The entire United States Senate signed a letter demanding that the Trump administration do something about bomb threats that have targeted Jewish centers across the country. Roughly 100 threats have been made since January. This comes as a sixth wave of threats took place on Tuesday, including ones made to Jewish Community Centers and Anti-Defamation League office.
The letter, penned by Senators Marco Rubio, Gary Peters, Rob Portman, and Bill Nelson, was signed by every U.S. Senator and addressed to Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and FBI Director James Comey. It referenced, “at least 98 incidents against JCCs and Jewish Day Schools” in 33 states., as well as the desecration of headstones at multiple Jewish cemeteries. “These cowardly acts aim to create an atmosphere of fear and disrupt the important programs and services offered by JCCs to everyone in the communities they serve, including in our states.” The Senators said that these acts are “completely unacceptable and un-American.”
The Senate called on the administration to take action, fearing that “failure to address and deter these threats will place innocent people at risk.” They suggested that the federal government help improve security at Jewish facilities, work to investigate and prosecute these acts, and deter future ones.
Each Senator is also prepared to do their part to ensure the safety of American Jewish communities. “We stand ready to work with you to ensure that these centers can continue to serve their communities free from violence and intimidation.”
[Image via ABC7 screengrab]
