Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside Chicago's Israeli consulate to protest settler violence

Dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators assembled outside the Israeli Consulate in Chicago on Monday, protesting the rising violence by settlers in the West Bank. The rally, organized by multiple local pro-Palestinian groups under the name Chicago's Coalition for Justice in Palestine, commenced outside the consulate before marching through the city's downtown streets towards the vicinity of Trump Tower.

Throughout the march and demonstration, participants chanted slogans such as "Say it loud and say it clear, we don't want no Zionists here," "Not a penny, not a dollar, we won't pay for the West Bank slaughter," and "Israel out of Palestine, long live the intifada." They also held placards with bold lettering saying "Hands Off the West Bank" and "Arms Embargo Now."

Upon reaching the rally point near Trump Tower, several prominent local organizers and protesters addressed the crowd. The speakers primarily criticized recent events in the West Bank, focusing on a confrontation in the village of Tell near Nablus. An organizer from the Palestinian Youth Movement condemned the escalating violence, warning that the "Zionist entity is moving to finish what it has pursued for generations: the theft of all of Palestine and the expulsion of all Palestinian people from their land."

She alleged that the West Bank is experiencing a "village by village" occupation and settler attacks, leading to the displacement of thousands and draining millions of dollars into 34 new illegal settlements. Another organizer with the US Palestinian Community Network denounced the ongoing violence, stating that Israeli citizens are "funded and encouraged by their government to murder Palestinians, to sexually assault Palestinians, to harass Palestinians every single day."

She detailed recent settler actions, including the killing of a 10-year-old boy, the beating of a farmer and his wife, and the destruction of Palestinian stores across the West Bank. She also criticized US institutions, accusing AIPAC of becoming "toxic" and noting that politicians like Daniel Biss and J.B. Pritzker have pledged not to accept any more AIPAC funds.

Concluding her remarks, she encouraged protesters to join BDS Chicago, confront politicians, and pressure them into taking the desired actions until they comply with the protesters' demands. The protest concluded in the late afternoon, with organizers urging participants to continue grassroots mobilization efforts, attend upcoming city council meetings, and engage in educational forums throughout the metropolitan area.

Israel's Consul General in Chicago, Elad Strohmayer, responded to the protest, stating that peaceful protest is a fundamental part of democracy and that he respects the right to demonstrate. However, he criticized those who spread falsehoods, glorify terrorism, promote antisemitic rhetoric, and intimidate Israeli diplomats and members of the Jewish community.

He emphasized that these actions do not promote peace but instead fuel hatred and deepen division, and that Israel will continue to stand up for its right to exist and defend itself while working with law enforcement to ensure the safety of its staff and visitors.