Thank you for joining us for this committee on health and
human relations meeting. I'm chair. Rossana Rodriguez
Sanchez.
It is 10:31 a.m. on March 1925 and this meeting is now
called to order.
On today's agenda, we will review uh mayoral appointments
and reappointment to the Chicago Board of Health.
We will discuss chairwoman Havens uh ordinance
2024000012999, the protecting families and caregivers
ordinance, which is an amendment of Municipal Code chapter
6 to 10 estimate, protections of civil rights for
individuals, with actual or perceived association. With any
individual and protected classes, we have, uh, Elder
woman's Ramirez resolution, uh, 202400000010989, which is a
call for hearings on issues of hate and discrimination in
the city of Chicago. And we have a subject matter hearing
calling for the release of Mahmood Khalil by us Immigration
and Customs Enforcement and for investigation into
circumstances surrounding his detention.
Um,
we are going to start by establishing quorum.
Vice chair Ramirez.
Uh, Alderman Robinson.
Alderman. Jansy.
Alderman Lopez.
alderwoman Coleman Alderman, SEL Lopez Adam Fuentes Alan
Cruz Alderman, Ramirez, Rosa
Alderman Lawson.
Wars Alderman Haven.
Chairwoman Rodriguez Sanchez is present. We have 8 members
present and we have a quorum
We have a request for remote participation sighting rule.
59 from Alderman Robinson. Can I get a motion to approve
The remote participation? So moved by alderwoman Manana,
hoppenworth seeing, no objections, so order.
We will begin our meeting with time for public comment. We
have 18 public speakers.
um, and we have 2 virtual
18 in person. So we are going to limit um,
The time to 2 minutes so that we can hear from everybody
and we can actually uh, do the work of the committee. We
have a long agenda.
um,
So, we are going to start public comment. Now, 2 minutes
Each person and we're going to start with Keith sing.
Keith, are you here?
Is Keith here.
Okay, come forward.
You'll have 2 minutes for public comment.
Hello, my name is gusinsky. I'm the Jewish American living
in Chicago's West Loop grew up in the North Shore. Suburbs
graduated from Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire and
went to or shalom in a gagen. Verne Hills and deep Jewish
Community both in Temple and with family.
Before I continue, I just want to acknowledge something
highly pertinent. When these discussions are had, why is
that being Jewish American speaking on this issue
automatically gives me more credibility, more of a platform
versus an Arab or Palestinian.
How about?
Don't believe me how about the Democratic president of the
United States? Joe Biden, publicly stating that he has no
confidence in the number of Palestinians being killed.
If we don't think that trickles down.
When me and my Jewish allies go to the Capitol last year to
talk to democratic legislators and try to get them to sign
on to a national ceasefire or letter to Joe Biden. We are
regularly asked if we were Jewish and if they have Jewish
colleagues in the state house, or something that have
signed on to that ceasefire letter,
As if that matters.
Western Society Long Ago, defaulted to a lack of trust and
respect for Arabs and Palestinians that has led to this
rapid spiral of racism and dehumanization of Palestinians.
So much. So that my mood khalil's advocacy for Palestinian
freedom and Liberation under genocide and decades long
occupation has has near gotten him deported. Why? Because
we deem any prop Palestine speech as anti-jewish by
default.
Think about that long and hard. Because I dare someone to
show me any evidence that Mahmud Khalil a spouse, any
anti-jewish hate or support for terrorism.
I grew up going to the temple with the Israeli flag across
from the US flag learning about Israel. Is a safe haven for
Jews in the aftermath of the Holocaust. I was not taught
about Palestine or that Palestinians even existed.
I was, I was only taught that Arabs were inherently
anti-semitic and couldn't be trusted with freedom.
This is where.
Thank you for your comments. Um, next speaker is Michael
Kaminsky.
Members of city council, fellow Chicagoans. My name is
Michael Kaminsky. I'm a student at the Paul University and
just weeks ago, I under 1 surgeries that I sustained after
being viciously, attacked by men, who wanted no more than
to silence strong Zionist voices on my campus.
That day, my friend and fellow Jewish classmate and IDF
reservist was injured right beside me for the same reasons
during the attack. We weren't thinking about politics or
ideologies, but about survival. This wasn't about some
distinct conflict. It happened here in the heart of
Chicago. Simply because of our religious and political
beliefs, anti-semitic hate crimes. In our city have
skyrocketed this past year alone, according to your own
committee on human relations. And yet Alderman, chose this
moment to introduce resolutions that emboldened hatred
internationally rather than confronting the violence
happening in your own backyard words, have consequences
when we have Alderman to publicly demand recommendations
for an anti-zionist pediatrician. They don't just
discriminate against Jewish professionals. They set a
dangerous precedent that labels Jews and allies as enemies
of the state when people chant phrases, like, from The
River To The Sea and globalize the antifa, their amplifying
a rally and cry to hunt down and persecute all Jews in
Israel and around the world, the Jac.
Chicago Jewish Alliance has met with countless City,
officials desperately urging leaders to protect our
community. Some aldermen, however, refused to attend these
meetings and continue to ignore the very Community, they
claim to protect their silencing complicity makes Chicago
Streets. More dangerous for people like me, We Stand today
at the crossroads of a moral and American valued path as
being hijacked by those who wish to seek harm against
individuals simply for their protected. Statuses this
Council must decide whether it will enable such dangerous
hypocrisy or family rights to the challenge of true
leadership protecting your citizens is not optional. It is
your duty. I'm here to demand tangible, action,
accountability, and Justice to be held to combat hate in
our communities. We'll never forgive those who cheered.
After the October 7th attacks will never forget those.
Thank you for your comments. Uh, next speaker is Miss
Jessica Jackson.
It's amazing to see people stand up and talk about all
these different things. You know, when the truth of the
matter is,
All this is going on on American soil.
All this protesting all this, that and the other things
that you all wouldn't dare to do on the soil of your own
countries.
and America has been disrupted by all this fighting, all
this protesting, all this standing for immigration rights,
and all this. And that
From people.
Who would not dare?
Behave this way.
In their own countries.
And then, if that weren't enough.
The lack of respect to Black Americans who have made it
possible.
For every group to be able to protest in America.
But nobody gives any Credence or respect to that and
respect for everything to be good.
That's why this whole thing is a sham.
not only for whatever y'all talking about, but for what we
talking about too, because you sit right there,
And have done nothing about the things that we've come to
you and talked about you give no.
It no attention to what I talked to you about about a black
hate crime.
You could care less. The only thing you care about is a
bunch of illegal immigrants with Hispanic backgrounds over
here.
That, like I said, wouldn't dare?
To protest and burn flags and all that junk in your own
country.
This whole thing is a disgrace.
The lack of love for America is what's on the line right
now, you all are coming over here, all of you getting stuff
from America and don't love America at all.
And it's tearing up.
Our, thank you for your comments. Uh, next speaker is Silas
Lesley.
Silas.
Good morning. Uh, my name is Silas Lesley. I'm the advocacy
manager at Chicago therapy Collective. We are in
Andersonville, based nonprofit focused on the mental health
and wellness of the trans and non-binary community and the
social drivers that impact them, I would like to thank you
for the opportunity to speak in support of the protecting
families and caregivers ordinance in order for Chicago to
remain a sanctuary for gender affirming care. It's
imperative that the loved ones of trans individuals are
able to fairly Act.
Access housing and employment. Trans people should not have
to worry. That being their true selves will negatively
impact their families especially in a time where trans
youth receiving gender-affirming care, is viewed at by some
as controversial. It is important that the supportive
caregivers working to ensure that their child receives.
This life-saving care are protected against discrimination
It is fortunate that similar legislation has passed at the
county level and it is necessary to codify this. These
protections on the city. Level 2 loving trans, a trans
person should not be grounds for discrimination and with
this ordinance, it can be assured that the rights of both
trans people and their families are protected. Thank you.
Thank you for your comments.
Um, I'm not sure, I understand the handwriting in this 1.
The last name is tairovic.
Please come forward.
So I'm not sure how to use it. Hopefully you can hear me.
my name is eddi-rue, which I'm of Bastion origin, little
little country in Europe. I'm here to support freedom of
speech. Freedom of expression, main reason, I'm here.
United States is feeling to be free. I'm coming from the
old communist system for Migos slavia, Where minority were
not treated as majority in my case as Bayesian people. Our
Our nationality was reduced to the, uh, the like religious,
uh, minority they call us Muslim. Although we were third my
by population, we a third group in former Yugoslavia. So if
I talk about that in for slavia, I I would be incarcerated.
So that's why I'm here like many and majority of people
coming here. They're looking for freedom of expression. So,
back to the Khaled Khaled has the right to express his
feelings.
About ongoing genocide or at least War crime. We all
Witnesses what's going on in in the Palestine and what's
going on in the Gaza? If you see pictures, you don't have
to be expert to know. As our president said is inhabitable
thanks to whom IDF United Support supported destruction,
sending weapons uh the the going against its own laws of
the United States whatever name Lehigh law or whatever
where they they
Did ask to be uh, the weapon cannot be provided to the
who is oppressing other people which is obviously the case
in Gaza. It is genocide. Obviously you have statements from
from the Israeli Representatives including present and
Herzel whatever name is who said that there's no innocent
people in the Gaza. No innocent people. And if you go right
now on the on the Instagram you will see that there is no
innocent people in Gaza, they killed children couple days
ago, they killed 400 people, 130 children, you can see on
Google. So back to the Khalid, if he support his people, he
has like to speak.
Thank you for your comments. Uh, our next speaker is estra
landman fagelson
Miss azra Lamb and fagelson. I'm an urban planning student
at the University of Illinois and I've lived in Chicago for
22 years. I find it extremely antithetical to the mission
of a city council committee to tackle issues of federal
International politics. Well, out of the purview of the
city council's jurisdiction this committee's description
reads, the following the committee on human health health
and human relationship jurisdiction over. The city's
Department of Family, Support Services health and
sanitation matters, affecting General Health Care control
specific diseases, mental health, alcoholism substance,
abuse food, nutrition and medical care of senior citizens,
persons with disabilities, the Department of Health, the
Bureau of voting control and animal care and control
matters, relating to the human rights, and the committee
Commission on human relations in all matters, generally
affecting Veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States
and the status of senior citizens, the person with
disabilities and Society was in this committee, the highly
Contacted resolution R 2023 double O 6422 expression for of
support of the United Nations, resolution 377, new owners
uniting for peace was passed makes way for city council to
vote this resolution had no meaningful consequence,
International politics, only created devices in this, in
the city council Alderman. Alderman, Sanchez has failing as
chairperson of this committee. And as a representative city
council as the committee on human health and relations has
jurisdiction over matters relating to Human Rights and the
commission on human relations. She turns a blind eye when
dealing with the Jewish Community the commission on human
relations and forces the Chicago human rights ordinance,
which promotes appreciation of Chicago's diversity and
works to eliminate prejudice and discrimination. However,
Alderman, Sanchez are repeatedly felt it is appropriate to
partake in. Discriminatory discriminatory practices
She made the post regarding an anti-zionist jewish, an
anti-zionist Doctrine, applying bias against Jewish
professionals, who in layman's terms, as we know different
than a Jewish person, seeking a non-hispanic doctor for
their child, and the alright should be the media currently
Alderman. Sanchez. Using her platform as a city official to
bring your own political ideologies to the government. This
is a way.
Waste of taxpayer dollars. Put into perspective, I live in
Chicago for 22 years, over the last 7 years, I've seen more
rodent infestation in my neighborhood than ever before.
While this issue may not be as sexy as solving, the Middle
East crisis, getting rid of the Rats of the alleys is the
committee's actual job. The city with much more benefit
from this committee is happening in row problem. Then from
trying to wait until matters of international politics
where it does not belong. Thank you for your comments. Our
next speaker is Josh stettner.
My name is Josh statner and I'm a PhD student at the
University of Chicago. I want to thank Alderman, Rodriguez,
and siko Lopez who have the courage to speak against the
Abduction of the Palestinian student. Activists Mahmood,
buy plain clothes ice officers on March 8th in New York
City.
As a Jew, I'm profoundly disturbed by this attempt to
intimidate and to suppress Palestinian activism by the
Trump Administration in coordination with various Zionist
groups.
Jewish history knows. Well, the trajectory of fascism
specifically, how regime targets left-wing activists how it
strips them of legal personhood and how it casts them into
indefinite detention. Therefore the weaponization of
anti-Semitism to justify ice raids is a grotesque
defacement of Jewish history in Yiddish. We call this a
Shanda, which means a disgrace, a shame and act without
honor.
Proclamations of widespread so-called campus anti-Semitism
by zionists. By zionists institutions are nothing more than
cynical ploys, to Marshall repressive, state power against
Palestinians and anti-zionists. This is not about Jewish
safety, this is about crushing dissent, it is about
silencing, the people who speak and act against the ongoing
genocide of Gaza and the West Bank by Israel.
The fact that ice was used in this Abduction of peaceful of
a peaceful protester in New York should trouble us all here
in Chicago. There are at least 22 known rendition cases in
the midwest. Since January that are clear and obvious
violations of constitutional rights 22 that we know of
obviously there are more 1 of whom is Julio Noriega. A US
citizen in Cook County resident, who is abducted. Uh, while
he was buying food for his family and thrown into an into
an unmarked van all abductions. By government agencies are
political acts, whether that person is mmm or Julio
Noriega, they're meant to instill fear in all who would
resist fascism. So I support this resolution because it's
an important part of sending a counter message 1 that says,
we will not allow political repression to go on and that we
are not afraid.
Thank you for your time and free Palestine from the river
to the Sea.
Thank you for your comments. Our next speaker is Kevin
Klena
My name is Kevin Clint and I'm here today. On behalf of my
deceased mother lyanna Clint to report, Medicare Medicaid,
fraud and request that you contact the Department of
Justice to investigate my mother's death at Chicago store
hospital. Let me tell you a story to the fancy was
physician. E a surgeon, they say, cut medically,
unnecessary, holes, and the next of vulnerable patients is
part of a sometimes. Deadly, multi-million dollar, Medicare
Medicaid fraud scheme at Chicago's now, closed Sacred
Heart.
Hospital worth up to 160,000 each whether or not the patient
survived. Big Guerrero is the doctor, the FBI ledge and a
criminal complaint performed, 28 questionable, tracheotomy
on elderly. Disabled mostly black patients at Sacred Heart
Hospital, 5, resulted in death, the mortality rate for
those Guerrero. Operated on was more than 3 times the
Illinois State average.
