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to highlight continuing conflict in Gaza

By America-Today  December,2 2024

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.

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.

“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.