Anti-Semitic Groups Call for Nationwide “Day of Hate” This Shabbos

By M.C. Millman

With an alleged “Day of Hate” planned for February 25, Rockland Residents are urged to be vigilant over Shabbos. 

"In recent days there has been increased chatter about a “National Day of Hate" scheduled by several white supremacist organizations for this Saturday, February 25," the Community Security Initiative (CSI) informed the public in a press release. "The call to action included propaganda distributions, banner drops, and graffiti. 

"At this time, no specific details have been shared by New York-based extremists to indicate their exact plans for this weekend. We assess that propaganda-based activities are likely, as we have seen across New York in recent months. In addition to online monitoring, CSI remains in contact with our partner organizations as well as local law enforcement ahead of this weekend."

Chaverim of Rockland posted a community notice reminding community members to be extra vigilant of their surrounding throughout Shabbos. "Although there aren't any credible direct threats to Rockland County," Chaverim states,  "the Ramapo Police, Spring Valley Police, and Chaverim of Rockland will increase patrols throughout Shabbos." Patrol cars can be flagged down if anyone spots anything suspicious. 

Town of Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht shared a message on Thursday night regarding the upcoming Day of Hate. "I want you to know that our Ramapo Detectives assigned to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Safe Streets Task Force monitor this broad threat," the Supervisor stated. "The Ramapo Police Department is working closely with their law enforcement partners to mitigate any risks. I am asking that all Ramapo residents pay attention to their surroundings. I have directed that the Chief of Police increase staffing on February 25th, and we strongly encourage the public to help the police by calling 911 to report suspicious activity. "

"We are routinely briefed by our Ramapo Police Department Detectives who are assigned to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force," Ramapo Police Chief  Martin Reilly shared with Rockland Daily. "In response to this information, we are in constant communication with our assigned members. They have informed us that, at this time, there is no credible threat to our area. They will continue to monitor this situation. We have increased our staffing and encourage our residents to call 911 if they observe anything suspicious."

Recommendations by CSI for dealing with the Day of Hate include the following.

• Alert your security team of this event
• Have heightened situational awareness
• Enforce robust access control into your facilities
• Report any suspicious activity, vandalism, or harassment to law enforcement and to your CSI Regional Security Director
• Do not confront individuals distributing propaganda, conducting banner drops or spraying/stenciling graffiti as they may be willing to engage in violence and/or film interactions to use in their digital propaganda.

The “National Day of Hate” was originally proposed by a tiny Eastern Iowa-based neo-Nazi group in early January. 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.

Photo Credit: Ramapo Police Department