I was going to skip today’s pro-Palestinian demonstration, but the snowfall made the event irresistible. Here are my thoughts about and images from the demonstration.
"#Abandon Biden"
On December 30, 2023, a group of Palestinian advocates held a press conference in Chicago announcing the expansion of their #AbandonBiden campaign to all 50 states. The group hopes to build a coalition to defeat President Biden in 2024. I attended the press conference. While the imagery is not dynamic, the event could be a watershed in the 2024 Presidential Election. Here are my thoughts and images, including ones from the annual Muslim American Society-Islamic Circle of North America Convention that was held at McCormick Place, drawing 30,000 attendees.
No Joy
On Saturday, I attended a rain-soaked pro-Palestinian demonstration that included some theater both inside and outside of the Michigan Avenue Zara store. Here are my thoughts about and images from the demonstration.
Killed By Israel
On Friday while waiting for a bus, I read a breaking story reporting that Israel had just killed three hostages who were shirtless and holding white flags. I then saw a ‘Kidnapped’ sign for one of the now dead hostages. Here are my thoughts about and two images that capture this creepy coincidence.
A Hanukah March
I attended a rally late this afternoon held by members of the Chicago’s Jewish Community (and others) demanding a cease fire in Gaza and calling for the end of U.S. aid to Israel. The event included a celebration of Hanukah and a march to Boeing’s Chicago offices. Here are my thoughts about and images from the rally and march.
Doctors Take A Stand
Tonight I attended a demonstration by Palestinian health care workers outside the Art Institute of Chicago that was meant to call attention to the ongoing medical crisis in Gaza. Here are my thoughts about and images from this passionate, but rather low-key demonstration.
Picketing Boeing
On Friday afternoon, a group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators held a rally outside Boeing’s corporate offices, calling out the defense contractor for producing weapons that the demonstrators believe are being used by the Israelis in their crusade against Hamas. Here are my thoughts about and images from the demonstration.
Ritual Brings Relief
Late this afternoon, I headed to Federal Plaza for the first night of Hanukah. ‘Jewish Voice for Peace—Chicago,’ a pro-Palestinian Jewish group, asked those who support the Palestinians to bring menorahs for the ceremonial lighting of the candles. Here are my thoughts about and images from what turned out to be joyous and warm ‘demonstration.’
A Powerful Silence
On December 7, 2023, a lone man set up an elaborate display in Chicago’s Jane Byrne Plaza (the site of the Old Water Tower) in support of the Palestinian people. Here are my thoughts about and images from the event, including a summary of our conversation.
Protest In The Burbs
Today, I headed to the suburbs—Schaumburg—for a pro-Palestinian demonstration. I was curious how it would compare to the large downtown rallies. Here are my thoughts about and images from the demonstration.
Taking Control
Today, I attended another pro-Palestinian demonstration and march in Chicago. Once again, the Chicago Police Department seemingly lost control of the situation. Here are my thoughts about and photographs from the day.
Visualizing Death
Yesterday, I attended a unique demonstration on the University of Illinois at Chicago’s campus. Students planted over 15,000 white flags in Geothermal Well Field, each inscribed with the name of a Gazan killed since October 7. Over a six-hour period, the students read the names aloud. Here are my thoughts about and images from this solemn event.
It's Snowing
Last Sunday morning, I attended a pro-Palestinian demonstration in front of the Office of the Turkish Consulate General. Not much happened, but it did snow.
90th Holodomor
Tonight, I attended the Chicago Ukrainian Community’s annual Holodomor memorial in Jane Byrne Plaza and Holy Name Cathedral. Here are my thoughts about and images from the event.
Black Friday
Black Friday saw Michigan Avenue shut down by pro-Palestinian demonstrators, a blockade of Victoria’s Secret and the Starbucks flagship store, and arrests when several demonstrators refused to call it a day. Here are my thoughts about and images from the day’s events
"Shut It Down"
Ten days I attended a pro-Palestinian demonstration that shut down Michigan Avenue, raising serous questions whether spontaneous shutdowns of public right-of-ways are appropriate. Here are my thoughts about that issue, as channeled through six weeks of pro-Palestinian demonstrations, as well as my images from the particular demonstration.
Removing the Crown
Yesterday, I attended a demonstration outside of the Art Institute of Chicago organized by Behind Enemy Lines. Among the demonstrators were students from School of the Art Institute who demanded that Steven Crown, an Art Institute trustee, be removed from the board of trustees because his family’s investment in General Dynamics finances the production of the bombs being dropped on Gaza. Here are my thoughts about and images from the demonstration.
Canceling Biden
Ten days ago, President Joe Biden was Chicago for a fundraiser. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators staged a protest a block away from the event. Here are my thoughts about and images from the demonstration.
The Electric Hippo
On November 3, 2023, Theon Cross brought his electrified tuba to the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts. It was quite a night of innovative jazz fusion, with some hip hop added to the voodoo. Here are my thoughts about and images from the evening’s performance.
A Sit-In For Palestine
A number of Jewish groups held a demonstration in support of the Palestinian people late this afternoon. Over 70 demonstrators staged a sit-in that closed the thoroughfare leading to the Eisenhower Expressway during rush hour. For my observations about and images from this demonstration, click on the link below.