By Donald H. Harrison
SAN DIEGO – Fabienne Perlov, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League denounced the unknown person or persons who late at night or early the next morning spread antisemitic flyers through the suburban city of Coronado on or about Tuesday evening, Sept. 17.
“These hateful flyers are not only attacking the values that we hold as a community but threatening Jewish individuals who live in it,” she said on Friday, Sept. 20. “We must do all that we can to speak out against this extremist activity and hateful conduct that seeks to have our communities live in fear of hate and potential violence.”
Perlov said that her office has been working with the Coronado Police Department to identify the suspect. ADL San Diego also has called on California Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign Assembly Bill 3024 by Assemblyman Chris Ward (D-San Diego), which has been dubbed the anti-hate littering bill.
She said the measure would create “a right of civil action for individuals who are targeted by intimidation or threat of violence because of a protected characteristic, including nationality and religion.”
A spokesperson for the Coronado Police reported on the department’s Facebook page on Wednesday, Sept. 18: “We are aware of antisemitic flyers left on vehicles in the Village area overnight. This matter is currently under review by our investigations unit. If you have any additional information, please call (619) 522-7350.”
That report had gathered 14 positive comments before noon on Friday, among them, one from John Duncan that said: “Thank you CPD. I am grateful to be friends with many members of Chabad of Coronado. They are wonderful neighbors and a great part of our community. I certainly hope that whoever did those flyers is from outside of the Coronado community.”
Another comment came Janice Lowenberg: “Thank you for your help with this awful, hate group.”
Assemblyman Ward said on Friday, “It’s clear hate littering is showing no signs of slowing down, and that something needs to be done to protect our communities and hold the people who are targeting and harassing our neighbors with this hateful tactic accountable.”
“I’m hopeful the governor will sign AB 3024: The Stop Hate Littering Act into law and send a clear message this will no longer be tolerated, and these tactics will not divide us.”
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Donald H. Harrison is publisher and editor of San Diego Jewish World.
Keep up the good work ADL San Diego.