* Kari Steele is an MWRD commissioner currently running for Cook County Assessor…
Dear Commissioner Steele,
As Jewish leaders, we write to raise alarm about anti-semitic rhetoric being advanced by your spouse, Maze Jackson, a radio personality and podcaster with a YouTube channel. As you know, Jackson has served as a leading surrogate for your campaign, including speaking about it extensively on his show, and commenting on the record in a recent Chicago Tribune article about the race.
As you may also know, the past year has seen a record upsurge in the amount of documented antisemitic incidents, an increase of 34% in 2021 over any previous year, according to the Anti-Defamation League. These incidents range from vandalism and hate speech to threats and violent attacks. Obviously, this increase in attacks has been deeply disturbing and terrifying for our community.
Amidst this surge, Mr. Jackson has allowed his show to be used as a platform from which attacks on the Jewish community have been launched.
These attacks have been targeted at Jews in general, as well as several Jewish individuals and a major Jewish civic organization, all of them active in working for more affordable housing in the city. On April 13 of this year, Mr. Jackson referred on his show to an unnamed “Jewish organization,” which he alleges “controls” the affordable housing activists who are part of the Chicago Housing Initiative (CHI). CHI is a broad coalition of community organizations and agencies working to expand the supply of affordable housing units across the city. CHI is not “run” by a Jewish organization, although the venerable Jewish Council on Urban Affairs is an active and committed participant.
This is a classic dog whistle, calling forth the time-worn trope that Jews control social institutions behind the scenes. Mr. Jackson lends credence to the conspiracy theory in which Jews manipulate these advocacy organizations in order to undermine the Black community. His shows’ call-in segments include vicious, irrational rants filled with accusations against Jews, none of which he squelches, challenges, disputes or even interrupts. Mr. Jackson provides a public platform for virulent anti-semites. And it is dangerous.
What has prompted Jackson’s attack on Jews in the affordable housing movement? Apparently a recent report by the Better Government Association laying out the relationship between property developer Onni Group and Mr. Jackson himself, so infuriating Jackson to cause him to lash out.
(https://www.bettergov.org/news/ald-walter-burnett-softened-stance-on-affordable-housi ng-after-cash-flowed/).
Commissioner Steele, as an elected public official, we urge you to live up to your obligation to publicly repudiate the hate-filled rants and accusations leveled by your spouse and top campaign surrogate on the airwaves, and to show some leadership in uniting, rather than dividing, those who are working for the betterment of our county and its distressed communities. As a candidate for a post with a huge public responsibility, we urge you to display both moral courage and high ethical standards.
As Jewish leaders, we cannot be silent when any among us come under this sort of nefarious and dangerous attack. We ask that you reject Mr. Jackson’s hateful behavior, and set an example of standing up for all those attacked for race, religion, or gender.
Sincerely,
Rep. Jonathan Carroll
Rep. Kelly Cassidy
Sen. Sara Feigenholtz
Sen. Laura Fine
Asst. Maj. Leader Robyn Gabel
Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
Rep. Anna Moeller
Rep. Bob Morgan
Sen. Julie Morrison
Rep. Denyse Wang Stoneback
Rep. Sam Yingling
* April 13th, 2022…
Pt 1: https://youtu.be/bErD3r39XLc
Pt 2: https://youtu.be/Ok3ZK3rjqpM
33:13: “…but what we found in our discussion, Reese, was that the white folks that was behind this action were willing to throw out all of the other people just to be in the new buildings, and what was actually happening was a war for white people who were trying to take over the housing market. And I don’t know if you all remember when I started getting deeper into this, I realized that CHI was putting Black people at the forefront of this fight but realistically they were being run by a Jewish organization, and they were attacking not only the developer, the alderman and myself because we weren’t going to be dictated to by Chicago Housing Initiative, and that, if you recall, is when I discovered the whole t-shirt program. Remember when we talked about in these housing fights we see people that are dressed up in a certain color t-shirt, they show up for the press conference and they’re on a bus brought by some group of white people that organize them, stands them up there, and the white person tells them what to say? Well, what I’m starting to recognize as this is happening is that this isn’t about keeping affordable people in the housing, in the building–it is these organizations that have decided that the new stomping grounds for control of Black of housing was in the 27th Ward.”
47:04: “I wake up this morning and I look at who’s tweeting [the BGA article], who’s sharing it and these white liberal… [Maze stops himself from continuing] I’m not gonna put the other descriptive descriptor on them, but I must be clear that there are certain groups of people who feel like they have dominion over us…”
* More…
March 31st, 2022
https://youtu.be/SUYz8kgTCT0
02:55:00 Co-host DJ Riis “I’m not voting for JB, he’s a Jew. He don’t know anything” [Jackson makes hooting sound.]
