Neo-Nazi Group Distributes Anti-Semitic Rice Bags in Small US Town
Representational Image. Image credit: The Leaflet
Ziplock bags containing rice and offensive content targeting Jews were distributed in the West Brookfield town of Massachusetts, USA, recently, triggering tension.
According to the West Brookfield Police Department (WBPD), a national neo-Nazi extremist group called Goyim Defence League (GDL) distributed the bags in the small town, under Worcester County, The Jerusalem Post reported. GDL has been recognised as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Centre, which monitors such organisations.
GDL spreads anti-semitic ideologies and promotes conspiracy theories on social media platforms and its online video platform called GoyimTV. The group harasses Jews by distributing flyers, conducting banner drops and engaging in other provocative actions.
In a statement, the WBPD said that they received individual reports of residents receiving “ziplock bags containing rice and offensive content”.
“We understand that such actions can be deeply distressing and cause concerns among residents. While the content may be protected by free speech laws, we recognise the impact it can have on those affected,” the statement read.
The WBPD said that it values “the diversity and unity within our community and we stand against any form of discrimination or intimidation” adding that the department has been in close contact with the regional Anti-Defamation League (ADL) of New England and reached out to other area religious leaders.
“After consultation with the ADL, we believe this literature was distributed by the Goyim Defense League (GDL), which is recognised as a neo-Nazi extremist group operating nationally.”
A similar incident was recently reported in Manchester, Missouri, where anti-semitic leaflets were found on the lawns of homes in Manchester and Ballwin MO.
According to local reports, Manchester local Phillip Helm found a leaflet in a bag at his driveway’s entrance. “At first, it seemed out of the ordinary. But as I read on, it was clearly antisemitic. I was deeply disturbed by it,” he said.
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