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UPDATE September 11, 2023: StopAntisemitism identified two of the men arrested for distributing antisemitic ‘Goyim Defense League’ (GDL) propaganda. Richard Young and Joseph Chiddo were cited after distributing antisemitic flyers Sunday in Wake Forest and Rolesville; more here.
Joseph Chiddo (Left) and Richard Young (Right)
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Multiple people are in custody after distributing antisemitic flyers Sunday in Wake Forest and Rolesville.
A resident in Elizabeth Springs said they found a Ziploc bag filled with the flyers in their driveway Sunday afternoon between 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
The advocacy organization fighting antisemitism - StopAntisemitism - has attributed the antisemitic flyers to the Goyim Defense League (GDL). The league travels the country distributing these hateful flyers targeting Jewish communities.
Neighbors in the community said the neighborhood is home to several Jewish families.
One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said while she respects people's freedom of speech, she did not appreciate the flyers being left on her property.
"They have a right to their opinions, just don't force it on anybody else," the woman said. "Putting something like that on my lawn is forcing it on me."
This is not the first time antisemitic flyers were distributed in Wake County this year. In August, antisemitic flyers appeared in five Raleigh neighborhoods overnight on August 6.
"It is happening more frequently," said Eric Solomon, A rabbi with Beth Myere Synagogue. "We are not deterred of course, and I'm grateful to law enforcement, but it appears that it's happening more and more. That's why we're grateful that people in our community spoke up."
"The fact that the police and neighbors notified, stood up, and did not stand idly by, it means the world and it means a lot to the Jewish community," Solomon said. "We are incredibly grateful."
The man who reported the flyers said Rolesville police contacted him around 4:15 p.m. and said the people responsible are in custody.
It is not clear how the police found those responsible or if they will face charges or citations.