The frosty worked like this, another doctor positioned D
will give an order to snow to Patient. The patient until
the white of the patients eyes were visible. When a
patients were unable to breathe on their own craniotomies,
were ordered according to the feds. That's where Guerrero
came in. Having an excuse, he needed to cut a hole in the
patient's neck. And then set a breathing tube though,
physician D was not named in court papers. Mkata lbar Raju
is physician d.
Both doctors worked at thorek hospital where Cook County
Treasurer Maria, Pappas husband and Jenner's Democratic
campaign. Donna, Peter Campbell makes 556,000 a year as COO
of tax reto Hospital. The last time I saw my mother live
was at thorek hospital and been caught. A lb Raji was her
doctor. This is not medical malpractice. This is Criminal
All right.
Thank you for your comments.
Uh, next speaker is Hannah hubshi.
Good morning, I'm Hannah.
Khalil and attempted to take away his green card committed.
No crime in simply exercises, freedom of speech and
assembly. Trump said that Mahmud would be the first of many
including people in Chicago in our communities. Every
single 1 of us should be horrified and outraged by this
flagrant violation of the constitutionally provided right
to free speech and assembly.
Growing up in Chicago's Jewish Community. I had the
privilege of hearing directly from survivors of the
Holocaust. From a young age, I heard the horrific stories
of Jewish people and other targeted groups being torn from
their homes and families and detained in camps. My own
great-grandmother survived violent, pogroms in Russia, and
witnessed the murders of her friends just for being Jewish.
I wish there had been someone to speak up for her.
And now today I see the government, stripping away, the
human rights of activists like Mahmud Khalil who peacefully
peacefully speak up in defense of innocent Palestinians
being murdered and oppressed just for being Palestinian.
Just like my great-grandmother was for just being Jewish.
I will never accept the manipulative and anti-semitic lie,
that Jewish safety. My safety will be secured by a pressing
detaining deporting and killing others.
I will end by quoting a poem very quickly that I'm sure
many of you are familiar with as we need to start taking
the message more seriously now than ever.
First, they came for the Socialists and I did not speak out
because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade
unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade
unionist.
Then they came for the Jews. And I did not speak out
because I was not a Jew, then they came from me. And there
was no, 1 left to speak out for me, do not turn away from
defending Mahmud and other Palestinian rights activists and
immigrants because you think it doesn't affect you. Our
struggles are all intertwined and we are all doomed if we
don't fight for everyone right now.
Thank you.
Our next speaker is George Blakemore.
Mr. George Blakemore.
I'm looking at you.
You are black.
I don't care about you speaking Spanish. I can see your
features.
You are black lady. You don't want to embrace your
Blackness, you say you Puerto Rican or Spanish anyway, Ray
says the middle is a lie.
Race isn't is alive. The only people that was enslaved in
America are black people.
The only 1 that was enslaved in America brought over with
change.
Was black people. So I'm making it very clear.
That I'm not interested in, in, in the designers, of, of
the, so-called white Jew Hiller didn't even like you. He
said, you wasn't real or real white man.
he said you was mixed with over and over with with with uh
uh,
The Moors.
You looking at me like I don't know what I'm talking about.
Uh here going to tell you wasn't real white.
These religions all these religion come from the black man
Judaism Islam. Through all of them came from the black man.
when, you know better, you do better all these religions
So I'm a Jew. I'm a dancer. Well, why do they have a, a pop
country?
After World War II. These white people over here, say we
don't want all these are Jews in here, so-called Jews. Go
to Africa.
Go to Israel and put them there but it was already somebody
there. It was the Arab. So those 2 are fighting each other.
I have no interest.
And and neither 1 of you and the egregious act, they
changed geography. They no longer said it was Africa. They
called it the Middle East.
So you get the government you deserve, and you deserve the
government, you get its racism
Thank you for your comments. Mr. Blakemore
Our next speaker is Lisa, mayerson, Lisa.
Lisa Meyerson.
Good morning. My name is Lisa and I stand before you today
as an American citizen and as a Jewish person, and as
someone who has lived in Israel, and as someone who is
deeply appalled by the Detention of Mahmud, Khalil what has
happened to Mahmood is not just an attack on him and is an
as an individual. It is an attack on the principles of
Justice solidarity and the shared struggle against
oppression that should unite us all. Let me be clear as a
Jewish person. I know the history of anti-Semitism, all too
well, I know the pain, it causes the divisions it creates
and the violence that justifies. But I also know that the
fight against anti-Semitism cannot be used as a weapon to
silence, others, it to justify the oppression of
Palestinians or to divide communities that should
Be standing together. What is happening to Mahmud? Khalil is
not about protecting Jewish people. It is about using
Jewish identity as a shield for authoritarianism and that
it's something that is something I cannot and will not
accept. I read a guardian article by Rachel shabi, a Syrian
Jewish author that was published today where she quotes
Helena subotic a professor of political science at Georgia
State University. That this kind of detention is incredibly
pernicious because it is pitching Jewish students or
faculty or anyone identified. As Jewish as the cover for
totalitarianism, it is splitting groups along identity
lines and dividing people who should be allies. She also
went on to say that no 1 to be a model minority in a
fascist regime, and that includes both the Trump and the
Biden Administration.
I have lived in Israel. I have seen the complexities of the
region firsthand and I know that the struggle for justice
in Palestine is not anti-semitic. It is a struggle for
human rights for dignity, and for Freedom values, that
should resonate with anyone who believes in equality and
justice to conflate this struggle with anti-Semitism is not
only wrong and it's dangerous. It pits communities against
each other and undermines the solidarity. We need to fight
all forms of hatred and
Thank you for your comments. Uh, our next speaker is George
wyner.
I am Josh weiner with the Chicago Jewish Alliance. It is
not speech. That has led Mahmood Khalil to face
deportation, but conduct Khalil has led is was lead
negotiator for cuad, which calls for the total eradication
of Western Civilization encouraging members to continue to
escalate action until the Empire crumbles Khalil occupied
Columbia building as a means to these ends and it's even
come out that they held janitors against their will for a
time and assaulted them verbally and physically Khalil
himself distributed Pro Hamas. Flyers a genocidal
organization, which calls to kill Jews, eradicate a
Sovereign Nation and does not strive for peace. These
flyers came directly from Hamas. Media office Hamas is a
terrorist organization. Khalil is not a US citizen. He is a
foreign National or alien is defined in US immigration code
according to that code. Any alien is deportable if they
engage in any activity, if in any activity, with a purpose
of, which is opposite,
Addition to or control uh, or overthrow of the government of
of the United States, endorses or espouses terrorist
activity, or persuades others to endorse or espouse
terrorist activity, or support a terrorist organization
further, any alien who the Secretary of State and attorney,
general determines has been associated with the terrorist
organization and intends, while in the United States to
engage in activities, that could endanger the welfare of
the United States is inadmissible even if you don't agree
that this is conduct, this is conduct publicly supporting a
terrorist organization in a capacity. Ordinarily described
as speech. Still renders an alien deportable. It is also
worth noting that Khalil has been subject to title 6
complaints for targeting and harassing Jewish students with
anti-semitic rats in the rants in the University, WhatsApp
group, his behavior is consistent with that. I have
personally seen in Chicago and to Paul Jewish students have
experienced on their own campus. There are leaders of SJP
to Paul who are also aliens as defined by immigration law
who may be guilty of the same or similar Behavior as
hell, I welcome ice to their
Thank you for your comments. Our next speaker is Miriam
bills Biller.
Hello. My name is Miriam bilsker. I'm a Jewish PhD student
at the University of Chicago. I study history of Judaism at
the Divinity School there.
Earlier this month agent stressed in Marvel Comics,
t-shirts, abducted, Mahmood Khalil in front of his pregnant
wife, nor they shoved him into unmarked Vans and refused to
show any identification or even tell nor under which
department they were acting under any circumstances. These
are horrific actions. They were reminded us of brutal
dictatorships. And those who have been disappeared in South
America. After Trump's ice goons abducted, Khalil, I could
barely sleep. Do we all need to watch what we are saying,
if we, if our views contradict those in power,
The US has a long and fruitful history of protests against
Injustice often on college campuses. We've had protests
against racial Injustice against Wars in Vietnam and Iraq
against police brutality for the creation of ethnic studies
department and more in a healthy democracy, protests should
be more than allowed protest is the way people change
society for the better to make it juster by arresting a
protest leader Trump and his administration want to silence
all protests which means they want to silence democracy and
silence the people but we can't let them do. That is not
just
Just any protester his cause is just and his movement is
righteous over the past year and a half. We have observed,
the Israeli genocide of Gaza that has killed an estimated
180,000 people. According to the British Journal, the
Lancet. Um a a population of 2 million is trapped without
food water, electricity and many
and freedom ahmmed Khalil. Now,
Thank you. Um, next speaker is William Chase.
My name is William Chase. I've lived in Chicago almost 30
years though I'm born and bred in Gary Indiana.
Share Alderman. Sanchez, your principled person.
You say, you don't want Zionist doctors be very principled
then.
Hand me your cell phone.
Cell phone technology was developed in Israel.
Next time you're sick, don't take a drug.
So many life-altering, drugs, healing drugs developed in
Israel.
Next time you get lost like you are today.
Don't use Waze Waze was developed in Israel.
Be principal be consistent.
You want to talk about facts?
there's 57 Muslim majority countries on this planet, 57
100 more than 1,000 times Israel's size.
57 to 1, who knows that in here.
that zionists Empire is the whopping size of
New Jersey.
Some Empire.
The Jews are the Native Americans of Israel. They've had
more than a 3,000 year. Continuous presence in Israel.
That's a simple fact that's not a commentary.
Yet you hold a hearing today on somebody who's on a
non-citizen who's never stepped foot in Chicago.
We can't balance a budget or pick up garbage.
And you're holding a hearing on a non-citizen, what
ridiculous virtue signaling.
I agree with the earlier speaker, the African-American
woman. This is a sham.
You Alderman Rodriguez Sanchez conducting this hearing on
racism would be like the grand wizard of the KKK conducting
a hearing on racism.
It's absurd.
Thank you for your comments. Our next speaker is Martin
Lavine.
Thank you. I am. Marty LaVine. Um, a resident of the 48th
Ward and a proud member of Jewish voice for Peace Chicago.
60 some odd years ago. I was Mahmood Khalil.
I was a graduate student on the campus of Columbia
University.
This nation was complicit in a genocide in Vietnam.
I am the son of a naturalized citizen.
And we close down a university because we thought the horror
was so deep, it needed an action. We took over a building
and I became as Mahmood became 1 of 4 students who
negotiated an end to that incursion.
Um, I am not um, anything but proud of that moment and
proud of his actions even when others disagree including my
parents.
um I've also lived through our being in the streets as we
celebrated or on this Sunday the 60th 2 Sundays ago. The
60th anniversary of a march across the Edmund Pettus bridge
bridge, when people chose to put their bodies for what was
right. When a major portion of the community said that was
wrong.
I have lived through standing on the campus of City
College, speaking out for the rights, for George, Lincoln
Rockwell,
A leader, then of the American Nazi party to speak even
though I would not want to hear him.
What Mahmood Khalil did was an active virtue.
The fact that he is a permanent resident of this country
indisputably should give him the right to speak and act for
social. Good. For those who disagree with them. There is a
way to disagree to act as a gestapo and sees him and send
him out of the country. Um, without a hearing.
To hear whether any of the things he's accused of are. True,
True, is Un-American and I thank you. Thank you for your
comments. Uh, next speaker is Jane Charney.
Good morning. My name is Jane charie. I'm a resident of the
32nd Ward, and I'm here. Representing Jewish United Fund of
Chicago with a central convener of the Jewish community in
our region and a network of social service agencies,
serving 500,000 people, regardless of background,
I'm here in support of a deeper dive into hate crimes and
incidents in Chicago and other Ramirez's call for hearing
on the issue. Jof also supports alderwoman Haden's proposed
amendment to the municipal code, to ensure protections of
civil rights for individuals, with actual or perceived
association with any individual or protected class.
Additionally, I want to address the resolution regarding
the Detention of Columbia University. Graduate student,
Mahmood, Khalil.
We have watched with growing alarm is anti-Semitism has
flourished under the guise of anti-israel protests.
Khalil has been instrumental in leading the often violent.
Protests disrupting classes, violating University policy
and harassing Jews. At the same time, Justice and
accountability require transparency, and a protection of
constitutional due process and other legal rights. If the
appropriate authorities, find that Mahmud, Khalil violated
us laws, he should be subject to the full scope of legal
consequences. However, we oppose deportations of legal
residents, green card holders, and other persons living in
the United States. When
Uh, the justice system fails to uphold the protections
afforded by the US law.
Deportation without due process is unconstitutional and
illegal everyone. Regardless of status, has the right to
have their case heard evidence examined and be treated
fairly which is fundamental to our system of justice.
Khalil is no hero and to make him out to be a hero is
wrong, that does not give the government an excuse to
mistreat him. And to defy the rule of law, that is a
signature of our democracy. Thank you.
Thank you for your comments. Our next speaker is Sabrina
Akbar.
Good morning, Elders of the Chicago city council. My name is
Sabrina Akbar and I'm here with Muslim for just futures.
A Grassroots organization dedicated to building power and
Muslim communities, through Collective care, advocacy and
movement building.
okay, uh, so we speak to you today to take a principled
stance and defending the rights of all people challenging
State, repression, by calling, for the immediate release of
a mud Khalil, this includes supporting college students on
Chicago campuses protesting against genocide and
authoritarianism. We demand that the city council, take a
firm stand against the criminalization of dissent and
ensure that no resident of Chicago phases retaliation for
exercising, their constitutional rights.
recent months have seen an alarming increase in the
criminalization of those speaking out against Injustice,
particularly Pro Palestinian activists and immigrant
communities, the arrest and Detention of Mahmood. A
Palestinian activists and political prisoner currently held
in ice. Custody exemplifies, the dangerous consequences of
this repression. His unjust imprisonment like that of so
many others is a direct result of his activism. The city of
Chicago has a long history of standing in solidarity with
communities fighting for justice. So, passing a res
resolution, in support of Mahmud, Mammoth sends a clear
message that Chicago will not tolerate the targeting of
activists and immigrant communities for the political
beliefs.
As written in the powerful words of from prison, his
detention serves as a testament to the strength of the
student movement in shifting. Public opinion towards
Palestinian liberation.
