WASHINGTON — At least 16 Jewish community centers (JCC) received bomb threats Jan. 9 in an apparent attempt to rattle American Jews, who have seen a spike in anti-Semitism incidents in the past year.
The threats — some by live callers, some by robocall — were made to JCCs in Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, South Carolina and at least four other states.
All of the reports were false, but several forced the evacuation of centers, which are gathering places for Jews and often include preschools, senior centers, gyms and facilities for readings, classes and prayer.
The Jewish Chronicle of London also reported bomb threats at a “small number” of Jewish and non-Jewish schools in Britain on Jan. 9. These also were determined to be false.
Targeted JCCs included those in Baltimore; Miami; Columbia, South Carolina; West Nashville, Tennessee; and Jacksonville, Florida. Law enforcement officials are investigating the possibility that the calls came from a single source.
The Jewish Community Center Association of North America — the umbrella group of JCCs — thanked local and federal law enforcement authorities for their “quick and thorough response.”
David Posner, director of strategic performance at the JCC Association, said JCCs will continue to work with law enforcement “as they do all year long” to ensure the safety of the centers. (RNS)
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