‘Hostage Square Chicago’ pop-up unveiled Tuesday near DNC
CHICAGO — An art exhibit called Hostage Square Chicago is now set up near the Democratic National Convention.
The artists want to remind people of the hostages that were taken from Israel last year and are still being held in Gaza.
A lot of security is in place surrounding the art installation at the corner of Madison Street and Morgan Street, which is a one-day pop-up organized by a Chicagoan.
From a tree, to a mural with a child holding a teddy bear — and milk cartons with the photos and the names of those Israeli US citizens — some presumed alive, others dead.
Lea Silvert’s aunt and uncle are among those whose bodies have yet to be recovered.
“It’s a mix of emotion. I’m sad. I’m disappointed that we’re still in this situation. I’m representing my aunt and uncle, but I’m also here representing all families. Hostages who are still being held, and people suffering in Israel and in Gaza and in the West Bank. I’m here representing those people,” Silvert said.
For artists like Noah Elder, who is re-creating the design of a tattoo he gave to a survivor of the October 7 attack in Israel, this day is therapeutic.
“It’s just great representing peace with art. That’s all this is. There is nothing political about this. It’s just bring home our families and tell our stories,” Elder said.
This installation is happening Tuesday, the same day Israeli forces recovered six bodies of Israeli citizens, who were killed and being held in Gaza.
Some of those at the exhibit Tuesday are calling on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hold the line to get all 115 hostages back.
The pop-up art exhibit closes at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
For more information, go to: cdn.iac360.org
After more than a year of planning, Chicago is at the center of the political spotlight this week as host of the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
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The convention runs through Thursday. Chicago has hosted Democrats 12 times, the last being nearly 30 years ago when President Bill Clinton was nominated for a second term.
WGN Cover Story: Why Chicago has hosted more presidential conventions than any other city.
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