All in Palestine in America
This past weekend, Aug. 22—24, the Watani Chicago Festival brought the Arab culture to Bridgeview, the south west suburb just outside of Chicago. It also brought well deserved awareness to the crisis throughout Palestine, primarily in Gaza.
Some people who came to watch the glorification of war machines stopped by the demonstration and watched. Organizers said, initially Chicago police officers who were on the scene, told the protestors they had to leave, but in the end the officers did not force the demonstrators to leave.
People spoke for the flag and against it but in the end the Human Relations Commission voted to keep the flags that hang during August for Diversity Month in tact. Those who asked for the flag to be removed gave reasons such as: “Palestine isn’t a recognized state by the United States.” While those who were for the Palestinian flag mentioned how the Palestinian-Americans who live and work in Lincolnwood have contributed greatly to society.
A few hundred attended the Chicago Vigil for Gaza on Aug. 9. People met at the historic Water Tower in downtown before marching to the Tribune Tower. There, religious leaders from Jewish, Muslim and Christian faiths read prayers. The vigil was held in remembrance of the nearly 2,000 Palestinians that have been murdered during Israel’s assault on the densely populated area.
Tens of thousands of people gathered in front of the White House for a march to protest the attacks on Gaza and the occupation of Palestine.
Norman G. Finkelstein, a political scientist, activist, and professor, is easily one of the most active and recognizable voices on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
