Dec 7

Dec 7 A Powerful Silence

Chicago, Demonstrations, Public Declarations, Protest

I received a call this morning that a man was in Jane Byrne Plaza (the site of Chicago’s Old Water Tower) setting up a display of photographs depicting the devastation and human suffering in Gaza. I had a previous engagement downtown, so I grabbed my camera bag, leaving sooner than I had expected.

When I arrived, the plaza was filled with easels holding photographs and placards displaying text. I quickly discovered that only one person was staging this purely visual demonstration. As I assessed the situation, shoppers and dog walkers continued passing through the plaza, some stopping to look, while others just kept walking. Aside from the large Christmas tree in the center of the plaza, there was nothing but a silence amplified by the imagery and text.

I decided to approach the man. ‘No’ this event was not being sponsored by the Chicago Coalition for Justice In Palestine (CCJP), which is the organization behind the big Loop and Michigan Avenue rallies and marches, but according to the man, the Coalition was aware of it, which became evident 15 or 20 minutes later. The now familiar maroon Dodge RAM truck pulled up to curb on Pearson—the vehicle that precedes the marchers during the large CCJP demonstrations on Michigan Avenue and in the Loop. One of the leaders, presumably with either the Coalition or a member of organization, stepped out of it.

But before the Dodge RAM arrived, the sole ‘demonstrator’ and I engaged in what turned into an enlightening conversation. I kicked it off by asking whether there was a central repository where various groups around the world upload photographs and artwork so organizers throughout the world could reproduce them for localized consumption. He never addressed the question of artwork, but he said the photographs were from stock-photography sites.

I then volunteered that his display was an effective means for getting the pro-Palestinian message out because it simply asked people to look. He agreed.

We then started talking about the effectiveness of the weekly rallies. I said that I had been to 15 so far, but planned to skip the next couple because they have become formulaic. “How many photographs can I take of the same people marching up Michigan Avenue with the same signs?” He understood exactly what I meant, which probably explains why he chose to do something different.

He then told me there would be no march this weekend, but rather a car caravan, with one group of cars leaving in mass from the southern suburbs and the other leaving from the Allstate Arena in Rosemont. Apparently CCJP’s leadership had also recognized that the marches were becoming monotonous, as evidenced by significant reduction in media coverage.

I then told him that the pro-Palestinian forces were creating a problem for me and other photographers because the sheer number of pro-Palestinian events—he interjected, saying that there have been 22 demonstrations since October 7—far outnumbered the ‘Jewish’ demonstrations.

When I said “Jewish,” the conversation took an interesting turn. I prefer “pro-Israel” to “Jewish,” but sometimes I slip up, using “Jewish” as a shorthand reference. He immediately corrected me, telling me that the Palestinians prefer references to “Israel” over “Jewish” because their beef is not with the Jewish People.

To make a long story short, we then discussed the merits, with me stepping out of my neutral observer status, telling the man where I stood. I sensed we were somewhat in agreement, with me noting that I didn’t like the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7, but that I am equally disturbed by the Israeli response, suggesting a more tactical approach like the one the United States used against Osama bin Laden would be far more appropriate. I added that Israel’s heavy-handed response is only fueling anti-Semitism throughout the world, making it counter-productive. Whether he totally agreed with me, I can’t say, but he was receptive, respectful, and I sensed was somewhat in agreement with my overall thinking.

We then turned to a question I had about Jerusalem and Muslim pilgrimages, with me noting my disappointment at being unable to enter the Dome of the Rock. As we finished the conversation, he said he hoped that someday the two of us would be able to visit the Dome together. I didn’t take the comment as a call for my conversion, but rather as a desire for universal brotherhood.

I stayed in the vicinity for another 20 minutes, eventually offering greetings to the owner of the Dodge RAM. I suggested that he might consider entering into an endorsement deal with Chrysler (Stellantis)—”Dodge RAM, the Official Truck of the Chicago Pro-Palestinian Movement.”

Today’s Lesson: A demonstration can be successful even when there is only one man in the street.

[To the man: If I misstated your views, my apologies. I wasn’t taking notes, so I don’t have a ‘transcript’ to work from]

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