Chicago Commission Addresses Antisemitism Crisis in Hearing

Addressing the Rising Tide of Antisemitism in Chicago

Chicago is confronting a growing concern as the Commission on Human Relations held a six-hour public hearing focused on antisemitism. The event, hosted at City Hall, aimed to explore why hate crimes have generally declined in the city while antisemitic incidents have surged. This alarming trend has prompted urgent calls for action from community leaders and residents.

Jews constitute just 3% of Chicago’s population, yet they accounted for 37% of reported hate crimes last year, according to data from the Chicago Police Department (CPD). In 2024 alone, antisemitic hate crimes increased by 58% compared to the previous year. As 2025 unfolds, reports of anti-Jewish hate continue to surface, highlighting the persistent nature of this issue.

Recent incidents include threatening messages found on mailboxes near the KAM Isaiah Israel Congregation synagogue in Hyde Park. Similar acts were discovered on stop signs, Amazon lockers, and emergency phone boxes in the same area. These messages ranged from slurs to expressions of hatred toward Jewish individuals. Over the summer, there were at least seven instances of antisemitic graffiti in Hyde Park within a single month, underscoring the severity of the problem.

Chair Nancy Andrade of the Commission on Human Relations warned attendees that some testimonies could evoke strong emotions. She also requested that speakers avoid discussing international conflicts between Israelis and Palestinians, focusing instead on local concerns.

Ald. Debra Silverstein, the only Jewish member of the Chicago City Council, was among the first to speak. She described the challenges her ward faces, including swastikas sprayed on walls, hateful flyers on cars, and smashed windows at synagogues and schools. Silverstein also mentioned a recent terrorist attack targeting a visibly Jewish man in her community.

Members of the Jewish community shared their experiences with antisemitic attacks and called for more support from the city. Rabbi Michel Siegel of Anshe Emet Synagogue in Lakeview expressed his fear when attending services, noting that he walks home with an armed security guard due to the unpredictable nature of threats.

A former Chicago Public Schools student recounted being attacked at school because of her Jewish identity. A boy shouted “Free Palestine” at her, while another cut a chunk of her hair and fist-bumped his friends after the assault. The teacher failed to intervene, leaving the student feeling unsafe.

Jewish students have faced targeted harassment in Chicago Public Schools, while Jews have been shot while heading to synagogues. Offices have also been spraypainted with swastikas, contributing to a growing sense of fear within the community.

Eitan Bleichman, an Orthodox Jew, shared his experience of being shot while walking to a synagogue in West Ridge. He emphasized that he was targeted solely because of his Jewish identity, highlighting the personal and traumatic impact of these incidents.

Silverstein criticized the mayor for not taking antisemitism seriously enough, calling the hearing "political theater." She expressed disappointment that several major Jewish organizations were excluded from the process, arguing that this exclusion sends a message that the Jewish community's experiences are not valued.

The hearing also included perspectives from non-Jewish community members. Illinois state Sen. Celina Villanueva, whose office was spraypainted with a swastika, spoke about the intent behind such acts. She emphasized that these actions aim to instill fear and marginalize immigrant communities, particularly those of Palestinian descent.

Following the hearing, there were calls for immediate action, including better education for police and first responders, new programs to address outbursts of violence, and measures to ensure community safety. The Chicago Commission on Human Relations plans to release a report with key findings and recommendations for reducing antisemitism in two months. This report will serve as a critical step toward addressing the rising tide of hate in the city.