Tucson Jewish Community Center (Tucson J) staff discovered “hateful” antisemitic materials posted near the building, Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona (JPSA) announced on Monday.
According to the statement, flyers posted around the Community Center included “highly derogatory and concerning content targeting both the Jewish community and law enforcement.”
Upon discovering the material, the Tucson J director of security contacted the Tucson Police Department (TPD), which is “actively conducting a thorough investigation“ into the incident. According to the statement, authorities don’t believe that there is a threat to the Tucson Jewish community.
Police officials also told Arizona Public Media that TPD is “working to identify a person of interest” and urges the public to come forward with tips.
"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 further remarked.
Chelsea Gutierrez, Director of Security for the Southern Arizona Jewish community, expressed her pride in the community’s partnership with law enforcement. “It is our goal to elevate safety and security for the Jewish community, having an overall effect of enhanced peace and safety for everyone,” she added.
The incident occured on day after Bondi Beach Hannukah massacre
JPSA President and CEO Hava Leipzig Holzhauer tied the incident to Sunday evening’s mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Gunmen with alleged ISIS ties opened fire on thousands of Jews gathering to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, killing 15 and injuring dozens.
"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," she said.
"When hate goes unchallenged publicly, it emboldens those who harbor similar views, furthering the community as a target,” she noted.
Seemingly referencing hazy condemnations of the attack by world leaders, she added that “[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."