‘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.”
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
