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
Student arrested after disrupting Dave Portnoy’s pizza review with antisemitic rant caught on video: police

Fundraiser Surpasses $36K for Alleged Student Harasser of Dave Portnoy Following Controversial Antisemitic Remarks

A fundraising campaign in support of a former Mississippi State University student,…
Cowboys to support Marshawn Kneeland pregnant girlfriend, unborn child 'for the rest of their lives'

Dallas Cowboys Commit to Lifelong Support for Marshawn Kneeland’s Pregnant Partner and Future Child

FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys community is reeling from the tragic…
NJ pet sitter accused of fatally shooting dog

NJ Pet Sitter Charged with Fatal Dog Shooting: Shocking Incident Raises Concerns

In a troubling case emerging from New Jersey, a man has been…
Most Brown University conservatives fear expressing beliefs on campus: school poll

Silenced Voices: Survey Reveals Conservative Students at Brown University Fear Speaking Out

A recent survey by Brown University’s student newspaper reveals that a very…
Breaking China's Grip: Alaska Graphite Mine Now Yields Critical Minerals

Alaska Graphite Mine Disrupts China’s Dominance with Critical Mineral Production

Graphite’s versatility is undeniable, playing a crucial role in a variety of…
Americans report dramatic drop in importance of faith, poll finds

Shocking Poll Reveals Dramatic Decline in Faith’s Importance Among Americans

‘Pitt for Jesus’ event draws nearly 600 attendees Jake Overman, a tight…
With shutdown over, Senate focus turns to upcoming fight on health care

Senate Shifts Attention to Upcoming Health Care Debate Post-Shutdown

Washington — With the recent government shutdown now concluded, the Senate’s attention…
Luigi Mangione's lawyers cry foul over portrayal of him as 'left-wing' and Antifa

Mangione’s Lawyers Claim Police Altered Mother’s Statement in CEO Murder Investigation

Luigi Mangione’s legal representatives are urging prosecutors to verify if his mother…
Judge should wait before naming Rikers receiver

Critical Decision on Rikers Island Receiver: Why Patience is Key

This year, twelve individuals have tragically lost their lives in the city’s…
Russian spy ship detected just miles from Hawaii coastline prompts US Coast Guard response

US Coast Guard Responds to Russian Spy Ship Spotted Near Hawaii Coast

The United States Coast Guard reported on Thursday that it detected a…
Legal group accuses Virginia public school district of felony after hosting Dem political rally for free

Legal Action Taken Against Virginia School District Over Free Political Rally Hosting

A public-interest litigation firm, known for its nonpartisan stance, is urging a…
Weatherford, OK chemical spill: Anhydrous ammonia gas leak from truck behind Holiday Inn Express sickens dozens, forces evacuation

Chemical Leak Near Holiday Inn in Weatherford, OK: Dozens Fall Ill, Evacuations Underway

In Weatherford, Oklahoma, a tanker truck incident led to the release of…