Israel Flag Proposal Draws Anti-Semitic Slur, Online Swastika, and Nazi Salute In Winthrop, Town Officials Say

Israel Flag Proposal Draws Anti-Semitic Slur, Online Swastika, and Nazi Salute In Winthrop, Town Officials Say

A proposal to fly the flag of the State of Israel in the town of Winthrop drew an online commenter who "shouted an antisemitic slur, displayed a swastika on their screen, and appeared to give a nazi salute during a discussion regarding the town's flag flying policy," town officials said.

"During a civic discussion on the flying of flags on town property, an individual seized the meeting to use it as a platform for hate speech and to display symbols of hate, intimidation and nazism," said James Letterie, president of the town council, according to State House News Service. "We condemn this act and all acts of hatred in or around our community, and we will always call out and condemn hatred in all its forms. There is no place for it here in Winthrop."