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Mendoza puts Mayor Johnson on blast for his comments on Israel

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* From the Mother Jones interview of Mayor Brandon Johnson…

Johnson’s position on the conflict also goes well beyond that of freshly minted Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, who has shown sympathy for Palestinian suffering but has also expressed “unwavering” commitment to Israel and its security. “What’s happening right now is not only egregious, it is genocidal,” Johnson, by contrast, says in our interview. “We have to acknowledge and name it for what it is and have the moral courage to exercise our authority.”

* Isabel asked Comptroller Susana Mendoza this morning for her take on Mayor Johnson calling the war “genocidal”…

It is not a genocide. Israel has a right to defend itself. It was brutally massacred and attacked on October 7. If that had happened in the United States and one of our border countries invaded us, raped and murdered our families, took hundreds of hostages, what do you think the response would be from our country towards that country? It would, but it’s different, because the United States of America is huge, and we are a massive superpower, and we’re surrounded by friendly nations. That is not the case over there. And so Israel has gone out of its way - they may not agree with that, they are going to tell you that’s not true - but they have gone out of their way to do the very best they can to avoid mass casualties. War is horrible. It is absolutely horrific. It should never happen, but it happened because on October 7, Hamas came in and butchered, raped, murdered over a thousand Israelis who were in bed or just spending time with their families or busy going about their business. I think that we need to be very careful as to how we use words, and genocide is not the appropriate word for this conflict.

* Meanwhile, from Jewish News Service…

The Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest stated on Tuesday night that it is “beyond disappointed” by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s “ongoing support” for anti-Israel protests across the city, particularly during the Democratic National Convention.

Johnson has also shown “continued disregard for the large pro-Israel and Jewish community in the city,” the consulate said, after an antisemitic riot outside its offices. […]

The consulate added that it is grateful for the law enforcement officers protecting Chicago during the convention and finds it “incredibly heartwarming to see many Americans countering this hate in front of our office, echoing the strong bond between America and Israel.”

* Isabel asked Mendoza about those statements from the Consulate General about the mayor…

I think he’s right. I think that the rhetoric has been terrible. I think that having aldermen in the city of Chicago leading protests against our own city. And, you know, fomenting this type of division is not a healthy thing for our society. And look, let’s be clear, the United States America’s strongest ally in the Middle East is Israel. It will always continue to be the case, and we have no greater friend than the state of Israel in the Middle East. So it is for them an existential threat to have a neighbor whose only desire to have peace is by their elimination. And so, you know, I’ve been to Israel on several occasions, and I think once you’re there and you actually see and you think about the concept that any new home that is built in the State of Israel has to have a safety room, right? I mean, it’s just, no one wants to live like that.

And I think it’s horrible. I really, truly pray, and I hurt for every single innocent life that has been lost in Gaza. I truly do, but that responsibility falls on Hamas, who uses as human shields, who put themselves in places where, you know, fighters should never be, as in schools or people’s homes, and this is what they want. They actually want to create this narrative that Western values are bad. And that instead of taking the billions of dollars that they were given to actually help the people of Gaza provide great schools, provide great infrastructure. The only infrastructure improvements they made were to their tunnel system so that they could use their own residents as human shields and try to give western values a black eye in the face of the world. So I’m very clear on my position on this. I think that it is hurtful and it’s shameful, frankly, and it’s extremely divisive for the mayor to not just, you know, have a position in his mind about this, but actually articulate a position that is wrong, that is factually incorrect. Throwing out the term ‘genocide’ is a very, very you know, strong word that whose definition does not apply in this case. And all it does is add fuel to a fire that really needs to be calmed down. And people need to get educated on this issue before they go out there. […]

I think that the rise of antisemitism is in full force and only gets worse when you have the leader of one of the largest cities in America calling it genocidal when it’s not. Not standing with our strongest ally, especially when you represent a city that has so many Jewish people in it who are afraid to even walk to their synagogue or go into it, or their kids go to our universities. I mean, that’s just not right. And so adding to that, adding fuel to that fire, is not, in my opinion, the sign of what a good leader would do. He should try to calm the situation down, educate the public as to what the actual situation is on the ground over there. But I don’t know that he really cares to dig into what the actual situation on the ground is over there.

