Decalogue Society offers Chicago legal help to fight antisemitism

By AI, Created 10:34 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Chicago’s Decalogue Society of Lawyers is urging Mayor Brandon Johnson to create a city antisemitism task force and offering pro bono legal help as anti-Jewish hate crimes rise. The push follows a 58% increase in reported anti-Jewish hate crimes from 2023 to 2024, even as overall hate crimes declined.

Why it matters: - Chicago saw anti-Jewish hate crimes rise 58% from 2023 to 2024, even as overall hate crimes in the city declined. - Jews make up about 3% of Chicago’s population but accounted for more than one-third of all reported hate crimes in 2024. - The Decalogue Society of Lawyers is pushing for a city task force that could shape policy, training and outreach for a more coordinated response.

What happened: - The Decalogue Society of Lawyers wrote to Mayor Brandon Johnson on May 5, 2026, offering the organization’s full partnership in combating antisemitism in Chicago. - The letter urged Johnson to establish the antisemitism task force recommended last year by the Chicago Commission on Human Relations. - The letter was signed by Alexander D. Marks and David Fish. - The letter was copied to Ald. Debra Silverstein of the 50th Ward and Acting CCHR Commissioner Kenneth Gunn.

The details: - The Society said it can provide pro bono legal help to draft ordinances and policies. - The Society also offered to review proposed legislation. - The group said it can help develop anti-bias training for city employees, CPS teachers and law enforcement. - The Society said it can help design outreach programs for Jewish institutions across the city. - The requested work aligns with recommendations already issued by the CCHR. - The Society asked the mayor’s office to coordinate on the task force’s membership and mandate. - Alexander D. Marks said the group is approaching the city “not as critics, but as committed partners.” - David Fish said the effort is about protecting people, not politics.

Between the lines: - The letter frames the Jewish bar association as a practical partner offering legal and policy expertise, not just public criticism. - The appeal to formalize a task force suggests the group sees Chicago’s response as fragmented and in need of a standing structure. - Recent attacks and threats, including a shooting of a worshipper en route to synagogue in October 2024 and a bomb threat against Anshe Sholom B’nai Israel Congregation in Lakeview in March, have intensified concern in the community.

What’s next: - The Decalogue Society wants the mayor to formally adopt and implement the CCHR recommendations. - The group is seeking direct coordination with the mayor’s office on task force membership and scope. - Any city response would likely determine whether the proposed task force becomes the main vehicle for Chicago’s next antisemitism strategy.

The bottom line: - Chicago’s oldest Jewish bar association is offering legal muscle and community reach to help the city respond to rising antisemitism, and it wants City Hall to move from recommendation to action.