In a striking display of solidarity with Palestinians, Gaza protests continue around DNC in Chicago, echoing the tumultuous atmosphere of the 1968 Democratic National Convention. As thousands of Democratic delegates and supporters gather at the United Center to celebrate Kamala Harris’s official nomination as the party’s presidential candidate, the streets outside resonate with chants for Palestinian rights and calls to end U.S. support for Israel.

The protests, now in their third day, mirror the anti-Vietnam War demonstrations that rocked the city during the 1968 convention. Protesters draw parallels between the two events, emphasizing that, like then, “there’s nothing to celebrate” as long as the U.S. continues its unconditional support for Israel amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Echoes of 1968: Gaza protests continue around DNC

The atmosphere surrounding the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago is charged with echoes of history. Just as anti-Vietnam War protesters faced violent crackdowns in 1968, today’s demonstrators are making their voices heard on the streets of the Windy City. The chants of “DNC your hands are red, over 40,000 dead” reverberate through the air, serving as a stark reminder of the human cost of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Protesters wave Palestinian flags and hold signs reading, “While you’re speaking, they are dying,” directly challenging the celebratory mood inside the convention center. The demonstrators are drawing a clear line in the sand, warning Vice President Kamala Harris that they will withhold their support unless she takes a stand against the United States’ unwavering backing of Israel.

Police Presence and Tension

As Gaza protests continue around DNC, law enforcement maintains a strong presence to manage the demonstrations. Police officers form a moving chain with bicycles along the march route, ensuring protesters stay on the approved path. When the demonstration approaches the convention center, a wall of officers blocks access to the security perimeter.

Despite the heavy police presence, including a helicopter hovering above, the protests have remained largely peaceful. However, tensions flared at the Damen transit station when two hijab-wearing women were violently arrested for taking photographs. This incident occurred despite numerous other journalists and protesters also taking pictures at the same location, raising questions about potential discrimination and excessive use of force.

Chicago’s Palestinian Community Speaks Out

Chicago, home to one of the largest Palestinian communities in the United States, has become a focal point for these demonstrations. Activists like Jinan Chehade, who led many of the chants, expressed amazement at the turnout. “It’s a reflection of our call for justice and how big the Palestinian movement in Chicago is,” Chehade told Al Jazeera.

The protests have united people from various backgrounds in Chicago, all grieving for the atrocities in Gaza. Lizette Garza, a social justice activist, emphasized the importance of Chicago, as a liberal city, representing antiwar sentiments when communities are hurting so deeply.

The demonstrators’ anger and pain are palpable in their chants and posters, reflecting the devastating toll of the war on Gaza. With Israel having killed more than 40,000 Palestinians in the past 10 months, the protesters are demanding immediate action and a change in U.S. foreign policy.

As the convention enters its final day, more protests are scheduled. The demonstrators are determined to make their voices heard as Harris prepares to accept the Democratic nomination. Their message is clear: there can be no celebration while the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues unabated.

The protests at the DNC are not isolated events but part of a growing movement across the United States calling for a reassessment of the country’s relationship with Israel. From college campuses to city streets, Americans are increasingly questioning the unqualified support their government provides to Israel, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

These demonstrations also highlight the challenges facing the Democratic Party as it attempts to maintain unity while addressing divisive foreign policy issues. The party’s traditional pro-Israel stance is being challenged by a growing number of progressive voters and politicians who are calling for a more balanced approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The protests in Chicago serve as a reminder that foreign policy issues can have significant domestic political implications. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, how the Democratic Party addresses the concerns raised by these protesters could play a crucial role in mobilizing or alienating key voter demographics.

onclusion:As Gaza protests continue around DNC, the demonstrations in Chicago have brought the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the forefront of American political discourse. The parallels drawn to the 1968 convention underscore the enduring nature of protest movements and their capacity to shape political narratives.

The ongoing protests challenge the Democratic Party to reassess its stance on Israel and the Palestinian issue. As Kamala Harris prepares to accept the nomination, she faces the task of addressing these concerns while maintaining party unity. The events unfolding in Chicago may well set the tone for how the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is discussed and debated in the upcoming presidential campaign.

With more protests planned and tensions running high, it’s clear that the issue of Gaza and U.S. support for Israel will continue to be a significant factor in American politics. As the convention concludes, the echoes of these protests will likely reverberate far beyond Chicago, potentially influencing the course of U.S. foreign policy and domestic politics in the months and years to come.