Hundreds of anti-Israeli protesters marched in Chicago's loop for hours Thursday to decry Israel's ongoing attacks on Gaza.
"Free, Free Palestine," they chanted as they marched outside the Prudential Building, at 130 E. Randolph St., where President Barack Obama's 2012 campaign headquarters were located.
The location was strategic, as the protesters demonstrated against the Obama Administration's continued support of Israel.
"This morning there were three babies killed. Three. In Gaza," said Dana Hamed.
The demonstrators, young and old, identified themselves as Palestinians, Egyptians, Moroccans and even some Jews.
"I feel that what Israel is doing is not only destroying the lives of its neighbors, of its Palestinians, but it's also destroying the lives of Israel as well," said Rebecca Levin as she held a sign that read, "Another Jew Against the Israeli Occupation."
Israel and Hamas appear to be on the brink of an all-out war. Casualties continued to rise Thursday as Hamas rockets targeted Tel Aviv. Israeli forces have moved troops and heavy weapons toward Gaza, and officials said ground assaults are possible.
"I've watched this all my life. I lived in Israel for two years, and I believe very strongly that peace is possible," said Levin. "But the difference in the amount of violence from Israel toward Palestine is so much greater than what we're seeing from Palestine."
Chicago's Israeli Consul General said Israel's move is one of self-defense.
"Based on what we saw the last 12 hours, I would be surprised and happy if this would end without a ground operation," said Roey Gilad.
Social media is playing a major role in spreading information about the conflict, and it's through the Twitter and Facebook postings that the stories of strife are being shared.
"Those stories are the personal connections that I'm able to make and it really touches me," said college student Saadia Gaziuddin.
Israeli Defense Forces and Hamas military Al Qassam Brigades are both on Twitter. The IDF is using @IDFSpokesperson on Twitter The Al Qassam Brigades are using @AlqassamBrigades.
