ECNETNews is providing live coverage from Chicago this week to bring you the latest updates on the Democratic National Convention (DNC).
On the third night of the DNC, protests erupted in Union Park, located just a few blocks from the United Center.
Chicago is home to the largest Palestinian-American community in the U.S., and this pro-Palestinian demonstration drew hundreds of participants, including families across generations and groups from mosques and community organizations.
Waving Palestinian flags and holding banners, activists took turns leading vibrant call-and-response chants.
“Wherever you look, we will be there!” they declared.
At the security checkpoints, attendees of the DNC assembled for tonight’s speeches, faintly hearing the echo of chants and calls from the park, overshadowed by city noise and the passing L trains nearby.
Nida Sahoury, chair of the Chicago chapter of American Muslims for Palestine, was actively engaging attendees with signs on wooden stakes.
“They got the message; it’s just about making the right decision and being on the right side of history,” Sahoury said when asked if she believed that DNC members were aware of the protesters’ demands.
“He acknowledged the protest,” she remarked, referring to President Biden’s mention during his Monday speech at the DNC.
“That indicates they hear us,” Sahoury noted, adding, “We can hope. We can only hope that it influences U.S. foreign policy.”
As the rally progressed, participants began to march closer to the United Center, where a few individuals inadvertently breached the security barrier, resulting in arrests on Monday.
