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Emotions were still raw from the horrific murders of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky as members of the JAC community came together Tuesday evening for a timely and deeply needed symposium on antisemitism. Amid the darkness, this gathering offered a moment of solidarity—a brief, powerful pause to find comfort, strength, and, above all, resolve.
The event, held both in Chicago and via Zoom, featured a distinguished panel: Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), ADL Midwest Regional Director David Goldenberg, Chicago School Board Member Ellen Rosenfeld, and Chicago Alderwoman Debra Silverstein. The discussion was skillfully moderated by Oren Jacobson of Project Shema.
The message was clear: Antisemitism is not an isolated occurrence—it is a growing, dangerous threat that must be confronted with unity, courage, and persistence.
Each speaker shared how they are actively combating antisemitism both professionally and personally:
- Budzinski spoke about the more than 130 hate incidents at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in her district, highlighting the urgent need for action on college campuses.
- Rosenfeld recounted her efforts to remove a school bulletin board that, under the guise of Arab American Heritage Month, depicted images of book burning and accused Israel of “scholastic genocide.”
- Silverstein, the only Jewish member of the Chicago City Council, described the harassment and vandalism she endured after introducing a resolution condemning Hamas. Protesters screamed, “Debra Silverstein, you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide.”
- Goldenberg emphasized the ADL Midwest’s regional efforts across six states, speaking out against hate and running programs designed to fight antisemitism and all forms of bigotry.
Each of them carried the same urgent message: Stay engaged. Stay vocal. Be louder than the hate.
Contact your elected officials. Demand they stand up against antisemitism. Call. Write. Email. Your voice matters—and silence is not an option.
Below are highlights from the discussion. If you’re interested in organizing a similar event in your area, please reach out to us at info@jacpac.org.
Key Takeaways from the Symposium:
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There is no justification—regardless of one’s stance on the war—for demonizing Jews, Israelis, or their allies. Antisemitism disguised as political protest remains antisemitism.
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A dangerous pattern is emerging: reframing antisemitism as legitimate opposition to Israeli policy. This rationale makes Jews worldwide scapegoats for the actions of a government.
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Normalization of antisemitism is the gateway to political violence. We must reject it, unequivocally.
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Our schools have a moral responsibility to raise leaders grounded in truth and tolerance. That means being engaged with local school boards and building coalitions to ensure curricula are accurate and inclusive.
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Teachers need proper training to deliver historical truth with clarity and confidence. Staff development is essential.
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Conversations, though difficult, are vital. Everyone has a story of hate. Sharing these stories fosters understanding and resilience.
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Peaceful protest is a right—but intimidation is not. College activism must not cross the line into harassment or threats. Chanting "Free Palestine" while wearing a keffiyeh is not antisemitic in itself—unless it is used to intimidate Jewish worshipers outside synagogues or at Jewish-owned businesses.
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Ceasefire resolutions fail to hold Hamas accountable, while only Israel is. This conflates criticism of the Israeli government with the Jewish people.
“Activism is always better together,” said event co-chair and JAC board member Lucy Moog.
Join JAC in our efforts to elect candidates who will advocate for change at the federal level to combat hate, which will also help address these issues locally.
Elections have consequences.
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