(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Raucous protests over a resolution condemning the terrorist attacks on Israel brought Friday’s special City Council meeting to a temporary halt, but the measure was eventually approved.
Mayor Johnson had the City Council chambers cleared after warning attendees who were interrupting Ald. Debra Silverstein, 50th, the council’s only Jewish member, as she presented her resolution condemning Hamas’ deadly attacks.
There had been disruptions during the public comments period and several warnings from Johnson.
Some council members tried parliamentary maneuvers to block consideration of the resolution, which does not mention allegations of atrocities by Israel. Those efforts failed.
Every alderperson who spoke during the lengthy meeting condemned the brutality of Hamas. And while Ald. Daniel La Spata, 1st, supported the resolution, he said it’s impossible to divorce the Israel-Hamas war from grievances of the Palestinian people.
“I do not believe it is antisemitic to be critical of the actions of the Israeli government. I do believe one can uphold and uplift the Palestinian people while condemning and denouncing Hamas,” he said.
Ald. Jessie Feuntes, 26th, was a “no” vote, saying she is critical of the Israeli military response, including the counterstrikes and an evacuation notice for half of Gaza.
Silverstein’s resolution, which also expresses support for the people of Israel, passed on a voice vote.
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