Posted on 02/23/23
A "Day of Hate" is reportedly being planned by a group of Neo-Nazi antisemites for this upcoming Shabbos, and authorities in several U.S. states are warning their Jewish communities to be extra vigilant. The Chicago Police Department was the first to report the threat to its local Jewish community, and now authorities in New York and Florida are following suit.
Last month, an anti-Semitic group based in Iowa designated February 25 as a "day of hate," and other white supremacist and hate groups have since said they plan to participate, according to David Goldenberg, the Midwest regional director of the Anti-Defamation League. One of the groups behind this plot is the Goyim Defense League (GDL).
While there is currently no actionable intelligence regarding the planned event, Chicago police have been urging Jewish communities to be extra cautious and alert. The NYPD has also issued a similar notice to the Chicago PD, warning New York Jewish communities to be extremely vigilant and to report any suspicious activity.
The Orthodox Union (O-U) has sent a message to its network of synagogues, urging them to be vigilant and in contact with local law enforcement to request enhanced security. They have also been in contact with the DHS and FBI about the threats.
The police in South Florida have sent a message to Jewish residents, warning them that "known antisemitic, white supremacist, and neo-Nazi groups have encouraged their followers to participate in a 'National Day of Hate' this coming Saturday, Feb. 25." The message goes on to say that the antisemitic activity will likely include in-person demonstrations, flyering efforts, stickering efforts, banner drops, and vandalism.
Two of the organizations behind this initiative - GDL and NSM - have a footprint in South Florida. While there are currently no specific, credible threats of violence to the Jewish community related to this report, residents are encouraged to be vigilant for non-violent in-person demonstrations, flyering, stickering, laser projections, and/or banner drops.
Reportedly, organizers of the "Day of Hate" are asking participants to post their activity online, in order to create a compendium of their behavior and spread hate. These hateful and dangerous activities must not be allowed to go unchallenged, and Jewish communities across the United States are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.