In her July 24 op-ed (“Report shows a stunning rise in antisemitism in Chicago. The mayor needs to do better”), Ald. Debra Silverstein is right to be critical of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s anemic response to antisemitic hate crimes in Chicago. He has been ineffective in all challenges that face the city.
However, Silverstein goes wrong when she says: “These extreme anti-Israel demonstrations hide under the guise of free speech but are really part of a growing movement of unchecked antisemitism masquerading as political activism.” No. These demonstrations are expressions of outrage at the carnage and starvation that Israel is visiting on Palestinians in Gaza. At lease 60,000 have died so far.
Many Jews in America and around the world and in Israel are also outraged by the actions of the Israeli government. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has strongly criticized current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government, referring to them as “messianic thugs” who are laying waste to Gaza. Olmert is not antisemitic.
— Blaise J. Arena, Des Plaines
Reject antisemitism
Many thanks for publishing Ald. Debra Silverstein’s op-ed regarding the rise of Jew hatred-related violence in Chicago. While I do not feel that the label “progressive” should be applied here, I do know that Mayor Brandon Johnson has displayed antagonism toward Israel, publicly describing Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocidal.”
Additionally, wearing a keffiyeh, a traditional Palestinian head scarf, at an event celebrating Arab Heritage Month was inflammatory of Johnson in the political environment following the massacre of innocent Israelis on Oct. 7, 2023. It would be equally unacceptable and inappropriate for him to wave an Israeli flag in celebration of a Jewish event.
Jew hatred is based on false historical narratives, misinformation from Hamas, disproven conspiracy theories, and strongly biased and hypocritically applied United Nations resolutions and condemnations. Angry, loud, sometimes violent protests against Jews and Israel do not prove that might makes right.
It’s far past time for enlightened Chicagoans to reject antisemitic tropes and for Chicago to protect all of its law-abiding citizens.
— Karen Teplitzky, Chicago
Condemn the violence
I know that to acknowledge the callous inhumanity of Israel’s infliction of famine on the Palestinians in Gaza would soften the focus and cut the impact of Ald. Debra Silverstein’s op-ed on antisemitism in Chicago. There is no excuse for attacking a Chicago Jew as a proxy for the Israel Defense Forces. Neither should the IDF be spraying bullets at crowds of living skeletons because the Palestinians don’t line up properly for a meager share of insufficient food.
We condemn Russia in Ukraine. All good people should condemn Israel, too, but instead, we arm them.
— John Podulka, Wolverine, Michigan
Bad characterization
I am an Orthodox Jewish citizen of Chicago and share Ald. Debra Silverstein’s concern about the growth of antisemitism in the city.
Silverstein, however, makes this provocative assertion: “(Mayor Brandon) Johnson has made it clear that the safety of Chicago’s Jews takes a back seat to his progressive goals.” On what basis does Silverstein make this claim? How in heaven’s name does Silverstein know this?
Silverstein poisons her argument, and thus grossly diminishes it, by introducing these political considerations that have nothing to do with antisemitism. I do not feel represented by Silverstein when she engages in such hysterical characterization.
— Haskel Levi, Chicago
Tolerating hate speech
As I read the op-ed on antisemitism, one point stood out: the need to understand the root cause. Unfortunately in America, our thirst for quick answers drives us to reach shaky conclusions.
I received training in problem-solving over a 40-plus-year career in electronics manufacturing, and any effort in problem-solving begins with understanding the root cause. A key step in that process is to ask questions. And when you think you have asked “why” enough, ask “why” five more times. It is a painstaking process, but when correctly followed, the results are amazing. Of course, our issues are hampered by our election cycles, and politicians struggle with a process that doesn’t yield obvious and media-friendly results. Their constant focus on reelection keeps them from seeking long-term solutions. Much easier to kick the can down the road.
I would offer another thought: Our tolerance for open hate speech under the guise of free speech is an enabler. I’m not so sure there is a rise in antisemitism as much as there is a rise in acceptance of open disdain for those who are different from us. This is not helped in the current climate with our government openly harassing anyone who doesn’t look like what they think a typical American should look like without the benefit of due process.
— Ken Stead, Aurora
The loss of humanity
The Tribune has been covering the significant humanitarian crisis in Gaza in its Nation & World section. Israel, with support from the United States, has the right and duty to protect itself from militant-led attacks from Hamas, which occurred on Oct. 7, 2023.
Two million Palestinians, the majority of whom are not directly part of Hamas, are victims of this war. Their homes, schools, hospitals and infrastructure have been destroyed by bombings for almost two years. Their ability to house and feed themselves has been taken away, and they are left at the control of Israel’s military and government. Food, medical supplies and humanitarian support have been blockaded or have trickled in, causing starvation, death and fear of famine. Palestinians desperate for food have been shot trying to get any food available at food distribution sites.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Israel should remember the Warsaw ghetto the Jewish people suffered in Poland during the Nazi occupation. Humanity was lost under Nazi Germany, and it should not be lost in Gaza for the Palestinian people desperate for help.
— William Engel, Darien
The losers in merger
It seems obvious that Paramount Global made a political decision in canceling “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” It is clear that financial considerations were involved. But I disagree with the editorial suggesting that some $40 million in annual financial losses was the figure that affected its decision. More likely, it was the $8 billion merger with Skydance, which needed the Donald Trump administration’s approval.
The “60 Minutes” lawsuit was completely baseless. Trump would have had to show that the editing of the Kamala Harris interview for time was deliberately done to give Harris an advantage. Yet Paramount saw fit to settle the lawsuit for $16 million.
You could do a lot worse than having Colbert as your star performer. I wonder how much the other networks with lower-rated shows are losing?
I’m canceling my Showtime subscription, but even if Paramount loses 1 million subscribers, it’ll be chump change compared with the merger. Colbert will be stronger and more marketable than ever. Skydance will be one blockbuster movie away from huge gains. The only losers are the people who believe in democracy and equality.
— Thomas M. Gurewitz, Libertyville
Hogan will be missed
It is indeed sad that bigger-than-life wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has passed away at age 71. Hogan stole the show last July at the Republican National Convention when he endorsed Donald J. Trump for president and ripped off his shirt.
Hogan was quite an unforgettable character. There is no doubt that he will be sorely missed.
— JoAnn Lee Frank, Clearwater, Florida
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