CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - A group of Chicago City Council members say an art display in town is both antisemitic and anti-American.
“We’d like the display to be removed,” said 50th Ward Alderman Debra Silverstein.
She and more than 20 other council members have signed a letter to Mayor Johnson about the “US-Israel War Machine” display at the Chicago Cultural Center, which features bloodied puppets of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others and phrases such as “children killers” and “murderers.”
“I have gotten hundreds of emails from constituents upset that once again, the Jewish community is feeling hurt about a display that the city is backing,” Silverstein added.
The letter calls for the display to be taken down, and for a City Council hearing to discuss how it was approved in the first place.
“I feel like the mayor has already alienated the mainstream Jewish community, and he’s not just not learning from these mistakes and keeps doing it over and over again.”
In a statement sent to WBBM Newsradio, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events said they “are committed to upholding artistic freedom and expression.”
Here is their full statement:
“The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the City of Chicago are committed to upholding artistic freedom and expression, which are foundational to a vibrant and inclusive society. We understand the power of art and differing perspectives. The department and City will continue collaborative dialogue with elected officials and community members to reach common ground.“
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