Take a couple of very deep breaths before commenting, please. Thanks.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 11:22 am

Comments

Oh Susana, you continue to embarrass yourself. Maybe try watching the news and stop trying to find ways to get yourself into the news.

Comment by Emma Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 11:27 am
In the interest of deep breaths, I’m not going to comment on the substance. Instead, I’m going to point out that it’s exceedingly odd for the state’s chief fiscal control officer to be opining on the issue at all and predict that she’ll probably regret doing so.

Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 11:28 am
Mendoza is right. She has courage

Comment by Mr. Middleground Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 11:31 am
- they have gone out of their way to do the very best they can to avoid mass casualties. -

The UN, ICC, many countries, and most Democratic voters say that isn’t so.

I was never a big fan of Mendoza but have voted for her, won’t be doing that again.

Comment by Excitable Boy Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 11:35 am
==exceedingly odd for the state’s chief fiscal control officer to be opining on the issue at all==

Not if she has eyes on the mayor’s office.

Comment by City Zen Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 11:35 am
Hey Arsenal - I think you could say the same thing about the Mayor

Comment by So Let Me Get This Straight Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 11:35 am
Whatever else you think of Johnson, he’s right that this is a genocide. And it’s not like he’s the only observer noting this. UN Officials have made the case as well. Israel has been doing this for decades. Senseless murder for territorial gain, forcing specific culture of people from their homes, and an obvious apartheid system. Our tax dollars pay for the wholesale slaughter of children in refugee camps. I’m glad somebody isn’t afraid to ruin the party by speaking this truth. The joyful consolidation around this senseless death has been disgusting to watch and definitely helped solidify why I don’t vote for democrats anymore.

Comment by SWIL_Voter Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 11:36 am
Arsenal, your previous comments on many subjects are well respected by me and I suppose many others on this site.

But why do you declare it “odd” that anyone else would comment on such a serious issue especially someone with a state wide pulpit?

Comment by don the legend Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 11:36 am
Since the Mayor chose to go there, Mendoza has every right to disagree. Both should be careful with their words. Beyond the substance of the issue, it’s clear what office Mendoza has in her sights.

Comment by Lincoln Lad Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 11:36 am
Odd for either one to be talking about Israel. But count me as +1 on Mendoza. Everything this mayor touches ends up worse.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 11:38 am
Thank you, Susanna.

Comment by JoanP Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 11:40 am
Well said.

Comment by Alton Sinkhole Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 11:41 am
I would not consult either for an opinion on international law. In terms of the politics, Rep. Bush’s primary loss in St. Louis may be instructive. Voters seem turned off by undiplomatic comments on this complicated issue, especially when an elected official is weak in other areas.

Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 11:41 am
I am not a democrat, but I voted for her the last two election cycles. She is speaking the truth about what’s going on the Middle East. Genocide is a word that needs to be used sparingly. What happened to Jews by the Nazi party was a genocide based Hitlers final solution. Hamas has an always been trying to do the same thing.

Comment by Good for her Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 11:42 am
Thoughtful, well stated, nice leadership and the more I see of her the more I like. Reasoned leadership is refreshing to see with all of the bombastic language we see these days.

Comment by 44 Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 11:45 am
“that responsibility falls on Hamas, who uses as human shields, who put themselves in places where, you know, fighters should never be, as in schools or people’s homes, and this is what they want”

Mendoza impresses me more and more - her comments are thoughtful and measured - she reminds us that the genesis of the current crisis started on Oct 7th. The negotiations are happening between a sovereign nation that acts within international norms and a non-state terrorist organization that continues to use terror tactics.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 11:48 am
- Three Dimensional Checkers - Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 11:41 am:

AOC, Summer Lee, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib overwhelmingly re-elected. Try again.

Comment by Google Is Your Friend Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 11:51 am
I find it odd that anyone in a non-federal political role, such as Illinois Comptroller or Mayor of Chicago, would feel the need to comment on something for which they have no authority over. The influence that such a person can exert on Israel or Hamas is miniscule.

So why the constant need to opine is beyond me.

Comment by Huh? Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 11:51 am
==Hey Arsenal - I think you could say the same thing about the Mayor==

I could and for the most part I would, tho at least dealing with the Gaza protests is within Johnson’s remit as mayor.

