Human Rights Commission talks antisemitism

Last Thursday, the Humboldt County Human Rights Commission discussed the antisemitic flyers that were placed throughout the county twice this year.

The discussions led to the suggestion from Access Humboldt Executive Director Sean McLaughlin to produce a radio or television spot highlighting the dangers of antisemitism and it’s lack of a place in Humboldt County. After a back and forth between commissioners about what they

wanted to include in the proposed media, Chair Jim Glover said he would come up with an actual agenda item and bring it back to the commission

“It’s not enough for those people that are being attacked to have the police know about it, but the community needs to be aware, too,” Glover said.

In July and November, flyers espousing typical antisemitic beliefs — namely the conspiratorial notion that Jews manufactured any number of negative global catastrophes, such as the pandemic — were littered across parts of the Humboldt Bay region.

At Tuesday’s Humboldt County Board of Supervisors meeting, an item is on the agenda that, if passed, would declare December as human rights awareness month. Glover said he planned to speak at the Board of Supervisors meeting.

The commission had earlier created a rapid response document condemning the flyers, and there was some discussion of using television or radio to air the document. They also discussed getting feedback from Jewish community members regarding how to proceed with Access Humboldt’s proposed radio or television spot.

“Putting out a press release is helpful, but it may not be translated into a product that airs on a station or appears on a news outlet,” McLaughlin said.

If the commission decides to take further action, they will need to discuss it at a future meeting date.