THE GOLD COAST (WBBM Newsradio) -- Leaders in the Chicago area's Jewish community say they're already hearing reports about harassment tied to the Israeli and U.S. military action in Iran, and they're calling on Mayor Brandon Johnson to take action.
Rebecca Weininger from the Anti-Defamation League told reporters during an appearance Wednesday morning at Chicago Sinai Synagogue, 15 W. Delaware Pl., that any time there's military action involving Israel, reports of harassment targeting Jewish people and institutions go up.
"We're already seeing it," she said, "and the most practical way that it has manifested over the last three days is the increases security that we have all needed at our houses of worship and other places where we gather."
The synagogue's leader, Rabbi Amanda Greene, confirmed the need for extra security during last weekend's Purim observances.
"We have on Sunday mornings typically two security guards, and this Sunday morning we have four," Rabbi Greene said.
Rogers Park alderwoman Debra Silverstein, City Council's only Jewish member, joined the group to call on Mayor Johnson to take action on recommendations from the city's Commission on Human Relations to address anti-Semitism. She told reporters the commission's summary has been on the mayor's desk for nearly a month.
"Jewish Chicagoans make up just three percent of our population, yet they are victims of more than one third of all reported hate crimes," said Ald. Silverstein (50th Ward), flanked by five of her City Council colleagues. "Anti-Semitism is out of control. It is a crisis, and the mayor needs to act."
She and others accused the mayor of indifference to concerns from the city's Jewish community.
We've asked the mayor's office for a response.