More antisemitic messages found in West Palm Beach; The Jewish community speaks out

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida. (WSVN) – For the second time this month, hate speech has been found in plastic bags in West Palm Beach.

Michael Hoffman of the Palm Beach County Jewish Federation called it an act of hate.

“I’m not surprised, but I continue to be shocked,” he said. “I’m shocked that he’s hitting so close to home.”

On Sunday, bags filled with anti-Semitic propaganda were left in several cars in the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office parking lot, leading to an active scene filled with deputies, sappers and hazmat groups to check bags during a search. .

It came just a day after members of the Jewish faith gathered to show solidarity against anti-Semitism.

“They are trying to create a kind of fear in our community,” Hoffman said.

Hoffman also cited two other recent incidents, such as dropping anti-Semitic leaflets on driveways in Boca Raton, and a Nazi swastika projected onto the AT&T building in downtown West Palm Beach.

“These people want attention, and they will continue to do so as long as they can get attention, but at the same time, they risk facing charges if they go too far,” State Attorney Dave Aronberg said.

The allegations are in the works, he said, as he speaks with state lawmakers about possible new laws designed to account for these actions.

“Like broadcasting messages in a private building without the consent of the owner and strengthening our anti-litter laws so that people who throw these things in your driveways can at least be held accountable for the litter,” Aronberg said.

For now, while leaders figure out what can be done, the Jewish community has a message of its own.

“It’s frustrating, but for now the right answer is to get the community together like we did last night. Show that hate is never the answer in Palm Beach County,” Aronberg said.

A recent report from the Anti-Defamation League states that the number of reported incidents has increased by 50% between 2020 and 2021.

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