Chicago Refuses Pro-Israel Group Permit for DNC March, Granting Permits to Anti-Israel Groups

The Israeli American Council has expressed outrage after the City of Chicago allegedly denied its permit request to march near the DNC, while approving permits for anti-Israel groups.

The Israeli American Council (IAC), a pro-Israel organization, has accused the City of Chicago of discriminatory treatment after it denied its permit request to march near the Democratic National Convention (DNC) next week. The IAC claims that anti-Israel groups have been granted permits for their own demonstrations.

Elan Carr, CEO of the IAC, expressed frustration over the alleged differential treatment, stating that it is "inequitable." He added that his group's request to display photos of American hostages in Gaza at Midway and O'Hare airports was also denied.

Chicago Refuses Pro-Israel Group Permit for DNC March, Granting Permits to Anti-Israel Groups

Mayor Brandon Johnson's office reportedly offered anti-Israel protesters a route "adjacent" to the United Center, the site of this year's DNC. However, the city of Chicago emphasizes that ongoing litigation prevents it from commenting on specific details about the route or assembly area but confirms that demonstrators will be able to protest within sight and sound of the United Center.

The IAC's request for a permit to march was denied due to potential "public safety issues" and insufficient city resources. The city offered an alternative location two to three blocks from the convention, which the IAC rejected.

Chicago Refuses Pro-Israel Group Permit for DNC March, Granting Permits to Anti-Israel Groups

In a letter obtained by Jewish Insider, the city cited a "lack of crowd control personnel and physical barriers to secure an assembly at the location for the dates and times requested." The IAC maintains that it has a constitutional right to march near the convention and that the city's denial is an infringement on its First Amendment rights.

Carr has appealed to Democratic nominee and current Vice President Kamala Harris, stating that the IAC and its supporters are "proud Americans who stand proudly patriotic for our country, for the United States, and stand with Israel."

Chicago Refuses Pro-Israel Group Permit for DNC March, Granting Permits to Anti-Israel Groups

"We have expectations of our government," Carr said. "We expect the United States of America to stand strongly with the State of Israel, as it really fights for its life against these forces of darkness in the Islamic Republic of Iran and its proxies, like Hezbollah, like Hamas."

The IAC's permit denial has sparked concerns about the potential for First Amendment violations and selective treatment of different viewpoints. The legal battles between anti-Israel protesters and the city of Chicago continue, highlighting the complex issues surrounding protest rights and public safety during major political events.

Chicago Refuses Pro-Israel Group Permit for DNC March, Granting Permits to Anti-Israel Groups