Israel-Hamas War

Students at DePaul University erected tents Tuesday, joining campus protests across the country expressing support for people in Gaza.

Israel-Hamas War

DePaul students pitch tents on campus, join pro-Palestinian protests

The campus joins protests across the country calling on universities to divest from companies supporting Israel.

By Sophie Sherry

University of Chicago student protesters rally on the Main Quad of campus where a pro-Palestine encampment was set up on Monday.

Israel-Hamas War

University of Chicago students set up pro-Palestinian encampment on campus as protests spread

By Jessica Ma and Isabel Funk

Israel-Hamas War

Illinois Holocaust Museum calls out antisemitism at campus protests

By Isabel Funk and Violet Miller

Israel-Hamas War

Columbia protesters say they're at an impasse with administrators, will continue anti-war camp

By Associated Press

University of Chicago students, faculty members and their supporters protest in support of Palestine and march around the South Side campus, Friday, April 26, 2024. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Israel-Hamas War

Hundreds join pro-Palestinian protests at Chicago universities; Northwestern encampment continues for 2nd night

By Isabel Funk, Sophie Sherry, and 1 more

Local News

Crime

Vandals smash Palestine flag window display at Women & Children First bookstore

A window of the Andersonville feminist bookstore displaying a Palestine flag and a sign calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war was shattered early Wednesday. Police are investigating.

By Kade Heather

Rev. Frederick Douglass Haynes III chats with Rev. Jesse Jackson at the Rainbow PUSH Convention Faith Leaders Luncheon at the David Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago on the South Side, Tuesday, July 18, 2023. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

Chicago

New leader of Jesse Jackson's Rainbow PUSH Coalition steps down after less than 3 months on the job

The Rev. Frederick Haynes III, pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, took over as president and CEO of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in February and had planned to run the organization from Texas.

By Associated Press

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50th) pictured at an October City Council meeting.

Chicago

Mayor hosts forum to combat antisemitism and other forms of hate, but some invitees skip meeting

About 20 elected officials and community organizers discussed ways the city can combat antisemitism, though attendees said it was just the start of the conversation. Ald. Debra Silverstein (50th) said the gesture was ‘hollow.’

By Violet Miller

Heavy traffic is seen at O'Hare International Airport after pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked westbound Interstate 90, Monday, April 15, 2024.

Transportation

40 pro-Palestinian demonstrators arrested in protest blocking expressway to O'Hare

The demonstration was part of a global “economic blockade to free Palestine,” according to organizers. Protesters also took to the streets in the San Francisco Bay Area, on the Brooklyn Bridge and Interstate 5 in Eugene, Oregon.

By Mary Norkol and Cindy Hernandez

President Joe Biden sits with his hand near his mouth in front of Israeli and American flags.

Elections

Did Gaza protest vote make a mark on Illinois primary and impact support for Biden?

The president appears to have gotten less support from Cook County voters than any incumbent Democratic presidential candidate since Jimmy Carter 44 years ago.

By Nader Issa

Crime

Intruder vandalizes Loop mosque, is accused of blurting offensive statements during prayers

A man broke through a glass door to the Downtown Islamic Center before the nightly prayers for Ramadan Sunday night. “It really ties into — from our side of the looking glass — to the situation in Gaza,” Abdullah Mitchell, executive director of the Council Of Islamic Organizations Of Greater Chicago said Monday.

By Mary Norkol and Sophie Sherry

Six-year-old Wadea Al-Fayoume wears a “Happy Birthday” hat and a plaid shirt.

Suburban Chicago

Slain Palestinian American boy honored with Congressional resolution backed by Illinois members

Wadea Al-Fayoume, a 6-year-old from Plainfield, was slain Oct. 14. Law enforcement officials said he was a victim of a hate crime, targeted for his Muslim faith.

By Lynn Sweet

Dr. Thaer Ahmad, wearing black, leans across a Gaza patient he's treating as other medical professionals — wearing scrubs, lab coats or street clothes — work in the background.

Israel-Hamas War

Chicago doctors who treated patients in Gaza describe massive suffering

“From the beginning of the day to the end of our office hours, there was screaming,” said one physician, part of a team that worked in Gaza for more than two weeks.

By Violet Miller

Yasmeen Elagha wears a black and red dress and white headscarf as she sits in a living room with a photo of her relatives on the TV screen in the background,

Israel-Hamas War

Palestinian American brothers from Lombard taken in Israeli raid of their Gaza shelter, family says

The brothers, who are U.S. citizens, and other family members were taken early Thursday morning after months of failed attempts to secure their evacuation.

By Nader Issa

Several protesters gathered outside Woodward in Niles Feb. 7, 2024.

