Banner plane that some perceived as hate message was actually marriage proposal

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – A banner plane seen over the weekend in South Florida caused a firestorm on social media.

The message on the banner caught the attention of many who have grown accustomed to hate speech.

Liora Rez, the executive director of stopantisemitism.org, received the photos from her South Florida followers.

She called Pembroke Pines police and even pulled North Perry Airport’s flight manifest.

“I was shocked, as many people were,” she said. “Everyone’s sensitivities and alarm levels are set at such a high level when seeing a banner that blatantly says, “Jew. I have a question.’”

Marriage proposal on banner plane that some thought was anti-Semitic hate message. (WPLG)

The banner and flight originated at Aerial Banner, Inc. at North Perry Airport, where they told Local 10 News’ Glenna Milberg it was actually a marriage proposal, like so many they do, and a woman nicknamed Jew raised no eyebrows until a call from the Anti-Defamation League.

“It was like, ‘Wait, what? What are you talking about?’” said Milo Srkal Jr. with Aerial Banners, Inc. “And then after sitting back, thinking about it, reading a few things, and having things explained to us, it was like, ‘Oh my God.’”

The banner backlash comes during a documented increase in anti-Semitic crimes, including graffiti, vandalism, and open hate.

“One’s mind starts to jump to frightening things,” said Rez.


About the Author:

Glenna Milberg joined Local 10 News in September 1999 to report on South Florida's top stories and community issues. She also serves as co-host on Local 10's public affairs broadcast, "This Week in South Florida."