SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Several state Senate Democrats Tuesday condemned the shooting and killing of two people outside the Capital Jewish Museum.
The lawmakers have noted a rise in antisemitism in Illinois since the escalation of the Israeli Gaza conflict on October 7th. State Sen. Laura Fine (D-Glenview) said Jewish peoples concerns on public safety have been ignored.
"I am hearing from Jewish parents in my community who are afraid to send their children to playgrounds because those children are being targeted," Fine said. "I am hearing from parents who have children on college campuses who are being met with signs that say 'death to Jews.' This has got to stop."
Fine, alongside other Democratic lawmakers, has started a petition to stop hate in Illinois. People can find the petition at www.SenatorFine.com/stopthehate where Illinoisan can "vow to stand up against Jewish hate."
In 2023, there were 2,699 religion-based crimes in which 1,832 of them were driven by "anti-Jewish bias" according to the FBI.
Copyright 2025. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