Suburban Chicago

33 pro-Palestinian demonstrators arrested outside military subcontractor’s factory in Niles

More than 100 protesters gathered Wednesday outside Woodward Inc., alleging the firm is complicit in Gaza deaths.

By Cindy Hernandez

National & International News

Northwestern University students stand on green grass holding signs and a Palestinian flag at a protest camp on Deering Meadow, with blurred trees in the background.

Israel-Hamas War

Northwestern students set up pro-Palestinian encampment, joining protesters nationwide

Students linked arms and formed a line against police after Northwestern leaders said the tent encampment violated university policy. By 9 p.m. protest leaders were told by university officials that arrests could begin later in the evening.

By Isabel Funk

Messages left on a wall in Tel Aviv showing the portraits of Israeli hostages held by Palestinian Hamas gunmen. Israel and Hamas agreed Wednesday to a four-day cease-fire.

Israel-Hamas War

US, 17 other countries call on Hamas to release hostages

The joint statement is the latest attempt at public pressure to advance negotiations over a potential cease-fire with Israel.

By Associated Press

image (6).Hersh Goldberg-Polin (left) is pictured with his parents, Rachel Goldberg and Jon Polin. Goldberg-Polin was taken hostage by Hamas at a music festival on Oct. 7.

Israel-Hamas War

Hamas releases video of Hersh Goldberg-Polin — hostage with Chicago roots

The video is the first proof of life of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was captured Oct. 7 in southern Israel. His parents have Chicago ties. Last week, his mother was named one of Time magazine’s most influential people of 2024.

By Associated Press

President Joe Biden speaks before signing a $95 billion Ukraine aid package that also includes support for Israel, Taiwan, and other allies, in the State Dining Room of the White House, Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Washington.

Nation/World

Biden signs a $95 billion war aid measure that forces TikTok to be sold or banned in the U.S.

The Democratic president Wednesday reached the end of a long, painful battle with Republicans to secure urgently needed replenishment of aid for Ukraine.

By Aamer Madhani | AP and Seung Min Kim | AP

Israel-Hamas War

Chicagoans with ties to Middle East brace for consequences after Iran's missile strike on Israel

“There’s all kinds of dangers that can happen,” said Itai Segre, a teacher who lives in Roscoe Village with family in Jerusalem.

By Mary Norkol

Iranian women without wearing their mandatory Islamic headscarf walk past a banner showing missiles being launched from Iranian map in northern Tehran, Iran, Friday, April 19, 2024. Iran fired air defenses at a major air base and a nuclear site near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones early Friday morning, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.

Nation/World

Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site

The strike came just days after Tehran’s unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on Israel.

By Associated Press

2024 Democratic National Convention

No cracks in Blue Wall? Top Democrats vow Chicago is ready for convention, despite party divisions

Democrats are deeply focused on Wisconsin and Michigan to help bolster President Joe Biden’s re-election chances — and officials, in town for meetings hosted by the Democratic National Convention Committee, say they plan on showing voters a deep party contrast.

By Tina Sfondeles

Israel-Hamas War

Chicago health workers protest American Medical Association's differing response to Gaza and Ukraine

Speakers at a River North protest say the AMA exhibits a ‘double standard’ in calling for a cease-fire in Ukraine but not for one in Gaza. They also question $100,000 in aid sent to Ukraine.

By Violet Miller

Nation/World

Israel says Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles, 99% of which were intercepted

In Washington, President Joe Biden said U.S. forces helped Israel down “nearly all” the drones and missiles and pledged to convene allies to develop a unified response.

By Associated Press

Israel-Hamas War

Local aid workers say Israeli strike on World Central Kitchen workers caused 'chilling effect' on aid efforts

The seven World Central Kitchen workers killed April 1 are among the more than 220 humanitarian workers who have been killed in the conflict, according to the U.N.

By Violet Miller

Viewpoints

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Columnists

Movie on Dante's life, journey leads to look at hellish real-world events

The two-part, four-hour film on WTTW comes just in time for the 750th anniversary of a key event in Dante’s life.

By Neil Steinberg

Northwestern’s Deering Meadow is filled with signs and tents as protesters denounce the crisis in Gaza

Columnists

Northwestern protests, encampments bring back dizzying memories

Déjà vu is a heck of a thing. Whether it’s 1970 or 2024, war weighs heavily on campuses — and on athletes.

By Rick Telander

Columnists

An empty chair at Passover Seder, affixed with a picture of a hostage

The continuing bloody war in Gaza — the 33,000 Palestinians killed and the unknown fate of Israeli hostages — casts a pall over Passover celebrations.

By Neil Steinberg

Columnists

Congress backs billions in aid for Ukraine, Israel. How did Illinois members vote?

Chicago Reps. Delia Ramirez, Jesus ‘Chuy’ Garcia and Jonathan Jackson, all Democrats and the most pro-Palestinian members of the Illinois delegation, voted no on aid to Israel. GOP Rep. Darin LaHood split from his party to support aid to Ukraine.

