‘Weekend of Love’ Counters ‘Day of Hate’ in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Law enforcement around the Seacoast will be on alert Saturday as white supremacists declare it a "National Day of Hate."

ADL New York/New Jersey Senior Deputy Regional Director Etzion Neuer told Seacoast Current the day has been endorsed and shared online by extremist groups. It includes a call for antisemitic flier distributions, small protests, and graffiti in Jewish neighborhoods.

The New Hampshire Department of Safety's Information and Analysis Center (NHIAC) has received no information indicating any credible threats or scheduled events in New Hampshire, according to spokesman Tyler Dumont

New Hampshire State Police said residents and visitors should be vigilant during the weekend and report any suspicious activity by calling 911.

15 businesses and places of worship in Portsmouth were spray painted with swastikas and religious symbols in the early hours of Tuesday, according to Portsmouth Police. No arrests have been made in the case. Portsmouth Police said the department will increase patrols at places of worship during the weekend.

"The City of Portsmouth and the Police Department will not tolerate hate activities in our city. The Police Department will use all available means to identify, arrest and prosecute any individuals who commit criminal acts in furtherance of hateful beliefs," the department said in a statement.

"Weekend of Love"

Temple Israel Portsmouth, one of the houses of worship that was spray painted, is leading a "weekend of love" with an event called "Gathering for Love" Sunday afternoon. The event includes music, song and prayer from 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

"The simple act of delivering something beautiful where hate was recently graffitied, cannot take the hate away, but the organizers aim to place hope in its place," the temple wrote on its Facebook page.

ADL New England took a different tact when it comes to the day,

"When white supremacists call for a "National Day of Hate" that targets the Jewish community, we answer that call with peace. Join @ADL and the greater Jewish community for a #ShabbatOfPeaceNotHate this weekend," the organization said in a tweet.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH