Thousands Rally for Palestine at Democratic National Convention in Chicago, American Youth Urges Biden to Address Yemen Crisis

Tuesday 2 Aug 2024 |3 months ago
Pro-Palestine protesters in Chicago

Barran Press

Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in Chicago on Monday, where the Democratic National Convention is taking place, in a march calling for an end to the "genocide in Gaza" and a halt to US aid to Israel, according to Anadolu Agency.

The US presidential election is rapidly approaching on November 5th, and the four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off in Chicago on Monday.

The convention will feature speeches from prominent Democratic politicians, including President Joe Biden, while the city witnessed a large-scale demonstration by pro-Palestinian activists who filled the streets of Chicago.

The coalition, dubbed "March to the DNC," formed by over 270 Palestinian supporters and non-governmental organizations, continued their protests that began on Sunday, voicing various social demands near the convention venue.

The massive crowd gathered near the convention site and embarked on a two-hour march, ensuring their message about Gaza reached both President Biden and Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris.

The demonstration, widely covered by American media, saw participants chanting slogans like "Stop the genocide in Gaza," "Joe is a genocide enabler," and "Free Palestine."

The protesters also displayed banners with similar messages, prominently demanding "No US aid to Israel."

Demonstrators asserted their intention to remain in the streets and continue their protests during President Biden's speech, and plan a major demonstration on Thursday when Kamala Harris delivers her official acceptance speech for the vice-presidency.

Among the numerous groups participating in the protests, Benjamin, a representative of the "Jewish Voice for Peace" group, told Anadolu Agency that people in Gaza, like those in America, have the right to live safely, and that the Biden administration has much work to do in this regard.

He added, "Our corrupt leaders in America are making the safety of two million people in Palestine impossible. They are funding and arming a genocide that has killed more than 40,000 people, mostly women and children, all with our tax dollars."

The young Jewish activist urged both Biden and Harris to put an end to this and cease sending weapons to Israel, emphasizing that the Biden administration must listen to the voices of the thousands gathered in Chicago.

John, an American participant, stated that the situation in Gaza "transcends politics" and everyone should be sensitive to the issue. The pro-Palestinian youth emphasized, "Being human is enough to respond to what is happening in Gaza."

Linda, another protester, highlighted that the Biden administration has done nothing but defend Israel in the Gaza conflict, and believes that a future administration led by Harris will not be different.

Anita, a young demonstrator, addressed Biden and Harris, stating that there is a major humanitarian crisis in Yemen, similar to Gaza, and that they demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the lifting of the blockade on Yemen.

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