On the eve of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, intense anti-Israel protests erupted, with demonstrators disrupting a delegate party and ominously declaring, “Welcome to hell week.” The streets were flooded with protesters eager to challenge leading Democrats over the Gaza conflict, as seen in social media footage.
Throughout the week, ongoing demonstrations are anticipated as national Democrats celebrate the nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. At one point, protesters interrupted a delegate party at Navy Pier, where one individual seized the microphone to accuse attendees of “funding a genocide,” as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times.
Protests disrupt Chicago DNC, demonstrators declare ‘hell week’ and confront delegates over Israel’s actions
Outside the event, protesters gathered and reportedly issued warnings of a “week of justice.” An organizer identified only as Jinan declared that the aim was to confront the Democratic Party about Israel’s military actions in Gaza, exclaiming, “Welcome to hell week.”
Chants of “DNC go home” were heard from demonstrators waving Palestinian flags, with threats of “bringing the war home,” as noted by a Blaze reporter. Additional protesters on Sunday also voiced demands for enhanced abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. Protester Nael criticized Vice President Harris for not making substantial efforts to engage the Arab and Muslim vote, according to ABC 7 Chicago.
Photos from the Chicago Sun-Times depicted numerous police officers on bicycles and others guarding the John Logan Monument, a Civil War general and former US Senator. As the protest concluded, some chanted “From the river to the sea,” a phrase deemed by the Anti-Defamation League as a call for Israel’s destruction. Massive demonstrations are expected to persist on Monday at Union Park, located approximately 10 minutes from the convention venue.
