CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A coalition of Jewish groups in Chicago expressed serious concerns on Thursday about antisemitism, harassment and violence that they expect will accompany pro-Palestinian demonstrations planned during the Democratic National Convention (DNC).
David Goldenberg, the midwest regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, showed reporters videos of recent — sometimes violent — demonstrations by pro-Palestinian groups in Washington D.C. and New York City. Goldenberg said the Jewish community fears those people are coming here.
“I’m not speaking in hyperbole,” he said. “I’m speaking based on what they are saying and how they are organizing.”
Officials with the Coalition to March on the DNC, though, said these statements amount to fear-mongering and ignores “over ten-months of sustained Chicagoland activities and marches for Palestinian Rights that have proceeded without incident.''
Illinois Sen. Sara Feigenholtz said they're being disingenuous.
“They have shut down roads and train stations, vandalized some of our most cherished landmarks in Chicago, celebrated violence against Jews and regularly harassed Jewish elected officials, including me, Congressman [Brad] Schneider, Congressman [Jan] Schakowsky [and] Ald. [Debra] Silverstein,” Feigenholtz said.
They want zero tolerance for such behavior.
Sarah van Loon, the regional director of the American Jewish Committee Chicago, had a message for Chicagoans who want to join the pro-Palestinian protests: Reject their pro-violence stance toward Jewish people.
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