'We have a spotlight on us': Little Palestine in Illinois stands united as Gaza truce is tested - Salam
Assalamu alaikum - A fragile truce in Gaza is back in place after recent Israeli strikes, and people here in Bridgeview, Illinois - often called “Little Palestine” - are watching with a mix of worry, doubt and guarded hope about what comes next.
This suburban neighbourhood has the largest Palestinian-American population in the country. Arabic signs and Middle Eastern restaurants are everywhere, many openly showing support for Gaza and Palestinian families.
Deanna Othman, who grew up here, teaches English and journalism at a local high school and sits on the board of American Muslims for Palestine in Chicago. Her family is from Beitunia in the occupied West Bank and her husband’s family is in Gaza.
The last two years, she says, have been a nonstop source of anxiety. She last visited Gaza in June 2023, months before the October events and the offensive that followed, and the uncertainty about loved ones has been crushing.
“It’s affected the whole community, but even more so for me since my husband’s family are there,” she said. “It’s been a very hard two years - not knowing if family are safe, not being able to reach them, not knowing if they have food. The list goes on.”
Because of that uncertainty, she finds it hard to trust any agreement that doesn’t truly include Palestinians in deciding Gaza’s future.
“Unless occupying forces leave Gaza fully, there’s no real guarantee safe rebuilding can happen,” she said. “Things in the West Bank got worse too. We can’t just assume peace because a plan is signed.”
The emotional toll has been heavy - sadness, anger, depression, constant worry - yet Deanna and many here still hold on to hope, even if it’s difficult after seeing the devastation and loss.
She also feels a responsibility for the community to keep speaking up. “We have a spotlight on us as the biggest Palestinian community in the US,” she said. “We need to keep raising our voices until our people can live free.”
That sense of purpose has tightened bonds in the neighbourhood. At Al Bawadi Grill, a family-run Palestinian restaurant that’s been here 17 years, support for Gaza is part of daily life. The owners even opened a new Middle Eastern seafood place, Al Bahaar, nearby.
From donating proceeds to attending demonstrations, the restaurant family has been active in solidarity. Hamza Ismail, the manager and son of the owner, grew up in the restaurant and says it truly feels like one big family here.
“As soon as things started in Gaza, everyone came together to make sure people knew and to help however we could,” he said, while adding that trust in Israeli leadership is very low given the scale of loss they’ve seen.
Tarek Khalil, a lawyer and education coordinator with American Muslims for Palestine, called the truce welcome but fragile. “Relief is needed for Palestinians, but the blockade, occupation and displacement remain. This is only the beginning,” he said.
For many, Little Palestine is both cultural pride and a hub of solidarity. You can find Palestinian food, mosques, shops and community life here, and people from many backgrounds stand in support.
Those here urge Americans and elected leaders to keep pressure on policymakers and not forget Palestinian rights. “We can’t give up hope,” Khalil said. “We must hold leaders accountable. Palestine is a litmus test of our time.”
There is cautious relief among some business owners. Mohanad Aburas, who opened Prince Sweets after moving from Nablus, said the community is thankful for any pause in killing and hopes the agreement will hold if promises are kept.
Vivian Khalaf, born in Jerusalem and chair of the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund board here, said the mood is “cautiously optimistic” but fragile. The conflict has also strengthened generosity - many donate to charities helping Gaza, and that unity has brought people closer than before.
Through the fear and grief, the Bridgeview community continues to pray, give charity and speak up for justice, holding on to hope that one day Palestinians will know safety and dignity.
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