The fourth annual Palestine Fest in southwest suburban Bridgeview brought together a peaceful crowd looking to celebrate and enjoy Palestinian culture.
The festival, held in the parking lot of SeatGeek Stadium, also drew the attention of far-right activist Jake Lang and a small group of other far-right protesters, who clashed with a much larger crowd of counter-protesters outside a gas station near the stadium.
Protesters screamed at each other through blow horns and threw water bottles. Broadview police officers and Illinois State Police troopers managed to mostly keep the two groups separated. At least two protesters were detained. After about two hours, protesters from both sides started trickling out of the the area.
But inside the festival grounds, all was calm Sunday afternoon. Palestinian music played over loudspeakers. Families milled about. Kids rode amusement park rides. Vendors sold a range of Palestinian food and clothing.
Ablah Maali was selling handmade beaded bracelets at one of the booths Sunday. The 19-year-old was inspired by her aunt to start making and selling her own jewelry.
“I just love being around our people,” Maali said. “It’s fun being with family, making new friends. And everyone is being so friendly.”
As for the protesters outside, Maali said the Palestinian people “have love for everybody.”
“Thousands of people are gathering peacefully,” Hatem Bazian, chairman of the National Board of American Muslims for Palestine, said at a press conference kicking off the festival.
Bridgeview, commonly referred to as “Little Palestine,” is home to one of the highest concentrations of Palestinian Americans in the country.
“Families are celebrating together. Children are learning about their heritage. Neighbors are meeting one another. Palestinian food, music, art, embroidery, dance and history are being shared openly and proudly,” Bazian said. “At a time when Palestinians are so often discussed only through the language of war, today we insist on telling a fuller, different story.”
He also said the organizers worked closely with Bridgeview officials to keep attendees safe.
Bridgeview Mayor Steve Landek said the village rented out the stadium to the organizers, American Muslims for Palestine Chicago.
“We didn’t know the controversy was going to occur, but we go ahead with it,” Landek said. “We have the contract, and they’re signed up to use the stadium grounds, and that’s what we do.”
Mayor Brandon Johnson was also scheduled to attend the festival later Sunday afternoon.
Contributing: Candace Dane Chambers