DJ Riis: “He’s Jewish, [sarcastically] whatever you want me to say.” “He doesn’t understand me. He hasn’t been where I’ve been. I understand that they went through something. We went through 400 years, though!”
[Jackson later makes a joke about JB’s weight. No comments about the hateful rhetoric.]
Feb 25th, 2022
https://youtu.be/U3WoFbGNU1s
2:10:01 Jackson: “When [JB] says he’s Jewish, I thought [his ancestors] came from Israel”
Guest: “No, they stole that land in 1942. Them people lying, they the fake Jews. We the real truth. The letter J is the last letter added to the American alphabet check it out. …
02:11:06 “Just stay in touch with your boy. I’ll keep you educated about the fake Jews. They stole the land after WW2. They know it! Shalom.”
Jackson: “Shalom Shalom.”
There’s a lot more, so click here if you can stomach it.
* There’s also another angle. Jackson has taken to going after Joanna Klonsky, who he claims was “behind” the BGA report. According to the story, Jackson was paid $417,500 to lobby his longtime friend and ally Chicago Ald. Walter Burnett, who eventually flip-flopped to a position in favor of Jackson’s client…
One of Jackson’s first reported actions on Onni’s payroll was to organize a fundraiser for Burnett.
Burnett later said he didn’t know the fundraiser was for Omni.
* Anyway, this is just a slice of what Jackson said about Klonsky, who is Jewish, on that program…
Hold on. I just want to make sure y’all get an opportunity to see the picture. Right. So as you know, they quick to exploit us. They quick to exploit us. So… Which camera? … I want you to see her. I want you to know her. [Long pause while Jackson holds up her photo and name] That’s where the story came from.
Screen cap…
* Also…
*** UPDATE 1 *** Maze Jackson…
“I take full responsibility for the words I have said and that were said by others on my show, I recognize that they were wrong, and I sincerely apologize for the pain they have caused the Jewish community.
As many people know, I am a vociferous advocate for the Black Community and fight daily against the negative stereotypes and associations assigned to Black People. To have my show, a show I created to be a venue for open discussion without hate or discrimination, cause others to feel stereotyped is extremely disheartening, especially considering the important role Jewish people have played in my personal development and life journey including my Godfather who spent time discussing these serious issues with me. I understand that the Jewish community has faced many of the same hardships of the Black community and we should work together to address those common hardships.
Over the coming weeks, I will be meeting with leaders of the Jewish community to apologize for the words stated on my show, but more importantly I commit to working with Jewish leaders to build stronger relationships and find solutions on ways our communities can rebuild what was once seen as an unbreakable bond.
Again, I want to emphasize that The Maze Jackson Show on What’s in it for the Black People Media is meant to encourage open and inclusive discussions to promote understanding and discourage hate. I apologize for any content over the course of my show that would go against that mission. I have spoken to the staff of my show and we all pledge to do better.”
That’s a strong apology. Good for him.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Kari Steele…
“I unequivocally reject any hateful rhetoric and apologize for the comments made on my husband’s show and the hurt they caused the Jewish community. As a woman of faith, I believe that we must respect everyone’s religion and faith.
I rebuke hate as an option in any circumstance. When I heard about the statements made on my husband’s show I immediately condemned them and expressed my anger and disappointment to him. I have also encouraged him to meet with leaders of the Jewish community to apologize and to work to bring our communities together.
As many people know, Maze has devoted his career to the pursuit of equity and respect for the Black community. He deeply values the notion of equity and the dismantling of negative stereotypes.
Ultimately, despite Fritz Kaegi’s best efforts to make it seem like it, Maze Jackson is not running against him for Assessor. Like all women, I am not my husband.
I am a proven public servant with over ten years of unblemished experience, and I have led on encouraging inclusion and diversity in my office. Any notion that my husband controls what I think or do in my personal or professional life is, and has always been, fundamentally untrue.”
If he’s promoting her campaign, this is fair game. Period.
*** UPDATE 3 *** Reasonable…
- Anonish - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 11:05 am:
I figured he was going to be her biggest liability. Just didn’t know much of one.
- Fan - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 11:10 am:
He is just too much. His anti semitism is completely unacceptable. But it is interesting to watch liberals try to tarnish an accomplished woman (of color) with the words/actions of her spouse.
- Amalia - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 11:16 am:
Wow. And as for the tarnishing her, give me a break, she’s been using him for her own gain. Now it’s her huge loss.
- Jocko - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 11:18 am:
==watch liberals try to tarnish==
Fan, there’s a Ginni Thomas on line 1.
