The opening day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago was marked by a sea of voices echoing through the streets, as tens of thousands of protesters gathered to voice their opposition to the war in Gaza. Despite efforts by city officials to maintain a peaceful atmosphere, the rally and march, led by the Coalition to March on the DNC, attracted a diverse crowd of activists from across the country. Buses arrived from as far as Washington D.C. and Palestine, swelling the numbers to tens of thousands of protesters who took to the streets, chanting slogans and marching along a mile-long route that ended at a park near the convention center, flanked by hundreds of police officers.
The protesters, who numbered in the thousands, were a diverse group of individuals united in their opposition to the war in Gaza. Among the crowd was Hatem Abudayyeh, spokesman for the Coalition to March on the DNC, who emphasized the importance of taking action against the war. “We have to play our part in the belly of the beast to stop the genocide, to end U.S. aid to Israel and stand with Palestine,” he said. Cornel West, a prominent progressive activist, also addressed the crowd, urging them to stand against the administration’s support for Israel. “This is not about some Machiavellian politics or some utilitarian calculation about an election,” he yelled. “This is about morality. This is about spirituality.”
Protesters March Against Gaza War, Demand U.S. Action
Despite the passionate appeals from the protesters, a smaller group of around 20 pro-Israel supporters did manage to make their presence felt, walking around the park and waving Israeli flags. The pro-Israel group remained largely silent, but their presence drew attention from the crowd, with some protesters labeling them “zionists” and “apartheiders.” As the day wore on, local businesses boarded up their windows as a precaution, and county courts prepared to open more space in case of mass arrests. The Chicago police, who had undergone extensive training on constitutional policing and de-escalation tactics, maintained a heavy presence throughout the march.
Organizers had hoped for a turnout of at least 20,000 people, and while the exact number remained unclear, it was evident that thousands of people had gathered at the start of the march. The event was a huge success for the Coalition to March on the DNC, with attendees coming from all over the country to show their support for the Palestinian cause. As the crowd dispersed, protesters vowed to continue fighting against U.S. aid to Israel and to push for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. For the democratic candidates, the protests served as a stark reminder of the growing discontent among progressive activists and the power of grassroots organizing.
