Community forum held after anti-Semitic graffiti found on Centennial High School

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - Concerned neighbors, parents, students and community leaders gathered at Temple Emanu-El Sunday evening for a discussion about anti-semitism. The town hall comes just six days after swastikas were found spraypainted on Centennial High School. 

"I'm frustrated that we are having to discuss something that should have been gone 80 years ago" said Kim McNamara, a local attorney and concerned neighbor. "I think it is good for the community to talk about it, it makes parents aware of it, it makes me aware of it. I am a partner in a law firm, I like knowing what is going on in my community, makes me want to stand up and say this is wrong, and I think this helps start that conversation" she added. 

The panelists included law enforcement, school officials, state elected officials, and historians. The gathering was organized by the Atlanta Initiative Against Anti-Semitism. Questions for the panel came from community members of different faith backgrounds and ages. One parent expressed concern that his child claims that some students refer to themselves as "Nazis" at school. 

Organizers say this forum was designed for the community "to be heard" and have an open discussion about the disturbing graffiti. In addition, the group was given information from panelists on ways that incidents like the one that occurred at Centennial High School are being addressed. School officials say discussions continue on ways to improve security, and talk to students about the significance of such symbols.