- Original Rambler - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 11:26 am:
Interesting to see how much oxygen this race gets.
- Over It - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 11:26 am:
Julie Morrison is Jewish? news to me
- low level - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 11:27 am:
Maze is also the same guy that loved Ken Dunkin and Bruce Rauner. Absolutely Loved them both. Dont expect anything to change, legislators. You may as well talk to the wall.
- MisterJayEm - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 11:29 am:
Fan,
As the venerable Kevin Kellyobserved: “Anything you say before the word ‘but’ does not count.”
– MrJM
- BigLou - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 11:34 am:
Is JB commenting?
- don the legend - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 11:38 am:
Maze Jackson is not only antisemitic but certainly fails as a comedian.
I think Seinfeld said it best:
“And this offends you as a Jewish person?”
“No, it offends me as a comedian!
- vern - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 11:50 am:
=== news to me ===
Over It, the Jewish Caucus also includes non-Jewish members with significant Jewish constituent populations. Senator Morrison represents Highland Park, Deerfield, and Northbrook. It’s totally reasonable for her to participate in that caucus.
- NIU Grad - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 11:52 am:
“Interesting to see how much oxygen this race gets.”
Big-money industry interest tends to do that.
- walker - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 11:56 am:
I don’t like attacking candidates for the purported actions of their family members, (whether parents, children, or spouses) — unless the candidates themselves profited from those actions.
Whether they share their destructive and false views is another matter.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 11:59 am:
===I don’t like attacking candidates for the purported actions of their family members===
Same. And I would’ve taken a pass had he not been actively promoting her campaign.
- Homebody - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:05 pm:
You are judged by the company you keep, fairly or unfairly. If she doesn’t publicly denounce his statements, then it comes off as tacit approval.
- Amalia - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:06 pm:
Definitely click on the link because you have to read it to help stop it. It is some of the most wide ranging anti Semitism I have read. call in hate. this is fair game for this race, on screen with her info. wow.
- educationfirst - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:10 pm:
===I don’t like attacking candidates for the purported actions of their family members===
When Steele married Mr. Jackson, I tried very hard to get to know him, and what I discovered was both anti-Semitic and a very misogynistic man. I continued to support Ms. Steele, as she is a bright and competent leader. At some point, both she and Anna Valencia are both being tainted by their spouses in an attempt to divert conversation from the real issues in both races. Stop it, as it is also very sexist, and society doesn’t ordinarily do this to men running for office.
That does NOT excuse the anti-Semitic and misogynist rantings of her “surrogate”.
- educationfirst - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:10 pm:
===I don’t like attacking candidates for the purported actions of their family members===
When Steele married Mr. Jackson, I tried very hard to get to know him, and what I discovered was both anti-Semitic and a very misogynistic man. I continued to support Ms. Steele, as she is a bright and competent leader. At some point, both she and Anna Valencia are both being tainted by their spouses in an attempt to divert conversation from the real issues in both races. Stop it, as it is also very sexist, and society doesn’t ordinarily do this to men running for office.
That does NOT excuse the anti-Semitic and misogynist rantings of her “surrogate”.
- Roadrager - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:12 pm:
I was surprised when a commenter mentioned a couple of days ago that Richard Irvin hasn’t spent any airtime on WVON. Then I learned that Maze and Todd Stroger were no longer on the station and was no longer surprised.
- SheKnewAndItWasOkayWithHer - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:15 pm:
===I don’t like attacking candidates for the purported actions of their family members===
This isn’t a family member you just happened to be related to; you pick your spouse. Is it common to marry someone who holds views you find anathema?
Personally, I wouldn’t have married my spouse if he was a racist/sexist/a hater.
- Homebody - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:15 pm:
@educationfirst: ==and Anna Valencia are both being tainted by their spouses==
Valencia appears more personally involved in her spouses work. That’s the problem.
- vern - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:24 pm:
To the update -
Pretty comprehensive apology by Jackson, so props there. I can’t imagine this is the whole oppo file on him though, he’s been talking into microphones for like a decade. This probably won’t be the last community demanding answers from Commissioner Steele on things he’s said.
- Ron Burgundy - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:25 pm:
To the update, a good statement but that requires action. First, watching what you say, and second affirmatively interrupting and stopping anyone who says such things. It’s your show. Be responsible for its content.
- Norseman - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:31 pm:
=== strong apology ===
“Strong,” yes. Sincere, we shall see.
- wndycty - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:33 pm:
To the update, is there an apology for targeting Joanna Klonsky as well or nah?
