Gaza was barely mentioned in the convention hall, but protesters centered Palestine as they took to Chicago’s streets.

As Vice President Kamala Harris received the presidential nomination at the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC), thousands of people marched near the convention demanding an end to U.S. arms shipments to Israel and the war on Gaza. The protesters, led by Palestinian and Jewish activists, represented a diverse coalition including anti-war veterans, climate justice activists, and labor organizers. Despite efforts by Democrats to keep the Palestine issue sidelined, the marchers made their voices heard, declaring Harris and President Joe Biden complicit in the genocide in Gaza. The protesters came from communities and movements that are often considered part of the Democratic coalition, warning that their votes could not be taken for granted unless the party takes concrete action to end the occupation and devastation in Palestine. Organizers estimate around 30,000 people demonstrated in Chicago over the course of the week, making Palestine impossible to ignore during the convention. The activists drew connections between the struggle for Palestinian liberation and the fight against racist violence and state repression in the U.S., challenging the Democratic Party’s complicity in both. The protests encountered a heavy police presence, with hundreds of riot police surrounding the march at all times. Despite the tension, the demonstration remained largely peaceful as the protesters demanded justice for Palestine. As Kamala Harris prepared to take the stage, the marchers continued their chants and songs, determined to keep the spotlight on the ongoing catastrophe in Gaza and the Democratic Party’s failure to address it.

    • knightly the Sneptaur@pawb.social
      12·
      4 months ago

      You’re unbelievable.

      I’m autistic.

      Do whatever stupid political moves you think work, just do it silently so you don’t drag others down with you.

      The liberal mask slips, revealing the fascism that was there all along.

      I’m not wasting any more time with your callousness.

      Says the person who literally just told me to sit down and shut up.

      Anyone reading, ignore this armchair anarchist. This election is important, both sides are not the same. Use your vote, use your voice, ignore the shills.

      • agamemnonymous
        11·
        4 months ago

        Do whatever stupid political moves you think work, just do it silently so you don’t drag others down with you. Your false equivalences are either ignorant or monstrous. I’m not wasting any more time with your callousness.