(Israel Hayom via JNS) The Israeli American Council unveiled its “Hostage Square” exhibit on Tuesday, August 20 at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, drawing attention to Israeli captives held by Hamas. The political event has been marked by large pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
An IAC spokesperson confirmed to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that the exhibit is situated on private property near the United Center, where the convention is taking place until Aug. 22. By choosing a private lot, the organization bypassed the need for a city permit, which they reportedly had difficulty obtaining.
“Hostage Square Chicago will be a place where all Americans, especially Jewish Americans, can express solidarity and prayer for our hostages who still remain in Hamas hell, condemn the savage massacre of Oct. 7, and pray for Israel’s victory over her genocidal enemies,” said IAC CEO Elan Carr, the former U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, underscoring the importance of keeping the issue in the public consciousness. “It will also be a place where we can dwell with pride over America’s strong support of the Jewish people and the State of Israel.”
The strategic timing of the installation aims to capture the attention of political leaders and media gathered for the high-profile DNC.
The IAC’s initiative unfolds against a backdrop of heightened tensions and competing narratives surrounding the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. As pro-Palestinian groups stage demonstrations during the convention, the “Hostage Square” provides a counterpoint, focusing on the experiences of the captive Israelis.
“Chicago has continued to offer space for protests and marches to pro-Hamas and anti-Israel would-be rioters but has either denied or ignored multiple requests by IAC to demonstrate in support of America and Israel,” according to the IAC.
Representatives of the hostages’ families met on Tuesday with Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’s adviser Ilan Goldenberg. According to Gili Roman, brother of Hamas hostage Yarden Roman-Gat, Goldenberg stated that there is no difference between Harris’s and President Joe Biden’s positions regarding the return of the hostages. He also mentioned he attended a Democratic Party LGBTQ community conference to which many of the participants wore keffiyehs, creating what he felt was a “tense atmosphere.”
