by M.C. Millman

This past Shabbos, 199 incidents of bomb threats and swatting calls were made in a single day to Jewish organizations in fourteen states across the U.S., including dozens in the New York area. 

This represents a 541% spike in synagogue threats, according to Daily Mail.

Ethan Erlich, the regional security director for the Community Security Initiative (CSI) the official Jewish community security organization tasked with increasing security and preparedness across all Jewish institutions in this region, released the following statement about the recent bomb and swatting threats.  

"We are working closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, including FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, on this issue.  During this time of increased threats, we urge all Jewish institutions to remain vigilant and also to review access control and emergency procedures.  If your institution needs help creating such procedures, contact CSI  here. 

The goal of these bomb threats is to spread fear in the community and to disrupt activities.  While law enforcement focuses on finding the sources of these threats, our institutions can focus on increasing our own readiness so we are better prepared for whatever comes next."