Chicago has yet to approve a pro-Israel group’s request for a rally during the upcoming Democratic National Convention despite having already granted permission to an anti-Israel group.

The Israeli American Council filed two applications with Chicago’s Department of Transportation in early July to hold a solidarity march for Israel during the convention. Due to safety concerns their bid to hold its rally within view of Chicago’s United Center was blocked.

“Sufficient city resources are not available to mitigate the disruption that would be caused by the proposed assembly, or to police and protect assembly participants in light of these demands,” the rejection letter reads.

Following its pattern of pro-Israel rallies across America after Hamas’ October 7 attacks, the IAC aimed to balance anti-Israel voices at the DNC critical of nominee Kamala Harris’s flip-flop approach to the Jewish State. Rather than having their voices be heard during coverage of the event, an alternative location in a public park on the final night of the DNC was offered, which the Jewish advocacy group declined as being too far away.

In stark contrast, a coalition of anti-Israel activist groups received approval last month for their demonstration route right near the convention site. It is expected to draw over 25,000 antisemitic protesters.

With less than two weeks until the DNC, the IAC has received no response from city officials for a closer venue like the pro-Hamas event, despite follow-ups via phone and email. In the meantime they are reportedly looking for alternate creative solutions to get their pro-Israel message out.