San Rafael Antisemitic Flyer Distribution Probed

SAN RAFAEL, CA — Police are investigating a new wave of antisemitic flyers distributed in at least two Marin municipalities.

Incidents in the city’s West End neighborhood were reported over the weekend, the San Rafael Police Department said.

Similar incidents were reported in Mill Valley, The Marin Independent Journal reports.

A Petaluma man admitted earlier this year that his group was behind the distribution of antisemitic flyers in the Bay Area and beyond, The San Francisco Chronicle reports. Jon Minadeo runs Goyim TV, according to the report.

San Rafael police are investigating the distribution of flyers in driveways of homes in several West End neighborhoods.

The flyers "cast aspersions on the Jewish community" and spread antisemitic conspiracy theories, according to police. The flyers were distributed in plastic bags, in similar fashion to those that have been found throughout the nation.

“SRPD recognizes that flyers of this nature are concerning to the community and can cause fear of harm,” the agency said in a statement.

“The department treats these incidents seriously and is actively investigating this case to determine if it is a hate crime. Detectives are working to track down and review residential video footage, which may lead to the identity of the person(s) responsible.”

The San Rafael City Council passed a resolution earlier this year in support Jewish American Heritage that affirmed the city’s “obligation to condemn and combat anti-Semitism and hatred wherever they exist.”

“We’ve seen rising incidents of hate speech and hate crimes across our nation, directed at Jews as well as other minority groups,” San Rafael Vice-Mayor Rachel Kertz said in a statement.

“We know that such attacks come from a place of fear, of ignorance, and weakness. As a proud member of the Jewish community, I will stand united to demonstrate the strength of our collective resolve in favor of common decency, and against hate of any kind.”

The SRPD said it is coordinating with Marin law enforcement partners to investigate similar incidents and collaborate with the District Attorney’s Office to ensure appropriate action is taken.

Hate crimes occurring within the City of San Rafael can be reported directly to the police department at (415) 485-3000 or its webpage.

The Marin District Attorney’s Office has a webpage devoted to discerning the differences between a hate crime and a hate incident.

The District Attorney's Office also has a Hate Crime Hotline, (415) 473-2585, which is monitored daily and has information in Spanish and English.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call San Rafael Police at (415) 485-3000. Tips can also be made online.