Chicago’s Little Palestine community in Bridgeview, Illinois, grapples with the dilemma of how to vote in the upcoming presidential election amidst Israel’s war in Gaza. With a significant Palestinian American population in Cook County, residents like Robhi Gharallah are unsure about supporting either candidate due to their staunch support for Israel.
As the Democratic National Convention arrived in Chicago, Palestinian Americans took the opportunity to raise awareness about the situation in Gaza. However, the exclusion of Palestinian American speakers from the main stage of the event highlighted the political marginalization of their community. Activists like Jinan Chehade emphasized the importance of reminding people that the situation in Palestine is not normal.
In Little Palestine, symbols of Palestinian identity are pervasive, from businesses with Arabic signs to motorists with Palestinian flags on their vehicles. The community has seen a rise in pro-Palestinian activism in recent months, with residents like Mohammad Numan advocating for Palestinian human rights and standing in solidarity with those in Gaza.
While Palestinian Americans in Chicago may not have significant electoral sway in Illinois, they make up for it with advocacy and activism. However, the community continues to face hate and violence, exemplified by the tragic stabbing of six-year-old Wadea Al-Fayoume in a suspected hate crime. Despite the challenges, solidarity from other communities and increased awareness about the Palestinian cause indicate a growing sense of support for Palestinian Americans in Chicago.
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