Two protesters were arrested at NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race for locking themselves inside the fence for 40 minutes. The protesters held up a sign that read, “[Pritzker]: We charge genocide” and “Bombs for Gaza, prisons for Illinois” while sitting on top of the fence. The act was done to condemn “local, state and federal governments’ ongoing genocide and mass imprisonment agenda,” according to the organizers.
The protesters also condemned NASCAR driver Alon Day, who is Jewish and has shown support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas. They criticized Chicago city officials and NASCAR for allowing Day to use the race as a platform for Israeli propaganda. Day, the only Israeli driver in NASCAR, was unable to race on Sunday after wrecking his car during a practice session.
Day had hoped to pay homage to those held captive by Hamas after terrorist attacks. His car was wrapped in the colors of the Israeli flag with the Hebrew word for life on it. Day expressed his motivation to do well in the race for the hostages, the Israeli soldiers, and the Jewish community in the United States.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Day expressed concern about the safety of the streets in Chicago due to pro-Hamas protests. He mentioned feeling the need to hide his Jewish identity to ensure his safety. The organizers of the protest demanded a permanent cease-fire in the conflict and called for the U.S. to cut aid to Israel.
Overall, the incident at the Chicago Street Race highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict and the impact it has on various communities. Day’s efforts to raise awareness about the hostages held by Hamas added a poignant layer to the event, emphasizing the personal stakes involved in the conflict. The clash between the protesters, Day, and the organizers brought attention to the complexities of international relations and activism within the realm of sports events.