This year’s Israel Independence Day ‘tinged with sorrow,’ say Chicago Jews

Members of the Jewish United Fund in Chicago raised a flag in Daley Plaza on Tuesday to honor the date of the formal establishment of the state of Israel. The holiday, called Yom Ha’atzmaut in Hebrew, held more significance amid the deadliest round of fighting in the history of the conflict between Jews and Palestinians to date.

Hundreds milled around in the Loop waving blue Israeli flags, while the chants of a few dozen counterprotesters could be heard from the corner of North Clark and North Dearborn streets nearby. Their messages underscore sentiments of unease that have rippled across the world following an October Hamas-led attack in southern Israel. 

Israel invaded Gaza on Oct. 7 after Hamas killed 1,200 people and took another 250 people hostage. Around 100 people are still being held captive.

David Golder, chair of the Jewish United Fund, expressed his pride for Israel’s independence, declared 76 years ago on May 14 in Tel Aviv. But Golder recognized the different tone of this year’s holiday. He pointed to those fighting with the Israel Defense Forces and Jewish students fighting antisemitism at universities nationwide.

“This year, our celebration is also tinged with sorrow. Our celebration can’t be completed until all of our brothers and sisters who are captive in Gaza return to their homes,” Golder said. 

Two Ida Crown Jewish Academy seniors said their entire school was bused downtown for the holiday. They wore matching long jean skirts and their curly hair down. They said they planned to take gap years in Israel following graduation in early June.

“We can’t let fear stop us from going to our homeland,” said 18-year-old Leah Zelden. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without my religion.”

All eyes turned to watch the flag as it was hoisted up. People whistled and cheered.

The day following Israel Independence Day is when Palestinians mark the 76th year of their mass expulsion from what is now Israel — at the core of their conflict with Israel. They call it Nakba, Arabic for “catastrophe.” Saturday afternoon, Chicago’s chapter of American Muslims for Palestine held its own flag-raising gathering to call attention to the mass displacement. 

Israel’s rejection of what Palestinians say is their right of return was one of the largest issues in peace talks that last collapsed 15 years ago. The Chicago Coalition for Justice in Palestine often protests Israel’s annual Independence Day — but those who gathered Tuesday afternoon said it carries more urgency this year. 

The war in Gaza has killed 35,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials. Israel is a close ally of President Joe Biden, who has sent a flow of weapons and money to Israel’s military. 

Hannah Orchard, stood with the counterprotesters, holding a sign that read: “The U.S. and Israel are intentionally starving Palestinian children.” She said she joined the protest on her lunch break.

“I don’t understand how you couldn’t support this (countermovement),” she said. “If you have eyes, if you have ears, and if you have a voice, you’re a coward for not using them.”

There were dozens of Chicago police officers standing between the counterprotesters and those celebrating the Israeli flag-raising, in anticipation of a clash. But the protest remained relatively peaceful, despite a few altercations between members from both sides.

At one point, a man from the Israeli side approached counterprotesters, yelling: “You have hostages! Explain the hostages!”

A police officer stepped between him and the group.

In Chicago, the effects of the war have been seen in pointed attacks against both Jews and Palestinians, and most recently students who have demanded their universities disclose investments in corporations involved in the war.

But in the eighth month of war, with cease-fire talks apparently stalled, there is no end in sight. For the past week, the Israeli military has intensified bombardment and other operations in Rafah while ordering the population to evacuate from parts of the city. Around 1.7 million Palestinians have had to flee, often multiple times.

The effects of the politics surrounding the war are felt strongly, all the way in Chicago. As speakers took turns giving remarks, the voices of counterprotesters drifted across the square.

“Bombing children is a crime! Free, free Palestine!” And, later: “Racists, go home!”

At the end of the event, people filtered out of the barricaded gathering space, wrapped in American and Israeli flags.

The Associated Press contributed.