A number of Jewish Community Centers were suddenly evacuated on Monday due to another round of targeted threats around the country.
NBC News reports at least two Jewish Community Centers in Philadelphia were evacuated around 10:45 AM and police say the buildings have been securely cleared. Threats were also reported Monday morning at JCCs in Delaware and Pennsylvania around noon. No one was reported hurt in an of the incidents.
BREAKING: Another round of bomb threats to Jewish community centers (NC, AL, FL, PA, NJ, DE & IN). It’s the *fifth such wave this year.
— Peter Alexander (@PeterAlexander) February 27, 2017
The JCC Association told news outlets that they were aware of the reports and looking into them.
We are aware of bomb threats at JCCs & day schools. They are working directly w/local authorities to make sure people & premises are safe.
— JCC Association (@JCCA) February 27, 2017
Monday’s threats are the latest in a string of incidents of violence and threats against the Jewish Community. Last week, a historic Jewish cemetery in Missouri was desecrated by vandals who broke headstones, including some of holocaust survivors.
NBC News confirms there has been another wave of bomb threats against Jewish Community Centers and schools across the country pic.twitter.com/TqBNbOGOnl
— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) February 27, 2017
Gov. Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania strongly condemned the attacks in statement obtained by LawNewz.
“Any antisemitic act or act of intimidation aimed at Jewish institutions and people in Pennsylvania is truly reprehensible and we must find those responsible and hold them accountable,” Wolf said. “This is not who we are as Americans or Pennsylvanians. We will not take these threats and acts lightly and I have asked the Pennsylvania State Police and Office of Homeland Security to offer their full resources towards protecting these institutions and finding those responsible.”
1:38 UPDATE:
The JCC Association if North America issued the following statement obtained by LawNewz expressing outrage about the latest threats:
“Anti-Semitism of this nature should not and must not be allowed to endure in our communities. The Justice Department, Homeland Security, the FBI, and the White House, alongside Congress and local officials, must speak out – and speak out forcefully – against this scourge of anti-Semitism impacting communities across the country.
“Actions speak louder than words. Members of our community must see swift and concerted action from federal officials to identify and capture the perpetrator or perpetrators who are trying to instill anxiety and fear in our communities.
“We remain grateful to local law enforcement who continue to serve our communities and ensure that our JCCs and schools remain safe and open for business as the vital community institutions they are.”
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