Historically students have led transformative changes and
struggles from opposing the Vietnam War, to championing
civil rights and dismantling apartheid in South Africa. The
Trump administration's targeting of Khalil is a part of a
broader effort to suppress dissent and this Crackdown will
not stop with him Visa holders, green card carriers and
citizens alike face persecution for their political
beliefs, in the coming coming weeks, elected officials
students, Advocates, we all must unite to defend the right
to protest for Palestine. Recognizing that, what's at
stake? Is not just their voices, but the fundamental civil
civil liberties of all
Now more than ever Chicago must stand firm in defending
these rights. Thank you very much.
Thank you for your comments. Um, our next speaker is
Charles delman.
Charles are you here?
Hello, I am Charles delman. I'm a Jewish American my father
survived, the Holocaust in Poland, came to this country in
1948, my grandmother fled, the grandson, Ukraine with her
family at the age of 6, I urge you with all my heart to
stand up for the release of bamboo, Kahlo
Protest against the massive destruction and suffering,
Israel has inflicted and is currently inflicted on the
Palestinian people is not anti-semitic but rather stems
from a universal conception of Justice.
The lives of Palestinians are no less precious than those
of Jews or any other human beings. And it is long past
time, our civilization, freed itself from the poison of
ethnic nationalism and the false notion that freedom
dignity and security can be obtained by dehumanizing,
dehumanizing others.
and all those who have risen up, courageously against
Injustice in the face of Oppression, have demonstrated the
highest level of ethical integrity,
I should not have to say any of this.
As a former speaker pointed out, a US resident has been
summarily detained without due process.
whether or not you agree with Mahmud khalil's beliefs or
with mine, you must stand up against the outrageous and
authoritarian violation of Human Rights and civil
liberties.
Thank you.
thank you for your comment, our last in-person speaker is
Taiwan Sims
Good morning committee. Y'all gotta forgive me last night, I
slept on the L.
So for Mu Khalil he I suppose that they deport them yet or
kick them out of the country.
Because he possibly seeping somewhere comfortable.
I have not only I slept on the L but I host the other
Americans who have been pushed to the Wayside.
But here we have the consideration for someone else.
And I'm certain that the last human rights committee had to
consideration for Africans who have been put in slavery and
a whole other worlds Away.
However, Americans here, suffer.
But we argue these things.
Our city government. Argues it
So I'll tell y'all something, there's a young man who was
chased out of his own neighborhood. Who's been shot 5
times, who's been persecuted, who has had the law
enforcement weaponized against him, who has had judges
weaponized against them whose child was removed from them 2
2 3D 795977? Whose mother is dead. Now 211 Divi
70011000001.
Who's been villainized and criminal criminalized. That
gentleman is me an American citizen 44 years in his
country, 44 years in his City who has not left.
I'm not able to practice my political beliefs freely.
I'm not able to what pursue my happiness freely, which is
to be a father to be a steward.
To live in my community.
To Champion my community without being murdered and chased
down.
A whole American standing at this microphone.
But we speak for individuals miles away, right? We argue
about a man who supposedly
What they call him a alien. I suppose he was from another
country. I'm not going to villainize him either. I can only
speak towards my circumstance situation and act today.
That it be resolved.
Thank you for your comments. Um we are now going to move to
Virtual speakers. We have only 2 virtual speakers. We're
going to start with Kathy Powers. Kathy, are you there?
Kathy Powers is not present.
We are going to move on to Jimmy Row Rachel.
Yeah, I'm I'm here. Um, good morning. My name is Jimmy
Rothschild. I live in the 33rd Ward and I'm an organizer
with the Jewish Council on Urban affairs.
Hey Tua has worked for 61 years to combat poverty racism and
anti-Semitism at the core of our work is a deep commitment
to solidarity. We recognize that anti-Semitism is linked to
other forms of pre of Oppression and that safety for Jews
is tied to the well-being of all communities.
For decades, we have participated in multi-racial
multi-faith coalitions. To advance this and exchange
fostering, Mutual understanding and a shared commitment to
protect and support each other. I'm here today to read the
following message from jcua regarding the Detention of
Mahmud.
Jcua is alarmed by the detainment of Mahmood. A Palestinian
green card holder in the city who is taking from his home
by DHS agents and remain separated from his family. This
action marks another escalation in the Trump
administration's anti-democratic agenda specifically its
project Esther strategy, which is designed to exploit fears
of anti-Semitism to control Democratic expressions.
Does Action further, empowers DHS and the ice to expand the
deportation Machinery. That jcu is immigration committee
alongside our congregation and Coalition Partners have long
fought against
Machinery, that is terrorizing immigrant communities here
in Illinois, and around the country.
We are deeply concerned about Rising anti-Semitism,
including on college campuses. However, we refuse to let
anti-Semitism be weaponized to justify. Anti-democratic
policies fuel anti-immigration facilities or dismantle
institutions of Civil Society. These tactics erode, our
Collective freedoms and harm genuine efforts to combat.
Anti-Semitism our shared commitment to Justice demands that
we protect
Free expression and civil rights for everyone. Without
exception, we call from upon immediate relief. Thank you.
Thank you for your comments. Um that is the end of public
comment. Um and we are now going to move to our first item
of business which is the approval of rule, 45 report, can I
get a motion to approve? The February 2025, rule, 45
report, so moved by other women, uh, Mana hoppenworth, um,
seeing no objection. So ordered, I also want to acknowledge
Other Woman Ruth, cruise, and Other Woman, Gutierrez for
the purpose of the, uh, role
We will now move on to matters before committee. Item
number 1 on the agenda is a series of mayoral appointments
and reappoint. So the Chicago Board of Health, we will hear
the full list of appointments and we'll have time to
receive comments after the complete list have been read.
We have the reappointment of auras E Smith.
An appointment of auras E Smith as president appointment of
Katherine. Boccanera, appointment of Travis Gales
appointment of Hong Liu, appointment of shinier oku,
appointment of Gerard Walker, appointment of Stephanie, the
welding, appointment of Ida Gia, cello,
I believe that we have a president ores Smith on zoom and
he's going to give some remarks. Am I right about that?
Is the president online.
President Smith are you there?
Not yet. All right. We are then going to move to uh the
rest of our appointees. I believe that everybody has a
short statement to make
So we're going to start with uh Katherine boccanera.
Thank you.
Is this on? Yes, okay.
Um, thank you for the introduction. Thank you for the
opportunity to be here. I'm deeply honored to be
recommended for appointment to the Chicago Board of Health
and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the
well-being of our city. As a social worker researcher and
Advocate. My career has been dedicated to addressing the
intersection of Public Health Community safety and social
justice.
My expertise lies in understanding how violence trauma and
systemic inequities shape. Health outcomes from leading
violence prevention in in initiatives and Community
organizations. To conducting research on Survivor centered
approaches and developing holistic re-entry initiatives. My
work has been driven by a commitment to community engaged
Solutions.
through my role at the Jane Addams, College of social work,
at the University of Illinois, Chicago,
I worked to build Partnerships with local and National
agencies, and I've worked to bridge, research and practice
ensuring that data, driven policies and programs are
informed by those who are most affected as a member of this
board. I hope to play a supportive role in advising on
trauma-informed, care violence, prevention and re-entry
services in a comprehensive approach to community
well-being.
I bring experience in developing policy recommendations for
city and state leaders evaluating Public Health initiatives
and designing interventions that address the root causes of
Health disparities.
Chicago is at a pivotal moment in reimagining how we
promote health and safety. I look forward to working with
my fellow board members Community, stakeholders, and City
leadership to advance initiatives that prioritize Equity,
resilience and well-being, for all residents. Thank you for
this opportunity. I'm eager to serve in contribute to a
healthier safer and stronger.
Thank you so much. We can move down the line and then we
will go online to check back with. Um, Dr. Smith
I'm online.
I'm here. Hello, are you here Dr? Orus
Yes, I am. I am here. Would you like to provide your
statement now?
Yes, uh, thank you, uh, share ladies and gents into all the
health, uh, committee members. My name is Bishop, uh, hores
Smith. Uh, I am the, uh, pastor of the absolute Faith
Church for the last 45 years. Uh, I'm also a attending
physician in the department of Hematology Oncology and
Transplant at Lurie Children's in Northwestern. Have been
there for 48 years, I've served on the uh Board of Health
for over 15 years and have enjoyed uh the involvement. I am
concerned about again.
The overall health of all Chicagoans. Uh unfortunately uh
our city uh, has 1 of the lowest uh uh rates of early
deaths, highest rate of early deaths, among Advocate
Americans and people of color, it's 1 of my major concerns,
I'm also a pediatrician. So I'm concerned about again, the
health of our children. Uh, the issue of community
involvement is very important to us. Um, I have been
involved locally, uh, especially in the, in the uh HIV uh
early on uh within the community. And also with the recent
uh coid pandemic uh, trying
trying to get, uh, these, uh, City officials and others to
understand the reason for disparities among, uh, people of
color is because they're people, uh, who don't look like
them who are not really their Advocates. So we were, uh, in
Are you still there? Dr? Smith
I think we lost time March. Last communities have been
neglected for a long time. So we're trying to make sure
that on the board of health, that our policies reflect our
care for every community. And I'm just glad to serve on the
board, uh, and thank you for considering my reappointment
Thank you so much for your statement. We are now going to
go to uh, Travis scales.
Good morning, honorable members of the health, and human
Relations Committee. Good morning, and thank you for
considering my nomination to serve on the Chicago Board of
Health. I'm Travis scales and I bring to you different
perspectives, rooted in Health Equity, improving access to
care. A fundamental belief in public and population health
and a career-long commitment to leveraging, my expertise
and skills to help those who need it. The most, my
background has been shaped by my medical training as a
pediatrician having trained in Chicago previously at
Northwestern as a public health official, and former Health
Department director through coid, as a former clinical
leader for a company whose mission is to increase access to
mental and physical health service.
services for children across the country, as an educator,
having taught at a number of academic institutions. And
currently, as the leader of Howard Brown Health, 1 of the
city's largest federally qualified Health Centers. I look
forward to working with Dr. Eay, other board members, you
all, and the mayor to continue to ensure the health and
safety of Chicago's residents, I would welcome any
questions. You may have about my background or other
relevant topics of interest. Thank you again for your
consideration.
Thank you.
Good morning, honorable members of a health and human
Relations Committee. It is a great honor to be nominated
for the Chicago Board of Health. My name is Hong exactly
director of the Midwest. Asian Health Association and non
for profit organization located in South. Chinatown. Our
mission is to reduce Health disparities for the medically
underserved the populations. Through providing culturally
sensitive and linguistically appropriate Services. I have
lived and worked in the city of Chicago in the past 36
years since I came to the us as a graduate student from
China.
I received my master's degree in political science and the
PHD in public policy analysis from the University of
Chicago University of Illinois at Chicago for the past 20
years as a community leader. And Advocate, I have fully
devoted myself in public health and have worked diligently
toward improving the health and quality of life for the
populations in need. I have served on several City and the
state advisory councils representing the Asian communities.
Chicago is the most Diversified city with the largest
number of immigrants and refugees and ethnic groups in
Illinois. Each group has their own unique Health Care
Behavior with different cultures and Dish Traditions to
maintain Health, as the Immigrant myself. I'm very
knowledgeable about the culture language and the
institutional barriers to Health, Resources and Care
through my many years of working with grassroot community.
Based organizations by serving On The Board of Health, I
can bring my expertise and experiences in community health
and bring voice concerns and the needs of our communities
to the table. I can help with developing policies and the
strategies that are most relevant to the communities. I
represent and that the policies are culturally competent to
meet the unique needs of the diverse populations as a US
citizen. I appreciate the opportunity.
Unity to perform my civil engagement duties, learn about the
decision, making process at the city, government level and
make contributions to the health of our great City. I look
forward to working with you all, to ensure the Health
Equity for the Chicago's residents. I would welcome any
questions. You may have. Thank you so much for your
attention and consideration.
Thank you.
Thank you, chairwoman Vice, chairwoman honorable members of
the health and human Relations Committee. I appreciate the
opportunity to introduce myself and for your consideration
of my appointment to the Chicago Board of Health. My name
is Steph welding and I'm the CEO of Community Health, where
the nation's largest volunteer-based, free Community Health
Center serving Chicagoans in nearly every single zip code
in the city.
As of the city resident, for more than 22 years currently
residing, in Humble Park, I've spent my career working in
community health centers across the city Community Health,
currently has health centers in Humble Park Belmont Cragin,
little village. And as of 2 days ago, Back of the Yards, I
have also worked in health centers, in Pullman South
Chicago, East Side, Roseland Chicago, lawn West, Town and
Albany Park. This is giving me a unique perspective on
community-based and community-led solutions to Health
Equity.
if I am appointed to the Chicago Board of Health, I commit
to providing strategic, guidance and advice aimed, at
helping the Chicago Department of Public Health to achieve
its goals in the healthy. Chicago, 2025, strategic plan. I
believe my experience and expertise would be particularly
valuable in the areas of the chronic disease. Action plan,
infectious disease, action plan specifically around vaccine
planning and distribution and partnership action plan.
Thank you again for your consideration. I look forward to
the opportunity to work together. Alongside you my fellow
members, Dr. EIG, commissioner eay, excuse me and Mayor
Johnson. Thank you again.
Thank you.
Greetings.
Uh, chairwoman Rodriguez Sanchez. Uh, Vice chairwoman
Ramirez and the members of the health and human Relations
Committee. I want to sincerely thank you for the
opportunity to be considered for appointment to the Board
of Health. It is an honor to be here today and I'm deeply
appreciative of your time and attention.
Uh, just a little bit about me. I earned my Master's in
public health, from the University of, Alabama, uh, Alabama
at Birmingham in 2005 and I've been a proud to, I've been
proud to call Chicago home for the past 18 years. And for
the last 6 years, I've had the privilege of being a member
of the South Loop Community for the last 5 years, I've had
the honor of leading ever Thrive, Illinois and nonprofit
organization based in Chicago with a mission to achieve
reproductive Justice in the healthcare ecosystem.
Through, uh, community-driven Partnerships policy action and
systems change. Our goal is to ensure that individuals from
communities most impacted by Injustice, have the access to
the resources, health care, and choices needed to build and
sustain Healthy Families on their own terms at everthrive.
Illinois, we are deeply committed to ensuring that
Community voice is at the center of any impact. We hope to
make in the realm of reproductive care across Chicago and
Illinois. We do this through various efforts, including
convening family, councils advisory boards and Community
alignment boards.
We also employ Outreach workers who engage directly with
communities facing, the greatest reproductive health
challenges such as maternal mortality, infant mortality
housing and stability food, insecurity and transportation
barriers, all of which are increasingly driving negative
Health outcomes. If appointed I would be dedicated to
ensuring these perspectives, continue to be heard and
reflected in all conversations and decisions concerning
Public Health, in our city. Thank you again for your
consideration.
