CHICAGO − While the nation is captivated by Vice President Kamala Harris’ rapid campaign for the presidency, Deanna Othman and her peers in the largest Palestinian community in the U.S. are less enthusiastic. They remain skeptical that Harris, President Joe Biden, and other officials attending the Democratic National Convention in their area will address their primary concern: a cease-fire in Gaza.

However, Othman views the upcoming arrival of Democratic leaders in Chicago as a fortunate moment for the Palestinian American community to voice their concerns.

“This feels like the peak of our efforts over the past months, as we will have the world’s attention,” stated Othman, who is from Oak Lawn, a Chicago suburb. “It’s a crucial chance for us to highlight the genocide and help people truly grasp the severity of the situation.”

The choice to hold the DNC in Chicago was made before the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in around 1,200 deaths and ignited a harsh military response in Gaza. Since then, over 40,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, and the city has transformed into a hub of anti-war activism leading up to Biden and Harris’ visit.

The local anti-war movement, which has seen organized rallies featuring pro-Palestinian truckers in the suburbs and demonstrations at major universities, has been largely driven by Palestinian Americans.

Beyond their demands for a ceasefire, many Palestinians in Chicago are concerned that the Democratic Party’s tepid stance on the Gaza conflict has fueled anti-Muslim hostility, contributing to incidents like the fatal attack on 6-year-old Wadea Al-Fayoume in an apparent hate crime in nearby Will County.

Cook County is home to over 15,000 Palestinian individuals according to U.S. Census data, making it the largest Palestinian community in the nation. In comparison, Los Angeles County has fewer than 5,000 Palestinians.

The impact of this community is reflected in developments such as Chicago becoming the first major U.S. city to pass a ceasefire resolution and significant opposition to Biden in the March Democratic primary, alongside a neighborhood in Bridgeview known as Little Palestine, characterized by Arabic signage.

Abdelnasser Rashid, a native of Chicago with connections to the West Bank, is the first Palestinian legislator in Illinois and represents the southern suburbs in the State House.

The 35-year-old legislator reports that he receives daily communications from constituents, Palestinians across the country, and residents in Gaza imploring Democrats to more vigorously advocate for a ceasefire and halt U.S. military supplies to the region.

“A lot of people feel let down by our leaders in Washington, D.C.,” Rashid remarked. “The Biden Administration’s handling of Israel’s actions has felt like a profound insult.”

Understanding the war from Little Palestine

For many in Cook County, the sounds of Israeli bombings from thousands of miles away resonate deeply.

Othman’s family originates from the West Bank, and her husband is from Gaza. They visited last year, mere months before the attacks on October 7, and now they spend their time worrying about friends and family they cannot reach.

“Living in uncertainty has been extremely hard, not knowing what fate awaits them each day. It has taken an emotional and psychological toll,” she explained, noting that her children are always checking for updates. “What they see isn’t just news or social media images; they are recognizing places they’ve been or even faces among the deceased.”

Muhammad Baste owns M’daKhan, A halal eatery situated in Bridgeview, Baste mentions it’s located “right in the heart” of Little Palestine, where the street outside often becomes a gathering spot for individuals protesting the ongoing war.

Baste remarked, “I don’t think anyone is truly pleased about the protests occurring in their neighborhood,” referring to the Democratic leaders.

He mentioned that while conversations at his restaurant aren’t solely about the war, it frequently arises, especially following tragic events like the recent bombing of a school that reportedly resulted in the deaths of around 100 individuals, according to the Gaza government’s claims.

“Everyone is talking about it these days,” Baste stated. “Though we’re separated by miles, it influences every aspect of our lives.”

Many locals experience a sense of guilt for their fortunate position in the U.S., where they are safe from bombings and have sufficient access to food.

Overwhelming anxiety and passionate activism

This sentiment of guilt shared by residents about their opportunities in America, compared to those in Gaza, fuels a powerful drive to assert their rights as American citizens.

Reem Odeh, a lawyer from a nearby suburb, expressed, “Our families sacrificed so much to come here for the freedom of speech and religion.” Her relatives have joined in various protest caravans.

The push for pro-Palestinian advocacy has been highly visible across Chicago. In April, protesters caused significant traffic disruptions on the highway leading to O’Hare International Airport and in June, they turned the water in the iconic Buckingham Fountain red.

Students have also been very active, organizing significant protests at institutions like Northwestern University, DePaul University, the University of Chicago, and the Art Institute of Chicago, culminating in 68 arrests and allegations of police brutality.

Residents took it a step further by organizing a protest vote during the Democratic primary against Biden. Illinois lacks the capacity to track uncertified candidates, which complicates efforts to count such protest votes, unlike in Michigan or Massachusetts.

However, an analysis by YSL News using data from the Chicago Board of Elections discovered that approximately 50,000 ballots were either cast for write-in candidates or left blank — a reflection of protest votes — marked by a considerable increase compared to the 12,000 such votes from the 2020 and 2016 primaries amidst greater participation overall.

Odeh is among those who abstained from voting for Biden, expressing that her community remains uncertain about their choices this November.

Many express feelings of being exploited by the Democrats, opposing their own interests, believing that the party’s alignment with Israel implies consent for anti-Muslim sentiments.

Odeh lamented, “Your tax dollars contribute to a genocide that targets family members, and if you dare to voice your concerns, you are labeled a terrorist.” She highlighted the mistaken perception that provides a “green light” for violence against individuals of Muslim faith or Palestinian descent.

She pointed out three notable incidents of anti-Muslim hate: the murder of a 6-year-old named Wadea in October; three Palestinian students shot in Vermont in November; and counter-protesters attacking students at UCLA during spring.

For Odeh, the plight of Palestinians in Gaza and the rising Islamophobia in the U.S. will be at the forefront of her mind when protesting outside the convention.

Major demonstrations expected at the DNC

The most significant expected demonstration during the convention is organized by the Coalition to March on the DNC.

Hatem Abudayyeh, a Chicago resident with West Bank connections, serves as the coalition’s spokesperson and national chair of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network. He anticipates that the coalition will see tens of thousands participate in the primary protest planned for Monday.

Abudayyeh noted that the DNC’s occurrence in Chicago offers local pro-Palestinian advocates a unique opportunity to amplify their voices.

“The community will turn out strongly during the week, which indicates just how significant of a moment this is,” he mentioned. “We intend to make our voices heard, albeit outside, not inside.”

Nonetheless, the veteran organizer is not optimistic regarding any meaningful policy announcements from Harris concerning Gaza.

“The chances are slim,” he remarked. “There’s an Arabic saying: I’ll cut off my arm if something occurs.”