Jewish groups blocked from marching in Chicago as anti-Israel protests ramp up

Jewish groups that sought permits to protest during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago were denied, while thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators were granted permission to protest in the streets.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson refused the permit requests from Jewish organizations, forcing them to protest on a private lot several blocks away from the convention site. In contrast, pro-Palestinian protesters were allowed to demonstrate in the streets and even received praise from President Joe Biden on the first night of the convention, who acknowledged that they “have a point.”

This decision came despite some pro-Palestinian protesters straying from their approved routes and tearing down security fencing set up for the convention. Thousands of anti-Israel protests were seen in the streets outside the Convention as part of the “March on the DNC” event to protest Israel’s policies and “end US aid to Israel.” Additionally, pro-abortion protesters were seen marching outside the convention as well.

To still make their voices heard, Jewish protesters built a “Hostage Square” about a mile from the Convention that featured exhibits honoring the victims of Hamas’ terror attack on Israel on October 7. The exhibit included a depiction of large milk cartons with photos of the eight American hostages in Gaza.

Josh Weiner, co-founder of the Chicago Jewish Alliance, criticized the city’s decision, noting that their group was only able to protest in designated areas and had no choice but to walk around approved sites to “make our presence felt."

“Pro-Palestine protesters have gotten multiple permits, including a march, which seems to be a little bit weighted on one side,” Weiner said, according to TIME.