The Chicago 7: A Head Count, But Make itHilarious
Hey there, history buffs and fans of courtroom shenanigans! Today we're diving into the curious case of the Chicago 7, those merry band of anti-war protesters who tangled with the justice system in 1968. But here's the thing – how many of them were actually Jewish? Buckle up, because this head count is about to get interesting.
Fact Check: Not as Kosher as You Might Think
First things first, let's clear up any confusion. The Chicago 7, though iconic, weren't actually seven. There were eight! (Yes, even group projects struggle with attendance.) Tom Hayden, David Dellinger, Rennie Davis, Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Lee Weiner, John Froines – these are the core seven, with Bobby Seale (founder of the Black Panther Party) joining the fray for a hot minute before being, well, metaphorically kicked out.
Now, for the big reveal: of the original seven, three were Jewish. That's Abbie Hoffman, the counterculture court jester, Jerry Rubin, his partner in comedic activism, and Lee Weiner, who later became a champion for Jewish causes.
So Why the Confusion?
Blame Hollywood (or maybe not entirely)! The Aaron Sorkin film "The Trial of the Chicago 7" didn't exactly make a point of highlighting their Jewish heritage. Abbie Hoffman throws out a one-liner about his Russian-Jewish ancestry, but that's about it. This led some viewers to think the whole crew was a bunch of yentas with picket signs.
But Wait, There's More! (Because Conspiracy Theories are Fun)
The internet, that magical land of questionable information, loves a good conspiracy theory. Some folks out there believe the trial was a veiled attack on Jewish activism. While the judge may not have been winning any Mensch of the Year awards, this theory overlooks the fact that there were non-Jewish defendants too, facing the same charges.
The End Result: Who Cares Anyway?
Look, at the end of the day, the Chicago 7 (or 8, depending on how you slice it) were a group of individuals with a shared cause. Their religion wasn't the point. They protested the Vietnam War, challenged authority, and turned a courtroom into a chaotic spectacle. Whether they were Jewish, Catholic, or worshipped the Flying Spaghetti Monster, their fight for peace is what truly matters.
Bonus Round: Fun Facts About the Chicago 7 (Because Learning Can Be Fun!)
- Abbie Hoffman once levitated the Pentagon with his mind. (Okay, maybe not, but he did throw money at the New York Stock Exchange to protest its capitalist greed.)
- Jerry Rubin ran for President in 1968 on the "Yippie" ticket. Their platform? Legalize marijuana and abolish the draft. (Sounds like a winning combo, right?)
- Lee Weiner used his post-trial fame to advocate for Soviet Jews facing persecution.
So there you have it! The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the (slightly embellished) truth about the Chicago 7 and their Jewish connection. Now go forth and spread the knowledge (or at least the fun facts) responsibly!
