OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Multiple Metro Detroit communities reported having antisemitic acts happening in their area on Sunday and Monday.
Antisemitic flyers
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The first alarming report that led to police launching an investigation was hate-filled baggies containing flyers with antisemitic writing and various materials found on driveways in several neighborhoods in Oakland County. Neighborhoods in Wayne County also reported that similar baggies were thrown around in their neighborhood, as well.
Related: Northville Township police investigating antisemitic flyers found in neighborhood
Farmington Hills Police Chief Jeff King said it could be connected to Monday marking one year since Hammas’ attack in Israel.
Canton Police Chief Chad Baugh said the department is taking it very seriously and is working to identify the people who could be responsible.
Homeowners are urged to check their surveillance camera systems and to contact police if they have any footage of the flyers being distributed.
“The safety and well-being of our community is paramount, and we will hold those responsible accountable within the laws of the State of Michigan,” Baugh said.
Antisemitic vandalism
The Jewish Federation of Detroit was vandalized on Oct. 7. This is the third time the building has been targeted.
“The language that’s used is such that makes us feel a sense of both fear and anger. You see the word ‘Intifada’ on the building -- that brings back memories of the Second Intifada of the early 2000s when busses were blown up by suicide bombers. Night clubs were blown up,” said David Kurzmann with the Jewish Federation of Detroit.
Although the people responsible tried to cover their tracks by spray painting one of the cameras, several others are located at nearly every corner of the building; they may have caught everything.
“We’re hopeful that they’ll be brought to justice. This should have absolutely no place in society, and further, we would call on people of good conscience to stand up and speak out,” Kurzmann insisted.
How to report
The following agencies are investigating the antisemitic flyers found in several neighborhoods, contact the following if you have any information:
- Canton Township Public Safety Department: (734) 394-5400
- Northville Township Police Department’s non-emergency line: (248) 349-9400
- Farmington Hills Police Department: (248) 871-2610
According to the Anti-Defamation League, there have been over 250 antisemitic incidents in Michigan since Oct. 7, 2023, and over 10,000 nationally.
