(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A flag raising ceremony was held in Daley Plaza with several hundred people in attendance to mark Israel’s 76th anniversary as an independent state.
Celebrating is Paul Velo of Highland Park, who is downtown to show his support for Israel at a difficult time.
“Look at the demonstrators out there who are supporting terrorism and murder.”
Meanwhile, a small group of pro-Palestinian protesters rallied outside of the event, among them, Lara Haddadin.
“We personally just thought it was frankly disgusting that a group of people would so openly support not only an act of genocide but the continuation of the Nakba that has been going on for the last 75 years.”
Hatem Abudayyeh, spokesperson for the Chicago Coalition for Justice in Palestine says the pro-Palestinian protest was a success.
“We accomplished exactly what we wanted to accomplish. It was a good crowd. I'm happy with it. I thought it was fantastic.”
Israel’s Independence Day comes as protests against the war continue across the country, including here in Chicago.
The Jewish United Fund in Chicago helped organize the flag raising and their President Lonnie Nasatir says the group of pro-Palestinian protestors outside of the plaza didn't take over the dialogue.
“There's right to free speech, but there's also a right for us to be able to push back on what we see is a very unfair and dangerous narrative about Jews and Israel.”
Several dozen Chicago police officers and a gate around the plaza kept the two groups separated.
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