AMP Chicago’s Palestine Fest Brings Community of Nearly 10,000 Together

Yesterday, American Muslims for Palestine’s Chicago Chapter hosted its 4th annual Palestine Fest in Bridgeview, Illinois. The festival was a resounding success. According to SeatGeek, nearly 10,000 people attended the festival, drawing high-profile media coverage from ABC, CBS, The Associated Press, and other local news outlets. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Bridgeview Mayor Steven Landek were also in attendance alongside AMP National Chair Dr. Hatem Bazian and board member Salah Sarsour.

During the event, far-right provocateurs attempted to hijack the event and instigate responses from the attendees. AMP and its Chicago Chapter want to make it unequivocally clear: We will not let outside forces define our culture, nor will we allow bad-faith actors to gain legitimacy off Palestine Fest. Why? Because Palestine Fest and its attendees embody Palestinian culture, its diversity, warmth, and the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in pursuit of freedom and dignity. Our cause – and the people who have dedicated themselves to it – deserve that recognition more than irrelevant individuals who only thrive off hatred and the attention granted to them by the media.

All throughout the day, the festival was filled with the gathering of families, the laughter of children, and a community coming together to embrace the uniqueness of Palestinian culture and tradition. AMP will continue to work tirelessly to promote awareness of the rich culture, heritage, and traditions of the Palestinian people. We thank everyone for attending and making Palestine Fest an incredible act of solidarity and action.

“AMP Chicago is proud of our community for attending Palestine Fest and uplifting the beauty of Palestinian culture. No matter what anyone tries to do, we will stand united against hate and use yesterday’s event as a vehicle for standing up for the oppressed, honoring our elders and passing the story of Palestine down to our children.” – Amira Daoud, AMP Chicago Board Member and Palestine Fest Operations Manager.