Supporters of the Gaber family show off a flag calling for a Free Gaza and a Free Palestine. (Photos by Nuha Abdessalam)
Supporters stand in silence with Hickory Hills family
By Nuha Abdessalam
Community members stood in silence against violence in solidarity with the Gaber family of Hickory Hills.
Neighbors and members were unsettled after Hickory Hills resident Lila Gaber’s family received two hate letters for having a “Free Palestine” sign on their front lawn.
The family recently received an outpouring of support through direct messages on social media and from the community. That ultimately turned into a “Stand in Silence” rally Dec. 28 at the Gaber family’s home.
“I hope this illustrates that other people are not Palestinian and still do share the same message behind Laila’s sign, but not only that, there’s free speech here in America,” said Kate, the rally organizer who declined to give her last name.
The Plainfield resident first learned of Laila’s story through social media posts and news segments. Hoping to support the Gaber family, Kate helped organize the rally against the hateful rhetoric.
“We are here to encourage that a sign is not to illicit violence; we’re here to silence that violence, and standing up for the community is vital,” added Kate.
The rain did not discourage the dozens of community members who joined the rally on the Gaber’s front lawn waving Palestinian flags and carrying signs. Some came from out of town to show their support.
Holly Moore and her boyfriend, Efrain Prado, were so upset by the family’s circumstances that they drove in from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to show solidarity with the family.
“We’re here to be human, and as humans, not to be treated poorly,” said Moore. “I hope that the Gaber family feels fully supported and this gains traction and recognition so the people who live here feel safer.”
The rally helps show support for the Gaber family and “the freedom of speech,” added Prado. “We shouldn’t feel any type of way in our homes. This is their domain, and they pay their taxes and should be able to say do as they please.”
Oak Forest resident and supporter Sandra Gagliano also came in support of being human. “I’m here to show my support for the Palestinians, for the Christians, for the Jews, we’re all the same,” said Gagliano. “Gaza has opened the eyes of America, and still, some ignore it; it’s a shame, and it’s sad, but we’re here standing against it as humans.”
Signs saying “Free Palestine” and “End the Violence” curated further union among supporters, including Julius Allen and Hani Khatib. “I came out to show solidarity and to elevate the voices of Palestinians,” said Allen.
In fostering community and understanding, Khatib added, “The issue happening in Palestine is one that is heartbreaking. Each new day, the entire world watches, hoping for change. Remarkably, during this time, it was Palestine that changed the world. It united us and strengthened an unbreakable bond. I showed up today as part of that bond.”
Seema Imam, a Hickory Hills resident of over 30 years and Human Rights Commissioner, expressed the necessity of community allegiance within the city in helping bridge the gap for true inclusion and diversity.
“Our city can build bridges. This means a Ramadan party for Muslim children in the park district annually. It is equal to the Christmas party in the park district,” said Imam. “This will cause people to have a sense of belonging, and seeing it promoted by the city will make others say the city is with all of us.”
At the rally, Gaber’s family and community members stood in solidarity, collaborating to illustrate the Hickory Hills community’s support for Gaber’s family.
Laila Gaber said, “It brings me so much hope that people took time out of their lives to come and take a stand with us.
“I appreciate everyone who came out, shared the post, shared the story, and supported us – humanity still exists.”
