Three New York City synagogues and The Brooklyn Museum received false bomb threats on Saturday, according to the police. The Upper West Side’s Congregation Rodeph Sholom and the progressive, LGBTQ-friendly Congregation Beit Simchat Torah were evacuated due to reports of bomb threats. However, police confirmed that the threats were unfounded. Later in the day, The Brooklyn Heights Synagogue also received a bomb threat, but no explosives were found. Additionally, a bomb threat was reported at the Brooklyn Museum, but it was also determined to be false. The threats are currently under investigation, and it is unclear if they are connected.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued a statement acknowledging the threats and stating that they are actively monitoring the situation with law enforcement. While the threats were determined not to be credible, she emphasized that such actions sowing fear and antisemitism will not be tolerated. Mark Treyger, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, described the bomb threats as a dangerous escalation of antisemitism during a particularly sensitive time for the city’s Jewish community. He emphasized that there is no room for hate in New York City and those responsible must be held accountable.
The Jewish community in New York City has been on edge since October 7 when Israel was attacked by Hamas terrorists, leading to ongoing military offensive in Gaza. The situation has sparked protests and an increase in antisemitic hate crimes, according to NYPD data which shows a 45% increase in such crimes in 2024. Treyger noted that the bomb threats are not isolated from the overall hostile climate against Jewish people, particularly during a time like the eve of Holocaust Remembrance Day. He expressed gratitude towards the governor, mayor, and NYPD for their communication with faith leaders but stressed that the heightened security measures around practicing faith is not normal.
Treyger, the grandson of Holocaust survivors, highlighted the importance of not normalizing these threats and ensuring that such acts of hatred are not accepted as the norm in New York City or in the United States. He argued that the Jewish community should not be subjected to such levels of security and anxiety while practicing their faith in the year 2024. Despite the reassurances from law enforcement and government officials, Treyger maintained that acts of antisemitism, like the bomb threats, represent a dangerous escalation that cannot be tolerated or normalized. He emphasized the need for accountability for those responsible for such despicable actions.
As investigations into the false bomb threats at the New York City synagogues and The Brooklyn Museum continue, law enforcement is working to determine if these incidents are connected. Governor Hochul’s office remains vigilant in monitoring the situation and ensuring that individuals spreading fear and antisemitism are held accountable for their actions. The Jewish community continues to face challenges and security concerns amid rising tensions and instances of hate crimes, but there is a strong stance against normalizing such behavior and ensuring that mechanisms are in place to protect religious freedom and safety in New York City.
