CHICAGO — As the Democratic National Convention unfolded, the protests outside were smaller than anticipated, but organizers claimed a significant victory by putting the war in Gaza on the agenda.
Chicago, a city with a rich history of political activism, faced the challenge of comparisons to the tumultuous 1968 convention. While one unsanctioned protest led to multiple arrests and heightened tensions, the authorized gatherings near the United Center successfully conveyed diverse narratives about the city.
“This is a large contingent of people unwilling to stay silent while atrocities occur,” said student organizer Liz Rathburn. “We demonstrated that to the world.”
Organizers had initially projected a turnout of 20,000 for the opening day march, though they acknowledged fewer attendees than expected while contesting the city’s estimate of around 3,500. However, Hatem Abudayyeh, a lead organizer, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the family-friendly atmosphere, particularly among Chicago’s significant Palestinian community.
Despite a blend of various progressive causes, the protests shared a unified pro-Palestinian and anti-war stance, with Abudayyeh stating, “The excitement was happening out here in the streets.”
While most demonstrations were peaceful, there were incidents of unrest, including dozens of arrests when a group breached a security barrier near the convention site and during an unapproved protest outside the Israeli Consulate.
Police Superintendent Larry Snelling credited effective communication between law enforcement and organizers for the largely peaceful dynamic during the events. Chicago police, assisted by some out-of-town agencies, maintained order effectively throughout the protests, with officers on bicycles managing traffic and guiding protesters.
Preparation played a crucial role, Snelling noted. “We had the opportunity to respond to the Democratic National Convention, and we were prepared for it.”
However, there was criticism regarding police tactics and their heavy presence. Demonstrations outside the Israeli Consulate saw an overwhelming number of officers, leading to confrontations that resulted in injuries and numerous arrests.
Images from the protests evoked memories of 1968, as the crowd chanted historical slogans like “The whole world is watching.” Despite this, city leaders emphasized the progress made since then, with Snelling urging the community to move past those associations.
Activists also highlighted their own efforts to ensure peaceful protests by adhering to city regulations and providing their own security. Some attendees expressed frustrations at the convention regarding minimal mentions of Palestinian issues, despite the significant casualties reported.
While the anticipated turnout did not materialize, many participants remained hopeful about the impact of their voices. Concerns about Vice President Kamala Harris’s policies regarding the conflict surfaced, with activists suggesting that her nomination may have discouraged some potential attendees from joining the march.
For attendees like Bayan Ruyyashi, the protest was about more than numbers; it was a lesson in solidarity for her children. “I want them to feel we have support beyond political narratives,” she stated. “We’re fighting for our homeland.”