Local News
Man charged with child abduction in Stickney Township
Spread the loveFrom staff reports A Chicago man was charged last week with child abduction and luring of a minor after Cook County Sheriff’s Police detectives found he attempted to lure a minor into his vehicle, said Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart. According to police, about 4:43 p.m. on Monday, April 22, officers responded…
Worth Library celebrates 60th anniversary
Spread the loveBy Kelly White The Worth Public Library has been around for decades. Resting in the heart of the village at 6917 W. 111th St., the library held an event focusing on its rich background story on April 23 with a historical photo exhibit. “It’s amazing because this library is still so important to…
Rose Zubik, Woman’s Club veteran, installed as 3rd District president
Spread the love Rose Zubik, of Palos Heights, the new president of the 3rd District General Federation of Women’s Clubs-Illinois, lights a candle during the installation ceremony held April 27 at Fox’s Restaurant in Orland Park. Heather Linehan, the outgoing president, is beside her.By Dermot Connolly A longtime member of the Palos Heights Woman’s Club…
Shots fired in Chicago Ridge Commons parking lot
Spread the loveFrom staff reports Shots were fired Wednesday night in the parking lot at Chicago Ridge Commons mall. Police said they received reports of the shooting about 9:45 p.m. No injuries were reported. Multiple witnesses told police four men were walking through the parking lot from the XSport Fitness area. They approached two vehicles…
Hair salon with a ‘flair’ marks first year in Chicago Ridge
Spread the loveBy Joe Boyle Melissa Kowalski wanted to do something meaningful to mark the first-year anniversary of her Flair With Hair Salon in Chicago Ridge. “We did not have a grand opening last year so I wanted to do something really special,” Kowalski said. “We wanted to say thank you to our clients.” Kowalski,…
Palos East fifth-grader wins Scholastic Storyworks writing contest
Spread the loveGabriel Chowaniec, a fifth-grader at Palos East Elementary School, has been named a winner of the Scholastic Storyworks Magazine writing contest. Gabriel, who is a student in Cathy Casey’s fifth-grade classroom, was named one of only five winners nationally for the December 2023/January 2024 competition. Garbriel’s submission for the nonfiction story “The Shattered Land,” “showed a strong understanding of the text along with the ability to author a well-organized…
Shepard celebrates Autism Week
Spread the loveBy Kelly White World Autism Acceptance Week is organized by the National Autistic Society in the first week of April and aims to raise awareness about the challenges autistic people face across all areas of society. Not missing out the opportunity to celebrate all-inclusion was Shepard High School, 13049 S. Ridgeland Ave., Palos…
Billions of cicadas get ready to raise a racket
Spread the loveBy Kelly White If you haven’t heard the buzz yet, you will soon. With 2024 marking a big year for periodical cicadas in Illinois, billions of the red-eyed buggers will soon be making an appearance. Periodical cicada broods XIII and XIX will be emerging throughout much of the state at the same time.…
‘A man of honor, a beacon of kindness’
Spread the love. Chicago weeps for Officer Luis Huesca . By Tim Hadac People across the Southwest Side shed tears earlier this week, as throngs of police officers and other filled the St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel at 77th and Western for a funeral Mass for CPD Officer Luis M. Huesca. Officer Huesca was…
Neighbors
Mother Mac unveils new lights and scoreboard
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Across the nation, women’s sports are on the rise in terms of viewership, enthusiasm, sponsorship and excitement. Mother McAuley is no stranger to the impact that women’s athletics has on the development of an individual, strengthening of a team and key skills and attributes developed along the way. South Side…
Cicadas in the park in Palos Park
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Cicadas are coming and the Village of Palos Park is ready. The village hosted its 31st annual Arbor Day Celebration on Sunday, May 5, themed, “The Wonder of Trees” at The Center in the Lodge, 12700 Southwest Highway, with featured speaker, Tricia Bethke of The Morton Arboretum who presented, “Cicadas…
Palos Heights SD 128 sees enrollment boom
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Over the past few years, Palos Heights School District 128 has experienced an explosive growth among incoming students. There has been a significant increase particularly at Indian Hill Early Learning Center, 12800 S. Austin Ave. Chippewa Elementary School, 12425 S. Austin Ave; Navajo Elementary School, 12401 S. Oak Park Ave;…
Comings & Goings: Orange’s Pancake House now open in Palos Heights
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Palos Heights is the home of a popular new breakfast café. Orange’s Pancake House, 11845 Southwest Highway, held a ribbon-cutting event on April 18. Owners, Elvia Briones, of Virgina, and Fernando Cruz, of Evergreen Park, said they were very excited to be in the heart of the Palos Heights community.…
Sisters make Chicago Lawn a world destination
Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . Earlier this month was the Fifth Lithuanian Documentary Film Festival, with distinguished guests from Lithuania and other parts of the United States visiting the neighborhood. They held a photo session in the editorial office of…
Happy Mother’s Day to everyone, everyone
Spread the love. By Mary Stanek Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon 3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 517-7796 . Yet another Mother’s Day is upon us. I wish everyone a happy day. By everyone I do mean everyone. There are a lot of dads who do it alone, along with important mother…
Mother’s Day is truly a day to be celebrated
Spread the love. Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327 . Mother’s Day happens on Sunday, May 12. If this isn’t something to celebrate, I don’t know what is. Motherhood means new life, new beginnings, new possibilities. Even if you won’t be seeing your mom, you can still…
Saint Xavier men’s volleyball finishes historic season in nation’s top 4
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent The Saint Xavier men’s volleyball team made history by advancing to the semifinals of the NAIA Men’s Volleyball National Championship. But the Cougars fell to eventual national champion Georgetown (Kentucky), 25-21, 25-23, 22-25, 21-25, 15-10, on May 3 at Alliant Energy PowerHouse in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Although there was…