- Captain Obvious - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:35 pm:
“Spousal immunity” is a legal principle that does not apply to politics, especially if that spouse is actively promoting your campaign. If your significant other is spouting and promoting hate, you might want to distance yourself or face the consequences on election day.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:35 pm:
To the post,
I’m glad I waited to comment.
The apology is very strong, there’s ownership, no excuses.
My hope is in a follow up that Maze shows his learning, and further shows growth to consider how his words and thoughts need (and needed) to evolve to advance any discussion he may want for his issues, and how his words in the past derail honest discussion to all issues Maze would like to opine.
Finally, I do hope Maze wants people to continue to hold him accountable going forward, that will give Maze many opportunities to show his growth and understanding, to live his apology, and really allow for forgiveness.
- TJ - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:36 pm:
This isn’t a racist cousin on Facebook spouting off conspiracies, this is someone’s spouse and surrogate being pretty blatantly anti-Semitic. Very fair game to bring that up.
Thankfully not a position where they’d be a first gentleman, though.
- BigLou - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:36 pm:
I don’t buy the Maze apology. He’s has been spouting antisemitic and anti-Arab themes for years and now he learns he was wrong. He’s just saying what he needs in an attempt to help Kari but it hasn’t changed his point of view and never will. If she loses, I’m sure he will go off on Jewish people as being behind the loss. Also, no statement from her?
- Chito - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:44 pm:
Color me surprised at the swiftness and strength of the apology. I know Maze, having worked with him for over a decade, and can say with 100% certainty that this didn’t come easy for him. Good for him, and even better for the Steele campaign.
- sal-says - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:44 pm:
== That’s a strong apology. Good for him. ==
Time will tell, eh ?
- Leslie K - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:47 pm:
I agree that it is a very strong apology, but I have to agree with BigLou @12:36pm–I don’t buy it. The stuff he has allowed/encouraged/said himself for years is too extreme for a claim that only now he realizes its wrong.
And a spouse that would live with that kind of hateful rhetoric–speaks volumes.
- low level - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:50 pm:
Im floored. Like really.
- Responsa - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:53 pm:
There is no way that apology, strong or not, solves the problem. And it’s a big problem. Sorry.
- Excitable Boy - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 12:57 pm:
- That’s a strong apology. -
Facing being branded an anti-Semite and losing all those sweet lobbying contracts will do that to you.
- BigLou - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 1:12 pm:
“When I heard about the statements made on my husband’s show I immediately condemned”
I believe Kari has been a regular listener to her husbands show and has heard these comments over the past few years but now she’s condemning them?
- BigLou - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 1:20 pm:
By the way, if Maze stops the anti-Jewish, anti-Arab, anti-white, anti-whatever language on his show he doesn’t have much of a show left. I’ve listened a couple of times and he definitely likes to blame groups.
- Sorry I. Gotcaught - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 1:23 pm:
It is a terrible apology.
He is apologizing for his word choice, not the sentiment behind it. There is no good way to say that the Jewish people control everything, which is what he was espousing on his show.
He goes on to try to distance himself from accountability by blaming the show, shield himself from criticism because of his Godfather, and finally “whatabout” with the hardships of the Jewish and Black peoples.
Maze, it’s not a competition or about history, it’s about you in real time.
Instead of pledging to make amends by undoing the harm he has done, he is placing the burden back on the Jewish community to rebuild the damage he has done.
No Maze, it’s on you pal.
Has he gone on his show to repudiate his earlier statements?
- Amalia - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 1:24 pm:
I’m a feminist but she’s playing the feminist card falsely here. You’ve known about his nonsense for years. And you are only doing something because you are running for office. False feminist.
- Almost the Weekend - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 1:27 pm:
=Like all women, I am not my husband.=
Valencia and Steele really need to stop appealing to the liberal Twitter bubble. These are both legitimate hits. Props to Maze for giving an apology, something Valencia’s significant other has been very quiet about, which I’m assuming has to do with advice from his lawyer.
Maze should still have to answer the lobbying question for real estate, especially after the Chicago City Clerk.
- low level - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 1:41 pm:
“ Ultimately, despite Fritz Kaegi’s best efforts to make it seem like it…”
Kari, I was with you right up until that point. Now I really must reconsider voting for you which I have planned to do for months now. That saddens me, because Fritz is a total failure from what I can see.
- Sonny - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 1:52 pm:
He’s doing what is politically expedient to get them over the finish line. Does anyone honestly think the problems with him end here? No. He’s a known harasser with a track record of this going back years.
- Rudy’s teeth - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 1:56 pm:
So there are two versions of Maze Jackson—the sincere apology Maze and the jive/hood Maze on the airwaves.
Which one is the real Maze Jackson?
