FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 1, 2023
PHRC condemns antisemitic fliers found in Pittsburgh
Harrisburg, PA- The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) is aware of reports of antisemitic fliers and stickers distributed in a park in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh this week.
This week marks the beginning of the Tree of Life synagogue shooting trial. The 2018 shooting, which is the worst antisemitic attack in American History, killed 11 people inside a synagogue in Squirrel Hill.
According to reports, the materials were removed, and the incident was reported to the FBI. Pittsburgh Public Safety is also investigating.
"Antisemitism and hate have no place in our commonwealth or our country," said PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW. "As Pennsylvania's top civil rights enforcement agency, the PHRC condemns the distribution of this type of hateful material. We cannot let hate poison our communities. The PHRC stands beside our Jewish brothers and sisters in Pittsburgh and offers support and comfort to all."
"This week, while jurors inside a Pittsburgh courtroom heard about the horrors of the 2018 attack, residents in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood were faced with hateful and antisemitic propaganda," said M. Joel Bolstein, PHRC Chair. "Antisemitism is on the rise in Pennsylvania and the PHRC would like our Jewish citizens to know that we will defend your freedoms and rights. I urge anyone facing discrimination or hate to file a complaint with the PHRC."
In a 2022 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, conducted by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), there were 852 reported incidents of antisemitic propaganda flier distribution in 2022, that is up from 422 in 2021.
According to the ADL, antisemitism is up across the country and is at its highest level since the ADL began tracking incidents in 1979. In Pennsylvania, there were a total of 114 recorded antisemitic incidents in 2022, that's up 65% from 2021.
The PHRC promotes equal opportunity for all and enforces Pennsylvania's civil rights laws that protect people from unlawful discrimination. Anyone who believes they have experienced acts of discrimination or hate should file a complaint with the PHRC by calling 717-787-4410. Information and resources are also available at www.PHRC.pa.gov.
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