The newly elected Mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, paid a visit to Chief Rabbi Capers Funnye at Beth Shalom Bnai Zaken synagogue on May 6, 2023. The visit was part of the mayor’s initiative to foster interfaith dialogue and cooperation in the city.
Mayor Johnson and Rabbi Funnye discussed various issues of mutual interest, such as education, social justice, and community development. Mayor Johnson has familial connections with the Israelite community.
The visit was well received by both the Jewish and the civic communities, who praised the mayor and the rabbi for their efforts to promote harmony and understanding among different faith groups. Mayor Johnson said he was “moved by the spirit of love that he felt at Beth Shalom.” Rabbi Funnye said he was grateful for the mayor’s support and friendship and hoped to continue working together for the benefit of Chicago and race relations in the United States.