Thank you so much. I believe that we have did our Walker
online.
Jared are you there? Yes. Hi everyone, can you hear me? Yes.
Would you uh be willing to share your statement? Now yes, I
uh good morning members of the Health and Human Service
committee. My name is Gerard Walker. I'm currently pcc's
Community Wellness Center, um, Chief population Health
officer and have an extensive background as a nurse, uh,
licensed clinical social worker and a substance abuse
counselor. I also am teaching at, um, Canadian King College
as an adjective Professor. Um, and has consulted on many
projects related to medical social work clinical, social,
work, and psychiatric nursing. Um, I would like to say I
have extensive experience supporting the, the needs of
Chicago residents related to access to Primary Care and
psychiatric care services. Um, primarily I've worked with
setting up, uh, specialized clinics to address, uh,
hypertension, chronic kidney disease, diabetes and
substance use disorders, and Recovery, um, on Chicago's
weather.
Website, Austin and Bill Mike, Craig and communities. I
would like to say I have a firm commitment to addressing
the various needs of Chicago residents, um, and have been a
fierce advocate for mental health and substance use
Recovery Services especially for our Westside. Um Chicago
residents and I want to say I'm honored to be able to serve
on the board and to work with uh my colleagues. Thank you
very much.
um, with so much experience, so much knowledge, so much
wisdom. Um, and I am looking forward to working with all of
you. I think we are. We all know that we are facing a
really tough moment right now, particularly as it pertains
to Public Health in this country that there are many
challenges that we are going to be facing and that we are
currently facing. Um, that there is a lot of uncertainty
and that we definitely need a strong group of people that
can help steer, um, the will for, for the city for our
public policy.
So I'm very grateful for all of you. Um and I welcome
questions from my colleagues.
We have 1 more. Sorry uh Iva are you there?
Yes, I am. Good morning. How is good morning? Would you
would you be able to share your statement with us?
Absolutely I just want to say that I'm delighted to have
the opportunity to address this body and to thank all the
members for uh considering me as a member of the Chicago
Board of Health.
My name is Aida. I'm a retired. Faculty of the University of
Illinois, Chicago. And currently I am a part-time. Research
professor at the department of preventive medicine at
at Northwestern University, my educational background
include a master degree, and a PhD both from the University
of Chicago.
And when I was at the University of Illinois, UIC, I
established the Midwest Latino health, research training,
and policy uh Center that conducted research locally
Regional and Nationwide. And obviously what a particular
emphasis in Chicago. So I have more than over 35 years of
experience, conducting Health disparity, Health, equity
research, and most of the study um involve Community
collaboration and engagement. As a result. I have worked
with Community leaders, faith-based organization community,
health workers obviously Healthcare Providers, and many
other sectors in more than 30 Community areas in Chicago.
Uh, also, before being a researcher, I work in 1977, you can
believe it. And so, medical social worker, at the pilson,
Lower West Side neighborhood Clinic, which at that time,
was part of the Chicago Department of Public Health. And
also I work in the 80s as a Special Assistant for Hispanic
Affairs under Dr. Lonnie Edwards, the health, commissioner
in the 80s if this committee approved of my appointment. I
commit to assist in providing a strategic advice on public
health planning, research and data in community engagement
strategy. The whole goal will be to reduce Health disparity
and improve quality of life for everyone in Chicago,
particularly women as a group and ethnic and racial
minority and other vulnerable population. Thank you very
much. Thank you so much. Uh, we are now going to move to
comments and questions from the committee. I have Alderman
Lawson first
followed by Elder woman hoppenworth.
Great. Um, thank you chair. And I want to thank everybody
for uh agreeing to be part of the Board of Health. Uh, I
understand this is a voluntary unpaid unpaid position so.
Um and really very very important if if that wasn't obvious
obvious uh, in The Last 5 Years, it should be to everybody.
want to commend the uh Team from IGA, the mayor's team and
putting together a list of people whoever really, really
strong resume is
Um, and that that represent a, a great variety of uh,
different disciplines certainly uh throughout our city and
areas of our city. I don't know that I heard a northsider
uh, identified neighborhood. I was gonna shout you out
anyway, Dr. Gails. Um, who was of course representing uh
Howard Brown Health, which is a huge Community partner for
us for my community, um, and welcome to that role. I know
you and I have something on the books, I think next week.
Um, but really just wanted to say, uh, that I think these
are all really good points and and it's a nice balance of
people. My understanding is the board, has not met this
because it has not been full. And I don't know if anyone
here is from health or IG to answer that or chair. Yeah,
Yeah, they they haven't been meetings yet and it has been a
process to gather the right candidates and now we are ready
to move forward. Yes, let's not wait, so long. Yeah.
whenever we have to do this next right, because I, I think
we've seen that this is actually not as long a time, but
with our commissioners, with, with other appointed boards,
um, zba was a real
Problem for a while. So let's just make the collective
commitment. Good. Good people in place right away. So
that's all I have. Thank you, chair. Thank you, Alderman.
Otherwise may I help and worth
Thank you, chair. I want to say thank you to everyone here
and on Zoom who has stepped up to fill these appointments
and I was on the edge of my seat, when I was listening to,
uh, the president Smith talk about, uh, disparities,
especially during coid and you kind of cut out, so I hope
can I ask to to have that repeated? I, I you started
talking about, um,
Your main concern was, which is the early deaths,
especially of African-Americans and um, and especially
during coid. Could you just repeat what you were saying you
cut out?
Dr. Smith are you there?
We have a uh we usually get a a written copy. We can
definitely share it with you but if you have like a
specific question,
yeah, I was very interested in in hearing the rest of the
statement because I it it's, um,
thank you, if I could address the issue of a coffee, I've
been heavily involved in that and working with Community or
organization to make sure that we have a Health Equity in
testing and vaccinations and care. So, yes, the
African-American has the highest mortality a nationwide.
And in the city of Chicago, Chicago Cerro kovi Latin on the
other hand have the highest prevalence or incidence of co9.
19 in the city of Chicago for sure, state of Illinois and
many other states Nationwide. I don't know if you have any
additional question about Co but um, yes, there, the
disparity is very clear action is to continue taking
because Co is still with us is still affecting the
population and we really need to to develop better models
and better ways of getting the word out and engaging and
help promotion and disease prevention. So we could be able
to help our communities. Thank you.
We can also get you a copy of the statement. Yeah, thank
you. I appreciate.
Hi, doctor are you Mr? Smith. Are you back?
Yes, I am. Okay. Do you want to repeat your question Elder
woman?
I heard this discussion about disparities among, uh, people
of color and Co
Is that yeah. So yeah my question was I was interested in
hearing the rest of your thoughts and you were you caught
out a little bit but um, your your main concern is a early
death especially of people of color. Um and you saw that
during Co but I guess my, my point is that I there is a
disparity amongst
Um the map, when you look at Chicago, it's always the same.
And as a representative of 1 of the north side Wards in the
48th Warden, Edgewater
Um my my main concern is how is it that we can make Health
Care, More Equitable and what is it that we have done over
the decades to prevent prevent that from happening
including providing fair housing for people and and we've
put policies in place that that have created those
disparities. So, I'm just, I'm very curious. Um, what is
the priority of this board to to break down those barriers?
Yeah, all the moment I, I think, again, trusted voices is
critically important. Uh, if you understand, uh, what's
happened to us in health disparities, first of all, the
chronic disease, right? Right, right on a disease. Will,
will is impacting minority populations over the decades? So
So, here's a population that's already undergoing
disparities with hypertension cancer, diabetes, and so
forth. Now, enters Co which is an additional toxin.
But people were saying why they were surprised about the
the high rate of incidents and of death. They should not
have been chronic disease. If you could eradicate chronic
disease, which most of us are lifestyle changes can reduce
that the the issue of the death is, you're right. It's
probably the most discouraging and parts of our city.
People of color African-American males. Hispanic males,
average death at age 60 on the north side.
30 year difference, that's because of long-standing
disparities going back to chronic disease and then you get
hit by acute issues like coid like other influenza. And so
you we in a health care are not surprised that is
shortening their life. We've got to improve the overall
health of people from early infancy to eradicate the
disparity. It's not going to happen overnight. It's going
to be policies. And again, that Target these, these
communities and make sure they have fresh food
Clean water, uh, LED among our kids is at an all-time low
but it's higher than the national average. It should not
be. We should begin to do policies that eradicate lead
pipes and so forth. Because these toxins begin early on,
They are truncated to over a person's life and it shortens
their quality of life and their length of life. So you're
right, the policy of the Board of Health has the Target Des
disparate communities and make sure that we begin to
eradicate these long-standing abnormalities. And again
water uh fresh food. Uh we've got Health, we got Health
desert, let me just say 1 more thing about it because it
impacts everything.
People talk about health care access. I can live next to the
university. If I don't trust the university, I'm not going
until I'm deathly sick. We must change the perceptions of
of Health universities and others caring for people so that
they go for health maintenance and prevention, not simply
treatment. That's the only way we're going to begin to turn
around these disparities. I think that the Board of Health
Chicago Public Health Department is critical, uh, in these
long-term efforts to eradicate the disparities.
Thank you, I appreciate that. Yeah. As a as a physical
therapist working in the in the county jail and the Cook
County uh Health Care system. I I have seen the disparity
there and um and the
Yeah, there are many things that could be prevented, limbs,
that could be saved, you know, um, lives. So, uh, I, I look
forward to what this board can do together. I would just
ask for you to also think about how is it that we can put
in housing into the, the priorities of this this board. As
we, we need people to be housed. And then provide the
support that they need. Thank you.
Thank you, the other woman. Um, do I have any other
comments or questions Alderman Lopez?
Thank you, madam, chairman and good morning, members of the
committee, excuse me. First, I want to thank all of the,
uh, appointees and the reappoint, uh, that reached out
I got your emails, I got your voicemails, so thank you, I
appreciate that. Um, quick question are these for 3 year
appointments, chairman?
Sure about the the terms right now I don't have them in
front of me.
Can someone?
From IGA answer because I know that it says that these are
that the board consists of 3 year, terms on staggered. So,
I just like to know our our, what the makeup for this
Can you can you?
Speak on it. And
I find yourself, please.
Hi.
My name is Nancy Tao. I'm director of social services
policy at the mayor's office. And I assisted. With these
appointments, um, the terms will be staggered because the
Board of Health. Um, according to the municipal code, um,
does set out staggered terms. Um, and so, with the
appointments we, uh, named each individual to be replacing
a prior appointee. So their, their terms are
Actually staggered across uh, different years. And what are
their terms?
I do not have them directly on me right now but um, in the
uh introductions uh the terms are all specified and we can
we can provide that. I'm sorry whose introductions, because
no 1 said, oh, excuse me, um, when uh, the mayor's office
introduced these appointments to city council?
Okay. We can get that for you in a second. Thank you.
Chairman. Um, and is this the entirety of the board?
there is 1 uh more appointment that will need to uh be
approved by Council. That person has already said yes, but
it's in the process of submitting paperwork.
But we didn't get to the introduction phase of it. No,
okay.
Um well thank you for that clarification. I appreciate
knowing what uh the appointment durations will be um
because I think obviously we know we've gotten many emails
as well about the the lack of meetings by the board. Um but
I actually want to discuss something that
Dr. Smith uh mentioned, which is that you need?
To have.
people that look like you if you want to inspire
confidence,
And a city where it's really broken down, a third, a third
and a third. I find the uh,
Lack of Latino.
Representation to be unacceptable.
If we are a third of this city, then we should be a third
of the appointments.
um same goes for everybody else and I know we've had this
conversation uh, recently and other matters with regards to
appointments that seem to be overly tilted in 1 Direction.
Um, and I would hope that this, uh, Administration takes
that under advisement when it comes to who this missing
individual is.
um, because I would hate to have to start voting against
um, appointees by the mayor because they're not reflective
of the Greater Community of the city of Chicago. So I'll
leave it at that. Wish you all the best, uh, because I do
know that we have many issues that we need to discuss when
it comes to Public Health, we hear my colleague mentioned
housing. Um, but notwithstanding housing,
Violence remains a public safety issue here in the city of
Chicago.
Um that is impacting every community and we seem to have
lost sight of that discussion. Um so I think it would be it
would behoove everyone here today and virtually uh to
ensure that that part of the discussion is not lost on this
Board of Health. Thank you.
Thank you, Alderman. Do I have any more questions or
comments for our appointees?
Okay.
So, uh, being there, no more questions. Can I get a motion
to recommend approval of the appointments and reappointment
to the Board of Health?
Other person, uh, Ramirez. So moves all those in favor.
Signify by saying, I
Opposed say, nay in the opinion of the chairs, the eyes
have it.
And this will be reported to our next city council meeting.
Thank you so much to all of you for being here today for
answering our questions for checking in with us. Uh, and we
will be collaborating very soon.
Item 2 on the agenda is chairwoman Havens, ordinance
202400000012999.
it is the protecting families and caregivers ordinance,
which is an amendment of Municipal Code chapter 6, to 10
civil rights, for individuals, with actual or perceived
association with any individual or protected classes.
And we have chairwoman having here.
To give us remarks and introduce anybody that might be here
to provide testimony.
Thank you, uh, chair. I um,
Um, excited to hopefully have all the support of our
committee members here. Um thanks to Silas for speaking
during public comment on this earlier. So we're we're
looking to just solidify our protections for vulnerable
communities. So we already have language and in practice
our commission on human relation already extends our
anti-discrimination laws to the family members of protected
classes. That's what we want to codify in our language.
This exists at the county, this exists at the state. Um you
heard during public comment how this could impact. Um, uh,
uh, trans individuals. I'll say another protected class
that we have considered for this. Are people with
and um, some of the cases are if you think about, let's say
think about, let's say you're a parent of a child with a
physical disability. Um, could you be discriminated against
in your housing situation? Because your landlord doesn't
want to have to provide access for your child.
filed and sometimes it could be that the Discrimination is
really about that person with a physical disability, but
that's a child and, you know, you're the parent and you're
the 1 on the lease and you're the 1 that has to deal with
it. Um, and so, in practice, again, our commission on human
relations already extends, um, this is a courtesy, we just
want to solidify this and codify it. Um, certainly as it
pertains to anyone, especially the caregivers, the parents,
the adult family members of anyone that may be perceived to
be in a protected class, um, this is what we wanted to
protect against. So this doesn't cheat, this doesn't change
much in practice. Um, this doesn't change much in the
spirit of what our code already says. Um but it is a fine
time to shore up our defenses and protect some of our most
vulnerable residents particularly in light of the increase
in open discrimination whether that is the increase is that
we see in anti-Semitism the increases that we see in
anti-lgbt
Q, um discrimination. The increases that we see in
expressions of racism and hatred in all kinds of, um,
forms. We're seeing it. And we want to make sure that
people are protected. They know they're safe and that their
family members and caregivers are also offered that same
protection, so, thank you. And I ask that my committee
members, um, vote in support of this
And chairwoman Haden has submitted a substitute for this
ordinance for committee consideration which was sent via
email to committee members. Um and we also have copies on
the desk if you need 1
Um, anybody has questions for other women Haden?
