Missouri City, Texas – Some neighbors in Missouri City expressed concern after anti-Semitic flyers were found inside plastic bags on driveways Wednesday.
“We’re just completely shocked and just blown away,” said resident Tia Potts.
Potts said her dad came across the flyer at their home as he was walking the dog.
“It just makes me sad that this could be this close to home,” she said.
To summarize, the flyer talks about a “COVID agenda” and Jewish people.
Another neighbor, who didn’t want to show his face, said he has lived in the area for more than 10 years and received the message too.
“A little bit shocking to see,” he said.
KPRC 2 showed a copy of the flyer to Mark Toubin, regional director for the Anti-Defamation League Southwest Region.
“It’s spreading vile, anti-Semitism and playing on stereotypes that go back centuries,” Toubin said.
He called the discovery disturbing and troubling.
“It’s hard to know if there was anything particular that was motivating the timing,” Toubin said. “As I said, it’s been happening more frequently as of late.”
The flyers show a logo, but residents don’t know who left them in the neighborhood.
“I don’t think there’s any place for that on our street or anywhere,” Potts said.
Someone on another street found flyers and contacted Missouri City police, Lt. Russell Terry said.
However, a neighbor on that street said the flyer they saw was different.
Police said they are looking to see if anyone has any video to figure out who’s behind this.
Fort Bend County Judge KP George released the following statement about the flyers:
“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.”