Statement from Cobb County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Lisa Cupid:

Recently two Cobb County communities have been subjected to antisemitic messages. 

Antisemitic flyers have been left on driveways in one neighborhood in Kennesaw, and Neo-Nazi protestors have appeared outside of a synagogue in East Cobb.

I recognize the constitutional right to Freedom of Speech may allow these expressions of beliefs. Still, we should also recognize that these actions impair our sense of community when all should feel safe and welcome here.

While disheartened these messages were spread in our county; I appreciate that these events ended peacefully.  Our public safety personnel have our complete support, as do members of the Jewish community and those in Cobb who find these displays reprehensible.

My desire is for no one to perpetuate a heinous history that signifies hate in our county.  Cobb is a community that is moving forward together, and where we are all in, in establishing a county where all can safely live, work, and enjoy.

A message from Cobb District 2 Commissioner Jerica Richardson:

For several months, antisemitic flyers have been appearing around Cobb County, from Marietta to Kennesaw to Acworth. Antisemitic graffiti was found at Pope High School just last year. Last night, antisemitic rhetoric used by some at the state and national level found its way again into my district. This group, which has appeared throughout the state seeking attention, brought their hate to the doorsteps of Chabad of Cobb. These actions do not represent the values of the East Cobb community that I know.  As soon as I heard where this was happening, I went to the Synagogue. There, I found the most remarkable display of the community coming together to chant, defend, and support our Jewish sisters and brothers at the Synagogue.

I appreciate the leadership under Rabbi Silverman at Chabad of Cobb and his efforts to make a kinder, nicer community and our officers who kept the situation stable. As your Commissioner, I will work to ensure that all members of our community feel safe. As long as we keep showing up to express love in the face of hate, we reclaim the most important pieces of our democracy in all its trials and tests. I am committed to seeing that antisemitism and all forms of discrimination are not met with silence but justice. I hope you will join me in this effort.

A message from Cobb Police Chief Stuart VanHoozer to Cobb County residents:

Last night (June 24), 11 protestors arrived at a synagogue in Cobb County. The group is thought to be a small affiliation from various states across the US, and it is believed arrived locally in Cobb yesterday after having been in other regions of the state in the preceding days.

The Cobb County Police Department enjoys a strong relationship with, supports, and respects our Jewish community partners. We regularly work with one another to protect life, improve quality of life, and help people feel safe in Cobb County. CCPD has worked and is working directly with those affected in this case.

Last night's events were an example of three things.

First, people who wish to express their opinions within the law peaceably can do so in Cobb County, regardless of content.

Second, impressively, our Cobb County community lawfully expressed theirs as well, which stood in stark contrast to the message of the small group they opposed. Despite their absolute opposition to the messages being displayed by the protestors, our Cobb County community maintained a peaceful and calm response.

Finally, our officers did a great job of setting aside any personal feelings they may have had concerning the protestors, ensuring that the incident was handled safely, and protecting people's safety and rights. Their ongoing commitment to our Jewish friends and all communities we serve will continue in the future to ensure Cobb is well protected both physically and constitutionally.