Authorities are investigating a disturbing bomb threat emailed to more than two dozen synagogues and Jewish institutions in the Big Apple — and to temples upstate and on Long Island.
“Hello, if you see this email just have notice of a bomb I have set inside of your
building,” the email sent Saturday read, law enforcement sources told The Post.
“This isn’t a threat,” it said. “I have set a bomb in your building, you have a few hours to
disarm or else blood will shatter everywhere.”
Sources said the threat came from a group calling itself “Terrorizers111.”
The targets included 14 Manhattan synagogues and Jewish centers, five in Queens and another two in Brooklyn — with two more upstate temples and one on Long Island, the sources said.
A similar threat was emailed to the New York Landmarks Conservancy.
The threats come amid heightened antisemitism in the five boroughs and beyond, as pro-Palestinian protesters have taken to the streets and have set up anti-Israeli encampments on college campuses, including Columbia University and City College in recent weeks.
On Sunday, US Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced that $400 million in federal assistance would be earmarked to protect houses of worship by funding security guards, cameras and barriers.
“Last night’s bomb threats targeting New York City synagogues created immense fear, but sadly, these threats are not a total shock given the rise in antisemitism that we have seen and the overall spike in threats to places of worship,” Schumer said in a statement.
“Protecting our nonprofit community spaces, like our synagogues, mosques, churches and more has unfortunately demanded more help at the federal level as the threats have increased,” he said. “These funds are to help lessen the unease across the city in the places where we worship, pray, and learn.”
According to the Anti-Defamation League, there were 8,873 antisemitic incidents in the US last year, a 140% increase of the 2022 figure.
The number spiked after Oct. 7, when Hamas terrorists carried out a deadly sneak attack on Israel the prompted a massive counter-offensive by the Jewish State in the Gaza Strip.
The 2023 incident included 1,009 bomb threats against Jewish institutions, the ADL said.
The NYPD did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Saturday’s bomb threats.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.