Chicago, IL – 60 youth from the Arab American Action Network (AAAN), along with their supporters, held a rally and march here, Aug.15, to demand an end to racial profiling of Arabs and Muslims and and end to the criminalization of all communities of color. The youth who organized and led the protest reminded onlookers that harassment, surveillance and infiltration by the FBI and its local counterparts doesn't just happen in New York City and California, but is widespread in Chicago.
Barry Jonas prosecuting men for their efforts in 2008 and 2009
Chicago, IL – Federal charges were unsealed against two Chicago men, Aug. 6, for allegedly violating U.S. sanctions against Zimbabwe. The charges claim that Ben Israel and Greg Turner assisted Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe and others in an effort to lift the unjust economic sanctions. The government claims that Israel and Tuner were promised payment for their lobbying and consulting work in 2008 and 2009.
Chicago, IL – A forum was held here, Aug. 3, about U.S. Intervention in Syria. Sponsored by the March 19th Coalition, it included speakers from the ANSWER Coalition and the Syrian American Forum.
Chicago, IL – On July 20, at the Federal Plaza here, almost 3000 people, the vast majority African American, protested in anger at the not guilty verdict in the murder of Trayvon Martin.
Chicago, IL – On July 14, over 400 protesters gathered in downtown here to demand justice for Trayvon Martin after his killer, George Zimmerman, was acquitted. This protest came after a 200 person emergency response rally the evening before. Demonstrators demanded, “Not one more! Justice for Trayvon Martin!”
Chicago, IL – Protesters gathered for the fourth week in a row to oppose the U.S. sending arms directly to the Syrian rebels. Organizers included the Anti-War Committee – Chicago, Syrian American Forum, U.S. Palestinian Community Network (Chicago), A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition (Chicago), and March 19th Coalition. Nancy Wade, Green Party candidate for the Fifth Congressional District spoke at the rally, saying, “The corporate backed politicians in both parties must stop their wars for profit and meet the needs of the people here for jobs, healthcare, housing and schools!”
Chicago, IL – Dr. Matar speaks for the Syrian American Forum July 2, as people gathered here, for a third week in a row of protests, to say, “Hands off Syria! No new wars!”
Chicago, IL – Anti-war activists and Syrians again gathered in Federal Plaza here, June 25, to protest U.S. intervention in Syria. According to Kait McIntyre, “The Anti-War Committee of Chicago called a series of protests after President Obama announced he would be sending weapons to the rebels fighting the government of Bashar Assad.”
Chicago, IL – On June 18, the Anti-War Committee – Chicago (AWC) organized a spirited protest against U.S. intervention in Syria. Over 50 people came to Federal Plaza to speak out against the Obama administration's plans to send arms to the Syrian rebels and threats to set up a No Fly Zone. Speakers included activists from the AWC, the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, the ANSWER Coalition and a member of the Syrian American community, who came with 20 other countrymen and women, proudly displaying their Syrian Arab Republic flags.
Chicago, IL – The Obama administration announced it will arm the Syrian opposition and the U.S. military has made plans to set up a No Fly Zone over Syrian territory. The Anti-War Committee – Chicago (AWC) opposes these measures to escalate the conflict which has already cost 93,000 lives.
Chicago, IL – On a clear, sunny day here, June 7, over 150 supporters of striking Walmart workers gathered outside the downtown Walmart store. Speakers condemned Walmart's greed, low pay and harsh conditions at its stores in the U.S. and around the world.
Chicago, IL – The largest immigrant rights march since 2008 took place here today, May 1. Ringing with the call for “Legalization for all,” the mostly Latino crowd took the traditional route from Union Park, and ended in Federal Plaza.
Chicago, IL – Sarah Simmons, a member of the Anti-War Committee – Chicago, speaks in front of the Field Museum where Boeing Company held its annual stockholders meeting, April 29. “As a Boeing stockholder, I want to tell the Board of Directors and fellow shareholders to stop manufacturing drones now. As we mourn the victims in Boston, we also mourn those faceless and nameless victims of the U.S. government, who have fallen in Yemen, Somalia, Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan.”
Chicago, IL – The Anti-War Committee of Chicago opposes Boeing CEO James McNerny’s plan to make the next combat drone for the U.S. military. Members of the Anti-War Committee, including several who have purchased Boeing stock, will protest at the annual stockholders meeting at the Field Museum on Monday, 9:30 am, April 29.
At the hospital of the University of Illinois at Chicago, one of the most recognized union stewards is Randy Evans of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 73. With 33 years of employment as a Building Service Worker (BSW) in Environmental Services, and 18 years of service to his coworkers as a steward, you would think that Randy would have a place of honor at the medical center.
Chicago, IL – Nahla Yafai, a Yemeni student in Chicago, was emphatic. “Drones have hit our country again and again. Many civilians and children have died, but no one knows here, except for our community. And now you know, and you must speak out.” In the past year, Yemen became the main destination for U.S. drone strikes in the world. Yafai stood with three other Yemeni women, all wearing shirts painted with their national flag at an April 6 rally to oppose drone warfare.
Chicago, IL – On the morning of March 20, 2003, the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) news anchor opened the broadcast with the news that the bombing of Baghdad had begun the night before. “Protests have broken out in Bonn, Tokyo and London, and in San Francisco and Chicago, hundreds of protesters have been arrested.”
Jonas is currently on case of anti-war and international solidarity activists
“Hands off our families, hands off our friends! Barry Jonas, this must end!” This chant rang out in front of DePaul’s College of Law in Chicago, where over 30 protesters gathered to denounce Assistant U.S. Attorney Barry Jonas’ speaking at an event titled, “Fighting Terrorism in the Courtroom,” about government targeting of charity organizations that send humanitarian aid to Palestinians, especially the Holy Land Foundation (HLF). The Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter at DePaul raised the call, “Hey DePaul, let’s be clear – racists are not welcome here!” Other members of SJP organized a silent protest outside the door of the event, giving visual representation to how Palestinians are often silenced and reminding attendees of the killing of Palestinians at the hands of the Israeli military.
Chicago, IL – “Israeli soldiers torture and kill! We say we won’t foot the bill!” This chant rang out in front of the building housing the Israeli Consulate here, March 6. Close to 100 people picketed, shouting their response to the March 2 death of 30-year-old Arafat Jaradat. An autopsy revealed that Jaradat died after being tortured during interrogation by Israeli security, sustaining a total of six broken bones in his spine, arms and legs; his lips lacerated; his face badly bruised.
