Democratic National Convention in Chicago kicks off with hope, frustration over Israel's genocide on Gaza

The US Democratic National Convention (DNC) kicks off in Chicago this week with an air of hope and momentum as the party, with a new presidential candidate, seems to have successfully reversed its dismal poll numbers. However, Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, one of the main reasons for the new ticket, remains an important issue that can't be dismissed by the political elites.

Throughout O'Hare Airport and other transportation hubs in Chicago, DNC volunteers greeted convention attendees, helping them with directions and offering shuttles to their destinations. This is a major contrast from the Republican convention last month, when travellers were outnumbered by police at transportation centres.

On the other hand, for pro-Palestinian protesters, tension with the city and law enforcement is high. For months, the Coalition to March on the DNC, led by local Palestinian activists, have been negotiating with the city of Chicago for a longer protest route, closer access to the convention venue. By Sunday, on the eve of the convention, the coalition had achieved two out of three of their key demands, still hoping to get a longer route for their march on Monday.

On Sunday afternoon, the US Palestinian Community Network held a press conference in Union Park, explaining the difficulties of having a shorter protest route.

"We're gonna fight to the very last day to get the march route and the park accommodations we want," Hatem Abudayyeh, USPCN national chair, said.

Later in the afternoon, protesters led by Bodies Outside of Unjust Laws, a coalition of feminist and LGBTQ+ organisations gathered on Chicago's thoroughfare of Michigan Avenue under a heavy police presence demanding, among other issues that brought them to the protest, an arms embargo and a ceasefire in Gaza, and importantly for their time at DNC to be listened to.

The evening wrapped up with festivities at the scenic Navy Pier, as convention attendees gathered to celebrate what they hoped would be a successful convention.

Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian protesters say they are determined to make their voices heard throughout the convention.