Stickers bearing the message “Antisemitism is caused by Semitism” have been plastered around the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
The phrase is commonly used by neo-Nazis and white nationalists online, and it is understood that the stickers were appended by a group calling itself the Hundred Handers.
Stickers were seen and removed by appalled locals on Jeffrey Street, St Mary’s Street, Jury’s Inn and La Garrigue, and one concerned resident warned others to take care in their removal in case razor blades or sharp objects had been hidden behind,
Stephen Silverman, Director of Investigations and Enforcement at Campaign Against Antisemitism said: “The implication of this phrase is that Jews cause antisemitism. The accusation that antisemitism is the result of Jews’ own behaviour is a slur that has been used to persecute Jews for centuries, culminating in the Holocaust.
“This is offensive not just to Jews but all residents in Edinburgh and thousands of tourists. It is a terrible image for Edinburgh as the Royal Mile is such a popular and iconic tourist attraction. We expect that the authorities to remove the stickers immediately and investigate who is responsible.”
A spokesman for the local council advised that street cleaners have been alerted.
