More anti-Semitic packets delivered to local homes — this time in Wilmette

About one month after similar incidents in neighboring communities, at least five Wilmette homes received racist materials in their parkways.

Packets of anti-Semitic literature were discovered in the early hours of Wednesday, June 1, in the parkways of homes in the 1300 block of Chestnut Avenue on Wilmette’s east side, according to a release from the Village of Wilmette.

The materials reportedly were inside a sealed plastic bag containing rice to weigh them down, similar to the packets found April 28 on dozens of driveways in Winnetka, Glencoe and Highland Park and in March at homes in Skokie, Niles and Glenview.

Just like the April 28 packets, the Wilmette Police Department believes these materials were delivered at random and is working with neighboring departments to investigate.

“We have seen anti-Semitic acts throughout the region and across our country,” Police Chief Kyle Murphy said in the release, “and I want to ensure our residents that the Wilmette Police Department is fully committed to working closely with local, state and federal law enforcement to investigate these reprehensible actions.” 

The March incidents led to a rally in protest of anti-Semitism and all hate on April 24 organized by local community groups, and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Commissioner Scott Britton, who reportedly received one of the packets at his Glenview home on March 3. 

The Village of Wilmette said in the release that with its Human Relations Commission it works to make all residents feel safe.

“The Village Board and I absolutely reject these acts of antisemitism against our community,” Village President Senta Plunkett said in a statement. “We strive to foster an inclusive community and are both saddened and disgusted by these actions in Wilmette and our neighboring communities. In no uncertain terms, we denounce all  forms of hate speech and stand by our Jewish neighbors.” 

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