Raising the Flag
Chicagoans can trace their familial roots to many countries. Recognizing the importance of cultural heritage, the City of Chicago regularly holds flag raising ceremonies in Daley Plaza to honor those heritages.
Groups typically choose a day that marks a meaningful anniversary. The group’s members then gather in the plaza, with dignitaries making speeches commemorating the anniversary; performers singing traditional songs; and many wearing heritage-appropriate attire. City workers then raise a gigantic flag on one of the plaza’s three flag poles.
I am told that if the ceremony is scheduled during the noon hour weekdays, there is no charge, but that there is a modest fee for ceremonies held at other times. Given the Trump Administration’s ongoing attacks against immigrants, these ceremonies now take on additional significance, reminding everyone that we are all immigrants.
Today, members of Chicago’s Jewish community came together for the raising of the Israeli flag. The community always chooses a day in close proximity to May 14, which is the anniversary of Israel’s founding.
I generally skip the flag raising ceremonies because not much happens. People stand around, resembling a herd of grazing cattle—not very visual. I made an an exception last year for the raising of the Israeli flag. Given the events of October 7, 2023, I knew there would be Palestinian counter-protesters. The Palestinians did come out, with the Chicago Police Department keeping the two groups separated. In fairness to both sides, with the exception of several hotheads, the two groups remained peaceful. The hotheads were all bark; no bite.
I expected that counter-protesters would once again show up today, but much to my surprise, there was not a single Palestinian counter-protester in sight. The ceremony went off without incident.
The Chicago Police Department had advanced knowledge that the “heritage” Palestinians who live in Bridgeview and surrounding suburbs did not intend to stage a counter demonstration. Nevertheless, CPD was out in force, which was appropriate because there are several smaller, more aggressive pro-Palestinian groups, as well as anti-Semitic lone wolves. Unlike other flag raising ceremonies, much of the plaza was fenced in by bicycle racks forming a large, protected square in front of the stage. Anyone wanting to join the crowd was required to undergo a security screening. The Jewish group behind the ceremony apparently had contracted with a private security firm, further enhancing the security.
Probably the most moving moment came when five or six young people stood on stage reading the names of those still held hostage by Hamas. Presumably, some of those named are dead. In keeping with the focus on the Israeli hostages, a number of people held the now ubiquitous hostage posters.
In total, 150 to 200 people gathered in the plaza, many being high school students who had been bussed in. The turnout was lackluster once the students were taken out of the equation.
On Saturday, the Palestinian community will hold a similar flag raising. I suspect that the community’s leadership will turn out a far larger crowd, but that comes as no surprise because over the last 20 months, the Palestinians have dominated Chicago’s streets. I have been told repeatedly that Israel’s supporters are reluctant to demonstrate, largely out of fear.
Midway through today’s ceremony, the world’s third Abrahamic religion inadvertently stole some of the Jewish community’s thunder. Across the street from Daley Plaza, WBBM TV has mounted a gigantic television screen overlooking Daley Plaza. Although we were in Chicago, thanks to the screen, everyone could see the white smoke rising from the chimney temporarily attached to the Sistine Chapel’s roof. Many in Daley Plaza turned toward the CBS screen as news quickly spread that the conclave had settled on a new pope.
One speaker deviated momentarily from her prepared remarks, announcing that the College of the Cardinals had chosen Pope Francis’ successor. She offered warm congratulations. Despite the significant differences between the Jewish and Catholic religions over core beliefs, like the rest of the world, those gathered for the raising of the Israeli flag were noticeably excited by the news, particularly because Pope Leo XIV is a Chicago native.
[Click on an Image to Enlarge It. The Images Are Not Necessarily in Exact Chronological Order]
"We Stand with Israel"
Ready
Fresh Off the Bus
Remembering One of Those Still Held Hostage
Returning from Last Year's Ceremony
Gathered Together
Reading the Names of the Remaining Hostages
Listening
Will the Globetrotters Show Up?
Standing Outside the Security Perimeter
Getting the Flag Into Position
A Surprise Announcement During the Israeli Flag Raising
Ready for the Ascent
Waving in the Wind
Singing a Joyous Song
Copyright 2025, Jack B. Siegel (except the first two images in the post, which are copyrighted 2024). All Rights Reserved. Do Not Alter, Copy, Display, Distribute, Download, Duplicate, or Reproduce Without the Prior Written Consent of the Copyright Holder.
