I was going to skip today’s pro-Palestinian demonstration, but the snowfall made the event irresistible. Here are my thoughts about and images from the demonstration.
"#Abandon Biden"
On December 30, 2023, a group of Palestinian advocates held a press conference in Chicago announcing the expansion of their #AbandonBiden campaign to all 50 states. The group hopes to build a coalition to defeat President Biden in 2024. I attended the press conference. While the imagery is not dynamic, the event could be a watershed in the 2024 Presidential Election. Here are my thoughts and images, including ones from the annual Muslim American Society-Islamic Circle of North America Convention that was held at McCormick Place, drawing 30,000 attendees.
No Joy
On Saturday, I attended a rain-soaked pro-Palestinian demonstration that included some theater both inside and outside of the Michigan Avenue Zara store. Here are my thoughts about and images from the demonstration.
Killed By Israel
On Friday while waiting for a bus, I read a breaking story reporting that Israel had just killed three hostages who were shirtless and holding white flags. I then saw a ‘Kidnapped’ sign for one of the now dead hostages. Here are my thoughts about and two images that capture this creepy coincidence.
A Hanukah March
I attended a rally late this afternoon held by members of the Chicago’s Jewish Community (and others) demanding a cease fire in Gaza and calling for the end of U.S. aid to Israel. The event included a celebration of Hanukah and a march to Boeing’s Chicago offices. Here are my thoughts about and images from the rally and march.
Doctors Take A Stand
Tonight I attended a demonstration by Palestinian health care workers outside the Art Institute of Chicago that was meant to call attention to the ongoing medical crisis in Gaza. Here are my thoughts about and images from this passionate, but rather low-key demonstration.
Picketing Boeing
On Friday afternoon, a group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators held a rally outside Boeing’s corporate offices, calling out the defense contractor for producing weapons that the demonstrators believe are being used by the Israelis in their crusade against Hamas. Here are my thoughts about and images from the demonstration.
Ritual Brings Relief
Late this afternoon, I headed to Federal Plaza for the first night of Hanukah. ‘Jewish Voice for Peace—Chicago,’ a pro-Palestinian Jewish group, asked those who support the Palestinians to bring menorahs for the ceremonial lighting of the candles. Here are my thoughts about and images from what turned out to be joyous and warm ‘demonstration.’