Antisemitic flyers spread across city overnight in Georgia, police say
By Hope Dean and Asia Wilson
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ATLANTA, Georgia (WANF) — Several Brookhaven residents woke up to antisemitic and “other hate speech” flyers spread across the city overnight, according to police.
“Just earlier today antisemitic flyers were thrown about in my neighborhood in Brookhaven,” said Dov Wilker, Southeast Regional Director for the American Jewish Committee. “The number one thing that’s concerning American Jewish today, Jewish in the diaspora, is one of safety and security. Are we safe from our neighbors? Are we feeling protected? Thankfully, law enforcement has been doing an incredible job protecting the Jewish community, but every time we go outdoors, every time we stand in solidarity with the Jewish people, we have this anxiety about being attacked by somebody,” he said at the Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival on Sunday.
The Brookhaven Police Department said it is partnering with city leaders to investigate the distribution, which targeted at least three neighborhoods.
“We want our community to be assured that hate speech will not be tolerated in Brookhaven,” police said in a statement.
Since the beginning of this year, antisemitic flyers have been distributed in multiple areas across metro Atlanta, including Alpharetta, Marietta and Lake Claire. The Anti-Defamation League said antisemitic incidents hit an all-time high in 2022.
“Not only are people facing antisemitism in Israel or the things going on in Israel, we’re facing antisemitism at the highest levels here in the United States. You know sometimes you have to hide that you’re being Jewish in the United States,” said Warren Rockmacher, a Kosher BBQ Festival attendee.
“Sadly, for the Jewish people being the targets of antisemitism or Israel being the target of all of the challenges that they face constantly, this is unfortunately not a new thing, but Of course, it’s heightened by the horrible barbarous attacks that we saw coming out of Gaza,’ said Rabbi Mark Zimmerman.
The flyers being distributed in Brookhaven come on the heels of the Hamas attack on Israel.
“You know the terrorist attack that took place two weeks ago on Saturday morning was one of the most gut-wrenching days of my entire life,” Wilker said.
“Israel wants nothing but peace. Israel has always wanted peace, but they have to defend themselves and they’ll do everything that they possibly can to defend themselves,” Rockmacher said. “and if they have to go out and they have to wipe out Hamas to do it, then that’s what they have to do so there can finally be peace in the region,” Rockmacher said.
Many people went to the festival to enjoy good food, but also come together during a difficult time.
“The community is here together to show strength. To cry with one another, to support one another and just to feel strong and connected at this difficult time,” said Rabbi Zimmerman.
Many police departments say flyer distributions aren’t a crime under the First Amendment. But Suwanee police are considering littering charges, they told Atlanta News First.
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