JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — There was an attempt to sour Jacksonville’s largest sporting event at yesterday’s Georgia vs. Florida game.
An antisemitic message was shown across a portion of TIAA Bank Field. There was another shown on the side of a downtown high rise. These were just two of several antisemitic signs seen around Northeast Florida in the last few days.
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Action News Jax spoke with members of the Jewish community and locals about their concerns with the display of antisemitism.
The first antisemitic sign was shown on the overpass on Interstate 10 and Chaffee. The second sign came at last night’s Georgia-Florida game. It read “Kanye is right about the Jews.”
These signs started appearing after rapper Ye, aka Kanye West, made antisemitic remarks on Twitter. Ye’s now deleted post said that he would go “death con 3 on Jewish people” referencing the U.S.’ defense readiness condition, DEFCON.
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“Words hurt,” said Mariam Feist, CEO of Jewish Federation and Foundation of Northeast Florida.
Feist said her organization is working to protect the entire Northeast Jewish community from antisemitism.
“We have signed an agreement with secure community network, and we are going to be implementing a community security initiative. By working with local law enforcement, including the FBI, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office,” said Feist.
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“I don’t think there’s any place for that here. This whole antisemitism thing that’s been going on forever is just ridiculous. It’s just hate,” said a Jax local.
Action News Jax is still working to learn where the message came from and who posted it. Mayor Lenny Curry weighed in on the matter on Twitter saying “Jacksonville is a city made better because of its diversity. Those who spread messages of hate, racism and antisemitism will not be able to change the heart of this city or her people.”
“For those that are doing these acts, as the elected officials and FBI have shared with me stop reposting their pictures and tweets. Don’t mention their names because you’re just keeping that venom alive,” said Feist.
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