A bomb threat was called in Wednesday morning to the New York-based Anti-Defamation League in New York City.
Security personnel scrutinized every inch of the building in midtown Manhattan, and determined that the threat was not credible.
ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said in a statement following the incident, “While there is no information at this time to indicate that this is more than a threat, we are taking it very seriously and working closely with law enforcement officials to determine if it is connected to similar threats against Jewish institutions across the country.
“This is not the first time that ADL has been targeted, and it will not deter us in our efforts to combat anti-Semitism and hate against people of all races and religions.”
This past Monday — celebrated in the United States as Presidents’ Day — new bomb threats were called in to 13 Jewish Community Centers (JCCs) in five states across the U.S. in a fourth wave of “telephone terrorism” as the bomb threats have come to be called.
Speaking at tour of the National Museum of African American History on Tuesday, President Donald Trump slammed the escalating anti-Semitic attacks and bomb threats. “The anti-Semitic threats targeting our Jewish community and community centers are horrible and are painful, and a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil,” the president said.
Nearly 70 such bomb threats (68) in a total of four waves have been called in since January 1, 2017, at 53 JCCs in 26 states and one province in Canada. All proved to be hoaxes, and all JCCs returned to regular operations.
David Posner is the director of strategic performance at JCC Association of North America, advising local JCCs on security policies and practices. JCCANA partners with Secure Community Network led by Paul Goldenberg, who provides guidance on security for JCCs and Jewish institutions across North America.
Posner said in a statement on Tuesday, “As always, safety is our top priority, and we are continuously impressed with the JCC professionals on the ground who are relying on established best practices and strong relationships with law enforcement agencies to ensure the well-being of all who use and benefit from their facilities.
“Our JCCs are strongly rooted in communities across the country, and we will not be cowed by threats intended to disrupt people’s lives or the vital role Jewish community centers play as gathering places, schools, camps, and fitness and recreation centers.
“While we are relieved that all such threats have proven to be hoaxes and that not a single person was harmed, we are concerned about the anti-Semitism behind these threats, and the repetition of threats intended to interfere with day-to-day life…
“We are in regular communication with the FBI, which is investigating these threats… We hope to hear updates from the FBI on progress very soon.”