New consul general to Israel in Chicago hopes to build bridges with non-Jewish groups

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Midwest has a new consul general to Israel.

Chicago is Elad Strohmayer's third American diplomatic post. His goal is to build bridges with non-Jewish groups.

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As the war between Israel and Hamas rages on, Strohmayer says his job as the Midwest's new consul general of Israel is to remind Chicagoans why Israel is an important ally of the United States.

"We believe in same things: freedom, liberty, pursuit of happiness. Israel was founded on the same principles as the United States," Strohmayer said.

Born and raised outside of Tel Aviv, Strohmayer says his goal is to build bridges with non-Jewish groups, including with the Latino, African American and LGBTQ communities. The 44-year-old is openly gay. Strohmayer says he is game to have a conversation with anyone who is critical of Israel, but with limits.

"If someone wants to have a conversation with me, I'll be very happy to. But if you condone antisemitism, and if you don't believe in Israel as a Jewish state, and Israel has a right to exist, I don't know how we can have a conversation on that," Strohmayer said.

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Strohmayer is well aware of the many Chicago pro-Palestinian protests and the dwindling support of Israel's actions against Gaza.

"If you want to support the Palestinian people, join us in our struggle, in our fight against Hamas. When Hamas is not in power, life for Palestinians in Gaza, I can guarantee you, will be much better," Strohmayer said.

He says the war won't end until Hamas, a United States-recognized terrorist organization, puts down the weapons and releases the hostages. As for the growing calls for a Palestinian state, Strohmayer says now is not the time.

"Hamas will be emboldened because they'll say, 'you see, my tactic has worked. I attacked Israel. I slaughtered 1,200 people. I kidnapped people. What did I get in return? A Palestinian state,'" Strohmayer said.

Strohmayer just arrived this week from a diplomatic post in Philadelphia. As he tries to build bridges in Chicago, he is hoping Mayor Brandon Johnson will reach out to him. Many in the Jewish community have accused the mayor of not being supportive.