Police throughout Illinois are alerting the public to be vigilant after anti-Semitic hate groups have made threats and initiated a “National Day of Hate” on Saturday toward Jewish communities.
The Illinois State Police said in a statement Thursday that the public should be vigilant over the next several days after increased online domestic violent extremist messaging announced February 25 as “National Day of Hate.”
Neo-Nazi anti-Semite groups are encouraging hate actions this weekend, the state police said.
Anyone who sees suspicious vehicles, circumstances or individuals should call 911.
The Illinois Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center has been in communication with community organizations and will continue to monitor intelligence platforms, the state police said.
The City of Highland Park said they have been made aware of non-specific threats towards Jewish communities across the United States.
“At this time, no specific threat has been made against Highland Park’s Jewish community or synagogues. However, national hate groups have shared non-specific calls to distribute propaganda, post on social media, and commit acts of vandalism,” the city said in a statement.
Highland Park police will implement increased patrols in the vicinity of Highland Park synagogues and urge community members to share information regarding any hate-motivated acts, including leafletting and vandalism.
The City of Highland Park said they “unequivocally condemn anti-Semitism and all acts of hate, standing in solidarity with our Jewish community” against hate groups that aim to make people feel unsafe.
“Hate has no home in Highland Park or anywhere,” the city said.
The Anti-Defamation League said the nationwide “Day of Hate” campaign planned for Saturday is “meant to be intimidating and divide us, but we will remain united in our kindness and positivity.”