'Disgraceful Propaganda': Danvers Officials Condemn False 9-11 Banner

DANVERS, MA — As Danvers has taken constructive steps to promote diversity and inclusivity — both inside the schools and townwide — following a string of hateful actions and messages within the community in recent years, the town was hit with another incident of what officials are calling a "false, destructive and divisive antisemitic message linked to 9/11" this weekend.

Officials issued a joint statement on Tuesday condemning a large banner that they said 10 people in masks hung over the Rail Trail bridge on Route 114 early Saturday night.

"These individuals appear to be associated with the same hate group which has recently spread disgraceful propaganda in Danvers and surrounding communities," officials said. "We want to be clear that we reject this hateful, antisemitic and discriminatory behavior.

"Not only does this incident spread hate. But it perpetuates misinformation regarding 9/11. Groups like this also try to deny and obscure the brutal truth surrounding the atrocities committed against Jewish people, other marginalized groups, and their supporters during the Holocaust."

The joint statement was provided to Patch from Select Board Chair Daniel Bennett, Committee for Human Rights and Inclusion Dutrochet Djoko, Director of Equity and Inclusion Jasmine Ramon, Police Chief Jamie Lovell and Town Manager Steve Bartha.

"We would like to reaffirm that we condemn all antisemitic behavior in our community," the statement said. "We stand in solidarity with our Jewish members of the community, and all of those impacted by this attempt to spread hate and cause harm. We acknowledge the recent history of anti-Semitic incidents in Danvers and remain committed to raising awareness of Jewish history, preventing harm, and creating an environment in which all cultures and faiths are supported and celebrated.

"Now, more than ever, we call on the community to reject toxic and deceitful messaging spread by these groups, to uplift one another, and to elevate the voices of those who have been harmed."

U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Salem) identified the group thought to be behind the banner on Tuesday and called the group "domestic terrorists."

"Nationalist Social Club 131 is a pathetic group united by hate," Moulton posted on his social media. "There is no place for them here — or anywhere. We will not allow domestic terrorists like this to flourish.

"Join me in condemning them today and every day."

Danvers Public Schools held a Holocaust symposium made up of parents and students this past school year, and in June held a townwide Healing & Unity Event that drew more than 500 attendees.

A new page on the Danvers Public Schools' website highlights the work the district has done to improve school climate and culture — as well as the next steps to be taken — following Attorney General Maura Healey's investigation into how the schools handled racist and antisemitic incidents and accusations of homophobic hazing over the past three years.

"We are in the early stages of planning an upcoming community event focused on processing, reflection, and healing," the joint statement said.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)