==But why do you declare it “odd” that anyone else would comment on such a serious issue especially someone with a state wide pulpit?==

Because the Comptroller has no role or experience in foreign policy.

Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 11:53 am
I’m not sure using the US as your moral authority of how or when to attach a country is the best idea considering our actions since WW2.

Comment by May soon be required Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 11:55 am
Thank you Susanna. Well said!

Comment by grateful gayle Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 11:57 am
Two things can be true.

Yes, what Hamas did was wrong. Israel has every right to find and punish those responsible.

However, this does not give Israel the right to indiscriminately bomb buildings in Gaza containing innocent civilians under the guise of “we thought a Hamas member might be hiding there.” There are numerous credible reports of Israel doing the same things Mendoza stated Hamas did.

So yes, Hamas’s initial attack was wrong. But Israel’s response is wrong as well. Both things can be true and are in this case.

Ya’ll may think my take is wrong. And that’s your right. But I’m far from the only person who feels this way, especially in the city of Chicago.

If Mendoza has designs on being mayor, as many people speculate, she is going to find out real quick her whole Israel can do no wrong spiel isn’t quite the winner she thinks it is.

Comment by Former Downstater Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 11:58 am
=But I don’t know that he really cares to dig into what the actual situation on the ground is over there.=

I think Mendoza should take her own advice.

The video available of shameful (and other words) behavior of Israeli soldiers absolutely shows that something horrific is going on in Gaza. Video and reports of Israeli actions in the settlements is horrific. Israel had the right to defend itself, and it has gone beyond that.

Comment by Cool Papa Bell Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 12:00 pm
=== I find it odd that anyone in a non-federal political role===

1) The national convention is in town and they’re both delegates.

2) They’re both free citizens of the US. You think only congresscritters have the right to speak?

3) Speaking in a non-official manner is different than running resolutions or legislation through legislative chambers.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 12:02 pm
The politics are complicated and subject to change.

At first public opinion swung wildly toward Israel, and then toward Gazans, and now it seems to be restoring itself toward a new norm.

Johnson has staked a policy position that was politically popular with the Democratic base, that popularity is bound to shift with news on the ground and leadership in Israel.

Mendoza has put her stake on the ground in a moral position, that we should empathize with Israel as victims too. That seems like a much more sustainable and enviable position in the long run.

I doubt Gaza will be a top line issue in 2027, but Johnson’s “genocide” comments are going to be much harder to defend than Mendoza’s position that the city needs a Uniter.

If she runs for mayor, obviously.

Comment by Thomas Paine Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 12:07 pm
It is a divisive issue amongst Democrats with no clear right or wrong answer. Given that I’m surprised that either Johnson or Mendoza would be willing to squander political capital over it.

Comment by Pundent Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 12:10 pm
They’re both out of their lane, but Mendoza is drifting a little further and coming straight for Johnson (notwithstanding that she was asked directly about it).

I’ve seen her name occasionally floated as a challenger in the next mayoral election. She didn’t do so hot in 2019, but presumably the Powers That Be learned their lesson with Vallas and are gonna rally behind someone more mainstream earlier this time.

Comment by 48th Ward Heel Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 12:15 pm
===Because the Comptroller has no role or experience in foreign policy.===

Neither does Brandon Johnson and neither does anyone on the Chicago City Council who passed that cease fire resolution that Saturday Night Live mocked.

Comment by Pawar Lost Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 12:16 pm
-Because the Comptroller has no role or experience in foreign policy.-

Please explain Mayor Johnson’s significant role and experience in foreign policy. Beyond his tiebreaking vote for the city council to pass a resolution for a ceasefire without an actual majority of council members voting in the affirmative.
Mendoza served 6 terms as a State Rep. She’s in her third term as Comptroller, the highest vote-getter of all constitutional officers in 2022.
Johnson has served one full term as a Cook County Board member, and now, after only a year and a half, is the most unpopular mayor at 27%.
Mendoza is correct. The Jewish community in Chicago has no ally in Mayor Johnson. He has shown it time and again.