Sorry.
Oh yeah.
Can I can I get a motion to accept the substitute?
Alderman Lopez so moves seeing objects so order. The um,
substitute is in front of us. Can I get a motion to approve
this uh, ordinance as substituted?
So moved by Elder woman Haden. Um, all those in favor
signify by saying, I opposed say nay in the opinion of the
chair of the eyes have it and this item will be reported uh
to the next city council meeting.
Um, item 3 on the agenda is Elder, woman Ramirez
resolution.
202400000010989, which is a call for hearings on issues of
hate and discrimination in the city of Chicago. And the
woman Ramirez has submitted a substitute of this resolution
for the committee's consideration, which was also sent via
email to committee members and we also have copies on the
desk, if you want a physical copy,
Um, can I get a motion to accept the substitute?
So moved by Alderman, Lawson.
See, no objections to order. Um, substitute is in front of
us, Elder woman Ramirez. Um,
Would you like to make some remarks about this?
um the importance of the substitute in this language is
mostly about um providing the opportunity for um folks to
um take this training. And so we want to make sure that we
have a broad group broad scope of attendees. Um, these
trainings will be held virtually and we want to make sure
that those most impacted within our neighborhoods. You
know, having also our staff get involved. Um, I think is
most important for us and shares our commitment of making
sure that people have access. Um, especially now, um, I I
know a lot of people in this committee, understand sort of
the panic, uh, the trauma, the stress that folks are
feeling, um, whether you're walking out of your house and
experiencing something at a local school, um, such as eyes
sightings or even just turning on the TV and your social
media. And so, I hope that this training does, uh, reach
far and wide and
And impact those that um, most most need it. So, thank you
so much.
Um, I I appreciate that. The uh substitute also includes
the possibility of sharing um the webinars and the training
publicly so that the public can access it. I think the
the format of webinars and trainings, uh, that can be held
virtually, uh, are convenient for for all of us as Elder
people. Um, and it allows for a setting where people are
comfortable asking questions, um, that perhaps are a little
bit harder to ask in other settings.
Um,
Anybody has questions for other women Ramirez, any
comments?
Okay.
So um motion to approve uh the resolution from other woman
Cruise as substituted.
So moved by other women, man. I hope and worth all of those
in favor. Signify by saying, I
Opposed say nay in the opinion of the chair is the eyes,
have it and we will uh report this item at the next city
council meeting.
Item 4 on the agenda is a subject matter here in calling for
the release of Mahmud Khalil by us Immigration and Customs
Enforcement agents, and for investigation into
circumstances surrounding his detention.
um,
Alderman. Siko Lopez, uh,
What. Okay?
we can, uh, allow for
Our.
Speaker to take their seats.
Yes.
Elder Other Woman Fuentes. Uh please add it, add her to the
role.
Okay. Alderman um sichel Lopez is not here yet? He
join us uh soon. Um, and he will be able to make some
do want to, um, speak a little bit on why we are doing
this. There was a resolution introduced to the last city
council meeting. It was sent to the committee on rules, so
we are not hearing that resolution. That is not what we are
doing today.
but as a committee and as chair of this committee, I um can
decide to speak or to discuss any issue without the need
for a resolution. And I believe that this is a really
important issue that we should all be paying attention to
right now. Um, I am deeply concerned as chair of the
committee on health and human relations, which is very much
invested in human rights.
Um, about the possibility of a green card, holder.
Um, being deported or being in prison being under threat of
deportation.
for speaking up for saying something that the government
might not like that is dangerous, that sets an incredibly
dangerous precedent and we um, need to be able to discuss
this and we need to be able, uh, to better understand what
are the implications that this has for everybody in this
country. Because if they can take a green card holder,
If they can take somebody that is here legally.
That I don't even want to imagine what is going to happen
to other people in this country.
Um, so I am going to pass it on to at Yona uh, from ACLU,
uh, to provide testimony on this matter.
Yes, Sanchez and members of the committee on health and
human relations. Uh, my name is Ed yohnka. I'm a proud
Chicago resident, uh, and the director of communications
and public policy at the American civil liberties Union of
Illinois.
The ACLU appreciates, the committee taking time to hear
testimony on this very important matter, on protecting the
First Amendment from attacks by The Reckless and Lawless
Trump Administration and for including us in this
conversation.
Let me be clear about 1 Thing.
We are here today because Donald Trump's return to the
White House is a threat to free speech and free expression.
Not just on a single college campus in New York, but
anywhere where people gather to speak out in a way that
does not meet with the approval of the current president.
This Administration is bent on retribution.
And using the full power of the federal government to
Target, and to punish individuals who do not conform to
president Trump's view of the world.
The abuse of power is a direct affront to our first
amendment's principles and stands as a threat to. Each of
us, not just, Mmm, Khalil, or anyone else speaking out on
behalf of Palestinians in Gaza,
The city of Chicago and the Chicago city council should
speak out forcefully against these policies. Now,
Before. It's too late.
if the Trump Administration can punish a college student, a
legal permanent resident for speaking out about the plight
of Palestinians, do we really believe that? They will not
publish punish people for speaking out against the
treatment of migrants and Asylum Seekers
Do we believe that they would not?
Punish people or label speech in favor of police reform or
supporting reproductive Health as some sort of a threat.
the First Amendment, which the ACLU has been proud to
vigorously defend since our founding in 1920,
Stands for the very proposition that the government cannot
retaliate against someone.
Simply on the basis of their speech.
That bar on retaliation applies, no matter the content of
the speech.
Or the citizenship status of the speaker.
Now, let's be clear. There's been a lot of talk about the
nature of this speech, but popular speech, or the speech,
that is popular with the powerful and the well-connected
has never needed our protection from government
retaliation.
You know, our first amendment which the president
laughingly promised to restore in his inaugural address
protects, even the speech, which any, of us including Mr,
Trump finds objectionable, and abhorrent.
Mcmud Khalil is not charged with a crime.
No 1.
Not even the government officials who are arguing for his
deportation claimed that he has committed a crime.
Instead, Mr. Khalil was detained, he was separated from his
wife, a US citizen and flown hundreds of miles away, simply
because of his speech and his participation in campus
protests that Donald Trump dislikes.
The administration wants to make an example of Mr. Khalil
not to make our neighborhoods safer not to make campuses
safer. He wants all students to think, twice. Before
speaking out against him and his policies, he hopes that
quell protests around the country uh on campuses on issues
like his Reckless and illegal immigration policies. His
administration's refusal to follow lawful court orders.
His cruelty towards trans and non-binary people, and his
attempts to erase a half a century of non-discrimination
law in the United States of America.
As representatives of a community that is under Fire by the
Trump Administration.
For standing up for the values. That that administration of
whores, this Council should explore ways to convey its
opposition to the attack on the First Amendment and you
should ensure that the city of Chicago resources are not
used in any way to identify, the next M Mahmood. Khalil,
The ACLU of Illinois and the ACLU nationally is proud to
support Mr. Khalil including providing his legal support
and to support this body. In speaking up against the attack
on our fundamental right to free speech. Thank you very
much.
Thank you. Uh, chairman would you like to uh speak now or
should we just listened to testimony? Okay. Um, our next
speaker, is Amed Rahab executive director of care, Chicago.
Good morning and thank you very much for for having me. Um,
Um, I want to thank the committee, chairwoman Rodriguez,
Sanchez and Alderman Lopez for the invitation and for your
leadership, my name is Ahmed Rahab. I'm the executive
director of the Council on American Islamic relations here
in Chicago, a civil rights organization representing Muslim
communities, and other minorities in the city. Um, it is a
chapter and office of a National Organization that is the
largest Muslim civil rights organization in the country.
I'm here in my capacity, both as a leader in the Civil
Rights Movement, um, for 20 years now and a leader of the
Muslim American Community here in the Chicago land area,
speaking from my expertise and experience in both um Fields
both areas.
There are 2 things to discuss when we're talking about what
is happening with Mahmud and other students and other
immigrants, green, card holders, Visa holders, Etc.
Particularly as it relates to the Israel, Palestine
situation, there's the content of the speech,
And there is the principle of the matter. Let me begin with
the content for a second.
I want you to imagine 174 children, filling this room.
See them wherever you. Like, some of them will have to
stand, there will be a full house.
That's how many children were killed just yesterday.
Not 50 years ago, not a 100 years ago, not a last year just
yesterday in the very thick of this conversation by the
state of Israel on the orders of its prime. Minister is uh,
Benjamin Netanyahu and many more hundreds were killed. I'm
just mentioning the children because there's no question
about whether they're terrorists. There isn't a question
about civilians being terrorists either but let's just make
it very simple and clear.
Now, this is not something that happened in a vacuum. It's
been happening for the last year and a half. As a matter of
fact, between 60,000 and 160,000 civilians have been
killed. According to, which reports you look at in what has
been deemed a genocide by the United Nations by Amnesty
International by Human Rights, Watch by Israeli genocide,
experts and others
I say this because that is what Mahmood and others have been
standing up against.
That is what they've been protesting. That is what the
student encampments have been about, and they've been
Muslims in Palestinians whites blacks, Latinos, Asians and
Jews in the leadership. In the front lines of this American
movement student movement against genocide committed by a
foreign government, that has been using our tax, uh,
dollars to kill innocent people.
So what we're seeing is gaslighting this person who should
be receiving an award for the human rights um advocacy that
he's doing in a very difficult. Environment is being
penalized by a weaponized immigration system.
To politically persecuted him and render him a political
prisoner. He was abducted. He was detained without due
process without a crime. Not charged with a crime. As was
mentioned, it is simply that his actions, his speech is
disliked by those in power. That is what we see in the
Soviet in the previously, in the Soviet Union and communist
China in Russia and Assad Syria that is not what the United
States of America is about. And what we're seeing now is a
threat to bring us into space that we've never been in at
the behest of essentially Lobby groups that serve a foreign
agenda.
and what we're seeing today and this is very important to
understand is the is the deliberate conflation of standing
up against genocide and human rights abuses with
anti-semitism.
And I mentioned as a civil rights leader in the city of had
the pride in the honor of fighting not just against
islamophobia and racism, but also anti-Semitism
hand-in-hand with my Jewish colleagues. And so we know the
difference between actual bigotry against Jews that
generalizes against them
And the criticism of the actions of adults, who are
responsible human beings, who hold political and public
office, the latter will never be deemed a form of bigotry,
it is holding them accountable for their choices, and their
actions, it does not upend their actions to their religion
or identity, but to their souls and their own
decision-making.
And so, what we are seeing and I want to be very clear.
Is a direct attack on American democracy. Namely,
agenda-driven often foreign agenda. Driven Libby groups
attempting to and often succeeding. In weaponizing US
taxpayer funded government agencies and entities
institutions to isolate, falsely accused and criminalized
Americans for the critique of war crimes in Gaza. These
entities and agencies and institutions include the White
House itself, the Senate
The house ice the FBI, the justice department, and the
Department of Education. And there are groups here in
Chicago and elsewhere that are also mobilizing to turn
schools and universities against their students.
In the same way that they've turned the government against
the Citizens for the mere critique of a foreign government,
killing innocent people, that is what we're facing. And so,
I fully support this resolution. I think it is a moral
imperative on all of us to demand the release of this
political prisoner.
To speak out against the weaponization of government of the
immigration system to penalize, people for the political
speech.
Because the president doesn't like it and to ensure that we
all stand against forms of bigotry but not to conflate the
actions and the accountability and the responsibility of
people with their identities, anti-zionism is not
anti-Semitism but that'd be very clear. Thank you very
much.
Thank you. And I remember we are not seeing the resolution
at this moment, but we are speaking on the matter. Uh, we
are hoping that the resolution will come into our committee
for passage, um, at some point soon. Um, next we have Dr.
Susan Nasser. Um, do you want to enter this yourself?
Hello everyone. Again, my name is Dr. Suzanne Nasser, I'm a
licensed clinical, social worker. And a professor today, I
am here in my capacity as a member of us. Palestinian
Community Network, uh, the Chicago chapter.
I'd like to thank chairwoman rossana, Rodriguez Sanchez for
this important hearing and for her continued commitment for
justice, for all Chicagoans and all people, I would also
like to thank Alder person's 6 Cho Lopez for his important
work Drafting and moving this resolution forward and Alder
people Hayden and Vasquez for co-sponsoring
Much appreciation to all of you for being here today and
for your commitment to condemning. The arrest of Mahmood by
ice and insisting that he is released from detention.
Like my Arab and Palestinian students and their families,
my fellow Arab and Palestinian colleagues. Perhaps some of
your own peers. I join you today overwhelmed with grief,
fear, and anger at the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza
as we recognize the long struggle, for self-determination
of the Palestinian people,
I'm with you during a time of increased, repression and
targeting of Palestinian scholarship, and student activism.
And seeing that institutions of higher education, Pride
themselves and cultivating diverse critical and analytical
thinkers. It is hardly surprising that they have long. Been
the Hub of student activism protests and unrest
therefore it is no coincidence that faculty and Arab
students like Mahmud attending universities and colleges
Across the Nation, have taken center stage in debating, the
occupation of and the political future of Palestine.
They are rallying against more than a half a century of
Israeli, occupation and are insisting that their
institutions take an ethical stance on Palestine.
They are critiquing programs that normalize the occupation
of Palestine like cultural and academic exchanges and our
demanding that their institutions divest from corporations
that contribute to Human Rights abuses.
Rather than supporting our students expressions of
solidarity. Just, as many of us have recognized the
significance of the international solidarity and related
student, strikes of the 1980s as students across the world
contributed to ending apartheid and violence in South
Africa.
institutions of higher education including those in our very
own City, like UIC, UFC and Northwestern are punishing
their students by targeting them for arrest, harassment and
unjust, disciplinary actions.
And instead of making a commitment to empowering their Arab
and Palestinian students, by offering them solidarity and
centering their political and social needs and denouncing
the violent police. And Ice tactics institutions of higher
education are again responding with hostility and cruelty.
The repression. These students are experiencing in the form
of being silenced, scrutinized and criminalized for their
activism takes a toll on their Mental Health.
