Far-left Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson denied permits from Jewish groups who wished to protest during the Democrat National Convention (DNC), while at the same time allowing radical leftist anti-Israel activists to protest.
Several Jewish organizations requested permits to protest the DNC, but Johnson refused to grant them — forcing them to protest on a private lot located several blocks away from the event. Meanwhile, pro-abortion activists, anti-Israel activists, pro-Hamas activists and ANTIFA were allowed to protest right at the gates of the DNC, even going so far as to breach the first layer of fencing on the first night of the convention and fight with police officers in numerous locations throughout the city.
Absolute melee just occurred between police and pro-Palestine rioters outside of “The Foyer” cafe in Chicago pic.twitter.com/nIkDqVmOvE
— Cam Higby 🇺🇸 (@camhigby) August 21, 2024
These radical activists were so welcomed at the DNC that even President Joe Biden praised them during his late-night address on Monday, claiming that they “have a point.”
As part of what they called the “March on the DNC,” thousands of anti-Israel activists flooded the streets outside of the convention, demanding the United States stop all aid to Israel.
The Jewish protesters still ended up making their voices heard during the event, building a “Hostage Square” roughly one mile away from the DNC — where they set up exhibits honoring the victims of the horrific Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7, as well as an exhibit with large milk cartons depicting photos of the eight American hostages still being held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza.
A Hostage Square has been set up near the DNC in Chicago to raise awareness for those still held captive in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/GvvttyUn1x
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) August 20, 2024
The decision to block Jewish groups from protesting at the DNC was heavily critized, including by Chicago Jewish Alliance co-founder Josh Weiner — who explained that his group had no choice but to walk around approved sites protesting to “make our presence felt.”
The @ChiJewishAllies alliance will be holding a “Unity Against Terrorism” rally today in defiance of all the pro-Hamas rallies that will be held in Union Park.
Both rallies will be held a 10 min walk apart from each other.
I encourage you to see the difference between the two… pic.twitter.com/Cx72gS5CzQ
— Angela Van Der Pluym (@anjewla90) August 21, 2024
“Pro-Palestine protesters have gotten multiple permits, including a march, which seems to be a little bit weighted on one side,” Weiner added, according to TIME.
Prohibiting Jewish groups from protesting while essentially allowing radical leftist anti-Israel activists free rein of the city has only served to prove claims that the Democrat Party has chosen the side of the radicals — prompting backlash on social media.
“Chicago Mayor approved permits for the genocide against Jews marchers – yet he DENIED permits for Jewish orgs to counter protest. So you can bet these antisemitic goons will never see the inside of a jail cell. Clearly the Dems on side of the Hamas supporters,” Douglas Reimann wrote in a post on X.
Chicago Mayor approved permits for the genocide against Jews marchers – yet he DENIED permits for Jewish orgs to counter protest. So you can bet these antisemitic goons will never see the inside of a jail cell. Clearly the Dems on side of the Hamas supporters. https://t.co/lMq5A5ozfK
— Douglas Reimann (@dgvreiman) August 19, 2024
