Pro-Arab protesters attacked a Jewish man this week on his way to a Chicago screening of “Nova,” a documentary about the October 7 Hamas massacre at the Nova Music Festival, reports ABC 7.
The attack reportedly occurred on Monday night after dozens of protesters, some using megaphones, wearing masks, and carrying posters, aimed to block entry to the Logan Theater in Chicago. One Jewish man in his late 50’s, carrying an Israeli flag and preferring to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, told ABC 7 that he was physically assaulted as he walked to the theater.
“I did not say anything to anyone, as we walked up I did not look at anyone, I did not give anyone the finger, I simply walked up holding an Israeli flag,” he told the Chicago news affiliate.
“A group of them was swinging me around and threw me into a parked car. I was completely surrounded by maybe six or seven that started punching me in the head.”
While he was not seriously injured, the attack has left him concerned for his safety and worried for the future of his Jewish children.
“I think it is disgusting you cannot walk down the street Jewish in 2024,” he said.
The Jewish United Fund has reported a 360% increase in US antisemitic incidents since the Hamas massacre, with significant occurrences in Chicago. The organization is calling on local elected officials and community leaders to publicly condemn the rise in antisemitic actions and to promote education on the history of Judaism to fight this disturbing trend.