I know.
That they are in pain because I work with them.
We're 18 months into the Gaza genocide and the barbaric
atrocities against our people, in Palestine has claimed the
lives of over 48,000 Palestinians.
A recent study published by the lancets says that this
number could exceed 186,000.
Since the current number does not account for those still
buried under the rubble individuals dying of illness due to
the destruction of gaza's Health System.
And those children, especially who will die of deliberate
starvation.
We know that many of our students in the Chicago land area
and Across the Nation have familial and cultural
connections to Palestine and are devastated by the
unimaginable violence and loss of life.
Dozens of family in our own area. Have lost loved ones in
Gaza. The West Bank and Jerusalem since October 7th of 2023
Including some gazans like a student that I was working
with who reported that? 35 members of her family were
murdered?
We are also.
The criminalization of students like Mahmood should raise
alarms for everyone. When the president of the United
States, the Secretary of State, the head of Department of
Homeland, Security, and others in administration. All
to celebrate the barbarity of ripping, a part of family of
Disappearing. Someone's spouse to a private immigration,
Prison across the country of attempting to resend the
status of a legal permanent resident for their political
views. It sends a clear message.
No 1 is safe.
The treatment of Mahmud is, unfortunately not unique in a
country that has put children in cages.
Separated thousands of families Unleashed guards on
Horseback against black Haitian, migrants and openly
flaunts court orders to halt deportations.
In fact, Tom Holman said in a public interview on Fox News,
just a few days ago, quote I don't care what judges think.
We are long past the canary in the coal mine. This is a
full-on political crisis with a white supremacist at the
bully pulpit. And we must all fight back because if they
succeed, now, there will be thousands more Mahmud kalas.
Almost all of our political leaders, across the city of
Chicago Cook County and the state of Illinois have promised
to protect and defend immigrant families and the barbaric
inhuman. Deportation machine sent to destroy our
communities. Our movement has pledged to protect all of our
people in every way possible, regardless of immigration
status, and passing the resolution in support of Mahmud is
a powerful and needed step to continue to prove that
Chicago is truly a world city and 1 that will fight for
justice for all. Thank you.
Thank you, everybody, for your testimony. I'm going to allow
uh, now Alderman, sexual Lopez, uh, to make some remarks.
And then we will open the floor for questions.
Thank you. Uh chairwoman rossana Rodriguez Sanchez. Um I
want to thank you for uh taking the urgency of this matter
within the committee for the subject matter hearing. And I
certainly look forward to make sure that this resolution is
um, hurting committee. It is actually my hope that we do
not have to get to that resolution. So that we have
actually the release uh the immediate release of a, a
political prisoner, that's what Mr. Um, Khalil is also want
to thank, um, the ACLU of Illinois, uh, want to thank care
and also the US PCN for the leadership and their fight,
towards the protection of civil rights and human rights in
the city of Chicago and across the country.
Let me first um add for the record a few statements that
are important to address. I think in the city of Chicago,
we all condemn hate crimes, no matter where they come from
and we believe and uphold the secrecy of life and we
protect human rights and civil rights even when the federal
government has failed to do. So, I am proud to live in the
city of Chicago. I am proud to stand up for justice and
that's what is important, that we
Them crime, wherever it is.
And the injustices and the violation of due process.
I want to put for the record. A statement that has uh that
was made on record that Mr. Khalil.
And I quote, I believe that the liberation of the
Palestinian people and the Jewish people are intertwined
and you cannot achieve 1 without the other.
and therefore,
The calls for anti-Semitism for Mr. Khalil, as simply
unfounded, this is uh, leader. A student leader who has
demonstrated immense care for everybody in our city, in our
cities, and especially in times like this
I also like, for the record.
To read his letter because he computed more beautifully
than anyone else. What this? This is a struggle is truly
about. So I like to, I like to read for the record. Uh, the
letter that a MM Khalil, um, has uh, shared with the media
just yesterday and is important that we put it on record
record because there's a lot of propaganda out there. And I
tell you, Nazis will be the last people to stand up for
human rights, especially for a Jewish and a Palestinian
neighbors. And I think we have each other in this moment.
My name is m, magmur, Khalil and I'm a political prisoner.
I'm writing to you from a Detention Facility in Louisiana,
where awake where I wake to call mornings and spend long
days. Bearing witness to the quiet injustices underway
against a great, many people precluded from the protections
of the law.
Who has the right to have rights.
It is certainly not the human crowded into the cells. Here
it is in the Senegalese, man. A man who has been deprived
from his Liberty for a year and his legal situation in
limbo and his family and ocean away.
It isn't the 21 year old detainee. I met who stepped who
stepped foot in this country at age 9.
Only to be deported without so much as a hearing.
Justice escapes, the Contours of this nation's immigration
facilities.
On March 8th. I was taken by DHS DHS agents who refused to
provide a warrant and accosted me and my wife and me as we
returned from dinner.
By now, the footage of that night has been made public.
Before I knew what was happening. Agents handcuffed me and
forced me into an unmarked car.
At that moment, my only concern was for nurse safety.
I had no idea if she would be taken to.
See the since the agents had threatened to arrest her for
not leaving me by my for not leaving my side.
DHS will not tell me anything for hours.
I did not know the cause of my arrest or I have or I was
facing immediate deportation.
At 26 Federal Plaza. I slept on the cold floor.
in the early morning hours agents, transported, me to
another facility in Elizabeth New Jersey,
There I slept on the ground and was refused a blanket.
Despite my request.
my arrest was a direct consequence of exercising, my my
right to free speech, as I advocated for a free Palestine
and an end to the genocide in Gaza.
Which I'm assuming full force, Monday night.
With January ceasefire. Now broken parents in Gaza are 1
certain again or cuddling into a small shrouds and families
are forced to wait.
As starvation and displacements against bombs.
It is a moral imperative to persist in the struggle for
their complete freedom.
I was born in Palestine in Palestinian refugee camp in
Syria to a family which has been displaced for their
lancing's, the 1948 nagva
I spend my youth in proximity to hear distance from my
homeland, but being Palestinian is an extra is experience
that transcends borders
I see my circumstances similarities to Israel's use of
administrative detention imprisonment, without trial or
charge to a strip Palestinians of the rights.
I think of a friend or Mara did, who was incarcerated
without charge or trial, but Israel, as he returned home
from travel,
I think of God's a hospital director and Predator,
pediatrician doctor has some Abu Safina.
Who was taking captive by the Israeli military on December
27th and remains in Palace on Israeli church or camp today
for Palestinians in imprisonment without due process is
Common Place.
I have always believed that my duty is not only to liberate
myself from the pressure, but also to liberate my
oppressors from their hatred and fear.
my unjust detention is indicative of the anti-palestinian
racism that both the Biden and Trump administrations have
demonstrated over the past 16 months as the US has
continued to supply Israel with weapons to keep
Palestinians and prevented International intervention for
decades. Anti-palestinian racism has driven efforts to
expand us laws and practices that are used to violently
repress Palestinians out of Americans and other
communities. That is precisely what I'm being targeted.
while await legal decisions that hold, the fortune of my
wife and child in the balance, those who enable my
targeting remain comfortably are Columbia University.
president, shavi Armstrong and and Dean sahi Milo laid, the
groundwork for the US government to Target me. And by
arbitrarily disciplining, proper Palestinian, students, and
allowing viral dxing based on racism and this information
to go unchecked.
Columbia targeted me for my activism creating a new
authoritarian disciplinary office, but to bypass due
process and silence the students criticizing Israel.
Columbia surround surrendered to Federal pressure by
disclosing the student's records to Congress and yielding
to the Trump Administration, latest threats.
My arrest, the expulsion or suspension of at least 22
Columbia students.
Some a strip of their ba degrees, just weeks before
graduation and the expulsion of a s SW. Seed president
Grand minor and on the eve of the contract negotiations. I
just clear examples.
If anything, my detention is a testament to the strength of
the student movement in shifting public opinion, toward the
Palestinian Liberation. As students have long been at the
Forefront of chi of change leading the charge against the
Vietnam, war is standing on the front front lines of the
civil rights movement and driving. The struggle against the
appetite in South Africa today too. Even at the public has
yet to fully grasp, it is a students who
Sears towards truth and justice.
The Trump Administration is targeting me as a part of a
broader strategy. To suppress dissent Visa holders, green
card, holders and citizens. Like we all be targeted for
their political beliefs in the weeks ahead as students
Advocates and elected, officials must unite to defend the
right to protest for Palestine. As they are not just our
voices, but the fundamental civil liberties of all knowing
fully that. The moment transcends, my individual
circumstances, I hope not. The last to be free to witness
the birth of my firstborn, the foremost child.
For the record, uh, chairwoman. And as a representative or
an immigrant Community have been victim of such atrocities
as well. The weaponization of the eyes for political
purposes, to separate families, and to inflict mob wounds
on communities. Like, ours is a call for Action. Not only
by the Civil Rights organizations, the students, and people
in our city, but especially by elected officials. All of us
who have uphold and have sworn to protect the Constitution
to protect the rights and civil rights of our constituents.
This is a moment of action as we see tyranny to take away
your Liberties. This is the time for us to act. Thank you
chairwoman.
Thank you. Chairman. Um, I have Alderman Lopez. Do I have
anybody else that wants to make?
Thank you, chairman.
And members of the committee.
16 months ago.
531 days.
Do we remember what that was?
Do we remember?
What happened that day?
Do you remember what was the day before?
when there was a ceasefire, when you had 364 people at a
concert celebrating
Jewish, Palestinian togetherness.
That were killed.
By a Hamas, LED terrorist attack into Giroux into Israel.
where nearly 1200 people and thousands more were killed
were 250, people were taken hostage, many of whom are still
being held hostage
Did we forget that part?
Because I have not heard.
1 person.
1.
Reference that.
That supports this.
Subject matter hearing.
And let me be 100% clear.
There's a huge.
difference between supporting,
Palestinians and supporting terrorism supporting Hamas.
Monumental difference.
But what we have seen from individuals,
Who are detained now and from individuals, Even in our own
City.
our folks, who want to
cherry pick.
When they start their sympathy.
when they start their anger and their rage
You saw.
That October.
1 of the most horrific attacks in recent history.
We saw.
5,000 Rockets of people parachuting in.
People running through Gates through.
Trucks and ATVs. Chasing down people. We seen videos of
individuals recorded by the terrorists themselves.
Going into kibbutz to kill people to main people to ambush
people children scared.
and when you have somebody who proudly supports that day
and the actions taken there in
As Mahmud Khalil, it is hard to have sympathy for that
individual.
Who is not simply expressing his political views about the
state of what's going on with the war between Israel and
the terrorist group Hamas.
But he is here advocating for our own Jewish communities
our own campuses in this country.
To put people under threat.
Because free free speech doesn't apply when it puts
people's lives in danger, when it becomes hate speech, when
it endangers communities.
now, we can have a discussion about
what we're doing to ensure that you're creating spaces,
where people can have,
Conversation where people are having the ability to protest
as many of my colleagues know, and have exercised their
rights as American citizens, right here in front of our own
building burning flags and doing things like that.
We understand that that is free speech.
And I don't have to agree with that. But that is your
constitutional right as an American
and I believe that that is the question here.
Is that this is not an American doing this.
And as we heard from our own Secretary of State, and as
we've heard from other individuals,
visas.
Even green cards.
That.
Is not a right?
that is a privilege extended by this country with the
anticipation of certain activities and actions by those who
are given that privilege.
In supporting.
And promoting.
Terrorist activity.
Mr. Khalil opened himself up.
Those actions as we've seen.
as I've often said,
it's not what you do. It's not how you get here, it's what
you do. Once you're here, what you choose to do when you're
here. And we've seen what he's chosen to advocate for. We
seen even where an October 9th 2024
The Columbia University are partite divest cuad.
Was chanting.
And commemorating the anniversary of 1,200 Israeli
civilians killed.
With chance such as 1 year since the alaxa flood Revolution
until victory.
That is not.
That is not in question. What? That's in reference to.
Now.
We can sit here.
And we can allow everyone to use this as a moment.
To bash Donald Trump and Lord knows. He earns plenty of
opportunities for that.
But we also have to remember that January 9th 29th of this
year.
He reaffirmed a previous executive order that he signed in
December a of 2019 executive order. 13899,
Combating anti-Semitism on campuses.
That was the law.
5 years ago.
Almost 6 years ago.
following what happened on October 7th and with his
subsequent re-election,
We're in his own executive order, he states that the
previous administration, let that order lapse without being
fully enforced. He said that there's been
A wave, an unprecedented wave of vile, anti-semitic
discrimination vandalism and violence against our citizens,
citizens, in our schools. And on campuses, we have seen
Even in our own City where public way is blocked by
individuals.
Pushing the same message, carrying the same narrative.
Weaponizing rights.
So that they have grounds to attack, citizens, neighbors
and Chicagoans.
This committee.
Could have had a very robust conversation.
But we didn't bring anyone from the colleges here to talk
about this. We didn't bring anyone from the schools to talk
about this and I appreciate our individuals who are here.
And my heart does go out for those.
Innocent people.
Who've been trapped in between the war between Israel and
Hamas.
But we cannot.
Cannot conflate that. If This Were Us being attacked by
terrorism, we would not stop until the job was done.
And even after Israel, tried numerous times to get PE get
Hamas.
To turn over.
The hostages living or dead?
as multiple ceasefires were arranged and then fell apart,
because
Hamas failed to meet their end of the bargain.
We're quick to point the finger back at Israel.
The Narrative is quick to Pivot again and again and again
as though it's their fault.
They are not bending over far enough to appease the
terrorists who are holding their people and Ours. By the
way, as Americans.
There's a reason why that resolution went to rules.
And I also want to State. There's also a reason
Why this committee?
Has over the last 50031 days.
More specifically since May of 2024.
Never once called up the resolution asking for the complete
return of all of those individuals kept hostage, and the
remains of those that died, whose bodies and remains were
kept hostage.
That resolution has also been sitting.
in this committee has been waiting for a hearing something
just as simple as stating the names of those who were taken
on that fateful day and asking for them to be returned to
their countries of origin to their families. And we've
never once taken that issue up, including the several
Americans that are on that list.
But we are here today.
because,
Yes, we are weaponizing this room. We are weaponizing
narratives.
And we are turning a blind eye to what has been said, time
and time again.
That if you engage in certain criminal dangerous activity
and you are not a citizen that this Administration, unlike
the previous ones will take action.
That is true.
Because I know it's true because I've heard Tom Holman say
it to me directly.
and if that is what has happened here,
if that is, what we've seen happen in other parts of our
city,
No, 1 can say that they weren't warned.
