Various Jewish groups have issued statements advising the community on what to do to combat a possible “National Day of Hate” that white supremacists are planning on February 25.
Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) reported that various police bulletins have been warning about a “Day of Hate” that day; the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has found that Crew-319, an Iowa-based white supremacist group, is behind the Day of Hate. However, the Chicago and New York Police Departments have both said there aren’t currently any “concrete threats” to the Jewish community, per JTA. The Atlantic’s Yair Rosenberg also shared a Facebook post from New York City Councilmember James Gennaro saying that a flyer for the Day of Hate that’s been circulating on social media for the Day of Hate “has been fabricated” but there will be a higher law enforcement presence near synagogues on February 25.
Subsequently, Gennaro’s office posted on Facebook confirmation that the Day of Hate is real.
Jewish groups have issued statements addressing the matter.
“While ADL is not aware of any specific threats, we know that these [white supremacist] groups are hoping for increased antisemitic flier distributions, protests and graffiti,” ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said in a statement. “We know this is frightening; it is completely unacceptable that the Jewish community — or any community — should be targeted by extremists spreading hate and alarm. The hate groups behind this effort hope that we will be afraid and isolated. Instead, we are coming together in resolve and solidarity.” Greenblatt urged the Jewish community to share “a message of unity against antisemitism and hate.” “Before the Jewish Sabbath, please be sure to let your online community know that you will not back down, and you will not be intimidated by extremists,” he said.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles said in a statement posted to social media that they “are aware of the possible antisemitic actions taking place on Saturday. Should an incident occur, we are prepared to respond vigilantly.” The Federation added that law enforcement has pledged to increase patrols around the community as a precautionary measure and urged the community “to avoid any public spaces with large gatherings of people demonstrating, as agitators may take advantage of the situation and escalate quickly to violence.”
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Stop Antisemitism tweeted, “We strongly urge everyone to be vigilant, specifically during Synagogue services this Shabbat. If you see something, say something and call 911 immediately!”
StopAntisemitism is closely monitoring the upcoming National Day of Hate being promoted by white nationalist hate groups.
We strongly urge everyone to be vigilant, specifically during Synagogue services this Shabbat.
If you see something, say something and call 911 immediately!
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) February 24, 2023
StandWithUs CEO and Co-Founder Roz Rothstein, the daughter of Holocaust survivors, tweeted out a graphic encouraging the community to celebrate a “Shabbat of Love” to counter the Day of Hate. “This Shabbat: Do something wonderful to counter the ‘Day of Hate,’” StandWithUs tweeted.
This Shabbat: Do something wonderful to counter the "Day of Hate." https://t.co/fwJwcJVE7D
— StandWithUs (@StandWithUs) February 23, 2023
Club Z Founder and Executive Director Masha Merkulova urged the Jewish community “to go to synagogue this Shabbat and celebrate loudly, proudly and more joyfully than ever before.” “It is critically important that we do not cower in the face of this virulent Jew-hatred,” she said. “We must show the world that we are not afraid, we will not be silent, and we will always stand united against hate and violence toward the Jewish people. The people of Israel live. The Nation of Israel endures.”
Attorney Gabriel Groisman, the former mayor of Bal Harbour, FL, posted a video to social media encouraging the Jewish community to engage in a “weekend of Jewish pride.” “This weekend I’m asking Jewish men to put on their kippahs,” Groisman said. “Women and everyone else, put on a Star of David. It’s a weekend to be visibly Jewish. Let them see that not only we’re not afraid of them, but we’re proud of who they are.”
Jew Haters around the US are calling for a “Day of Hate” this weekend.
I’m calling for a “Weekend of Jewish Pride.”
Join Me! pic.twitter.com/oBBxfrUQX9
— Gabriel Groisman (@GabeGroisman) February 23, 2023
The American Jewish Committee tweeted, “Neo-Nazi groups are reportedly organizing a national “Day of Hate” against Jews on Saturday. We will not be intimidated. We are resilient. We are strong. We are #JewishandProud.”
Neo-Nazi groups are reportedly organizing a national “Day of Hate” against Jews on Saturday.
We will not be intimidated.
We are resilient.
We are strong.
We are #JewishandProud. pic.twitter.com/pzL9DnrQgl
— American Jewish Committee (@AJCGlobal) February 23, 2023
This article has been updated.
