New York, NY, April 16, 2017… The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today said it was deeply concerned about the recent distribution of anti-Semitic fliers in Brooklyn.

According to police and media reports, an unidentified man driving a motorcycle through Williamsburg, Brooklyn on Thursday night, April 13, tossed multiple fliers replete with swastikas and anti-Semitic cartoons. Williamsburg is a heavily Jewish neighborhood, inhabited by tens of thousands of Satmar Hasidim, among other Jewish groups.

Images of the fliers posted online feature a swastika, as well as five anti-Israel and anti-Semitic cartoons. Alongside cartoons denying the occurrence of the Holocaust, the flier contains one cartoon depicting a cliched anti-Semitic Jewish caricature poisoning “the well of white culture.” Accusations of well-poisoning and blood libels were prominent features of anti-Semitism in medieval Europe, often leading to the persecution and killing of Jews, particularly in the weeks leading up to Passover.

“The distribution of anti-Semitic or racist fliers is despicable any time of year – all the more so during the holiday week of Passover,” said Evan R. Bernstein, ADL New York Regional Director. “Unfortunately we are seeing a proliferation of these types of hateful incidents of vandalism and harassment, frequently making use of swastikas and other hateful symbols, both here in New York City, and across the county.”

ADL is in touch with law enforcement regarding this incident. The NYPD Hate Crime Task Force is investigating and ADL commends the NYPD for its diligent and professional work.

ADL’s Center on Extremism has been monitoring an uptick in racist and anti-Semitic graffiti and vandalism.

 

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry. Follow us on Twitter: @ADL_NY