the Palestinian community in Chicago. “The turnout is amazing, and it’s a reflection of our call for justice and how big the Palestinian movement in Chicago is,” Chehade told Al Jazeera.

Chicago’s diverse community, including a significant Palestinian population, has been deeply affected by the conflict in Gaza, where more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in the past ten months. The demonstrators’ calls for justice resonate not only within the Palestinian community but across various groups in the city, reflecting a broader sentiment of solidarity and anti-war advocacy.

Lizette Garza, a social justice activist, emphasized the importance of Chicago’s role in the broader anti-war movement. “It’s really important for Chicago particularly as a liberal city to represent and to be antiwar when our families and communities are hurting so much,” Garza remarked.

The protests are set to continue as the DNC concludes with Kamala Harris’s acceptance speech. The growing presence of these demonstrations underscores the urgent demand for a reevaluation of U.S. policies and a call for greater accountability from political leaders.

Analysis:

Political: The protests at the Democratic National Convention spotlight growing dissatisfaction with U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding its support for Israel. By protesting outside a major political event, demonstrators aim to leverage the high-profile nature of the convention to draw attention to their cause. This strategic timing emphasizes the need for political leaders to address Palestinian grievances and reconsider their stance on foreign aid.

Social: The demonstration reflects a broader societal debate about the role of the U.S. in international conflicts and its impact on global humanitarian issues. The protesters’ focus on Gaza highlights increasing public concern about human rights abuses and the moral implications of continued military support for Israel. The protests also illustrate how communities, especially those with significant immigrant and minority populations, are using public demonstrations to influence policy and public opinion.

Racial: The protests also touch on racial and ethnic dynamics within the U.S., particularly in relation to how minority communities engage with and challenge dominant political structures. The visibility of Palestinian and Muslim demonstrators, especially the violent arrest of hijab-wearing women, underscores ongoing racial and religious tensions. These dynamics are critical in understanding the intersection of domestic policy and international human rights issues.

Gender: The arrest of the two young women wearing hijabs during the protest highlights gender and religious identity as factors in the broader discourse. The aggressive handling of female protesters raises questions about how women, particularly those from marginalized communities, experience and are treated in political activism. Gender dynamics play a role in shaping the narrative around who is most affected by and vocal about international conflicts.

Economic: The economic implications of U.S. foreign policy are a backdrop to the protests, as significant financial support to Israel involves taxpayer dollars. The protesters argue that these funds could be redirected towards addressing domestic issues or supporting humanitarian efforts elsewhere. The call for a reassessment of foreign aid resonates with broader economic concerns about the allocation of national resources and the prioritization of international commitments over domestic needs.