Comment by Frida's boss Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 12:19 pm
==Neither does Brandon Johnson and neither does anyone on the Chicago City Council who passed that cease fire resolution that Saturday Night Live mocked.==

And as I said in the very post that you’re quoting, I would mostly agree that it’s odd for MBJ to opine on Gaza, too, but two odd choices don’t make a normal one.

Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 12:22 pm
==Please explain Mayor Johnson’s significant role and experience in foreign policy.==

What’s with you guys pretending not to see the part of the post where I agree that it’s odd for MBJ to opine on the issue, too?

Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 12:24 pm
Ms Mendoza is 100% correct. It is refreshing and encouraging to realize that at least one Democrat understands this situation and refuses to pander to those who support Hamas, a well known terror organization that unfortunately has been chosen to represent Palestinian interests.

Comment by Captain Obvious Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 12:28 pm
“try again.”

I’m sure AIPAC will. You missed a couple of names in your roll call, there, Google.

Comment by Karma's coming Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 12:29 pm
== and now, after only a year and a half, is the most unpopular mayor at 27%.==

Right, in no small part because he has a habit of making intemperate remarks, and maybe it’s odd to emulate that.

Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 12:31 pm
“the Governor has not condemned the hateful antisemitism of many of the elected representatives and university leaders who are influential in the far left of his party“

What statements by what members?

Comment by SWIL_Voter Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 12:33 pm
===Whatever else you think of Johnson, he’s right that this is a genocide. And it’s not like he’s the only observer noting this. UN Officials have made the case as well.===

Would we be talking about the close to a dozen UN employees that participated with Hamas in the attack on Israel?

I love all the folks supporting the Palestinians and continue to chant “From the River to the Sea” That is calling for true genocide.

Comment by Nagidam Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 12:36 pm
This conflict has been going on my entire life with Israelis and Palestinians killing each other. It often is unfair and asymmetric violence, but each side can lay claim to violent means. I think supporters of either Israel and Palestine often ask people to have amnesia about all that has happened before when these flare ups occur.

I’d rather the US not support Israel militarily, but if they did I’m not sure that would end what is happening.

Comment by ChicagoVinny Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 12:37 pm
=== Given that I’m surprised that either Johnson or Mendoza would be willing to squander political capital over it. ===

Agree. I would add that those on the squad and far left are squandering as much and more than Mendoza. I continue to tear my hair (the minimal amount I have left) out over the inability of these “leaders” to see the whole picture. That’s why I cry no tears over the loss of Bowman and Bush.

Now let’s focus on electing a Dem POTUS, Senate and House.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 12:41 pm
If he keeps this up, Johnson may have to be a surrogate for Kamala in Michigan.

Mendoza may have the found the issue to launch her campaign for Mayor. This will certainly help her raise a lot of money.

Comment by Kelly Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 12:43 pm
Refreshing to see. Hopefully AIPAC does us all a favor and goes after Johnson and his cadre of DSAs in the next election cycle.

Comment by ThePAMan Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 12:43 pm
=== odd is how the Governor has not condemned the hateful antisemitism of many of the elected representatives and university leaders ===

Spoken by someone who hasn’t been paying attention or is gaslighting on behalf of the MAGAs wanting to stoke division among a key Dem constituency group.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 12:45 pm
“ I continue to tear my hair (the minimal amount I have left) out over the inability of these “leaders” to see the whole picture”

What’s the “big picture” and how could it possibly be bigger than our money being used to murder tens of thousands of innocent women and children? Who will speak for them? They were the leaders. What you want are yes men and women who look past genocide because of party interests

Comment by SWIL_Voter Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 12:47 pm
Given the two excerpts, the first from Johnson and the second by Mendoza, I find her comments to be closer to where I am on this, which is solidly pro-Israel but with deep empathy for the plight of innocent Palestinians who are caught up in this war.

The United States is working hard with other nations to establish a ceasefire and the return of the hostages. I think we can all agree that is the best short term outcome and we should be support that. Neither of these two politicians is in a position to advance that goal in any meaningful way.

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 12:47 pm
Rich and Norseman +1

The facts presented by Mendoza (her timeline of events) is accurate. Johnson expressed zero empathy for the Israeli victims, Mendoza expressed concern for the Gazans.