And it's shameful that we have so many who are not able to
express their fears. Discounting as we heard 1 speaker
today, say that he was physically attacked and assaulted
while trying to go to class whereas his resolution.
Where's the resolution for the fact that we have?
15 year old 2 weeks ago. Shot on her way to school,
impacting her life. Her health has changed forever.
Not having that conversation either, but we're here today
for this.
Sad, thank you. Chairman.
Um, I have other woman Haden and then I have other woman
Fuentes.
Thank you, chair.
All right, before you go.
I'll say.
I am, um,
I signed on to be a co-sponsor to this resolution for 1
reason and 1 reason only. Um, and that reason is because we
cannot allow our federal government specifically our
executive branch to
Operate outside of the law.
I don't necessarily share or support the actions or views
of Mr. Khalil.
um,
My colleague, who, who left here? Um,
I agree with him on some things and that
we all have our biases and our opinions.
This room is people who have biases because we're
individuals, we're humans, we have opinions. Um, we are
going to
Support views and spend our time advocating for things that
are more in line with what resonates with us.
Um what happened on October? 7th was horrific. What's
happened to gazans is horrific?
um,
I have mixed views on how much time we actually spend in
this body, discussing the issue. Um, because I also
understand it here. A lot of our constituent comments that
How what are we prioritizing? How are we spending our time?
And I battle with that personally, as well of, you know,
there are things that I care about and things that I think
are wrong or things that people expect us to speak out
against or speak up for. Um, and at the same time, there
are pretty confined, things within the realm of our
Authority and our power that we can do as older people and
uh to maintain my own personal sanity and to try and do my
best to serve my constituents. I really try and and remind
myself of those boundaries um and where I can be most
effective and sometimes that means it's not always in
speaking up or speaking out or being the loudest Voice or,
um, you know, supporting a just costs. Um, at least not
within my official duties.
um,
This was a no-brainer for me because at the end of the day,
we are all at risk of being a victim of the same kind of
extrajudicial completely illegal actions. That the federal
government is taking and it's not happening just to Mr.
Khalil, it's happening to people every day. I feel like
every day this week, I've read a news article about someone
being scooped up, um, someone being stopped at the border
and they're sending everybody Louisiana.
Um,
we had, um,
Uh, my colleague, uh, mentioned an executive order and I
think set an executive order with the law executive orders
are not the law. Yep.
And everybody should know that executive orders are not the
law. We don't live in a kingdom where 1 person gets to
dictate something and then write it and have no checks and
say it's the law that's not how it works. Even here in the
city of Chicago, our executive the mayor he doesn't make
the law either we make the law.
The legislative body makes the law and we go through a lot
of checks and balances and accountability and a lot of pain
through our legislative process in order to bring people
along and to find agreement and to vote and to codify
things and that's what makes the law.
we represent, um, people who are very vulnerable to abuses
of this power, currently in the city of Chicago,
whether they be black people because the anti- Dei campaign
is against black people. So everybody who is a black person
or who loves a black person or who cares about a black
person. Please know that the anti- Dei campaign. Dei is
just a synonym for black.
And whoever they think is black, right? They're taking
black people out of government, they're taking black
people, out of all the positions they can, they're taking
women out of positions of power,
they don't want women in charge, currently, we're fighting
and trying to understand the impact on medical research
institutions, because federally funded medical research,
that includes the word woman or female is no longer
permitted.
So we can't even do research about that.
Um the word man isn't excluded the word male is an
excluded. So like there are very clear this is not secret,
there's no conspiracy. They're very clear directed attacks
every day against the majority of people in this country.
From a very small minority, who would like white men to be
in charge.
And they're going to take low-hanging fruit.
They're going to pick imperfect, people to Target.
Right.
But we have to have our due process. We can't allow our
executive branch to act with no checks and balances. We
cannot allow for a lack of due process, just because it's
convenient to us, maybe because we don't like that person
or we don't agree with that person's viewpoints or that
there is some question or suspicion of whether whether they
did something that they shouldn't have.
But is a violation of a university policy, a violation of
the law. It's not
Um, what as a student, and a teacher, and a professor and
a member of that University uh Mr. Khalil has done and how
that's coming to shake out with Columbia. That's between
them. That's a private Institution.
Um, but as a green card holder, he is afforded rights.
And privileges here in this country and that includes the
process and that's afforded to everybody actually citizen
or not in our country.
And city council. We're not going to be able to have special
meetings. Every week about the atrocities. Our government
is committing against their own people. We're not going to
be able to have resolutions about every single thing and
um, like a lot of you, I'm sure you're feeling the stress
of. We all have to do our jobs. You guys still want to make
sure that we get your garbage carts, replaced, and your
potholes filled and construction Seasons coming. And what
are we doing to provide supplies for the kids for back to
school? When fall comes? Like they're all the normal things
for our job that we have to do, not to mention, we've got
to fix a budget crisis. And we've got to work with an
Administration here. Who is a little unclear.
In my opinion about what we're doing or where we're going.
So like your city council is working very hard and we are
very overburdened and we are very overwhelmed. Um, and in
the context of that this is important to speak up on.
And this is important to speak out against and every single
1 of you. Who voiced, an opinion, no matter what the
opinion is, um, you're able to do that because you are here
in the United States of America.
And the city of Chicago.
And we support your rights to do it and we're going to
defend each other's rights to do that. And we're going to
fight for due process and we are going to speak up and
speak out against an executive branch and a president, and
his enablers and co-conspirators, who will eventually.
Be subject to our laws and will be held criminally
accountable.
For the things that they are doing that are violations of
our Constitution, and anyone in this body, who can't see
beyond their personal Viewpoint about a war.
A conflict or an atrocity to understand that we all have an
obligation.
To defend our Constitution, which is part of the oath that
we take as well, when we, when we swear in as elected
officials. Um, this is something we should all be able to
get behind
we need to do this, and I think that as much as possible,
if you are someone in support of this goal that we should
also do our best to set, aside, some of our personal biases
and opinions, and be very cautious.
Of not making the same mistake that the president is making
right now. They are using an issue that we care about.
That I think everyone in this room supports we don't want
anti-Semitism growing.
but they're using something that we all support as, as a
herring, as a gloss for breaking the law and the violation
of constitutional rights for a legal resident of our
country.
And then they, they'll do the same thing to you on the next
issue.
They'll do the same thing. Um, so we need to be cautious
about not falling into their trap and making this about our
opinions on the conflict in Gaza.
Like, I think that's very dangerous to do. Um, however,
just however, just it is. I think we need to get our
messaging together and we need to focus on what is really
at stake here in order to make sure that we can have a
loud, clear unified voice. So thank you, madam chair.
And I hope my colleagues approve. This um we're not going
to take a vote today because we don't have a resolution but
hopefully hopefully we will have a resolution soon. I I
thought that it was very important to bring it um uh to
discussion I have other woman of fentes next
Thank you. Chairwoman, I want us to see, very clear, sort
of on the precedents in the past that were headed on, no
matter where you lie on the political issue, whether it's
around Israel and Palestine, or any other issue for that
matter.
Tomorrow, it could be individuals that are protesting the
government on their decision to ban trans women from
Sports.
next week, it could be about
Trump's decision to challenge citizenship by Birthright.
Or it could be the fact that corporations, even those who
headquarter here decide to roll back d. I
The fact is, is, if you are a green card holder or a child
of immigrants, or you have naturalized, citizenship, you
have the right to do process in this country. No, 1 is
exempt from that.
If there was a crime committed, an individual should be
charged with that crime.
There is no crime.
Charged in this moment or a trial.
Today is Mr. Khalil tomorrow, it's 1 of us. Let me be
clear.
Ice has been showing up to my ward every other day.
Terrorizing families.
Showing up with no signed warrants.
Putting people in immense fear.
Because of what they look like and where they come from.
And in some cases, not just in this case and we have seen
it.
Individuals who are citizens green card holders or otherwise
are being deported.
some 2 countries, they don't come from
This process is being utilized to weaponize communities
across the country.
And this sort of fascism, this type of terrorism.
Cannot be allowed to continue under our justice system. I
mean, we have an executive branch.
That is truly.
To listen to judges in our country.
This is unprecedented.
It is dangerous.
Not just for the individuals that are being picked up in
the party before our country.
For the type of recklessness and Chaos. We are creating
No, 1 is above the law.
And in this case, we need to utilize the justice system
that we all are clear. That must be upheld.
and ensure that we are listening to the laws and the
Constitution that create order
It is very simple, particularly for elected office took a
hold to be in office.
There are a set of laws that protect us our constituents
and everyone across this country. No matter how they
arrived here.
And so I am very clear in my position.
Against someone like home in and Donald Trump and this
process that they're putting in place to terrorize our
communities to dismantle movements. I mean, we also have to
recognize that this has happened before.
And that we cannot be complicit.
In such Behavior.
We are going to protect individuals in our city and we hope
the other cities can do the same for their residents.
No matter their status.
Because no 1 dezarate for their, from their families
because of their political views. We all have ours here in
this chamber.
Are we too at risk of being picked up and separated from
our families?
Look, I am in all the person that can chew gum and walk at
the same time.
I feel potholes and pickup garbage and support my schools.
And make sure the constituents have the basic necessities
to live in a safe place.
They also build affordable housing and have Community
safety groups, I mean, and we could talk about issues that
truly impact my constituents.
I represent.
Uh, large immigrant Community who's scared every single
day.
And not just Latino immigrants.
I represent Ukrainian immigrants polish immigrants in the
region immigrants. I want to be clear.
People come from all over the globe and live in the 26.
Ward.
And they all have the right to my attention, my advocacy,
and my support.
I just want us to be able to look at the facts of what's
happening today, and Mr. Khalil's case, and in many other
cases,
There's a Puerto Rican veteran, that was picked up and
deported. You all like,
To be clear.
I won't allow this terrorism to continue and still fear in
my word nor do I think as a council. We should let it
happen in the city of Chicago.
We took an oath to represent our Awards, to represent the
people that live in our Wars and to do our very best
according to the Constitution, and the law to protect them.
And I'm going to continue to do that.
Thank you, chairwoman.
Thank you Other Woman. Um, I wanted to take a moment um to
respond to some of the comments that uh, my colleague that
unfortunately left made, um, the idea that this committee
has no business doing this because there is more important
things that we need to focus on. It is outrageous, we are
talking about lack of due process. We are talking about
facing fascism, we're talking about an authoritarian
government that is choosing to disappear people. Just
because they are dissidents just because they are saying
something that the government doesn't like and if that is
not worth discussing in the committee of health and human
relations, I don't know what is this is scary and everybody
should be alarmed.
I do not understand how anybody can come here and sit and
say that we're wasting our time or that, there are more
important things to talk about.
Um, I would like to ask a question, um, from Ed in
particular, I
This is a, a very dangerous moment and what is happening to?
Um, Mr. Khalil is
Um, unthinkable.
and it does set the precedent for this to happen, just like
other women Fuentes and other women hadn't were mentioning
before to anybody, that disagrees with the current policies
and the current views of the administration.
What can we do as a city?
To protect people to protect free speech.
If something like this were to happen. Yeah, yeah. Um,
well, thank you for the question. Uh, let me, let me speak
to 1 issue that you that you raised, uh, older women. And,
and, you know, since January 20th. I think, the question,
the 2 questions I've gotten most often are, are we in a
constitutional crisis and what can we do?
So taking those, in order, if somebody asked me this
morning, are we in a constitutional crisis? And at the
point that we are disappearing legal, permanent residents
for their speech. And, uh, telling a judge that they won't
answer his questions about their behavior in this
Administration. I think, at the very least, our canoe has
gone over the waterfall. And we just don't know whether
we're going to land up or down.
That's where we are at this moment.
And as a 65 year old man who always was an institutionalist
who depended upon these things, I'm scared.
Uh, to your questions in terms of what we can do. I I think
there's, I think there are are 3 things that I think about
number 1. Uh, I think as, as residents as people concerned
about this is people who think that the constitution is of
value. We should speak to every single elected official and
officeholder. We have from the president of the United
States, to the Local Park District board members and demand
that they stand up against this authoritarianism.
I think the second thing is is that we should look in ways
that we can to build in community and whether that's
through protests or Collective actions of of various sorts.
I think that's the second thing that we need to do. But the
most important thing that each of us can do individually is
not to be silent and not to be silenced by this, you know,
Donald Trump is a bully.
And I don't know how it worked for everybody here. I grew
up in a little town down in Central, Illinois.
And when the bully came for your lunch money on Monday, if
you gave it to him, he didn't skip you on Tuesday,
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. So if you think this stops
with mcmud Khalil, you don't know what a bully is.
and, you know, I I think we should, we should not be afraid
to speak out and speak up and to talk to our friends, and
our neighbors, and our family members, about what it is
that we see happening. Because the truth is, is that it is
it, every time we talk to somebody, we find that person
who's been silenced and give them permission to speak again
again. And I think that's what we need to do again. And
again, and again, it is, it is a dark moment in our
nation's history. Right now there's no question, um, but
we've been in dark moments before and worked our way out,
and I think we can do that again.
Thank you so much for that answer. Um, I'm going to allow
you to close, um, because I don't see any more hands up. I
also wanted to establish that a resolution was passed
through this committee demanding the release of all,
hostages, I want to say that because there is no way that
I'm going
Going to allow anybody to say that. We have not done that.
We did.
We did it in a resolution. That spoke about all hostages.
Um, I want to make that clear and it matters it, it does
matter.
um,
what is the best way at this moment? To show solidarity
with Mahmood, Khalil and his family. And what can people in
the city of Chicago do to, to support.
There are a number of uh there are a number of places
online. I, I know the ACLU National has 1, I I think other
organizations do. So I don't want to say that it's
exclusive in terms of, uh, uh, in terms of, you know,
signing petitions of support sending messages to members of
Congress about their support. I think those things are are
really incredibly important. I know it's quaint. Um, I
think people who are listening to this and think that, um,
this is something we're speaking out about, you know, ought
to consider things like, writing, letters to the editor of
newspapers. Uh, ought to think about, you know, making sure
in everything we talked about uh with this Administration
that we're naming, mmoo Khalil and making clear uh that
this violation of the Constitution isn't permissible. I
think those kinds of things are are things. I'm happy to
say. He is being well represented uh, at this moment.
Moment and I am confident. Uh I'm I'm I'm I'm confident
although not completely confident that he will be released
ultimately um because this is an unprecedented use of this
power. Uh but these are things, you know, these are moments
um that really test us and it's easy to as you say to just
sort of shrink and and think that there's nothing we can do
Um, Amed, do you have anything on solidarity? Besides what
Ed has shared?
