Residents of multiple Atlanta neighborhoods were recently shocked to find anti-Semitic and anti-trans flyers distributed in their communities. According to Fox 5, the flyers appear to have come from a group called the Goyim Defense League, described by the Anti-Defamation League as a “loose network of individuals connected by their virulent anti-Semitism” whose goal is to spread anti-Semitic myths and conspiracy theories.
One of the flyers claimed that Jews are responsible for “the rise in transgenderism” and included photos of trans leaders superimposed with Jewish stars. Another flyer declared that “every single aspect of feminism is Jewish” and “every single aspect of the Jewish Talmud is Satanic.” The flyers have caused outrage and fear among residents, who have called for an end to hate speech and bigotry.
City Councilmember Lilliana Bakhtiari, the first nonbinary official elected in Atlanta, condemned the flyers as “vile” and “repugnant” and said their office has been in regular communication with the Atlanta Police and leaders of the affected communities. Georgia state Rep. Saira Draper also spoke out against the flyers, saying she is “appalled and disgusted” and that “there is a direct line between policy decisions and creating an environment that emboldens hate groups and normalizes discriminatory rhetoric.”
While the FBI has said that the distributors of the flyers do not appear to have broken federal law and are exercising their first amendment rights, the Atlanta Police Department has increased patrols in the areas where the flyers were found. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also condemned the flyers, saying he is “deeply disturbed” by their content.
The flyers’ claims linking Jews and the transgender community are not only false but also contribute to harmful stereotypes and bigotry. It is crucial for leaders and lawmakers to take a strong stance against hate speech and discrimination, particularly against marginalized communities. The Atlanta community has united in calling for an end to hate and for increased efforts to promote inclusivity and respect for all.