Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters attempted to breach the Israeli consulate in Chicago, as part of the ongoing demonstrations against the backdrop of the Democratic National Convention taking place in the city. Law enforcement intervened, preventing the demonstrators from reaching the consulate and detaining several individuals.
The masked far-left protesters outside the Israeli consulate burned Israeli and American flags and called for the violent destruction of the United States, with one demonstrator shouting, "F*ck this country! Burn it down!"
Chicago — "F—k this country! Burn it down!"
Masked far-left DNC protesters outside the Israeli consulate burn an American flag and call for the violent destruction of the United States. pic.twitter.com/FbKv2WVsCk— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) August 21, 2024
In response, the Israeli consulate issued a statement: "A disruptive and vocal minority will not succeed in undermining support for Israel." The consulate also criticized Chicago's mayor for permitting protesters near the premises, contrasting it with the previous day's decision to deny access to about a hundred families of hostages who sought to demonstrate near the convention.
During the evening's proceedings, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer addressed the issue of antisemitism, but primarily in the context of Trump and his supporters. Schumer notably avoided discussing the surge in antisemitism across America following October 7 and the subsequent campus unrest. He stated, "As a Jew elected to the highest office in America, I want all my grandchildren and descendants to live freely, without fear of persecution for their faith. Trump is leading us down a dangerous path with his hatred of minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others."
