Pro-Palestinian Protesters Block Traffic on Mag Mile to Highlight Continuing Conflict in Gaza
Protesters March on Michigan Avenue
Protesters blocked traffic for an hour on the Magnificent Mile on Black Friday to highlight the ongoing war in Gaza to holiday shoppers and to call for boycotts of major retailers that do business in Israel. The blockage of Michigan Avenue culminated in a chaotic scene at the Apple store along the Chicago River. Chicago police officers and store security spent several minutes removing a handful of protesters who entered the store and chanted inside. No one was arrested, according to police spokesman Don Terry.
The protest kicked off at noon as about 100 people began marching south from Water Tower park through the flagship shopping district on a blustery day with temperatures in the 20s.
Protesters Passionate in Their Call for an End to the War in Gaza
The protest, organized by the U.S. Palestinian Community Network of Chicago, was smaller than one held by the same organizers a year ago when an estimated 1,000 people marched on Black Friday. But protesters were equally passionate in their call for an end to the war in Gaza.
Protesters Display Banners
Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire Does Not Address Devastating War in Gaza
“Just because there was a ceasefire with Lebanon does not mean that we can take a break and go back to our normal lives,” said Maram, who declined to share her last name. “We have to continue to be out here advocating for the people who can’t advocate for themselves back home.”
An Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire marks the first major step toward ending the regionwide unrest triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which left over 1,000 people dead. It does not address the devastating war in Gaza, where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages, according to the Associated Press.
Police and Security Remove Protesters from Apple Store
Police and security remove pro-Palestinian protesters from the Apple store along the Chicago River during a march on Black Friday to highlight the conflict in Gaza.
March Ends Outside Apple Store
The march ended outside the Apple store as someone with a megaphone explained about a half-dozen protesters had entered the store.
Mwafaq Jbara, an organizer of the march who was a liaison with police, said the protest was a success.
“It’s all about the messages, keeping it alive — letting the people in the streets know what’s going on in Gaza,” he said.
FAQs
* Q: What was the purpose of the protest?
A: The purpose of the protest was to highlight the ongoing conflict in Gaza and to call for boycotts of major retailers that do business in Israel.
* Q: How many people participated in the protest?
A: About 100 people participated in the protest.
* Q: What was the outcome of the protest?
A: The protest was successful in drawing attention to the issue and in promoting awareness about the conflict in Gaza.
* Q: Were any arrests made during the protest?
A: No, no one was arrested during the protest.
Conclusion
The protest on Black Friday was a successful effort to bring attention to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and to promote awareness about the issue. The organizers of the protest hope that their efforts will inspire others to take action and to support the people of Gaza.
