The final night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago was met with protests from pro-Palestinian demonstrators calling for an end to the war in Gaza. As attendees left the convention, they were met with chants of “ceasefire now” and “Shame on you” from the protesters. The protests remained largely peaceful with a family-friendly atmosphere, but a small group clashed with police near Union Park, leading to one activist being detained. The protests aimed to bring attention to the lack of Palestinian voices within the convention.
The demonstration was organized by the Coalition to March on the DNC, comprising more than 200 organizations. Thousands of protesters marched through residential areas surrounding the United Center, carrying Palestinian flags and signs calling for an end to U.S. aid to Israel. The protesters chanted “DNC, you will see. Palestine will be free” as they made their way towards the convention center. The heavy police presence accompanied the marchers, with officers on bikes and in riot gear monitoring the situation.
Protesters highlighted the absence of Palestinian representation on the DNC stage, with many expressing disappointment at the lack of diversity in voices. The “Uncommitted” movement, which protested against the Israel-Hamas war, had tried to secure a speaking slot for a Palestinian American at the convention but faced challenges. Chicago police stated that they were prepared for the final night of pro-Palestinian demonstrations outside the DNC after a previous peaceful march resulted in no injuries or arrests.
The protests on the final night followed a series of demonstrations throughout the week, including clashes between police and protesters outside the Israeli Consulate in downtown Chicago. Despite some tense moments during the protests, the majority of the demonstrations remained peaceful, with protesters advocating for Palestinian rights and an end to the conflict in Gaza. The activists hoped to raise awareness and push for change within the Democratic Party to address the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
While some attendees of the convention expressed support for the Democratic ticket of Harris and Walz, they also acknowledged the importance of hearing diverse voices, including Palestinian perspectives. The protests served as a platform for marginalized voices to be heard and for demands for justice and peace to be recognized. The demonstrations highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict and the need for continued advocacy and activism to address these issues on a national stage.
Overall, the protests at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago showcased the power of grassroots movements in advocating for change and raising awareness on critical issues. The calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to U.S. aid to Israel resonated with many protesters, who emphasized the importance of standing in solidarity with oppressed communities. As the convention came to a close, the protests served as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinians and the need for meaningful action to address these injustices.
