Serious Concerns Over Milwaukee Police Chiefs Training Trip to Israel
The Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance (WMCA) is deeply troubled by Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman’s participation in a counterterrorism training program in Israel from December 1–7, 2024, sponsored by the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA). This trip, occurring amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, raises serious concerns about the potential adoption of tactics that could harm marginalized communities, including Muslims, in Milwaukee. We stand with residents who expressed strong opposition at the recent Fire and Police Commission meeting. Learning from Israeli national police, whose methods have faced widespread international criticism, risks importing militarized approaches that could erode trust and lead to increased surveillance or profiling of Black, brown, and immigrant communities.
Multiple human rights organizations have documented Israel’s record of human rights abuses, brutal military occupation, and system of apartheid subjugated upon the Palestinian people. Chief Norman’s training and collaboration with Israeli security forces increases the risk of more racist, abusive, and aggressive policing tactics being implemented in the Milwaukee community.
While we note Chief Norman’s defense of the trip as an opportunity to enhance community safety, the broader context cannot be ignored. Such programs often blur the line between legitimate counterterrorism and oppressive policing practices.
WMCA calls on Chief Norman and the Milwaukee Police Department to:
- Fully disclose the training curriculum, funding, and any strategies implemented as a result.
- Explicitly reject tactics that could increase racial profiling, surveillance, or excessive force against vulnerable groups.
- Engage directly with Muslim and other affected communities to prioritize trust-building, de-escalation, and equitable public safety.
- Make a commitment to end trainings and collaborations with Israeli security forces.
We commend Fire and Police Commission member Krissie Fung for publicly calling the trip “unconscionable” and for her apology to residents. Milwaukee’s leaders must choose inclusive, ethical approaches that unite rather than divide our communities.
WMCA remains committed to justice, civil liberties, and peace for all Wisconsin residents. We welcome community members and allies to join us in this advocacy.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
