Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson appointee Ishan Daya steps down hours after being named to city role amid controversy
Share this @internewscast.com

Inside Chicago City Hall, there was chaos on Friday when an appointee by Mayor Brandon Johnson to a significant working group stepped down just hours after being named to the role.

Some Jewish groups in Chicago took issue with past actions from the appointee, Ishan Daya.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Daya, who had run for office in 2023 but exited the race due to a controversial video of him taking down a poster of an Israeli hostage by Hamas, sparked outrage among the city’s officials. Particularly concerned was Debra Silverstein, the North Side’s 50th Ward’s sole Jewish alderperson.

“The mayor has assured me of his intentions to reconcile with the Jewish community, yet it seems there’s a continuous pattern of errors. I’m honestly shocked,” expressed Silverstein.

Alderwoman Silverstein reacted to Mayor Johnson’s appointment of Ishan Daya, co-director of the Institute for the Public Good, to the Chicago Fiscal Sustainability Working Group.

Day, who previously ran for 32nd Ward Democratic committeeperson, said he left the mayor’s group “in the interest of the work to support a budget… that advances the needs of working class folks in this city.”

“We’re pleased that this individual will not have a position of authority, but we’re deeply concerned that he was appointed in the first place,” said David Goldenberg, Anti-Defamation League Midwest Regional Director.

In 2023, Daya left that committeeperson race after video showed him removing a poster of an Israeli hostage.

Daya told ABC7, “I took issue with language on the poster that I felt… was racist and dehumanizing toward Palestinians… I see that the act was hurtful to families longing…for their loved ones’ return and for that I apologize.”

The mayor’s appointment of Daya came after a meeting last month with Silverstein to try to mend fences with the Jewish community.

“We do not feel like the mayor and the city of Chicago have our back, and as much as we try to get that message across, I feel like it’s really going nowhere,” Silverstein said.

Messages left by ABC7 for the mayor’s office requesting comment were not returned.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
William D. DeFoor, suspect in attack on Vice President JD Vance Cincinnati, Ohio home, appears in court, bond set

William D. DeFoor, Accused in Vice President JD Vance’s Cincinnati Home Attack, Makes Court Appearance; Bond Established

In Columbus, Ohio, a man suspected of defacing the residence of Vice…
California Republican Congressman Doug LaMalfa dies at 65 during emergency surgery

California Congressman Doug LaMalfa Passes Away at 65 After Emergency Surgery

Northern California mourns the loss of Congressman Doug LaMalfa, who has passed…
A year after LA-area wildfires destroyed thousands of homes, fewer than a dozen have been rebuilt

LA Wildfire Recovery: Why Rebuilding Efforts Lag One Year After Devastation

As we mark one year since the devastating wildfires ravaged the Los…
Father arrested on drug, weapons charges as 4-year-old son found dead after New Year's disappearance

Father Faces Drug and Weapons Charges Following Tragic Discovery of Missing 4-Year-Old Son

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: In a tragic turn of events, the father of…
Police, Secret Service investigating at Vice President JD Vance's Cincinnati home hours after he left

Suspect Arrested for Vandalizing VP JD Vance’s Ohio Residence: Legal Proceedings Underway

Federal authorities reported that a man was apprehended by Secret Service agents…
'I'm never going to be over it': Former kidnapping victim speaks after arrest of repeat offender

Former Kidnapping Survivor Breaks Silence Following Arrest of Notorious Offender

A woman who endured the terrifying ordeal of being kidnapped over two…
Milwaukee judge not immune from charges after allegedly helping illegal immigrant evade ICE, prosecutors say

Wisconsin Judge Steps Down After Conviction for Blocking ICE, Commits to Ongoing Legal Battle

Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan has stepped down following her recent…
Christopher, Raquelle Judge: Texas influencer couple pleads guilty to nearly $5M swindle in home renovation scams

Texas Influencer Duo Christopher and Raquelle Judge Admit Guilt in $5 Million Home Renovation Fraud Scheme

An influencer couple from Texas has admitted to defrauding over 40 individuals…
Aldrich Ames, CIA officer convicted of spying for Russia, dies at age 84

Aldrich Ames, Former CIA Officer Convicted of Espionage for Russia, Passes Away at 84

Washington — Aldrich Ames, a former CIA counterintelligence officer who infamously betrayed…
Attorney for suspect in Vance home vandalism rules out possible motivation

Attorney Dismisses Motive in High-Profile Vance Home Vandalism Case

A man accused of vandalizing the Cincinnati residence of Vice President JD…
Jan. 6 riot: Illinois leaders speak out on 5th anniversary of January 6, 2021 insurrection US Capitol attack after 2020 election

Illinois Leaders Reflect on Democracy’s Resilience on 5th Anniversary of January 6 Capitol Riot

CHICAGO (WLS) — This Tuesday marks the fifth anniversary of the significant…
Nick Reiner no longer on suicide watch ahead of arraignment: report

Nick Reiner Removed from Suicide Watch as Court Hearing Approaches: Latest Update

Nick Reiner is reportedly no longer under suicide watch as he prepares…