CHICAGO ― A group of demonstrators gathered outside the Israeli consulate, loudly chanting anti-Gaza war slogans with drums in hand. This protest mirrored similar demonstrations across the U.S. that have been happening since the conflict intensified on October 7.

Meanwhile, at the Democratic National Convention, an unexpected perspective emerged from Jonathan Dekel-Chen, whose son, Sagui, is currently being held hostage in Gaza. Though he disagreed with the methods of the protesters, he resonated with their message.

“It’s time to bring this war to an end,” Dekel-Chen stated during an interview with YSL News.

“We share the same desire for a cease-fire,” he continued, emphasizing that this is crucial to ensuring the safe return of loved ones and alleviating the suffering of a million people in Gaza.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has loomed heavily over the Democratic Party. The ongoing protests demanding an end to the war threatened to repeat the chaotic events of the 1968 convention in Chicago.

Despite rumors of a possible repeat of the tumultuous 1968 convention, which hurt the Democratic candidate during that election, the political atmosphere shifted after President Joe Biden’s announcement in July, possibly cooling down the protest movement.

<pInstead, Dekel-Chen, along with four other families of hostages, was embraced during the Democratic National Convention to raise awareness about the 109 individuals still held by Hamas.

These families engaged in discussions at breakfasts and various events organized by supportive Jewish groups, contrasting sharply with the hesitance displayed by some delegates, with warnings that Vice President Kamala Harris may not secure victory in November without advocating for an arms embargo against Israel and supporting an immediate cease-fire.

Recent Gallup polling indicates that only 23% of Democrats support Israel’s operations in Gaza against Hamas.

At the convention, aside from a couple of delegates who voiced their dissent, it was Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a known critic of the Israeli government, who demanded both the release of hostages and a cease-fire.

‘I trust Vice President Harris’

On October 7, Sagui Dekel-Chen was only 200 yards from home when Hamas militants invaded Kibbutz Nir Oz.

This violent attack extended for hours, resulting in 1,200 deaths and 200 hostages taken. Dekel-Chen last heard from Sagui at 9:30 a.m. that Saturday, just before he vanished into Gaza.

Sagui left behind a pregnant wife—she was seven months along at the time—and two daughters, with a third daughter born shortly after he was taken.

“He’s a father’s father type, absolutely devoted to his daughters,” said Dekel-Chen.

He revealed that some released hostages have confirmed Sagui was seen and spoken to in the tunnels under Gaza.

Over the last year, Dekel-Chen has had the chance to meet with various members of the Biden administration, including a brief encounter with Harris.

When asked if he has similar confidence in Harris to negotiate the hostages’ release as he does in Biden, Dekel-Chen answered firmly.

“I trust Vice President Harris with my son’s life,” he stated, expressing confidence in all members of the Biden administration.

Some critics of Biden’s policy are looking for a more decisive approach from Harris, while others from both the center and right wings worry she might detach from her support for Israel and Jewish concerns during her tenure.

Dekel-Chen noted, “What I’ve seen from Democratic Party decision-makers and elected officials has been overwhelming support for us.”

Hostage families share their stories at the DNC

Among the families present in Chicago were Ronen and Orna Neutra, parents of Omer Neutra, who had previously spoken at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last month.

There were also Liz Hirsh Naftali, who is the great-aunt of released hostage Abigail Edan; and Andrea Weinstein and Lea Silvert, relatives of Gad Haggai and Judy Weinstein, whose remains Hamas has refused to return.

Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, received a standing ovation as they took to the stage on Wednesday evening.

Goldberg-Polin was left speechless beside her husband as the crowd echoed the chant: “Bring them home! Bring them home.”

“Anyone who has a child or has experienced being a child can begin to understand the pain and suffering that Jon, myself, and all the families of hostages are facing,” said Goldberg Polin.

Among the audience, delegates were visibly moved to tears while hearing a heart-wrenching appeal from a mother.

“Hersh is a cheerful, easy-going, good-humored, respectful, and curious individual. He is just a civilian,” she explained. However, since he was taken hostage, Goldberg noted that her and her husband Jon Polin have felt like they are living on “another planet.”

Dekel-Chen cautions about the US facing a larger conflict

Dekel-Chen cautioned that more than just an electoral result is at stake; without a ceasefire and an agreement, the U.S. could be pulled into a larger conflict.

“If the hostages are not returned and a ceasefire agreement isn’t reached soon, there’s a genuine risk that we might witness a regional war, a full-scale conflict in the Middle East, centered around Israel in clashes with Iran and its affiliates,” warned Dekel-Chen.

He added that if such a scenario unfolds, it would be dire for everyone involved.

Romina Ruiz-Goiriena serves as YSL News’s Managing Editor, focusing on Politics, the White House, and Storytelling. She previously worked as an international correspondent. Connect with her on X, @RominaAdi.