Philadelphia, PA, August 22, 2022 …ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) condemns the distribution of antisemitic propaganda in Brigantine, New Jersey this past weekend. ADL and local law enforcement received numerous reports from residents in Brigantine who discovered antisemitic flyers with hateful propaganda on cars and streets on Sunday morning.
“The appalling antisemitic flyering in Brigantine is further evidence of the record level of hate and extremism occurring throughout the region and country,” said Andrew Goretsky, ADL Philadelphia Regional Director, which covers South Jersey. “The Goyim Defense League, the antisemitic and racist network behind this incident, has a sole focus on spreading hatred and fear. ADL is working with Brigantine officials and law enforcement to find those responsible for this incident. We will also work with community members to combat this vile hateful propaganda.”
ADL has been tracking the record levels of white supremacist propaganda and antisemitic incidents in our region and country. In 2021, Pennsylvania had the highest level of white supremacist propaganda distribution in the country. In New Jersey, there have been 195 reported incidents of white supremacist propaganda distribution since 2021. Nationwide in 2021, ADL tabulated 2,717 antisemitic incidents throughout the United States. This is a 34% increase from the 2,026 incidents counted in 2020 and the highest number on record since ADL began tracking antisemitic incidents in 1979.
At least 38 white supremacist groups have been increasingly active throughout the country in recruiting more extremists and spreading racism. This incident is the latest in a series of propaganda drops by The Goyim Defense League, a virulently antisemitic and racist network of individuals who thrives on publicity. In this case, they littered the entire island with hundreds of hateful fliers, repeating an age-old antisemitic trope: That Jews are responsible for spreading disease – in this case the COVID virus – and for profiting off of “the COVID agenda.” This antisemitism must be condemned at all levels.
The GDL network includes five or six primary organizers/public figures, dozens of supporters, and thousands of online followers. The network is responsible for at least 74 antisemitic propaganda incidents in 2021 and at least 250 incidents so far in 2022. Most of GDL’s propaganda distributions have taken place during their so-called “Name the Nose” tours, but in December 2021 the group increased their non-tour related propaganda distributions, organizing their first nationwide propaganda campaign for the weekend of December 18.
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ADL is a leading anti-hate organization. Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of antisemitism and bigotry, its timeless mission is to protect the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all. Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of hate with the same vigor and passion. ADL is the first call when acts of antisemitism occur. A global leader in exposing extremism, delivering anti-bias education and fighting hate online, ADL’s ultimate goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers from bias, discrimination or hate. More at www.adl.org.