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 12:51 pm
Campaigns are all about getting to 50% plus one and with no clear way to say they support Israel but not Netanyahu and Palestinians but not Hamas, most candidates are steering well clear of this issue.

Comment by Socially DIstant watcher Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 12:52 pm
===I’d rather the US not support Israel militarily, but if they did I’m not sure that would end what is happening.===

Would you support countries that do not have democracies, no woman’s rights, and throw gay people of rooftops?

Hamas is the Palestinian population, and the Palestinian population is Hamas. The rise of Hamas, elected by the Palestinian people, occurred after the Oslo Accords were signed and recognition of the right of Israel to exist was recognized by Yasser Arafat. The Palestinian people rejected peace. And here we are 31 years later.

Comment by Nagidam Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 12:53 pm
I hate Yahya Sinwar and I also hate Bibi Netanyahu, and there will be no lasting peace nor justice for either Palestinians or Israelis until both men are permanently out of power. At this stage, I really find it counter-productive to try and have to side with the lesser of two evils (though to be clear, that would be Bibi) because, again, the only path forward is to insist on condemning and getting rid of them both.

Comment by ZC Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 12:53 pm
Nearing a year since October 6th, hostages continue to be held by Hamas. Doing so has not deterred Israel in any way from their often cruel response, so what is that beyond continuing abuse of innocents? Release the hostages, agree to a ceasefire. It’s well past time.

Comment by Lincoln Lad Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 12:58 pm
=== “And so Israel has gone out of its way - they may not agree with that, they are going to tell you that’s not true - but they have gone out of their way to do the very best they can to avoid mass casualties.” ===

This line from Mendoza is so laughably, demonstrably false that it completely undermines her credibility with me on any other issue. When the IDF is actively targeting hospitals, schools, mosques, humanitarian convoys, and above all, when Palestinian children are being executed in cold blood by snipers, how can anyone with a conscience say that they are “doing their best” to avoid unnecessary casualties?

Comment by Mark D Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 1:00 pm
Mendoza is a great comptroller and did an alright job in the legislature. Based off of her comments I am glad that she is not involved with the State Department or the Biden Administration’s foreign policy in anyway whatsoever. The Comptroller is utilizing some of those red herrings I talked about.

From the UN:

===To constitute genocide, there must be a proven intent on the part of perpetrators to physically destroy a national, ethnical, racial or religious group. Cultural destruction does not suffice, nor does an intention to simply disperse a group, though this may constitute a crime against humanity as set out in the Rome Statute. It is this special intent, or dolus specialis, that makes the crime of genocide so unique.

To constitute genocide, it also needs to be established that the victims are deliberately targeted — not randomly — because of their real or perceived membership of one of the four groups protected under the Convention. This means that the target of destruction must be the group, as such, or even a part of it, but not its members as individuals.===

Source: https://www.un.org/en/genocideprevention/documents/Genocide%20Convention-FactSheet-ENG.pdf

Some of the policy makers and decision makers in Israel have literally expressed their intent on television, recorded rallies, internet posts, and written statements. Their right wing is a lot like our right wing in that they’ve started saying the quiet bits out loud too.

As a follow up it’d be nice if someone asked Mendoza if she supports the creation of a Palestinian State — which has been the official US policy position for decades. That’s really the kind of question we should be asking our elected officials about this issue.

Comment by Candy Dogood Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 1:04 pm
why is she speaking out? oh, I don’t know. maybe because an ally of the US was attacked in a horrific massacre which if happened in the US proportionally would be shocking. what happened after was a response, a war, not genocide. any one of us could/should speak about about a situation where people have been held hostage since Oct. 7, their families wondering and worried, and who have included some in Illinois. Her comments are spot on in particular about the way Hamas treats their own citizens. it is a shame they were elected as leaders but they have not led for good.

Comment by Amalia Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 1:08 pm
“Hamas is the Palestinian population”

More absurd rhetoric. Hamas was elected by less than half the population almost 20 years ago and most Palestinians were children when the last election took place. It’s wild how quick we are to condemn the words of Palestinian activists if we can squint hard enough to find offense, yet careless and untrue statements like these are just part of the mainstream.

