Jewish leaders urge Chicago Mayor Johnson to create antisemitism task force
Jewish Leaders in Chicago Demand Mayor Brandon Johnson Take Action Against Antisemitism
CHICAGO (WLS) – Jewish leaders across Chicago are speaking out, calling on Mayor Brandon Johnson to do more to protect their community amid a rising number of antisemitic incidents.
The leaders are demanding that Mayor Johnson create a dedicated task force focused on combating antisemitism—a recommendation that Jewish organizations say has already been outlined with clear and thorough action steps.
“I am here to demand that Mayor Johnson protect Chicago Jews. Without saying a word, the mayor of the city of Chicago has made himself perfectly clear: he does not care about the safety of the Jewish community,” said Rebecca Weininger, Anti-Defamation League Midwest Senior Regional Director.
It’s a desperate plea for action with specific demands. “Establish the task force your commission recommended, name a leader accountable for this work, set timelines, make progress public,” urged Chicago Sinai Congregation Rabbi Amanda Greene.
Alderman Debra Silverstein, who represents the 50th Ward, also supports the formation of the task force and insists on the importance of education. “There needs to be mandatory anti-Jewish bias training for city employees, for teachers of our children, for the police department. We need to educate people,” she said.
Multiple Jewish organizations stood united on Wednesday, emphasizing the need for stronger protections for their community in Chicago.
The call for action comes following a report issued last July by the Chicago Commission on Human Relations, which highlighted a 58% increase in anti-Jewish hate crimes in Chicago from 2023 to 2024.
Chicago police data analyzed by the ABC7 Chicago data team showed 79 reported anti-Jewish hate crimes in 2023, compared to 47 incidents in 2024—a concerning rise in such offenses.
One victim, Etan Bleichman, shared his harrowing experience: “I was shot Oct. 26, 2024 because I was Jewish.” Bleichman said he was shot in the back while on his way to synagogue.
“He tried to finish what he started and fired at me, the ambulance, and the brave police,” Bleichman recounted.
While security around synagogues has since increased, Bleichman insists more comprehensive measures are necessary, starting with the mayor’s approval of the unanimously recommended actions from the Chicago Commission on Human Relations.
“These recommendations have sat on his desk with no action,” Bleichman said. “Jewish people in the city need to not feel like they have a target on their back, the same target that I had on my back.”
Despite the challenges, leaders remain resolute. “We are very resilient. We are very strong, and we’re going to get through this,” Silverstein affirmed.
As of now, the Mayor’s office has not responded to requests for comment.
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