Protesters Aimed to Overtake DNC, But Democrats Welcomed Hostage Families

In Chicago, a gathering of protesters filled the streets outside the Israeli consulate, expressing their anger over the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Drumming and chanting echoed through the air as marchers voiced their demands for an end to the violence that has persisted since October 7. Among the crowd was Jonathan Dekel-Chen, who has a personal stake in this situation, as his son, Sagui, remains a hostage in Gaza.

“The time is long past due to end this war,” Dekel-Chen stated during an interview. He empathized with the protesters, saying, “We want it as well. It’s the only way to get our loved ones home, to stop the madness in Gaza, to stop the suffering of over a million people.”

The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has significantly affected Democrats, particularly as anti-Gaza war protests have surged across American college campuses. As the Democratic National Convention unfolded in Chicago, concerns loomed about a potential repeat of the chaotic 1968 DNC, where violent clashes occurred between police and protesters, impacting the party’s electoral prospects.

However, after President Joe Biden stepped aside in July, the momentum for protests appeared to wane. Instead of counter-protests, Dekel-Chen and other families of hostages were welcomed to the DNC, taking their quest for awareness to a key political stage. Their presence aimed to draw attention to the plight of the 109 individuals held by Hamas.

At various events organized by Jewish organizations sympathetic to their cause, families shared their experiences and called for action—not just from the attendees but in the broader political landscape, where only 23% of Democrats currently support Israel’s military actions in Gaza, according to a Gallup poll.

Amidst the political discussions, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez emerged as a prominent figure, advocating for the release of hostages and a cease-fire simultaneously. On the convention floor, her call resonated deeply, particularly among the families who were there to share their stories.

Dekel-Chen recounted the tragedy of October 7, noting that his son was just 200 yards from home when Hamas fighters attacked Kibbutz Nir Oz, resulting in the death of 1,200 individuals and 200 more taken hostage. Dzkel-Chen’s last contact with Sagui was that fateful morning, just before he vanished into Gaza.

“He left behind his wife, who was seven months pregnant at the time, and two daughters. His third daughter was born just two months into his captivity,” Dekel-Chen said, expressing his grief for what has been an unthinkable ordeal.

Despite the tragedy, some hostages who were later released managed to share that they had seen and spoken with Sagui in the tunnels beneath Gaza. Over the past year, Dekel-Chen had engaged with various members of the Biden administration, including a single meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris.

When asked about his confidence in Harris to negotiate the release of hostages, Dekel-Chen expressed firm trust in her capabilities. “I have confidence in Vice President Harris, to put my son’s life in her hands,” he remarked, reflecting a belief in the administration’s commitment to their cause.

Some critics have speculated about potential shifts in policy under Harris, fearing a disregard for Israel and Jewish concerns. However, Dekel-Chen remained optimistic, noting the support he and others had received from numerous Democratic lawmakers.

During the DNC, various families of hostages took the stage, including Ronen and Orna Neutra, parents of Omer Neutra, and Liz Hirsh Naftali, a great-aunt of released hostage Abigail Edan. They shared their heart-wrenching stories with the audience, and the emotional atmosphere reached a climax when parents Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin addressed the crowd about their son Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who had been kidnapped.

Goldberg-Polin conveyed the anguish of families, stating, “Anyone who is a parent or has had a parent can try to imagine the anguish and misery that Jon and I and all the hostage families are enduring.” Her heartfelt plea moved many delegates to tears.

As the DNC took place, Dekel-Chen issued a chilling warning, emphasizing that the failure to negotiate a cease-fire could lead the U.S. into a broader conflict. “If the hostages don’t come home and a cease-fire is not signed quickly, there’s a very real danger that in the coming weeks there will be a regional war, with Israel at its center fighting against Iran and its proxies,” he stated. “If that happens, God help us all.”

Source: USA Today