Antisemites protest at JCC

On Thursday, May 6, an antisemitic group called the Goyim Defense League stood across the street from The Roth Family JCC with signs and megaphones, ranting their propaganda to protest against the Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida. They also attempted to hand out flyers to cars as they stopped at traffic lights at Maitland Avenue and Maitland Blvd. Their van, decorated with Holocaust denial and hate-filled messages, tried to come onto the JCC property. However, the JCC security staff were aware of their presence in Florida and were prepared for any arrival.

The ADL stated on its website that this group is a loose network of individuals organized by six people and was founded in California. They spews their contempt for Jewish people in California, Colorado, Florida and New York. GDL operates GoyimTV, a video platform that streams antisemitic content, and shares their antisemitism by way of the Internet, propaganda distributions, street protests.

Jewish Federation CEO Keith Dvorchik was notified by law enforcement in advance and the group was denied entry to the JCC property but stood across the street from the JCC on Maitland Ave. and had signs posted on Maitland Blvd.

Campus Security Director Jake Silverman, the campus security guard, the Maitland Police Department and Orange County Sheriff's Office made sure the campus remained secure during their protest.

Silverman, law enforcement and the Secure Community Network will continue to monitor the situation and provide additional support to the campus if necessary.

Because of everyone's quick response, activities at the JCC were able to continue.