Protests at the Democratic National Convention 2023: Chicago Demands End to U.S. Support for Israel in Gaza

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Protests during the Democratic National Convention 2023 in Chicago focused on ending U.S. support for Israel.
Thousands of demonstrators voiced their demands for an arms embargo on Israel and a ceasefire in Gaza.
The growing dissent within the Democratic Party is highlighted by a Gallup survey showing only 23% of Democrats support Israel’s military actions.
Protesters’ demands signal a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy regarding Israel and Palestine.
Coalitions of over 240 organizations organized the protests, demonstrating substantial public support for pro-Palestinian positions.
Both President Biden and Vice President Harris faced significant pressure to align with the demands of their party’s base on this issue.
Voices from the ground reflect a broader movement among activists and constituents critical of the Democratic Party’s foreign policy direction.
The protests underscore a significant moment in U.S. politics that may influence policies leading up to the 2024 elections.
A woman with short, curly hair, wearing a colorful scarf, holds a microphone and addresses a large group of protesters on a city street during twilight. The crowd around her is filled with diverse individuals holding various signs, including peace symbols and raised fists. The atmosphere conveys a sense of urgency and solidarity. Tall buildings and illuminated streetlights line the background, indicating an urban setting.
Protests at the Democratic National Convention 2023 in Chicago demand an end to US support for Israel in Gaza highlighting dissent within the Democratic Party Image generated by DALL E

Democratic National Convention 2023 Faces Unprecedented Protests

Thousands March in Chicago to Challenge U.S. Support for Israel

The Democratic National Convention 2023 in Chicago became a focal point for intense protests against U.S. support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. Thousands of pro-Palestine protesters flooded the streets, their voices echoing through downtown Chicago. Their message was clear: end U.S. backing for Israel’s war on Gaza (Anadolu Agency).

The scale of these protests was striking. Since October 7, 2023, the United States has seen 1,869 pro-Palestinian protests. These events have drawn hundreds of thousands of participants across the nation (PBS).

Source: Crowd Counting Consortium. This bar chart shows the number of pro-Palestinian protests (1,869) and the types of protests in the United States since October 7, 2023. The y-axis represents the number of protests, while the x-axis shows the different types of protests. The chart illustrates the variety and frequency of protest activities.

In Chicago, protesters chanted “Free, free Palestine” as they marched. Their timing was no accident. They gathered just hours before President Biden was set to address the convention (Anadolu Agency).

Protesters’ Demands and the Democratic Party’s Dilemma

The protesters had a clear set of demands. They called for:

  • An immediate end to U.S. support for Israel’s actions in Gaza
  • An arms embargo on Israel
  • A shift in U.S. foreign policy towards Palestine
  • A ceasefire in Gaza

Source: CNN. This pie chart illustrates the primary demands of pro-Palestinian protesters on college campuses. Each slice represents a different demand, with the size of the slice indicating the relative importance or frequency of the demand. The chart helps visualize the range of issues being raised by protesters.

These demands put the Democratic Party in a tough spot. A Gallup survey found that only 23% of Democrats support Israel’s military operations in Gaza (Anadolu Agency). This gap between party leadership and its base was on full display at the convention.

Chicago Protests Highlight Growing Dissent Within Democratic Party

Voices from the Ground: Protesters Speak Out

The protests gave voice to growing dissent within the Democratic Party. One protester, Benjamin, called for an arms embargo on Israel. He stated bluntly that the U.S. is funding and arming a genocide that has killed over 40,000 people (Anadolu Agency).

Another protester, Ellie Feyans-McCool from Minnesota, expressed a desire for change. She hoped the protests would push the Democratic Party to do good, not just oppose Trump (New York Times).

These voices reflect a broader trend. Pro-Palestinian protesters on college campuses have been making similar demands. They’re calling for:

  • Divestment from companies linked to Israel
  • Disclosure of university investments
  • Cutting ties with Israeli universities
  • Protection of free speech

The Scale and Scope of the Chicago Protests

The Chicago protests were massive. They were organized by a coalition of over 240 local and national organizations. Groups like Jewish Voice for Peace, CODEPINK, and American Muslims for Palestine played key roles (Anadolu Agency).

The protests weren’t just big. They were also bold. A group of marchers even breached a security barrier around the Chicago venue. This led to several arrests (BBC).

These actions in Chicago are part of a global movement. Similar protests have erupted in cities worldwide:

  1. London saw up to 100,000 protesters
  2. Rome, Sydney, New York, and Los Angeles also had large gatherings
  3. Protesters worldwide demanded an immediate halt to Israel’s airstrikes and blockade

Source: AP News. This horizontal bar chart displays the estimated number of protesters in various cities during global pro-Palestinian protests. The x-axis shows the number of protesters, while the y-axis lists the cities. London’s bar is highlighted to emphasize the large turnout of up to 100,000 protesters.

President Biden and Vice President Harris Face Growing Pressure

President Biden Protests: A Challenge to Leadership

The protests posed a direct challenge to President Biden. As he prepared to address the convention, thousands outside were questioning his policies. Many protesters expressed skepticism about the differences between President Biden and Vice President Harris on Israel (BBC).

