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Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) Chief Government Affairs Officer Lisa Katz issued the following statement on Thursday, following the publication of a photo showing Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson with a keffiyeh draped across his shoulders while standing next to Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab:
“Mayor Brandon Johnson’s recent public appearance wearing a keffiyeh, alongside a CAIR leader, was deeply painful to many in Chicago’s Jewish community — the third-largest in the United States.”
“While the keffiyeh is a traditional Middle Eastern garment with cultural significance, in recent decades it has often been used as a political symbol — particularly by extremist groups that promote violence against the Jewish people and seek the destruction of the State of Israel. In the wake of the October 7th Hamas attack, the keffiyeh has increasingly been associated with demonstrations that have included antisemitic rhetoric, intimidation, and violence targeting Jews, both globally and right here at home.”
“We understand that Mayor Johnson may not have intended to cause harm, but at a time of historic antisemitic threat levels, including in Chicago, symbols matter. Their public use, especially by elected officials, carries weight and meaning.”
“We respectfully urge Mayor Johnson to engage in open dialogue with Chicago’s Jewish community, learn more about the evolving symbols of modern-day antisemitism, and show solidarity against antisemitism and hate in all their contemporary forms. This moment presents an opportunity — for education, for empathy, and for leadership that brings communities together rather than deepening divides.”
The CAIR-Chicago Instagram post featuring in image of Mayor Johnson with a keffiyeh can be viewed HERE:
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For more information on antisemitic symbols:
New CAM Report Documents Common Post-10/7 Antisemitic Symbols Proliferating Worldwide
For more information on CAIR’s record of antisemitism and support for terrorism:
CAIR Leader Nihad Awad Praises October 7th Hamas Attack as an ‘Inspiration for People’ Worldwide
Zahra Billoo’s Hateful Speech Reinforces CAIR’s Antisemitism Problem
