Daniel Biss Rebukes ADL After Criticism of His Antisemitism Record

Illinois congressman-elect Daniel Biss has rejected criticism from the Anti-Defamation League's Midwest office, saying its approach undermines Jewish safety. His response, supplied directly to a reporter on Wednesday, followed the organization's election-night statement raising concerns about his record on antisemitism and his positions on Israel-related issues. Biss said, "This kind of rhetoric does nothing to keep the Jewish people safe." The exchange followed his victory in Illinois's Ninth Congressional District, which includes Evanston, where he served as mayor. The dispute centers on how elected officials should address antisemitism while responding to arguments over Israel and Palestinian activism. In its signed statement, ADL Midwest criticized Biss's handling of the 2024 Northwestern University encampment. The organization said it had documented antisemitic conduct, including threats against Jewish students, and objected to his decision not to provide requested Evanston police support. ADL argued that protecting peaceful protest and protecting Jewish students from harassment and discrimination are responsibilities that officials must uphold together. The organization also criticized his support for repealing Illinois's anti-BDS law and his response to scrutiny involving AIPAC. It urged elected officials to recognize when rhetoric about Israel or AIPAC crosses into antisemitic tropes or collective blame toward Jewish Americans. ADL called on Biss to listen respectfully to Jewish constituents who disagree with him, saying policy differences should not prevent engagement with their concerns.