In the announcement of the founding of Oak Park Neighbors United, spokesperson Mark Segal says the November referendum “calls out Oak Park Jewish neighbors and it is inconsistent with the Oak Park welcoming village ordinance that rejects discrimination based on national origin.”
Here is how the referendum question reads: “Should the State of Illinois repeal laws that ban state investment in businesses that boycott the State of Israel?”
As a Jewish Oak Parker who has lobbied to repeal the 2014 Rauner-era bill in Springfield and supports the November referendum, this claim is a deflection from the referendum question to repeal an unconstitutional bill that shields Israel from boycott for its human rights violations.
Asserting that Oak Parkers will discriminate against Oak Park Jews by passing this referendum conflates being Jewish with support for Israel. As we know from Jews who oppose Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank — including Jews in Oak Park — this is a misrepresentation that cannot go unchallenged.
Historically, Jews have stood up for free speech and human rights for all. Historically, Jews have benefitted the most when there is robust democracy and free speech. Laws that undermine the First Amendment, like the one in Illinois, make none of us safe and endangers the rights of us all.
Oak Park Neighbors United needs to explain why an unconstitutional bill is of benefit to all Oak Parkers and why singling out Israel for protection from boycott in our state pension funds is of benefit to any of us — including Jewish Oak Park residents.
Let’s get clear on the referendum question and vote Yes on Nov. 3.
Rebekah Levin
Oak Park