Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Republican Party alleges Chicago Teachers Union members promoted the disruption of the pro-Israel rally in Skokie on Sunday.

The Chicago Republican Party shared a flyer for a counter-protest that drew hundreds of protestors.

“Passed among CTU CORE membership today is a promo to disrupt the Pro-Israel Skokie rally & to counter-protest by supporting Palestinians. It's not a reach to say CTU supports the efforts of Hamas Terrorists & Hezbollah & Islamic Jihad,” Chicago Republican Party said on Facebook.

Image of flyer shared by CTU members. | Chicago Republican Party

“CTU is disgusting & abhorrent, while teaching CPS students to hate & destroy Israel.”

The Chicago Republican Party shared along with the post a flyer seeking protestors to attend a rally in support of Israel.

"Skokie rally supporting genocide against Palestinians," the flyer read.

The CTU members intended to protest the "Solidarity with Israel" rally that took place in Skokie, where demonstrators gathered to show support for the Israelis in the wake of the Hamas terror attack.

The Oct. 22 rally occurred in Skokie at 4 p.m. at Ateres Ayala.

The pro-Palestinian protest took place nearby, with approximately 200 protesters supporting the Palestinian cause.

Tensions escalated during the events, leading to arrests and confrontations between different groups, according to the Daily Herald.

During the counter-protest a shot was fired into the air, and individuals were sprayed with pepper spray.

The incident involving the discharge of a firearm is under investigation.

Video of the incident was posted on Facebook by Equality for Flatbush. 

It shows a man armed with a pistol charging protestors before Skokie Police intervene and arrest him.

"A zionist brought his firearm to a rally and began shooting in a crowd of pro palestine protestors. thankfully he was quickly disarmed and arrested by skokie police. this is the SECOND violent incident ive seen in chicago," Equality for Flatbush said in the Facebook post.

The protestors canceled a planned demonstration in downtown Chicago to be at the Skokie rally.

"We're going to make the best out of it as much as we can, but this is not where we wanted to be. We should have the right to be within sight and sound,” US Palestinian Community Network National Chair Hatem Abudayyeh told WGN-TV.

Meanwhile, those in support of Israel noted around 1,000 supporters came out for the rally. 

"Last night's rally for Israel in Skokie. At least 600 supporters were there. I think it was at least 1,000 supporters. It was a great event. Unfortunately there were many Palestinian supporters outside. Skokie, Lincolnwood, State police and private security kept law and order. There were a few incidents and gunshots but no injuries. I've never felt prouder to be a Jew!" Marty Scharaga said on Facebook.