Yesterday, one day after a terrorist attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia that killed 15 people, Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona and the Tucson Jewish Community Center responded to a local antisemitic incident that occurred near the Tucson J on the Jewish Community Campus.
Early Monday morning, Tucson J staff discovered hateful flyers posted on external locations around the building. The materials contained highly derogatory and concerning content targeting both the Jewish community and law enforcement.
The Director of Security for the Jewish community contacted the Tucson Police Department to make an assessment. TPD responded promptly and is actively conducting a thorough investigation into this incident, which appears to be hate vandalism — both antisemitic and anti-law enforcement.
“A local hate incident on the heels of the major antisemitic violence at Bondi Beach underscores exactly why unequivocal public condemnation of antisemitism from community leaders is essential,” said Hava Leipzig Holzhauer, President and CEO of JPSA. “When hate goes unchallenged publicly, it emboldens those who harbor similar views, furthering the community as a target. Silence or vague statements about ‘all forms of hate’ fail to acknowledge the specific, targeted nature of antisemitic terrorism, whether it happens in Sydney or in our own backyard.”
Authorities have indicated there is no specific ongoing threat to the Tucson J, the Jewish Community Campus, or to Jewish community members.
“The safety of our members is always a top priority,” said Todd Rockoff, CEO of the Tucson J. “When something occurs that is out of the ordinary, it is protocol to alert security.”
“As a community center dedicated to providing an open and welcoming space, we will continue to be proactive and act in an abundance of caution,” Rockoff added.
“We are proud to have local, state, and federal law enforcement partners who consistently treat incidents of antisemitism with the utmost seriousness,” said Chelsea Gutierrez, Director of Security for the Southern Arizona Jewish community.
“It is our goal to elevate safety and security for the Jewish community, having an overall effect of enhanced peace and safety for everyone,” Gutierrez added.