By Lynn Sweet

Carl "Gus" Porter III, CEO of W.G.N. Flag & Decorating Co., retires a United States flag by burning it, in June 2018. The U.S. Flag Code states that worn-out flags "should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." W.G.N. Flag has the only city permit to burn flags in Chicago.

Columnists

Flag burning IS free speech — and so is sham patriotism

Our military did not fight so Americans could be free to agree with Ald. Chris Taliaferro.

By Neil Steinberg

Children in Gaza carry a cooking pot and other containers while walking through rubble.

Other Views

I'm a Chicago-area doctor who treated children in Gaza. Here's what I saw.<br/>

Gaza needs to be inundated with shipments of food, water, medicine and fuel to begin the lengthy road to recovery, writes a doctor from Oak Lawn who recently worked in Gaza.

By Thaer Ahmad, M.D.

Women hold Israeli flags and portraits of women and girls taken hostage by Hamas.

Other Views

Jewish women have stood on the front lines for human rights. 'Now, we need you to fight for us, too.'

Why have women’s organizations failed to show outrage about the sexual violence committed against Israeli women and girls by Hamas, a Northwestern University student asks.

By Lily Cohen

Columnists

Bothered by pro-Palestinian activists? Most Americans didn't like civil rights, Vietnam War protests either.

Americans tend to quickly praise demonstrators engaging in “good trouble” overseas but bristle at dissent in their own backyard.

By Rummana Hussain

Columnists

‘Stranger Things’ actor's Winnetka book signing canceled due to safety concerns over his support of Israel

The Book Stall in Winnetka said it canceled Highland Park native Brett Gelman’s March 20 book signing because they didn’t think they “could guarantee the comfort and security” of attendees. The actor and comedian believes his appearance could have drawn protests due to his support for Israel. “It was heartbreaking. Infuriating,” he told Sneed.

By Michael Sneed

Mayor Brandon Johnson presides over a City Council meeting last Wednesday as the members discuss a symbolic resolution calling for a cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas. The resolution passed by a vote of 24-23 after Johnson cast the tie-breaking vote.

Columnists

Great moments in symbolism

City Council’s “cease-fire” resolution certainly represents something. But not what its supporters imagine.

By Neil Steinberg

Hersh Goldberg-Polin, left, is pictured with his parents, Rachel Goldberg center, and Jon Polin, right. Goldberg-Polin was taken hostage by Hamas at a music festival on Oct. 7, 2023.

News

Mother of Hamas hostage with Chicago roots named one of Time's 100 most influential people for 2024

Rachel Goldberg was named for her extensive campaign calling for the release of her son and the other hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7. She grew up in Streeterville.

By Kaitlin Washburn

Screenshot 2024-04-16 at 11.26.44 AM.png

Religion

Antisemitic acts in Illinois and nation at worst levels ever, Anti-Defamation League says

“In the 45 years since ADL began tracking antisemitic incidents in 1979, it has never been this bad,” said ADL Midwest regional director David Goldenberg. According to a new report, Illinois saw a 74% increase in antisemitic incidents in 2023.

By David Struett

City Hall

Three Jewish lawmakers reject Mayor Johnson’s invite to discuss antisemitism

Chicago Ald. Deborah Silverstein, state Sen. Sara Feigenholtz, and state Rep. Bob Morgan said Brandon Johnson’s support of a cease-fire resolution showed “disrespect” for the Jewish community.

By Tessa Weinberg | WBEZ

City Hall

Johnson renews call for Gaza cease-fire at Eid celebration

Thousands gathered Wednesday morning for prayers at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, where Mayor Brandon Johnson briefly gave a renewed call for peace in Gaza.

By David Struett

People clad in winter coats hold signs and and Israeli flags as they march in Highland Park to call for the release of hostages captured by Hamas.

Israel-Hamas War

Six months after Hamas attack, hundreds gather in Highland Park call for hostages' release, support Israel

Protesters pushed for the release of hostages captured in the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants. ‘We are not OK until they are all home,’ one speaker said.

By Mary Norkol

Activists Protest Outside The White House Calling For A Ceasefire In Gaza War

Israel-Hamas War

Biden faces protest over his support for Israel during White House meeting

Chicago-area doctor Thaer Ahmad, who has treated patients in Gaza, walked out of a meeting of Muslim leaders Tuesday in protest of the administration’s continued support of Israel.

By Associated Press

Israel-Hamas War

Oak Lawn doctor, Muslim leaders angry over Gaza reject chance to break Ramadan fast with Biden

A year ago, President Joe Biden marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan by holding a celebration at the White House. This year, Muslim invitees including the Palestinian American doctor, who treated wounded in Gaza, declined to join an iftar dinner.

