Antisemitic Flyers Found In Kennesaw, Protest Held In East Cobb

COBB COUNTY, GA — Antisemitic flyers were recently left on driveways in a Kennesaw neighborhood while protesters accused of spreading antisemitic messages appeared outside of an East Cobb synagogue, Cobb County government officials said Monday.

Cobb County Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid said in a news release both incidents were disheartening.

"I recognize the constitutional right to Freedom of Speech may allow these expressions of beliefs," she said. "Still, we should also recognize that these actions impair our sense of community when all should feel safe and welcome here."

Cupid noted both events peacefully ended. She said members of the Jewish community and any Cobb resident who finds antisemitic displays "reprehensible" has the county's complete support.

"My desire is for no one to perpetuate a heinous history that signifies hate in our county," she said in the release. "Cobb is a community that is moving forward, together, and where we are all in, in establishing a county where all can safely live, work and enjoy."

Officials did not specifically say when the flyers were found in Kennesaw, but Cobb County Police Chief Stuart VanHoozer said Sunday that 11 protesters arrived Saturday night at a local synagogue.

VanHoozer said the group was believed to be a small affiliation from various states and arrived in Cobb on Saturday after being present in other Georgia regions in the preceding days.

"The Cobb County Police Department enjoys a strong relationship with, supports and respects our Jewish community partners," he said in a news release. "We regularly work with one another to protect life, to improve quality of life and to help people feel safe in Cobb County. CCPD has worked, and is working, directly with those affected in this case."

VanHoozer said Saturday night's events showed people can peacefully express their opinions in the county regardless of content. He also commended Cobb residents for lawfully expressing their opposing opinion to the message of the protesters.

"Despite their absolute opposition to the messages being displayed by the protestors, our Cobb County community maintained a peaceful and calm response," he said in the release. "Finally, our officers did a great job of setting aside any personal feelings they may have had concerning the protestors, ensuring that the incident was handled safely and protecting people's safety and rights. Their ongoing commitment to our Jewish friends and all communities we serve will continue in the future to ensure Cobb is well protected both physically and constitutionally."

Gov. Brian Kemp released Sunday a statement on Twitter criticizing the rally held at the synagogue.

"There is absolutely no place for this hate and antisemitism in our state," he said. "I share in the outrage over this shameful act and stand with Georgians everywhere in condemning it. We remain vigilant in the face of these disgusting acts of bigotry."