In the heart of Bridgeview, Illinois, a community known as "Little Palestine" is preparing for a significant demonstration. This suburb, home to one of the largest concentrations of Palestinian Americans in the country, is mobilizing for protests at the upcoming Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, scheduled for August 19-22, 2024.
The planned protests come in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has deeply affected this tight-knit community. Despite the recent shift in the Democratic Party's leadership, with Kamala Harris likely to become the nominee following Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race, the determination to protest remains strong.
Hamza AbdulQader, a critical care nurse from Little Palestine, shared his harrowing experience volunteering in Gaza in March 2024. He described scenes of overcrowded hospitals and widespread devastation, stating, "You're just staring out the window as if you were in a postapocalyptic movie."
The community's resolve to protest is rooted in a long history of Palestinian displacement and immigration to the United States. Many residents of Little Palestine trace their roots to the Nakba of 1948, when Palestinians were displaced during Israel's creation. Subsequent waves of immigration in the 1960s and 1970s further established the community in the Chicago area.
"We don't expect any changes — we're still anticipating that there will be tens of thousands of people in the streets."
The planned protests draw parallels to the 1968 DNC in Chicago, which was marked by significant anti-Vietnam War demonstrations. Organizers hope to create a similar impact, bringing attention to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and demanding policy changes from the Democratic leadership.
The community's activism extends beyond the upcoming protests. Signs of solidarity with Palestine are visible throughout Little Palestine, from LED displays to the widespread use of keffiyehs, the traditional black and white scarves that symbolize Palestinian resistance and steadfastness.
Tammie Ismail, principal of Aqsa School, an all-girls institution with a predominantly Palestinian-American student body, highlighted the emotional toll on the community. She recounted instances of students grappling with the loss of family members in Gaza, underscoring the personal connection many in Little Palestine have to the conflict.
While some activists acknowledge Harris's more sympathetic stance towards Palestinians compared to Biden, they maintain that significant policy changes are necessary to win their support. A coalition of Muslim and Arab American groups has outlined specific demands, including calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and conditions on military aid to Israel.
As the DNC approaches, the Palestinian-American community in Chicago stands ready to make their voices heard, carrying forward a legacy of activism and advocacy for their homeland.