CHICAGO — They say if you really want to understand someone walk a mile in their shoes. But if you really want to bond with someone, run a mile on the same path.
Attorney Richard Goldwasser, 59, is a Jewish American born and raised in the Chicago area. Former Oak Park mayor Anan Abu-Taleb, 65, is Palestinian born in the Gaza Strip. They may not seem to be the likeliest of friends. But that’s the point.
“When you invest in relationships, and you get to know someone and look at them as human, it’s hard to hate them,” Abu-Taleb said.
“We’re both runners and we both understand that when you run, there’s kind of this bond that develops between runners and you sense their humanity,” Goldwasser said.
They’ve organized a morning 5-mile run, starting at Buckingham Fountain every day during the Democratic National Convention It’s a healthy and productive way to bring Jewish and Palestinian Americans together at a time of deep division.
Lily Greenberg Callis a former Biden Administration official.
“When things feel really horrible and awful, I think being outside, being in the sun, moving your body, that’s the best way to connect to ourselves and what really matters,” she said.
They are calling for both a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages.
It’s a contrast to the angry protests that have taken place in Chicago that have amplified tensions.
“The protests have been pushing people into their corners, and it’s not an effective way to get a message across,” Goldwasser said.
“This war, this devastation, this violence has not brought freedom to the Palestinians. It definitely has not brought more security to the Israelis,” Abu-Taleb said. “And it has put the whole world on the edge of having a larger war. How is that good for anybody?”
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.
Day 1 Recap:
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.