Photo from Wikimedia Commons. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) and City Councilman Paul Koretz are among those that are condemning the anti-Semitic flyers found in the West Valley.
As the Journal reported on March 19, flyers juxtaposing a Star of David with a swastika asking for “the difference between crackheads and Jews” were found around El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills and one close to Nestle Avenue Charter Elementary School in Tarzana. Los Angeles Police Department Public Information Officer Drake Madison said in a statement sent to the Journal, “The Los Angeles Police Department is aware of several offensive posters that were found at different locations in the San Fernando Valley. Detectives from our West Valley and Topanga Divisions are handling this as a hate incident and are encouraging anyone who may have information about this to contact the investigators.”
Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) condemned the flyers in a statement posted to his congressional website.
“I know that Valley residents of all faiths condemn this hateful act and those that are responsible for disseminating these flyers around the Valley,” Sherman said. “Whether in our community, across the nation, or around the world, these types of hateful, anti-Semitic sentiments have no place in modern society.”
City Councilman Paul Koretz similarly said in a statement posted to Facebook, “Friends, we as a community will not stand for these hate incidents and we will fight against hate until we eradicate it from our streets.”
“If you come across one of these posters, please notify the Los Angeles Police Department. These are hate incidents and must be documented, including pictures and reporting,” Koretz wrote. “Our first inclination is to take down the poster if and when seen, but please make sure it’s reported first and foremost to the LAPD. “
Los Angeles Unified School District Board Vice President Nick Melvoin said in a statement sent to the Journal, “I am especially saddened by the proximity of these messages to our schools, just outside the space where we teach our children to act with kindness and compassion. This growing trend of hate crimes against minorities will not be tolerated in our communities—whether it’s a march in Charlottesville, a synagogue in Pittsburgh, or a mosque in New Zealand.”
“As we begin the celebration of Purim, which commemorates the Jews’ escape from a plan of massacre in 400 BCE, we are reminded of the long, entrenched roots of anti-Semitism. The trials of oppressed communities throughout history is nothing new, but today I am thinking about the resilience of the Jewish people, our Muslim brothers and sisters, and the strength of the human spirit,” Melvoin continued.
The Anti-Defamation League’s Los Angeles chapter tweeted:
We've been in touch w/@CalabasasHS, @ECRCHS, @LAPDHQ, @LASDHQ, & community members about the recent spate of anti-Semitic fliers. We are continuing to monitor these incidents. Please report anti-Semitic & hate incidents to us at: https://t.co/RKkjjFheIR https://t.co/k8naICOEvQ
— ADL Southern California (@ADLSoCal) March 20, 2019
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