The New York City Police Department reported that three synagogues in the city were targeted with bomb threats within a two-hour period on a Saturday afternoon. The threats occurred between 3:15 p.m. and 5:13 p.m. that day. The first threat was made to the Congregation Rodeph Sholom on West 83rd Street, leading to the evacuation of the building, although no explosives were found. The second threat was directed at Congregation Beit Simchat Torah on West 30th Street, and the building was empty at the time of the threat. The third threat was sent to the Brooklyn Heights Synagogue on Remsen Street just after 5:10 p.m., prompting the evacuation of three individuals as a precaution.
Despite the threats, no explosives were discovered in any of the three synagogues, and all incidents are currently under investigation by law enforcement. New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated that the threats had been determined to be not credible, but emphasized that individuals spreading fear and antisemitism would not be tolerated, and those responsible would be held accountable. Nathan Diament, Executive Director of Public Policy for the Orthodox Union, confirmed that law enforcement deemed the threats to be false. During a Zoom meeting with Homeland Security, Diament and others were assured by Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas that the threats were being taken seriously, though it is difficult to prevent individuals from making phony bomb threats.
Despite the stressful nature of the threats and the increase in antisemitic incidents in New York City and around the country, Diament stressed that the Orthodox Jewish community would not be deterred from attending synagogue. He stated that they attend services every day and rely on law enforcement to monitor and respond to threats. NYC Mayor Eric Adams condemned the acts of antisemitism that led to the bomb threats and called for accountability for those responsible. The threats come at a time of heightened concerns over antisemitism, with NYC public schools also facing criticism for failing to address the issue effectively.
Law enforcement officials are continuing to investigate the bomb threats made to the three synagogues in New York City. The threats have been deemed false, but the incidents have caused stress and concern within the Jewish community. Governor Hochul and other state officials have reassured the community that such acts of antisemitism will not be tolerated and that those responsible will be held accountable. Despite the threats, members of the Orthodox Jewish community remain resolute in their commitment to attending synagogue and not allowing fear to deter them. The incidents highlight the need for continued vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement and community members to address and prevent acts of antisemitism.
