India to Israel
Since June, demonstrations in Chicago have been few and far between. Today, Amnesty International Chicago held a demonstration outside the Chicago offices of India’s Consulate General, which are located in the NBC Tower adjacent to Chicago River and across the street from the University of Chicago’s Gleacher Center.
On July 30th of this year, Amnesty International issued a report asserting that India exports weapons to Israel that are used against the Palestinians living in Gaza. According to the report, since October 7, 2023, India has made at least 2,596 shipments, which have included “at least 390,516 small arms parts for military grade weapons, 564,970 parts of explosive ordnance (such as drone warheads, artillery shell casings and others), and 298 components of military vehicles to large Israeli companies that are direct suppliers to the Israeli military.”
While I admire anyone who makes the effort to take a stand, today’s effort was pathetic. Only four protesters showed up. The Chicago Police Department clearly expected many more. By my count, there were at least 12 police officers standing across from the gathering. The street was lined with at least eight police vehicles.
The four protesters were very friendly, talking with me and another photographer before beginning the formal protest, which lasted no more than 20 minutes. During the protest, the demonstrators chanted, “Modi, Modi, you can’t hide; you’re supporting genocide", and “Money for weapons? Shame on you! Blood on your hands, we see you!”
Despite being small and arguably a flop, demonstration was informative. I had no idea that India was supplying Israel with arms. While I understand why the demonstrators selected a location outside the offices of the Indian Consulate General, I would advise them to opt for a Michigan Avenue location next time—they will need to determine whether they need a permit. Demonstrations along Michigan Avenue offer much greater visibility. The demonstrators may have made a noise, but nobody heard it, except two photographers and 12 CPD officers.
Click on an Image to Enlarge It. The Images Are Not Necessarily in Exact Chronological Order]
Standing Together Against Arms Sales By India to Israel
One of the Four Demonstrators (I)
One of the Four Demonstrators (II)
One of the Four Demonstrators (III)
One of the Four Demonstrators (IV)
Kenny, Who Shows Up at Virtually Every Demonstration in the City
Site of the the Chicago Officers of the Indian Consulate General
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