Phony Bomb Threats Made to Dozens of NY Jewish Centers

By Reuvain Borchardt

BROOKLYN — Bomb threats that were emailed to over two dozen shuls, schools and Jewish centers in Brooklyn on Sunday have been determined to be fake.

“I placed explosives inside of your Synagogue. But also inside of every New York Synagogue,” reads one email sent to 27 addresses of yeshivas, shuls, JCC’s and Hillel Houses at 6:14 a.m. Sunday. “The explosives are well hidden and they will go off in a few hours. YOU WILL ALL LAY IN A POOL OF BLOOD.”

Jewish institutions to receive threatening emails included Cong. Shaare Zion in Gravesend, Mill Basin Hebrew School, and Chevra Ahavas Yisrael in Crown Heights, Kingsway Jewish Center in Midwood, the White Shul in Far Rockaway, and the Hillel House at Hunter College in Manhattan.

Police responded to several locations, but nothing was found.

Phony emailed threats were also sent to several Manhattan synagogues on December 1. Flatbush Shomrim Executive Coordinater Robert Moskovitz told Hamodia that the emails Sunday, which appear to have originated overseas, are no more serious than those were.

“Today’s threats are similar to what occurred a few weeks ago,” Moskovitz said. “Police responded simply out of abundance of caution, but there is no credible threat, nothing was found, and everybody should go about their lives as usual.”

The NYPD said in a statement: “The NYPD is aware of and actively investigating a number of emails that have been sent to synagogues around the city indicating possible bomb threats. These emails appear to be part of another series of “swatting,” or hoax threats, similar to campaigns that we have seen nationwide and in our city over the last few months. While these threats are not considered credible, we will continue to deploy resources to houses of worship around the city. We will continue to work hand in hand with our law enforcement partners, houses of worship, and community leaders to keep New York City safe. We are asking all New Yorkers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police.”

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rborchardt@hamodia.com