Packages of anti-Semitic literature are targeting Illinois Jews

Posted on March 9, 2022
The organization held a news conference at the Illinois Capitol Wednesday. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Packages of anti-Semitic literature are targeting Illinois Jews.

The material, left on doorsteps of Jewish residents of Glenview, Park Ridge, and Niles, include, among other things, photos of Biden Administration members who are Jewish. A news conference at the Capitol Wednesday followed reports of anti-Semitic messages at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and at Springfield High School.

State Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) broke down as she discussed the missile attack upon a sacred site in Ukraine.

“Babi Yar is a place of prayer, a place where hundreds of people were killed by Nazis. That is why it is very important that millions of Jews around the world not remain silent.

“Naziism was born in silence. ‘Never Again’ means we won’t be silent.”

Illinois Senate Democrats supplied the following information to accompany the news conference.

What is a hate crime?

A hate crime is an offense where a person or a group of people is targeted because of their actual or perceived identity. Illinois hate crimes laws protect people who are targeted based on actual or perceived protected classes.

· Protected classes include: Race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, order of protection status, physical or mental disability, unfavorable discharge from military, and military status.

What to do if you suspect a hate crime

If you suspect a hate crime, first call your local law enforcement’s non-emergency number to make a report. If the crime is actively happening, call 9-1-1.

Then, you can report to the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Bureau online or by calling the Civil Rights Hotline at 877-581-3692. Reports may also be filed in-person at Civil Rights Bureau, 100 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601.

· The Bureau enforces civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination, works to strengthen the civil rights laws, and participates in community outreach programs. The Bureau also investigates complaints of patterns and practices of discrimination in housing, public accommodations, employment, and financial matters.

· Chicago: 312-814-3000

· Springfield: 217-782-1090

· Carbondale: 618-529-6400

What to do if you experience a hate crime

Chicago residents can call the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations. CCHR offers support and referrals to victims of hate crimes, including assistance in reporting to police.

· Hate Crime Victim Assistance Hotline 312-744-4874

The Illinois Attorney General’s Crime Victims Compensation program can provide financial assistance to victims of crimes, including hate crimes. · Apply for assistance online or by calling 800-228-3368.

Legal aid is available through the Illinois State Bar Association. · 

Find a lawyer at isba.org/public/illinoislawyerfinder or by calling 800-922-8757. · 

Legal aid is also available through the Illinois Attorney General at illinoislegalaid.org/get-legal-help.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].

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