Stickers found in Brookline, Cambridge "a clear target on the Jewish community" police say
BROOKLINE - Police in Brookline and Cambridge are investigating antisemitic stickers popping up in their communities.
The offensive stickers were found in Coolidge Corner outside of a synagogue, a grade school and Kupel's, a popular Jewish bakery over the weekend.
"I think it's a clear, clear target on the Jewish community," Brookline Police Lt. David Hill said. "I think it was done in that area because of Brookline's high Jewish population in that area."
The stickers are the Israeli flag with the Star of David replaced with a blue swastika. Brookline News first reported the discovery of the stickers.
"Totally out of bounds"
"Perhaps the intent was to criticize Israeli foreign policy, and if that's your intent, you take it to representatives of Israel," State Rep. Tommy Vitolo said. "Where you don't take it is to synagogues and Jewish businesses. That's also antisemitic, it's totally out of bounds."
Vitolo says antisemitic acts are on the rise nationwide, and even in Brookline, which is a predominantly progressive and Jewish community.
"It took place in this community, we don't know who put these stickers up," Vitolo said.
Police reviewing surveillance video
Similar stickers appeared in Cambridge. Police there are looking at surveillance video to narrow in on the vandal or vandals.
"We're also in communication with Cambridge who is another community in the region that's been experiencing similar incidents," Lt. Hill said.
As police investigate who's behind the stickers, local leaders have a message for the community.
"There's no reason to be afraid because some punks or whoever they were, littered up an area our town," said Brookline Select Board Chair Bernard Greene. "It's not something that should intimidate us and we should be strong."