FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2023
PHRC releases statement after antisemitic fliers found on SEPTA line
Harrisburg, PA- The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) is aware of reports of antisemitic fliers distributed on SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line trains in Philadelphia. According to reports, the fliers, which have appeared several times over the past few weeks, link Jewish people to pornography, abortion, gun control and mass immigration.
"As the state's civil rights enforcement agency, PHRC condemns the distribution of any type of hateful material," said PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW. "This blatant antisemitism has no place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or America. All members of our society should feel safe to travel in their community without encountering such hateful language. I was pleased to see a statement from SEPTA reiterating that SEPTA does not allow hate speech."
According to reports, these fliers were distributed by the group Goyim TV. 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. The ADL says this increase was, in part, due to the recent growth of the Goyim Defense League, which operates Goyim TV.
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.
###