By Associated Press and Emmanuel Camarillo

City Hall

Ald. Sigcho-Lopez survives Housing Committee ouster attempt after flag-burning controversy

The leadership coup failed by a 29-16 vote, after the City Council member reported he met on Easter with Ald. Chris Taliaferro, a military veteran who led the call for his resignation as committee chair.

By Fran Spielman

City Hall

Mayor Johnson backs Ald. Sigcho-Lopez in flag-burning controversy

The mayor made it clear he would not remove the City Council member for appearing at a rally where an American flag was burned to protest U.S. support for Israel.

By Fran Spielman

City Hall

Pro-Palestinian protest disrupts City Hall news conference called to condemn flag-burning

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th) repeated Monday that he has no plans to apologize for attending a rally outside City Hall on Friday night after a U.S. flag was burned — and, he added, the veteran responsible for the protest has apologized for making Sigcho-Lopez a political target.

By Fran Spielman

City Hall

Chicago City Council member on hot seat over rally appearance where U.S. flag was burned

Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez says he arrived at the Friday rally outside City Hall after the flag was burned to protest U.S. support for Israel, but some of his colleagues don’t buy it and want him censured.

By Fran Spielman

News

Anti-Defamation League accuses Chicago Palestinian advocate groups of fueling antisemitism

The ADL says in a new report that pro-Palestinian groups are stoking a rise in anti-Jewish hate through weekly protests, organizing on campuses and social media posts. Students for Justice in Palestine calls the allegation “baseless.”

By David Struett

U.S. House incumbents (left to right) Democrat Sean Casten in 2022; Republican Mike Bost last year; Democrat Bill Foster in 2020.

Elections

Trump nod helps Republican Bost beat Bailey downstate; Democrats Foster, Casten win in suburbs

U.S. Rep. Mike Bost declared victory at about 9:41 p.m., and Bailey conceded 15 minutes later. Democratic U.S. Reps. Sean Casten and Bill Foster held on to their suburban congressional seats.

By Tina Sfondeles, Mohammad Samra, and 2 more

Elections

Muslim community leaders urge Illinois voters to protest Biden by writing in 'Gaza' on primary ballot

The push comes after similar efforts in Michigan and Minnesota shook President Biden’s reelection campaign, with more than 150,000 voters choosing to vote “uncommitted” over the president in those states’ primaries.

By Nader Issa

Washington

Palestinian community leaders refuse to meet with White House officials in Chicago in protest of Gaza war

Top White House officials are facing the same push-back in Chicago as they did from Palestinian and Muslim leaders in Michigan. Their visit comes as early voting is already underway in Tuesday’s Illinois primary.

By Nader Issa and Lynn Sweet

Judith Raanan, wearing a blue dress, sits opposite Elizabeth Vargas, clad in a black dress, with paintings on easels in the background, during an interview on NewsNation.

Israel-Hamas War

Evanston mother held by Hamas describes captivity in NewsNation interview

Judith Raanan, 59, and her 18-year-old daughter, Natalie, were held for nearly two weeks and became the first hostages released by Hamas following the group’s surprise attack on Israel Oct. 7.

By Sun-Times staff

Israel-Hamas War

Chicago's Trump Tower defaced with anti-Israel, pro-Palestinian graffiti

The graffiti, some of which read ‘Israel Bombs USA Pays’ and ‘Trump 4 Palestine’ was reportedly first seen Sunday and removed late Monday, according to hotel staff.

By Emmanuel Camarillo

News

Singer Matisyahu's performance at House of Blues canceled amid threat of protests

Matisyahu was scheduled to perform Friday night at the House of Blues. He confirmed the cancellation in a statement shared on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

By Cindy Hernandez

The site of a music festival near the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel, Oct. 12, 2023. The U.N. envoy focusing on sexual violence in conflict said in a new report Monday, March 4, 2024, that there are “reasonable grounds” to believe Hamas committed rape, “sexualized torture,” and other cruel and inhumane treatment of women during its surprise attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg, File)

Israel-Hamas War

UN envoy says 'reasonable grounds' to believe Hamas committed sexual violence in Oct. 7 attack

The Oct. 7 Hamas attacks left about 1,200 people dead. About 250 others were taken hostage. Israel’s war against Hamas has since laid waste to the Gaza Strip, killing more than 30,000 people, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

By Associated Press

U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (left) faces a challenge from Naperville lawyer Qasim Rashid in the Democratic primary for the 11th congressional district.

Elections

Longtime Rep. Bill Foster, challenger Qasim Rashid face off in 11th District primary, differ over Gaza war

First elected to Congress in 2008, Foster is a former Fermilab physicist known to fellow Democrats as the “science guy.” Rashid is a Naperville human rights lawyer.

By Tina Sfondeles