Ohio congressman believes Cleveland Heights mayor should resign after alleged anti-Semitic remarks

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – An Ohio congressman is calling for Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren to resign after allegations of anti-Semitic remarks emerged this week.

19 News sat down with Congressman Max Miller on Saturday, who is one of 25 Jewish members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“I feel it is my duty to stand up for the Jewish people and its not only my duty,” said Rep. Miller. “It’s everyone’s duty to stand up for the Jewish people and all forms of hate.”

Cleveland Heights is not in Rep. Miller’s congressional district, but he says grew up near Cleveland Heights and feels strongly about speaking out against hate.

“It’s for all forms of hate,” he said. “It’s not only for anti-Semitism, it’s for Islamophobia, it’s for anyone who has and harbors these values we need to stand against.”

19 News asked Rep. Miller if he thinks Mayor Seren should resign.

“I do,” he responded. “Yes, I do. You cannot stand besides somebody no matter who they are, no matter how close they are to you when they make those comments.”

On Wednesday, Mayor Seren released a 15 minute video on his social media addressing the communities concerns.

On Friday, the city council held a special meeting to discuss the accusations against the mayor and his wife.

“This council by no means is my overseer and I am not your negro,” Mayor Seren said during the meeting.

Mayor Seren, who is Black, was quoting civil rights activist James Baldwin.

“He had an opportunity to make this go away, to apologize for somebody close to him and their comments and not associate with them,” Rep. Miller said. “He chose to take a different path. He didn’t have to do this.”

19 News reached out to Congresswoman Shontel Brown, who represents Cleveland Heights, for a comment. We have not yet heard back.

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