Comment by SWIL_Voter Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 1:09 pm
Comptroller Mendoza makes the false equivalency of being anti-Zionism and antiSemitism. Tocqueville’s Theorem in practice. Praying for the good health and safety of the Sober Human beings in Palestine.

Comment by Pat Gorman Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 1:19 pm
@Nagidam I didn’t say I wanted the US to support Palestine militarily either. Don’t put words in my mouth please.

Comment by ChicagoVinny Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 1:21 pm
==Hamas’s initial attack was wrong. But Israel’s response is wrong as well. Both things can be true and are in this case.==

For me, this is the crux of the issue and why trying to find a solution (or picking a side) is problematic. For decades, the Israeli government has engaged in slow violence against the Palestinians (this includes the support of settlements and settlers in the West Bank, the isolation of Gaza and the West Bank from economic activity, and the constant stream of arrests of Palestinians without charge or opportunity to appeal). Slow violence typically does not make for headlines like Hamas’ attacks and tends to be out of most people’s awareness, but it is just as bad.

The solution will be complex; finding that solution begins with recognizing that both Hamas and the Israeli government have committed numerous atrocities over decades. I’m not sure I see that recognition in the reported comments of either.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 1:25 pm
There is no black and white, but there is plenty of grey. Mendoza is far more right on this than Johnson in my view, but if you know anything about the two of them that shouldn’t surprise you about any topic they deal with. Johnson is a light weight in almost every way, including on this topic where he has demonstrated he has no grasp of history or facts which is frightening as a former social studies teacher (as he is apt to call out). One thing that I am not certain of, though, is whether Mendoza has mayor in mind with these statements (and others since 10/7). Why not Senate after Durbin retires? These statements will be far more useful in that type of race than any other. Although, they help in the 50th either way.

Comment by Niles Township Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 1:26 pm
=== Hamas was elected by less than half the population almost 20 years ago and most Palestinians were children when the last election took place.===

And yet when an Israeli hostage escaped from his captors after he was taken to Gaza, the Palestinian people turned him back over to Hamas.

Comment by Nagidam Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 1:27 pm
@ChicagoVinny

My apologies.

Comment by Nagidam Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 1:28 pm
==to exercise our authority==

What “authority” does Brandon Johnson have over the situation? He’s gaslighting. That’s it.

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 1:28 pm
“And yet when an Israeli hostage escaped from his captors after he was taken to Gaza, the Palestinian people turned him back over to Hamas.”

All of them? See how completely absurd your position is yet?

Comment by SWIL_Voter Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 1:32 pm
Israel has a right to defense. However, Netanyahu and his fellow right wingers in power, are bad news. They seemed determined to start a bigger war. Not convinced they want a hostage deal. That’s the part of the problem with going “all in” for Israel.

Comment by jolietj Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 1:32 pm
Comptroller Mendoza makes the false equivalency of being anti-Zionism and antiSemitism.
_________

This type of statement stems for not understanding Judaism. There is no separation between the two from a theological standpoint. The entire Jewish Bible is the story of a journey to the Land of Israel. Daily Jewish prayers said for 3000+ years include hundreds of references to Israel and Jerusalem. At weddings, funerals etc. both are intoned. Modern politics have separated the two, but the those who follow the religion they are one and the same.

Comment by Niles Township Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 1:33 pm
- Nagidam - Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 1:27 pm:

And when Israeli soldiers were arrested for raping a Palestinian detainee, Netanyahu’s cabinet members spearheaded a takeover of multiple military bases in a vigilante attack to prevent the soldiers from facing justice. The top IDF commander called it “anarchy.”

https://www.timesofisrael.com/daily-briefing-jul-30-day-298-israels-january-6-moment-mobs-overrun-2-idf-bases/

Comment by Google Is Your Friend Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 1:38 pm
= finding that solution begins with recognizing that both Hamas and the Israeli government have committed numerous atrocities over decades=

If you want to read about atrocities - just look over Hamas’s foundational document which endorses the use of atrocities…

“There is no solution for the Palestinian question except through Jihad. Initiatives, proposals and international conferences are all a waste of time and vain endeavors. The Palestinian people know better than to consent to having their future, rights and fate toyed with. As in said in the honourable Hadith:”

https://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/hamas.asp

Comment by Donnie Elgin Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 1:44 pm
I agree with ZC on the merits, although Bibi seems to be on a mission to sink as low as Hamas. Mayor Johnson and has administration have been both cynical and extraordinarily naive on this issue, which has nothing to do with City government.They deserve all the criticism they receive and more.

Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 1:48 pm
=== Netanyahu’s cabinet members===

Please update your source. The article does not indicate anyone from the Israeli government. What I see in the article is that there were soldiers that were detained by the Israeli government on suspicion of some type of abuse. Some right wing nutjobs stormed the bases. By the source you posted the Israeli government acted correctly.

Comment by Nagidam Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 1:49 pm
- This type of statement stems for not understanding Judaism. There is no separation between the two from a theological standpoint. -

So now anti-semitism extends to not following the teachings of Judaism? Total nonsense.

Comment by Excitable Boy Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 1:50 pm
As this is clearly the next Mayoral contest, I am really hoping that this does not become one of the major divisions that drives that race. The City of Chicago is facing many real challenges right here. The I/P conflict of course has important implications, but is a relative side issue when it comes to running the City. If it becomes a central piece of the Mayoral race, it will simply be an ideological divider that can only hurt both the Jewish and Muslim communities as more outsiders without a stake in the conflict take sides.

Comment by CornAl DoGooder Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 1:53 pm
=== false equivalency of being anti-Zionism and antiSemitism. ===

So, we shouldn’t believe our lying ears. We’ve seen the coverage and heard the words.

Sadly, we don’t live in a world where folks can calmly discuss all nuances of an issue. We simply see a straight move to vilification for simplification.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 1:55 pm
==the creation of a Palestinian State==

I have seen many Israeli politicians and citizens and even more Jewish-American politicians and citizens support a two State solution for Palestine and Israel.

I have been looking closely but it seems that most, if not all, “Free Palestine” protesters do not support a two State solution. Why is that policy position so one sided? It seems like the two State solution is the best path to peace for both sides rather than engaging in an impossible “winner take all” propaganda battle that doesn’t embrace a home state for Jews after the Nazi holocaust.

Comment by Kelly Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 1:55 pm
I thought this was more of a thread on the Johnson v Mendoza angle, not litigating the war in Gaza.

To that end though, lets be clear, the war is already being litigated in the World Court.

South Africa brought forward a charge accusing Israel of genocide, The Court asked that Israel provide top secret details of steps that it is taking or has taken to do its best to avoid indiscriminant killing.

Israel has complied.

The World Court has issued a series of orders outlining steps that Israel must take to avoid genocide, Israel says it is complying, and the Court is monitoring.

At the same time, The World Court has made it quite clear that Israel has a right to take military action it needs to defend itself, prevent foreseeable threats, and secure the release of the hostages.

That’s the World Court, folks.

As for the original charge of “Genocide”, that won’t be decided for some time, but I would bet that as long as Israel stays within the lines laid out by the World Court, the Court will rule they were within their rights…even if there are some outlying cases of human error or rogue actors within the chain of command.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c722zv1r5yro

Comment by Thomas Paine Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 2:01 pm
=== if not all, “Free Palestine” protesters do not support a two State solution.===

You cannot chant “From the River to the Sea” and believe in a two-state solution. The 1993 Oslo Accords were the beginnings of a two-state solution. Hamas rejected peace with Israel. The Palestinian people put Hamas in power. The Palestinian people continue to keep Hamas in power.

Comment by Nagidam Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 2:05 pm
Disagree with her that Israel has “gone out of their way to do the very best they can to avoid mass casualties.” That’s just not true.

But agree with her that this is not genocide. The Palestinian population in Gaza and the West Bank has more than doubled in the last 30 years. If Israel is engaged in genocide, they’re not very good at it.

Comment by Tammy Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 2:25 pm
Mayor Johnson is just just playing to the Dem party base, a big % of which is now openly anti-Semitic.

Comment by Gail Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 2:27 pm
I work in the Jewish community. Trust me - there is a lot of motivation to beat Johnson in 2027.
Jewish organizations don’t even host events a lot downtown any more due to safety and a lack of cooperation from the mayors office on any issue, let alone Israel.
In listening to CTU’s socialist agenda, he has angered a community in the 6 county area that is motivated to vote, and certain electeds are not fans of him or Kim Foxx.
The Mayor does not understand or care the magnitude of the amount of community members who are upset and have deep pockets.
Susana is going to go for mayor, clearly.

