JCRC appreciates reporting from community members, law enforcement investigations

July 25, 2022

Minneapolis, MN – Steve Hunegs, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC), issued the following statement:

“The Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC) condemns the distribution of noxious propaganda fliers in neighborhoods across the Twin Cities metro area. Compounding this ugly antisemitism is the invasion of tranquil neighborhoods during the night.

“Since July 1, the JCRC has documented fliers distributed in municipalities including Minneapolis, St. Paul, St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Edina, North Oaks, New Brighton, Cottage Grove, and Arden Hills. The fliers have been distributed by supporters of a virulently antisemitic group, whose nefarious activities are well-documented by the ADL:

‘GDL’s overarching goal is to cast aspersions on Jews and spread antisemitic myths and conspiracy theories. This includes frequent references to Jews having undue power through their “control” of major institutions such as media networks, the economy or the government, or disparaging Jews as degenerates who molest children and advocate for pornography, abortion and LGBTQ+ communities. GDL maintains that the Holocaust is a Jewish lie, and accounts of the Holocaust are merely propaganda or lies generated by Jews for their own benefit.’

“We hesitate to offer any public attention to these hateful provocateurs, which is what they seek. However, we wish to assure the community that there is no evidence of these fliers being associated with imminent violence and that we will continue tracking these distributions and are in close communication with our law enforcement partners.

“Lastly, we are grateful to community members who have contacted the JCRC upon finding these fliers in their neighborhoods and even gone around collecting them from neighboring houses. We are also grateful for the leadership of St. Louis Park Mayor Jake Spano and Police Chief Mike Harcy, who condemned the fliers in a statement as well, and are asking residents to report receiving these noxious fliers to the city’s police department.”

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As the public affairs voice of the Jewish community, the JCRC fights antisemitism and prejudice, advocates for Israel, provides Holocaust education, promotes tolerance and social justice, and builds bridges across the Jewish and broader communities.