Chicago City Council appointee who tore down hostage posters steps down amid backlash Alderman Debra Silverstein stated that Mayor Brandon Johnson’s decision to appoint Ishan Daya “to a leadership position in Chicago is a deliberate slap in the face to the Jewish community.” May 19, 2025
‘Anti-Israel policies are anti-Texas policies’: Abbott slams San Marcos council "If the city adopts the antisemitic resolution, the office of the governor will immediately terminate all active grants not in compliance with state law," Texas Gov. Greg Abbott stated. April 30, 2025
Jewish alderman calls for completion of Chicago budget vote before Shabbat “It is vital that all City Council members are given the opportunity to debate this issue and cast their vote in order to represent all of our diverse communities,” Alderman Debra Silverstein said. Dec. 12, 2024
Jewish Boston councilman objects to flying Israeli flag at city hall ahead of Oct. 7 anniversary Benjamin Weber told JNS that "as the sole Jewish councilor, I consider it my responsibility to work so that Jews in Boston are able to peacefully mourn the victims of Oct. 7 on its anniversary." Sept. 23, 2024
Chicago mayoral aide apologizes for mocking police, denies heckling lone Jewish City Council member “I’m not forgiving that fast,” Debra Silverstein told the “Chicago Sun-Times.” Sept. 16, 2024
South Florida mayor, city council pass resolution supporting Israeli defense “Council members witnessed in their own town hall a taste of the antisemitic vitriol our community faces daily from the radical fringe, and they stood up to confront it,“ said Miri Ketayi of the Israeli-American Council. Aug. 19, 2024
LA City Council to vote on turning $1 million Jewish security grant into $2 million for all groups “This is an appropriate and necessary change to ensure that all faith communities across Los Angeles are able to access these funds,” said a council member. July 8, 2024
Florida mayor praised for ‘courage, character’ after apology for supporting permanent ceasefire “My actions were well intended,” said Christi Fraga, of Doral, Fla., who rescinded the resolution and offered a new one in support of Israel. JNS Staff May 24, 2024
Boston City Council votes for ‘immediate and permanent ceasefire in Israel and Palestine’ The council’s decision “threw fuel on the fire and offered no solace to Palestinians or Israelis,” stated Rob Leikind, director of AJC New England. May 2, 2024
