Chicago Alderman Faces Backlash for Social Media Post

Chicago Alderman Brendan Reilly is facing significant backlash for a controversial social media post that included a Jewish congratulatory phrase, 'Mazol Tov,' in response to deadly pager attacks attributed to Israel that killed at least 12 people, including children, in Lebanon and Syria. The post was quickly deleted after drawing outrage from various community leaders and fellow council members, including Mayor Brandon Johnson, who described it as 'beyond offensive' and called for an apology. Critics, including members of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, expressed concern over the post's implications for community safety amid rising hate crimes. Reilly defended the post as a personal expression, indicating that those offended were misinterpreting his intent. The attacks, which involved explosives hidden in pagers, have escalated tensions in the region, with subsequent explosions reported in Lebanon. The mayor stated he lacks the authority to censure Reilly, leaving any potential repercussions to the City Council.