Earlier this month, Anti-War Committee Chicago organizer Shabbir Rizvi was caught on video teaching activists to chant “Death to Israel” and “Death to America” in Farsi, leading to controversy due to his documented support for Iran and anti-Israel views. Rizvi was promoting these chants during a gathering of activists who were planning to disrupt the Democratic National Convention. His comments were met with applause from the crowd after hearing news of Iran’s attack on Israel. Rizvi’s history includes contributing to Iran’s Press TV and an outlet called Al Mayadeen, both of which have links to Iran and Hezbollah, a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Rizvi’s reports show a pro-terror bias, with him downplaying terror attacks on innocents and portraying them as responses to Israeli aggression. Ties between Al Mayadeen and Hezbollah are complex, with the outlet often resembling a Hezbollah-linked media outlet with close access to Hezbollah officials. While Rizvi may view these groups as part of a resistance, experts argue that their objectives involve the annihilation of Israel, not defensive actions. Despite his scrubbing social media profiles, groups like the Anti-Defamation League have archived evidence of Rizvi’s support for Iran and anti-Israel sentiments.
Rizvi’s comments on Iran’s actions against Israel aimed to justify them as within the scope of international law and portrayed Iran as restoring the morale of the Islamic world. However, the United Nations Human Rights Office suggests that both Iran’s and Israel’s actions may constitute international crimes of aggression. Rizvi has a track record of expressing anger toward Israel and its supporters, claiming that Israel has plans to create a greater Israel by expanding into neighboring countries with the backing of the United States. These conspiracy theories are seen as demonizing and dehumanizing Israelis.
Despite attempts to contact Rizvi for clarification on his statements and chants, he did not respond. The activists in Chicago are planning protests against Israel at the Democratic National Convention, with the city rejecting initial requests to march close to the event. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson was labeled “Genocide Joe Biden” by protesters demanding action to stop the conflict in Gaza. Amid rising anti-Israel sentiments, Chicago has seen a surge in antisemitic incidents, with a 74% increase in Illinois between 2022 and 2023. The community faces harassment, vandalism, and assaults, with the majority of incidents occurring after October 7.
The activists who are gearing up to protest at the Democratic National Convention in August maintain that they will march regardless of having a permit, citing the ongoing genocide in Gaza as their reason for action. The coalition of protesters has sued the city to secure a location closer to the convention, advocating for President Biden to intervene and halt the conflict. Rizvi’s online statements, archived tweets, and media appearances further illustrate his anti-Israel stance and support for Iran, highlighting his role in promoting anti-American and anti-Israel sentiments within activist circles. As tensions continue to escalate in Chicago, the city grapples with balancing free speech rights with concerns of hate speech and incitement.
