Cobb Police said Monday they are investigating an anti-Semitic message that was projected on a bridge over Interstate 75 near Chastain Road.
Sgt. Wayne Delk said that officers reported to calls from drivers on Sunday that that a moving message had been displayed along the side of an overpass.
According to social media postings, the message said “This land is our land, Heil Hitler.”
The message comes as tensions are mounting in the Middle East, with Israel airstrikes continuing into Gaza after terrorists massacred nearly 1,500 Israelis in an Oct. 7 attack aimed at civilians.
“We recognize the deep distress and concern incidents of this nature may cause, particularly to our Jewish community members and other targeted groups,” Delk said in a release. “We stand in solidarity with all residents of Cobb County and are dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of every individual. Hate has no place in our community, and we will work to ensure that those responsible for any violations of law are held accountable. ”
The message mentioned the Goyim Defense League, which targeted the Chabad of Cobb synagogue in East Cobb in June with swastikas and anti-Semitic messages.
That incident prompted an interfaith service at East Cobb United Methodist Church that included the presence of Cobb Police Chief Stuart VanHoozer and various elected officials.
State Rep. John Carson, a Republican who represents part of East Cobb is a co-sponsor of a bill that would include anti-Semitic messages in a hate crimes bill that has failed to pass the Georgia legislature.
In a social media post Monday, he called the I-75 incident a “stunt that is digusting. Behavior like this has no place here in Georgia. Example # (I’ve lost track) of why it’s time to pass HB30.”
Teri Anulewicz, a Smyrna Democrat who heads the Cobb legislative delegation, in referring to the GDL, said that “I don’t care that this depraved group isn’t based in Cobb. I am devastated and outraged that they continue to believe they have an audience here.”
Last week, Cobb commissioners dropped a proposed resolution condemning Hamas for the attacks on Israelis after Muslim citizens and those of Palestinian descent complained they were not included in the process.
That followed objections from Muslim and Palestinian parents about a message sent out by the Cobb County School District about an “international threat” by Hamas they said was needless and fear-mongering
Cobb Police didn’t indicate how the “Heil Hitler” message might have been placed on the I-75 overpass.
Delk said in the release that “it is important for our entire community to understand that proactive steps are being taken to address this incident. We want to reassure the community that acts of this nature will be rigorously investigated. Individuals found responsible for illegal conduct could face a range of charges, from traffic violations to more serious offenses. We are coordinating and will continue to coordinate with other law enforcement partners during this investigation.
“The Cobb County Police Department remains vigilant and is committed to ensuring that all residents can live and work in a community where they feel safe, valued, and respected.”
He said anyone with information is asked to contact Cobb Police at 770-499-4111 or cobbpolicecrimetips@
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