This skepticism isn’t unfounded. Both Biden and Harris have maintained support for Israel throughout the Gaza conflict. But the protests show that this stance is increasingly at odds with a significant portion of their base.

The pressure on Biden is mounting. Uncommitted delegates at the convention are pushing for meaningful policy change. They want:

  • An immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza
  • An arms embargo on Israel
  • A Palestinian American to address the convention

Vice President Harris Rally: A Test of Party Unity

Vice President Harris also faced pressure from the protests. Her rally at the convention became a test of party unity. The protesters’ presence highlighted divisions within the American left over U.S. backing for Israel’s actions in Gaza (BBC).

These divisions aren’t just about foreign policy. They reflect broader questions about the direction of the Democratic Party. The protesters are calling for a more progressive stance on issues ranging from foreign policy to social justice.

The challenge for Harris is clear. She needs to bridge the gap between the party’s traditional stance on Israel and the growing demands of its base. This balancing act will be crucial as the party moves towards the 2024 elections.

The Gaza Conflict: A Turning Point in U.S. Politics?

The Human Cost of the Gaza Conflict

The protests in Chicago put a spotlight on the human cost of the Gaza conflict. Protesters pointed out that over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed (Anadolu Agency). This staggering number has fueled calls for an immediate ceasefire and a shift in U.S. policy.

The impact of the conflict goes beyond the death toll. Protesters highlighted the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They called for immediate aid and an end to the blockade. These demands reflect a growing awareness of the conflict’s wide-ranging effects.

The Gaza conflict has become a rallying point for various groups:

  • Human rights organizations
  • Anti-war activists
  • Palestinian solidarity groups
  • Progressive political organizations

Shift in U.S. Foreign Policy: A Growing Demand

The protests at the Democratic National Convention 2023 in Chicago signal a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy. Protesters are demanding a reevaluation of U.S. support for Israel. This call for change is gaining traction beyond just activist circles.

Cornel West, an independent presidential candidate, emphasized the moral imperative to end the conflict (BBC). His voice adds weight to the protesters’ demands, suggesting that this issue could play a significant role in the upcoming election.

The push for a shift in policy is backed by substantial resources. Major donors like George Soros, Bill and Melinda Gates, and David Rockefeller Jr. have provided funding to pro-Palestinian groups. For example:

  1. The Rockefeller Brothers Fund donated $300,000 to these causes
  2. The Tides Foundation contributed nearly $500,000
  3. These funds support organizations like Jewish Voice for Peace and IfNotNow

Conclusion: The Impact of Protests on Democratic Party and U.S. Policy

The protests at the Democratic National Convention 2023 in Chicago mark a significant moment in U.S. politics. They highlight growing dissent within the Democratic Party over U.S. support for Israel in the Gaza conflict. The scale and intensity of these protests suggest that this issue won’t fade away anytime soon.

As the Democratic Party moves towards the 2024 elections, it faces a critical challenge. It must address the demands of its base while navigating complex international relations. The outcome of this struggle could shape U.S. foreign policy for years to come.

The voices raised in Chicago echo a global movement. From college campuses to city streets worldwide, people are calling for a change in policy towards Gaza. As these calls grow louder, they become harder for political leaders to ignore. The coming months will show how the Democratic Party and the U.S. government respond to this growing pressure for change.

FAQ

Q: What were the main issues addressed during the protests at the Democratic National Convention 2023?
A: The protests primarily focused on demanding an end to U.S. support for Israel’s actions in Gaza, an arms embargo on Israel, a shift in U.S. foreign policy towards Palestine, and a ceasefire in Gaza.

Q: How large were the protests in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention?
A: Thousands of pro-Palestine protesters participated in the protests, which were organized by a coalition of over 240 local and national organizations.

Q: What is the significance of the protester’s demands for the Democratic Party?
A: The protesters’ demands put the Democratic Party in a challenging position, as a Gallup survey indicated that only 23% of Democrats support Israel’s military operations in Gaza, highlighting a gap between party leadership and its base.

Q: How did the protests reflect the sentiments of the Democratic Party’s base?
A: The protests revealed significant dissent within the Democratic Party, as many party members and voters are increasingly supportive of pro-Palestinian views and are urging a more progressive stance on foreign policy issues.

Q: What impact did the protests have on President Biden and Vice President Harris?
A: The protests posed a direct challenge to both President Biden and Vice President Harris, as they had to address the growing demands for policy change from a significant portion of their base, raising questions about their stances on Israel.

Q: How is the Gaza conflict influencing U.S. foreign policy discussions?
A: The protests signal a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy regarding Israel and Palestine, as activists are increasingly calling for a reevaluation of U.S. support for Israel amidst the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Q: What organizations played key roles in organizing the protests?
A: Organizations such as Jewish Voice for Peace, CODEPINK, and American Muslims for Palestine were among the key groups involved in organizing the protests.

Q: What does the growing dissent within the Democratic Party mean for the upcoming elections?
A: The dissent suggests that as the Democratic Party approaches the 2024 elections, it will need to accommodate the demands for a more progressive foreign policy in order to maintain support from its base.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.