FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas — After anti-Semitic letters were found in a Missouri City neighborhood, Fort Bend County Judge KP George is speaking out against discrimination and prejudice.
The Missouri City Police Department says they recovered more than 80 flyers Thursday.
George says these types of crimes will not be tolerated in Fort Bend County, the most diverse county in the country.
"Our community leaders, law enforcement and I share the concern that these disturbing acts of intolerance are equally distressing and harmful to individuals and our communities," George said in a statement released Friday. "I want to make clear that we all must stand together and condemn racism, antisemitism, and discrimination in all forms."
The judge said he fully supports the local law enforcement in conducting a full and thorough investigation.
Neighbors in the Oyster Creek subdivision in Missouri City say the flyers were found inside plastic bags thrown onto their yards and driveways.
"It's obviously disturbing,” Kevin Shagi said.
One of the flyers accuses Jewish people of having some sort of COVID agenda, another condemns Judaism.
“It seems ominous for this neighborhood,” Shaqi said.
"Sadly the hate exists, and it crosses all sections of our community," said Randy Czarlinsky, the Regional Director of the American Jewish Committee. “Really, the Jewish community can speak out, but it’s also very important for other faith and ethnic leaders to speak out about the anti-Semitism that's occurring."
Czarlinsky believes it’s bringing attention to the call for unity.
Mark Toubin, a regional director for the Anti-Defamation League, responded to the judge's post about the incident and thanked him his support in combating hate and promoting inclusiveness.
The flyers were distributed as Jewish community members are closing out the Hanukkah holiday.
Missouri City Police say they’re working to gather surveillance video from the area. Since the flyers did not include any sort of threat, it’s unclear if the suspect (s) will face any charges.
Those who have experienced or witnessed an incident of antisemitism, or any form of hate, can submit a report to ADL for help.
Read the KP George's full statement
"In Fort Bend County, we welcome the rich and colorful tapestry of all communities. Racial, ethnic, and antisemitic terror have no place anywhere, especially not in Fort Bend County. The concerning surge of hate we've seen in the last several years is not acceptable and is a danger that threatens us all. Discrimination and harassment of individuals or groups based on race, religion, ancestry, place of origin, ethnic origin, citizenship, or any other identity are intolerable. As County Judge of one of the most ethnically diverse counties in the country, I want to make clear that we all must stand together and condemn racism, antisemitism, and discrimination in all forms. Our community leaders, law enforcement and I share the concern that these disturbing acts of intolerance are equally distressing and harmful to individuals and our communities. Fort Bend County is leading the way on how a diverse community can come together as one and be inspired and dedicated to meeting and building relationships with each other in various communities outside of their normal purview. The values of diversity, inclusion, respect, and civility are fundamental. Hatred and violence against Jewish people, African Americans, Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders, LGBTQ+ communities, immigrants, refugees, and others are despicable. We must come together in this country and in our communities to end hate, racism, antisemitism, and intolerance."