City leaders condemn Anti-Semitic flyers distributed in Dunwoody
DUNWOODY, Ga. - Dunwoody residents across several neighborhoods woke up to a litter of anti-Jewish documents Sunday morning. Police suspect someone may have distributed them the previous night.
"These folks who perpetrate these type of attacks have one intention only and that’s to intimidate the communities where they’re basing themselves and so to notice that and see that they’re continuing to spread this anti-semitic hatred message is really painful," said Dov Wilker, the Southeast Regional Director for the American Jewish Committee.
One resident said he picked up about fifty of bags filled with corn kernels and the hateful messages near his neighborhood.
"It was extremely nerve-racking for me because you hear about it in the media on the news all the time, but it’s never at your front door and when it’s at your front door it’s just disheartening and sickening," the resident told FOX 5. "We’re unified in terms of standing up against hate. There is no place."
Dunwoody Police show a sample of the anti-Jewish flyers that were distributed to Dunwoody homes overnight. (Credit: Mayor Deutsch, Facebook)
City officials banded together to make statements in support of the Jewish community and to condemn the suspect or suspects responsible for the hate speech.
"The Dunwoody Police Department is aware that a number of residents of all faiths received anti-Semitic flyers in their driveways overnight," said Dunwoody Chief of Police Billy Grogan. "We are actively investigating this incident and working closely with the Sandy Springs Police Department, as their community was victimized as well. If you have any information related to this case, please contact 911. There is no place for hate in Dunwoody."
Governor Brian Kemp also weighed in on the incident Sunday afternoon via Twitter:
"This kind of hate has no place in our state and the individuals responsible do not share Georgia’s values. If needed, state law enforcement stands ready to assist @SandySprings_PD and @DunwoodyPolice in their investigations. We will always condemn acts of anti-Semitism."
Mayor Lynn Deutsch added encouragement for residents to practice kindness during this sensitive time.
"On behalf of the Dunwoody City Council, I want to assure everyone that hateful, divisive, and anti-Semitic rhetoric has no place here. Dunwoody is a community that values our diversity and is home to people of all faiths, races, ethnicities, and more," said Mayor Deutsch. "I stand with our Jewish community and all who face intolerance. I believe that love always conquers hate. Please be good to each other."
As the chief stated, Dunwoody and Sandy Springs police are looking for any information that could lead to an arrest in this case. Please call 911 to submit a tip.