Yes, thank you for that. Uh, I think it's really important
for us to understand what's truly at stake.
what's at stake is again, the weaponization of our
government, our taxpayer funded government,
to attack citizens, or residents or others, whose political
opinions, those in power. Don't like, and I want to add
this and I, I think many people don't know this, but
mahmood's name was provided to the government by a third
party.
and these third parties, including bitar, which is a
well-known Zionist organization, that has admitted to
giving tens of thousands of names to the White House and to
the government
Is a very scary situation. I mean, we're talking Brown
Shirts back in the 20s and 30s in Germany. We're talking
about a group of of people who are actively and publicly
stating that they will weaponize the government to arrest
and Deport or otherwise penalize. Those whom they don't
like,
And the government plays a long.
Without any sort of oversight or any regul regulatory
practices. Um and so there's constitutional abuses
But beyond that, there is this chilling effect.
On the street on campuses in our daily lives.
I read yesterday about a Mexican family.
That was the parents were on their way to
Attend a medical, a very important emergency medical
procedure for their daughter who had brain a brain tumor.
There were arrested on the way to that procedure.
And removed.
4 of their children are American citizens.
That's the orwellian environment in which we live.
That is right. This isn't just about Mahmud, bullies don't
stop when they have 1 success. Today, we're talking about
human rights terrorism because that's all he is as a human
rights Advocate tomorrow, we're going to be talking about
abortion rights terrorism.
And climate activism terrorism and gender rights activism
terrorism and the list will go on. They can slap the word
terrorism on any political opinion. They don't like and
penalize it.
I want to stress and and the good older men here, who left
his feet away from us.
but I feel and know that he didn't hear a word we said and
not just because I saw him fumbling on his phone the whole
time and then leaving it after his screed, but because he
basically used the time that he had to justify genocide and
to justify constitutional abuses, using the code word, the
magical word commas, because of that word.
Genocide is acceptable because of that word constitutional.
Abuses be damned.
Or constitutional rights. Be damned. This is really very,
very dangerous. Yes, of course, if we were attacked by
terrorists, we would fight back as America. But guess what?
If we were occupied by foreign military and a rights were
abused, we would also fight back.
And yes, of course, hostages need to be returned from both
sides. As you mentioned chairwoman and there's thousands by
the way, on the Israeli side that are held that were
apprehended during the genocide and even before many of
whom are children and some of whom are American citizens.
And finally, this is about the principle. It's not about
the content. I'm not here to try to compel him or anyone
else to agree with me on the matter.
People are entitled in this country to the political
opinions, even if they're sorted and terrible as his are,
in my opinion.
What we're talking about here is that he has the right and I
have the right to have these opinions without punishment
from the White House or extrajudicial penalizing from those
in power without due process. That's what this resolution
is really about. It's about protecting residents citizens,
and subjects of this country from these government.
Governmental abuses in Skokie and I'll close with this in
the 70s when there was a march by the KKK and this is a
Jewish heavy area at the time, at least, and maybe it still
is now
The ACLU, sitting to my left.
They fought for the right to do so. And by the way, many of
those attorneys were Jewish American attorneys in the ACLU.
And many of the donors were Jewish American donors. They
didn't do this because the agreed with the KKK wearing Nazi
uniforms and expressing fascism in a place where many are
Holocaust Survivors.
It's because they believed in the importance of the
principle that in this country you can express your
political opinion, whether we agree with it or not and we
can use their own freedoms.
To push back and explain and you know why these opinions
are problematic. And that's exactly what we're here to
promote, freedom of expression, and protections for
residents and citizens against the weaponization of
government by Third parties to do their ugly. Foreign
lobbyists, bidding. Thank you very much.
Thank you, Ahmed. I am going to, um, call on Alderman Sika
Lopez to closest out.
Thank you, chairwoman. And um, I'll, I'll if you, if you,
um, if you would allow me, I would like to just allow the
the speakers to close and then I like to make a final uh
remark. I I first of all like just like to clarify some
things because I even have some media questions already.
The only reason why this resolution went to rule is because
1 of our colleagues, in the tools, Alderman, Lopez and the
tools. And I think it's important for the record because it
looks like, you know, the the the perception or the the the
narrative is trying to, uh, create a um,
A strength group to create a messaging that we do not care,
or we only should care about dichotomy some issues, but not
others. I personally don't know how Palestinian children
are less worthy of empathy that animals exploited for their
floor for their for I I just that escapes. My, my um, um,
my the risk, the, the rationale. Oh, how can we continue to
To make a whole Community invisible and subject to a
genocide and inhumanity over and over again.
But I'll say that it is important for us that in this
moment we do hear from people that are actually at the
trenches protecting civil rights. And that's what I think
is important that this this Council spends time actually,
talking about things that do matter and do affect our
communities. This dichotomy that we should care about the
safety of 1 people, but not the other, that's a fast
dichotomy and I would like to just ask and the panelists
before I close. Um, in moments like this, I do believe that
local, um, legislative bodies are so critical because we
cannot rely on a federal government. That is usually
weaponizing this for political gain. And to those who
oppose their policies and with tyranny is becoming the
norm. I do think is critical that we speak up, and this is
the spaces to do. So, we have an obligation and a
responsibility. So with that, I would like to see all the
women if I can also have. Um,
Maybe you us PCN, um, um, care and, um, and the ACLU of
Illinois that again. I'm thankful for coming today, and I
think our Council does not speak enough about this issue if
anything or issues of civil rights and human rights. So, if
you're okay with allowing the, the last, you know,
statements remarks and addressing
Some of this misinformation and making sure that we provide
facts and information for our constituents.
Maybe we can start with the doctor. Yeah. Hi, thank you for
that um alderman.
Sexual Lopez. You know, I just kind of wanted to add to
what adds and Ahmed had already said, in terms of what can
we do in this moment and, um, in addition to everything
that they already described and outlined, I think it's
really important that we can continue to, or if you haven't
already to bring attention to what's happening to Mahmud,
Khalil and other students like him, um, and other faculty
and academics like him and organizers and activists, um, is
to take part in marches and protests in rallies, right? And
to publicly denounce, the genocide, to insist that
humanitarian, um, Aid is entering the Gaza Strip and the
most important piece here right is to call for an arms
embargo on Israel so that we can finally see an end to the
occupation of uh, Palestine in its entirety.
Thank you. Emma. Do you have something to close? Um, just
to close. I want to emphasize that what you are attempting
to do is not weaponize. Um, City Hall.
to do this or that, but rather,
To speak up as elected officials to D what the government
is doing. To its citizens and residents.
To penalize them for their political positions. And, and
secondly, I think it's pretty clear for all that genocide
is bad. That protests are good and are loud in this
Constitutional rights are good thing. It's Etc. The only
reason why there are debates is because of the conflation
that happens using 3 main buzzwords that we have to be very
careful about the first, the throw in comas. And these are
the same words that justify the genocide to begin with the
same words that shut down the rightful and, and peaceful
student. Protests that are an American Pastime since
Vietnam and before and after, and that are attempting to
shut down, this resolution. The first is Hamas, just throw
that word out. Everything falls apart, there's no more
logic, there's no more debate. The second is anti-Semitism.
Now obviously again we all including Keir Chicago, agree
that,
bigotry against Jews is a bad thing and we all stand
against it but what the attempts here are is to say that
criticism of Israel and its government and Military is
anti-Semitic, therefore, there should be no more discussion
on the matter, shut it down.
And that's what put in the cell that is in right now. Is
that very same card Canard that was used. And then, lastly
is when we're talking about that we're talking about
terrorism and again with terrorism their objective legal
standards. This word is thrown around willingly, it is
rhetorical oftentimes in its definition. It is extremely
dangerous for us to even allow a conversation to happen in
that space. Unless it is a legal conversation with legal
standards of that definition. In the case of Mahmud Khalil,
he was never charged with terrorism because there's no
evidence of his connection as such, we're talking about
material support, which means good Services, information,
information information, no evidence of any of that. So
what you're left with is the rhetorical side which is
subjective.
And can't be proven or disproven because it's rhetorical in
nature.
So, I just in any further conversations, we are having I
think as leaders in the space, I want us to be very clear
about how these Concepts and words are thrown around to
terrorize. If I, if I may say an intimidate us into not
doing the right thing, thank you for your leadership. Thank
you, Ed. You know, I I, I
Sometimes the lens of History obscures what happens in a
moment.
Um, you know we sometimes think, uh, I was thinking during
the public comment section. We sometimes, look back on the
anti-war protests during the 1960s as some highlights, some
high, uh, uh, some some highlight or high-end of of, uh,
people speaking out and how wonderful that was, remember
that the week after the Kent State shootings, a majority of
Americans supported the Guardsmen who shot the unarmed
protesters.
Protests are messy by their nature. It is why we defend
speech because it's speech is not intended to be messy.
Even hate speech is protected by the First Amendment. We
might not like the speech but it is important that we
protect the First Amendment. And here's what I would say,
in terms of your invitation Alderman, to to talk about the
role of this body and the role of local government.
Donald Trump wants to decide everything for you.
He doesn't want you to legislate. He wants to legislate. He
wants to Define what immigration policy should be in this
city and in this state, he's suing you over it which is odd
odd given that they don't like uh, courts these days. Um,
is, you know, he is going to sue people over transgender
policies because he does not like them. It does not stop
there. And unless you resist now you will set precedents
that you will never be able to resist.
Date in the future, that is why. Mm, Khalil is not only
important as a fellow human being with a wife expecting a
child. He is important because he symbolizes what could as
the chair recognized happened to any of us and to each of
us.
Thank you. Um, I would like to say something. Um,
That came to mind as I am listening to all of this. I am
from Puerto Rico. I, I am I come from a family, um, that
believed deeply in the independence of Puerto Rico. And as
many people know, uh, cointelpro was a thing in Puerto
Rico, and people who were openly for the independence of
Puerto Rico were persecuted. Um, were surveilled. Um, the
people in my community that organized with my father was a
community organizer. They're not terrorists. They were
organizers. They were literally coming together to get
resources for the community and they were blacklisted, and
they had files. And there was people that were coming to
our community to surveil.
Um, when I think about the history of Latin America, and I
think about the dictatorships in Argentina, the dictators
in Chile,
Um, people were disappeared.
And people were in prison and people were tortured because
they were deemed dangerous, they were deemed terrorists.
And now we look back in history.
And we see the brutality of what happened and in this in
that particular moment the excuse was these are terrorists.
terrorists. These are people that are trying to disrupt,
these are dangerous. People 30,000 people were disappeared
in Argentina under the dictatorship.
and I, and
I think that it is our duty.
To meet and to speak on this and to do everything that we
possibly can, to make sure that people understand the
danger that we are under right now and that we take
proactive action to prevent something like that from
happening here.
Um, Alderman, you want to close us up?
Yes, thank you. Uh, chair woman. And again, I I want to
thank you once again for the courage or the moment to take
the urgency of
uh, this, um, this matter
because our communities are being terrorized and, um, as
um,
As a or colleague other person is even mentioned. We see
even Puerto Rican, veterans being uh detained without a due
process. This is what we talking about here. I cannot I
cannot stop by, you know, showing the parallels of what is
happening to mm, Khalil. And what happened to 1 of our
neighbors in Little Village. Only few weeks away a week, a
week after the Trump Administration was inaugurated a
father of our community that has been in our community for
23 years.
Who had a baby on his way as a a pregnant wife and 2. Minors
in the household was the tame but eyes just weeks after
this was announced with a questionable. Warrant
And I'm glad that our community reacted and I'm glad that
our community mobilized and thousands of people came in
after on a March protest in Injustice.
It is heartbreaking to see how families get separated.
It is heartbreaking to see the due process being violated
time. After time at mcmurr, Khalil. I'm glad that he's
sending a letter from the prison as a public political
prisoner that's who he is.
And that we don't speak about that. We are opening the
gates for that to happen to all of our communities is
already happening.
This father, fortunately did not sign.
a document didn't maintain the silence knew his rights and
because of the agency of the community that father is not
back in our community because we fought it in quarts.
but imagine when that due process is violating that that no
longer is a possibility, then we start seeing people being
detained and now send overseas to 1, Tanana Bay that is,
what's happening.
We have a responsibility to protect the due process.
There's nothing more American that freedom of speech the
First Amendment, right?
I challenge anybody to tell us, otherwise,
And that is the, that is at the core of this matter. I wish
my colleague Alderman Lopez will stay here.
Because we need people on our councils, we need them to
have the maturity to stay and have a conversation.
Propaganda and fear mongering is not going to solve this.
We must find a way to coexist here, and I tell you that, if
there's a city that is going to show the way it's going to
be the city of Chicago. We love our Jewish neighbors just
as much as we love our Palestinians and we are Unapologetic
about that.
And I'm grateful for your leadership.
And your courage because I'm actually concerned about the
political violence that this instilled in leaders. Like all
the women Rodriguez Sanchez that in despite of
She had had the the courage to stay in the room and lead.
By example. That is real leadership walking out of this
room.
after saying such inflammatory remarks,
Is not only responsible.
But fails.
2 or constituents on the leadership of the moment to speak
against these atrocities.
And administer and let me find finalize this.
James bowin once said, and I quote, I love American more
than any other country in the world and on exactly. For
this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her
perpetually.
There's nothing patriotic about separating families,
there's nothing patriotic about separating and deporting
veterans.
There's nothing patriotic about walking out of rooms when
we have a debate on the floor.
And we must coexist with arguments and challenge each other
to do better.
The atrocities that we see abroad are the atrocities that
are coming back.
Inevitably, if we don't challenge him to own backyards,
And inner city and is here.
when people disappear, and I'm Frank said,
A when people start disappearing in the dark.
And we do not speak up.
We just got to wonder who's next?
And with that, I am thankful for the opportunity to speak
up.
We cannot allow fear to silence us.
Now we cannot allow tyranny to take away our voices and the
right to resist. So I am thankful. And I once again I'm
thankful for your lead leadership and I urge my colleagues
this should be a unanimous resolution. This should be a
unanimous resolution. If we uphold the Constitution and
freedom of speech, this must be a unanimous vote and I urge
every colleague to speak up, to join us to protect the city
to protect the country, and to demand better for every
elected official. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you.
Uh, to our guests, uh, for sharing, um, your testimony with
us today, we're very grateful, thank you to everybody that
took time of your day today to be here with us with their
today to be here with us with their know, being further
business before committee. Can I get a motion to adjourn
Elder? Woman hadn't so moves here. No objections. So order
this meeting is adjourned.