As Jewish communities around the world celebrate Hanukkah, we are reminded once again of the evils of antisemitism. A peaceful holiday celebration in Australia was transformed into a scene of terror and death, resulting so far in 15 innocent lives lost and at least 40 people injured.

The most important lesson from this horrific attack is that governments cannot wait for an act of terror before they start taking anti-Jewish hate seriously. Advocacy groups have been raising the alarm for years about increasing antisemitism, and we need our leaders to act now to protect Jewish communities.

Here in Chicago, hate crimes against Jews are up 58% from 2023 to 2024. We know that because the Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR) report issued in July memorialized the increase. At the beginning of this September, CCHR held a public hearing on the alarming rise in anti-Jewish hate in Chicago, responding to a charge from the City Council giving CCHR 60 days to draft recommendations on how to keep Jewish Chicagoans safe. That deadline has passed, CCHR has not issued recommendations and the mayor has taken no action to address the precipitous rise in anti-Jewish crimes. 

Testimony from Jewish residents of Chicago at the public hearing was horrific and unsurprising. A Jewish Chicago Public Schools student testified to being attacked at school and having her hair cut in an act of anti-Jewish hate. Jewish residents of Hyde Park testified about multiple instances of threatening vandalism and graffiti targeting their community. And, for the first time telling his story publicly, the victim of last year’s antisemitic terrorist attack in the 50th Ward described being shot while walking to synagogue, his young children not with him only because they were too tired to go to synagogue that morning.

This level of hate is now common but cannot be accepted as normal.

If there is any hope to stymie the unacceptable trend of hate crimes against Jews, CCHR and Mayor Brandon Johnson must follow recommendations developed in partnership with mainstream Jewish organizations such as the Jewish United Fund, the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee, the Simon Wiesenthal Center and StandWithUs. These organizations have decades of experience fighting antisemitism and must be full partners in shaping the city’s response.

Jewish residents of Chicago demand a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to addressing anti-Jewish hate. The mayor must:

Establish a citywide task force on combating antisemitism leveraging law enforcement, educators, civil rights leaders and representatives from the mainstream Jewish community to track incidents, improve coordination and develop meaningful solutions. The task force’s recommendations would ensure city policy is informed, accountable and effective. Cities such as New York and Los Angeles already have dedicated frameworks in place to combat antisemitism. Chicago must as well.
Mandate antisemitism and anti-bias training for every law enforcement officer and city employee upon hiring and again every three years. It is essential to confronting hate that every city employee understands how to recognize and respond to hate crimes. These trainings should be designed and led by established Jewish institutions, such as those listed above, so they reflect real expertise and the lived experience of Chicago’s Jewish community. When every public servant knows how to identify hate, our city is safer for everyone.
Designate a corps of detectives dedicated solely to hate crime investigations. Bias-motivated crimes are complex and target entire communities, not just individuals. A specialized unit with proper training would ensure consistent, thorough investigations and help rebuild trust among law enforcement, victims and affected communities.
Use his influence to demand that CPS and the City Colleges of Chicago partner with mainstream Jewish organizations to develop curriculum and training that equips students and educators to recognize and confront modern antisemitism. Education is a critical tool against hate. While Illinois law rightly requires Holocaust education in public schools, students must also learn about contemporary antisemitism and how it manifests in social media, classrooms and public discourse today. They must also be able to distinguish between legitimate political expression and harassment based on Jewish identity. Every child in Chicago deserves to learn in an environment free from hate, and every teacher needs the tools to make that possible.

CCHR was created to protect all Chicagoans from hate and discrimination. Its upcoming report represents a critical opportunity to move beyond symbolic gestures and toward real, lasting solutions.

Antisemitism threatens not only Jewish Chicagoans but also the integrity of our city itself. Johnson has the power to act — by creating a task force, mandating training, dedicating detectives and demanding schools to teach about modern antisemitism.

The Jewish community is not asking for special treatment. We are asking for equal protection and a city that stands firmly, and without hesitation, against hate.

The time to act is now.

Ald. Debra Silverstein represents Chicago’s 50th Ward. 

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/16/opinion-antisemitism-chicago-solutions/