Symbols of hate were discovered this week across metro Atlanta when residents reported black swastikas had been spray-painted at properties in Roswell, Sandy Springs, and Atlanta.
Swastikas were found on a hiking trail in Roswell on Dec. 22, at the corner of Drewry and Frederica streets in Atlanta’s Virginia-Highland neighborhood on Dec. 23, and recently on an overpass in Sandy Springs.
The swastika is a notorious symbol of hate, antisemitism, white supremacy, and Nazism, according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
“It breaks my heart to share that our beautiful Virginia-Highland neighborhood has been marred by hateful symbols – Nazi swastikas have been spray-painted across several locations. This vibrant community, known for its joy and safety, should never have to bear such darkness,” Georgia Solidarity Network Executive Director Karen Isenberg Jones wrote on Facebook.
“Let’s come together to reject this hatred. Our voices are powerful, and we must stand united against these acts that threaten the spirit of our community. Love and acceptance will always prevail over hate,” Jones added.
Georgia House District 51 Representative Esther Panitch said she’s been in touch with a detective at the Atlanta Police Department, who is now investigating the crime. She drew attention to Pastor Brian Webb. He discovered three black swastikas along Vickery Creek Trail in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, a unit of the National Park Service, on Dec. 22.
“To see that symbol and the history of that symbol, and what it really represents and means, my stomach began to turn, and I was fully disgusted,” Webb said. “Very angry that someone so brazenly would put such symbols on a path to send a message of intimidation.”
Panitch asked that anyone with more information contact Atlanta Police Detective R.C. Sluss, or post a photo on social media. “If you don’t want to post your info, please DM [direct message] me,” Panitch said.
In a statement, the ADL thanked Webb and other community leaders for speaking out against hate, “especially at a time of increased antisemitism in the U.S. and worldwide.”