Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson appointee Ishan Daya steps down hours after being named to city role amid controversy
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — There was turmoil inside Chicago City Hall Friday as one of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s appointments to a high-profile working group stepped down just hours after he was announced to the position.

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 ran for political office in 2023 but withdrew from that race after video came to light showing him removing a poster of an Israeli hostage held by Hamas. His mayoral appointment, though short-lived, drew outrage from Chicago’s only Jewish alderperson, Debra Silverstein of the North Side’s 50th Ward.

“The mayor has spoken to me about making amends to the Jewish community, but it’s just one mistake after another. I’m actually appalled,” Silverstein said.

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 and Follow
You May Also Like
Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide, did not have client list: DOJ memo

Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide, did not have client list: DOJ memo

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! This story discusses suicide.…
Texas dad refused to let go of 'his babies' during flood — and all were swept away, witness says

A Texas father held on to his children during a flood despite the danger, and tragically all were swept away, according to a witness.

In Kerrville, Texas, a heart-wrenching incident unfolded during the floods as a…
Trump calls Elon Musk's formation of new party 'ridiculous'

Trump criticizes Elon Musk for starting a new political party

President Donald Trump criticized Elon Musk’s idea of starting a new political…
Fultondale man who died at the Jefferson County Jail had been booked twice over several months

Man from Fultondale who passed away while in Jefferson County Jail was arrested two times in the span of several months

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — An inmate at the Jefferson County Jail died…
Jim Acosta, Joy Reid openly float conspiracy theory that Trump will 'rig' 2026 midterms

Jim Acosta and Joy Reid openly discuss theory that Trump might manipulate 2026 midterms

In fewer than seven days, two ex-liberal cable news personalities who were…
Trump hosts Israeli PM Netanyahu at White House for high-level meetings, private dinner

President Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House for important discussions and a private meal

President Trump welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House…
Texas flooding victims include Dallas Catholic school sisters, camp counselor, Walmart employee

Texas flooding victims include Dallas Catholic school sisters, camp counselor, Walmart employee

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A beloved teacher and…
Mum-of-two shares £1.60 hack she wishes she knew before losing 66kg

Mother of two reveals a money-saving trick worth £1.60 that she wishes she had known before shedding 66 kilograms.

A mother with two children who lost almost half of her body…