- education first - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 1:58 pm:
Bottom line is that it is all words, and it has not been my experience that lip service is just that. While politicians may not be in the position to call for more; I am. I would like to see a commitment to working alongside the diverse Jewish community that Maze was party to insulting. There is a citywide mitzvah day coming up this Sunday…where would you like to begin?
- Annonin' - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 1:58 pm:
Maze has always been cute by several magnitudes. It finally caught up to him — sorta. Not a bad guy or really different that a lot of other folks in Illinois and beyond. Fritz has proven to be pretty much a fraud. Does that put the race back at Square 1 or a negative number?
- Sonny - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 2:35 pm:
It’s about as accurate as your spelling of “feign.”
- Amalia - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 2:39 pm:
oh sure, Al, your argument is really gonna play along the lakefront and well into the burbs north.
- New Day - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 2:44 pm:
“Basically what Maze said is true, right. So we are to fein hysterical outrage?”
Meanwhile, here on planet Earth, umm, not so much. And the word is “feign.”
- Anonymous - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 2:53 pm:
Al;
It’s 2022 not 1922.
You really need to catch up.
- lake county democrat - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 3:01 pm:
Is Jackson’s apology on his twitter feed? I couldn’t find it. If not, what is his apology worth if he’s too embarrassed to say it to the people who heard the material as well as the ones offended by it.
- West Sider - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 3:03 pm:
Maybe I can do a fundraiser for Fritz.
- Rahm's Parking Meter - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 3:05 pm:
As a Jew, I am offended by this. Now if Maze cleans up his act, fine, I will accept his apology. Time will tell.
Now my vote in the primary is pretty much sealed, and I was undecided until today. No more.
- Over It - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 3:27 pm:
Vern, I’m aware of what the Jewish Caucus does/is. that language of the letter states, “As Jewish leaders” - Morrrison is not a Jewish leader, yet signed it.
- Joanna Klonsky - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 3:27 pm:
To wndyctywho who asked if there was an apology to me, the answer is no.
- low level - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 3:39 pm:
Man, and I really really wanted to vote against fraud Fritz Kaegi. He’s such a “reformer” that he took the Cook Cty Dem Party endorsement. My property taxes went through the roof on a ridiculous assessment. Yet now I gotta reconsider…
- Keyrock - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 3:45 pm:
low level is correct. By bringing Kaegi into her “apology,” Ms. Steele made it clear that what she was issuing was just a political statement.
- Unionman - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 4:19 pm:
He needs to get off the air and Steele needs to completely disavow herself from him and any assistance he may be able to provide.
- What to Believe? - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 4:19 pm:
If you don’t have that much time, go to 2 hours and 52 minutes until the end or you will miss the repeated “I’m going to do what I gotta do” plus the campaign plug to phonebank for Steele.
- downstater - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 4:30 pm:
Black anti-semitism has long been given a pass in American politics. Time for that to end
- Midstater - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 5:26 pm:
Black Caucasophobia has long been given a pass in American politics. Time for that, too, to end.
- A strong apology - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 6:03 pm:
That was not a strong apology. And sorry but yes it is relevant. Steele doesn’t automatically believe what her spouse believes - but especially when he is promoting her candidacy it is absolutely fair game to link the two. Someone’s parent or sibling might be somewhat different but you pick your spouse.
- TKMH - Thursday, May 12, 22 @ 8:46 pm:
Why isn’t Margaret Croke on this letter? I thought she was a member of the Jewish Caucus?
- Steele supporter - Friday, May 13, 22 @ 7:38 am:
Kari im still voting for you
Kaegi must go
- education first - Friday, May 13, 22 @ 11:36 am:
It is a terrible apology.
He is apologizing for his word choice, not the sentiment behind it. There is no good way to say that the Jewish people control everything, which is what he was espousing on his show.
He goes on to try to distance himself from accountability by blaming the show, shield himself from criticism because of his Godfather, and finally “whatabout” with the hardships of the Jewish and Black peoples.
Maze, it’s not a competition or about history, it’s about you in real time.
Instead of pledging to make amends by undoing the harm he has done, he is placing the burden back on the Jewish community to rebuild the damage he has done.
No Maze, it’s on you pal.
Im with you. I predict that Maze will not attempt to make any kind of apology for the roots of his antisemitism and his treatment of women.
I would like to see Kari understand the damage she allows when she allows Maze to denigrate people and groups as he does . Kari is well qualified, but this makes me wonder about her judgement. Fritz has nothing to do with the issue
- R. Curious - Monday, May 16, 22 @ 10:34 am:
If a person issues a full and complete apology, and asks for a dialouge with leaders of the community that is claiming offense, what more is expected of them?