Comment by Rahm’s Parking Meter Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 2:31 pm
The death of 40,000+ Palestinians is a little beyond “defending yourself,” don’t you think Susana?

Comment by Ex Journo Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 2:39 pm
I missed something, why do we care what the Comptroller thinks about foreign policy?

Comment by K3 Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 2:48 pm
I missed something, why do we care what the Mayor thinks about foreign policy?

I guess the mayor can comment but not the Comptroller. Goodness you far out leftists are something…

Comment by low level Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 3:00 pm
=The solution will be complex; finding that solution begins with recognizing that both Hamas and the Israeli government have committed numerous atrocities over decades.=

This would be an appropriate response for either the Mayor or Comptroller.

Comment by Pundent Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 3:21 pm
==Mayor Johnson is just just playing to the Dem party base, a big % of which is now openly anti-Semitic.==

That is also incorrect. Its the Republicans who are openly anti Semitic. Their leader just called Gov Shapiro a “bad Jew”.

Comment by low level Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 3:44 pm
@Ex Journo -

Read “Costs of War.”

https://watson.brown.edu/costsofwar/costs/human/civilians

Over 400,000 civilians have died so far in Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Pakistan.

The civilian deaths in response to 9/11 dwarf the civilian deaths of 23K or so in the worst-case estimates in Gaza.

Does this make Gaza less tragic? No.

It just highlights that numbers do not tell the whole story. Its not like “Hamas only killed 2000 of ours, so we only get to kill 2000 of theirs.” That’s an idealized scenerio of proportional response where the two parties have agreed to a diplomatic end.

There was no diplomatic answer to 9/11 or 10/7.

If numbers tell the whole story and Israel is “genocidal,” how is the US not “genocidal?”

I dont think thats where Johnson wants to go.

Comment by Juvenal Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 4:05 pm
Ms. Mendoza: have you no sense of decency?

Comment by Conventional Wisdom Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 4:19 pm
I don’t think it’s accurate to call it a “genocide”, that’s just not happening. All wars are humanitarian disasters, and I think this is worse than many, because neither Hamas nor Israel care much about Palestinian casualties. If it makes you feel better to say that Hamas wants casualties and Israel simply doesn’t care about them and therefore Hamas is worse, congratulations you’ve completely missed the point. The point isn’t to argue about which side is “better”, it should be about how to stop the suffering. We can’t turn a blind eye to Israel’s offenses just because we think Hamas is worse. That’s how America got Abu Ghraib atrocities and our own drone strikes killing children because we thought it was “acceptable”. It’s not acceptable, and we need to keep reminding ourselves and everyone else that this is NOT the only way, we all have options and choices, we all make decisions every day.

Comment by Perrid Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 5:17 pm
===I missed something, why do we care what the Comptroller thinks about foreign policy? ===

That discussion is about 40 or so comments before yours.

Comment by Candy Dogood Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 5:36 pm
They both have the right to speak their mind about it. It’s clarifying to know that the Mayor has the moral and correct interpretation of what is going on, the Comptroller does not.

Comment by Jesse C Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 5:56 pm
@Candy, === “I am glad that she is not involved with the State Department…” ===
Comptroller Mendoza has been honored to be part of the U.S. State Department’s Speakers Program in which over the past two decades the State Department has sent her to Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Chile, Mexico and other countries in Latin America and the Middle East, including Iraq as an official election monitor. This week, the State Department set up links for Mendoza to address groups of observers in New Zealand, Croatia and Guatemala, who she spoke to in Spanish, explaining and taking questions about the U.S. political process and the role of the conventions. She has also visited Israel and toured areas attacked by Hamas on Oct. 7.

Comment by Abdon Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 6:44 pm
It is not a genocide in terms of the percentage of the population killed, but it certainly is approaching one using the definition of wanting to displace or remove a population from their land and take it for yourself. This is also evidenced by the quotes from various prominent Israelis in government.

Comment by Jibba Thursday, Aug 22, 24 @ 8:29 pm