New York, NY, January 11, 2017 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed deep concern about a bomb threat made against the Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Staten Island and thanked the New York Police Department (NYPD) for their swift response.
According to reports, a threatening note was discovered in the JCC this morning with the image of a swastika, the word “bomb,” and the number 1111. NYPD investigated and did not find any device. This incident follows on the heels of similar recent events in which bomb threats were directed against Jewish institutions in several states, including Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, South Carolina and Tennessee.
“The unfounded threats that led to evacuations and police investigations have deeply unsettled Jewish community members,” said Evan R. Bernstein, ADL New York Regional Director. “At this time, it is not known if the Staten Island threat is directly linked to other incidents that have afflicted JCCs across the east coast.
“No community center should ever be subjected to bomb threats or hate symbols,” Mr. Bernstein said. “Although the threat was deemed to be not credible, these incidents create anxiety and fear and have zero place in our society. We commend the NYPD for swiftly investigating and for their ongoing work to make all communities across the city safer.”
ADL is in contact with the Staten Island JCC and has offered its full support and security resources.
In response to the threats, ADL issued a Security Advisory for all Jewish Institutions that included the following action steps:
- Review the Bomb Threat Guidance provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
- Refer to the chapter on Explosive Threat Response Planningin ADL’s Security Manual Protecting Your Jewish Institution, which assists Jewish institutions in creating welcoming environments while keeping them safe.
- Watch the segment of the security video ADL Safety Series: Mitigating and Managing Security Risks for America’s Jewish Institutions, which provides best practices for responding to a bomb threat.
The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry. Follow us on Twitter: @ADL_NY