Chicago police said two protesters were arrested and charged with misdemeanors after using fake names to register for a private event.
The event, organized by the Chicago Jewish Alliance and featuring Yoseph Haddad, a prominent Israeli Arab who is a known advocate for Israel and was injured while serving in the Israeli Defense Forces, which Arab citizens of Israel are not required to do, was the target of protest by several groups, including Students for Justice in Palestine and the US Palestinian Community Network, the president of the Chicago Loop Synagogue.
President Lee Zoldan said the event required an RSVP and the over 200 attendees were vetted by the Israeli Consulate beforehand, but several people registered under false names and Zoldan said she believes they released the time and location of the event to the protesters.
Zoldan said about half an hour before the event was due to start about 30 people, some carrying a Students for Justice in Palestine banner, arrived at the synagogue. They were joined by other protesters including members of the US Palestinian Community Network and attorneys from the National Lawyers Guild.