Be vigilant as ‘Day of Hate’ approaches

Police and security agencies across the U.S. are advising Jews to be vigilant this Shabbat weekend ahead of a “National Day of Hate,” Feb. 25, proposed by a small Neo-Nazi group in early January.

In Rhode Island, Napoleon Brito, Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island manager of community security, has been in contact with area law enforcement agencies and the Rhode Island State Fusion Center, which monitors threat-related activity. Brito has requested increased police patrols at area synagogues during Shabbat services and throughout the weekend. There has been no reported local threat.

The Secure Community Network, the safety and security network for the Jewish community in North America, reports that since the organizing group is small and the calls for action are limited, activity will likely include distribution of antisemitic flyers, banners, graffiti and small protests.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recommends that you do not confront protestors or those distributing antisemitic materials, and if you feel threatened you contact law enforcement. Also, report any antisemitic activity on a reputable tracker.

According to Adam Greenman, president and CEO of the Alliance, “Since first being alerted to the ‘National Day of Hate,’ the Alliance has been working to coordinate efforts with local and state law enforcement. We have also been keeping our community partners up to speed on the latest news from our national security partner, Secure Community Network. While there have been no credible threats made, we urge our communities to remain vigilant this day and every day. 

“It can be infuriating to know a day like this is being planned, but our community is strong, vibrant, and above all, resilient,” he said. “Together, we will rise above this hate.” 

According to the ADL, This “National Day of Hate” was originally proposed by a tiny Eastern Iowa-based neo-Nazi group called Crew-319. Over the past few weeks, individuals associated with other white supremacist groups and networks have indicated they will participate. These groups and networks have membership and supporters scattered around the country including the Goyim Defense League, Active Clubs and National Socialist Movement. Since 2021, white supremacist networks such as White Lives Matter have popularized designated “days of action” as a tactic to unite fellow white supremacists and draw attention to their cause.

On these days, participants primarily conduct white supremacist and antisemitic propaganda distributions, banner drops, and hold small demonstrations. Collecting footage of such actions from different small groups across the country is a strategy they use to give an inflated sense of participation and to suggest wider acceptance of antisemitism and white supremacy; actual participation in these events is usually very small.