A pro-Israel group, the Israeli-American Council (IAC), has expressed frustration over the city of Chicago's handling of their permit requests to march near the Democratic National Convention. The IAC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening U.S.-Israel relations, claims that their requests have been repeatedly ignored while an anti-Israel group has been given approval to hold demonstrations near the event.
The IAC submitted two applications with Chicago's Department of Transportation in early July but has not received a response. The city previously denied a permit request by the IAC in June for a stationary protest near the convention, citing public safety concerns and insufficient city resources.
Despite being offered an alternative location for the protest, the IAC rejected the offer, stating it was too far from the convention. The city is also facing legal battles with anti-Israel activists who filed a lawsuit claiming their First Amendment rights were violated after permit requests were reportedly blocked.
Mayor Brandon Johnson's office reportedly offered the anti-Israel protesters a route adjacent to the convention hall, further fueling the IAC's disappointment in what they perceive as an imbalanced approach by the city.
In response, the IAC expressed concern over the delays in processing their request and the perceived favoritism towards the anti-Israel coalition. They emphasized their goal of peacefully raising awareness about U.S. citizens affected by recent attacks and the bond between Israel and the U.S.
The city of Chicago, in a statement, affirmed its support for First Amendment rights and denied issuing permits for protests near the United Center. They explained that permit applications are reviewed for safety and resource considerations, with denied applicants offered alternative routes.
The IAC remains committed to finding ways to convey their message and stand in solidarity with Israel, despite the challenges posed by the city's permit process.
