BERKLEY, Mich. (WXYZ) — Berkley police are asking for the community's help in finding the people responsible for distributing anti-Semitic fliers across several neighborhood streets overnight.
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Officers collected about 100 paper fliers containing anti-Semitic language. Police believe the fliers were distributed overnight between May 15th and 16th.
The fliers were found on the front lawns of homes on Henley, Cass, Oxford, and Wiltshire streets.
Steven Ingber, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Detroit, said he believes the fliers are a form of intimidation.
"My first thought is enough already, this has got to stop, this is just pure intimidation, I mean to spread such filth. I don't know where this hate comes from," Ingber said.
"Why somebody thought it was a good thing to drop a 100 anti-semitic fliers off in a quaint neighborhood, nobody wants that," Ingber said.
Detective Lt. Andrew Hadfield of the Berkley Police Department said the way the fliers were distributed was not an appropriate way to express differing beliefs.
"I don't think that's the proper avenue to have a discussion about different beliefs, and to basically litter literature all over someone's yard isn't the proper thing," Hadfield said.
Hadfield said keeping residents safe is a priority.
"We want people to feel safe in this community and all communities in the state of Michigan," Hadfield said.
If someone is identified, Hadfield said they could face charges including littering or improperly posting fliers.
Meanwhile, Ingber said the issue extends beyond any one group.
"This is not a Jewish problem, this is an everybody problem," Ingber said.
Berkley police are asking residents in the area where the fliers were distributed to check their home surveillance video. Anyone who sees something relevant to the case is asked to reach out to the police.
Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter released the following statement regarding the flyers and the other recent attacks in the county:
“Oakland County stands firmly against antisemitism in all its forms. The antisemitic flyers distributed in Berkley are a hateful and cowardly act intended to divide neighbors and spread fear among the Jewish community. We cannot allow this to become normalized.
Hate directed at Jewish families, Muslim communities, Black residents, immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, or anyone else attacks the values that make our communities strong and welcoming.
Antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, sexism, homophobia and every form of hate diminish us all. Confronting them requires more than condemnation — it requires the courage to speak out, stand with one another and choose empathy over fear. Oakland County will continue to stand for a community where every person feels safe, valued and welcome.”
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