The Berkley Police Department in the Detroit area plans to increase patrols after residents reported new instances of antisemitic fliers left on lawns and sidewalks. The Michigan city confirmed it was notified that fliers with antisemitic language had been distributed across residential properties, including lawns, sidewalks, and front aprons. This recent discovery marks at least the third time this year that such materials have appeared in the same area.
In response to these reports, the department is enhancing its presence within the community. The city stated that while no direct threat of violence was received, increased patrols are being implemented "to ensure our community’s safety." This proactive measure aims to address resident concerns and maintain public order. The city also specified that its current focus is on protecting everyone’s constitutional rights and enforcing local ordinances and state laws.
The city of Berkley has explicitly condemned the acts, declaring that it "stands firmly against antisemitism and hate in all forms." Officials further emphasized that the act of dropping fliers on private property is a violation of city ordinances. These violations include improper distribution of fliers, littering, and trespassing, indicating the legal implications of such actions within the community.
The area targeted by these flier distributions is notably home to several prominent Jewish institutions. Among these are the new J-Detroit Woodward Campus and the Yad Ezra Kosher Food Pantry. The presence of these institutions underscores the particular impact and sensitivity of these incidents within the Berkley community.
This recent incident is not an isolated event for the Berkley area. Earlier in the year, in July, fliers featuring Nazi swastikas were reportedly left on lawns. These specific incidents occurred twice within a 24-hour period in the same vicinity. At that time, the police department suggested that these fliers were likely thrown from a moving vehicle, implying a deliberate method of dissemination.
Prior to the July occurrences, police had also initiated a probe into antisemitic fliers tossed on residential lawns in May. These earlier fliers, found in the same area, contained specific antisemitic imagery and language. They notably included a photograph of former Disney CEO Bob Iger with a Star of David depicted on his forehead, alongside language that compared Jews to the devil. The recurring nature of these distributions highlights an ongoing pattern of such activities in the Berkley area.