Hi {{first_name}}, We have a commitment to keeping everyone informed about any threats or incidents that might affect Temple Shaari Emeth. While there haven't been any incidents at TSE in the last few days, there were at least 400 false bomb threats agaist Jewish organizations between this past Friday and Saturday. Considering that 83 of this type of threat occured in all of 2022; this is a dramatic increase, especially because all of the bomb threats occurred over a a very short period of time. This most recent barage of threats were recieved by email, phone calls; and some by swatting (making calls to police that appear to be from the Jewish organization).
Although all of the bomb threats over the last few days were deemed to be hoaxes, they had the same effect: of causing fear and anxiety, disruption to how our religion is practiced, and for some, causing fear and anger between ourselves and groups outside our religion, threatening relationships that have been developed through hard work over many years.
The response to all threats is to treat them as if it is real until the appropriate authority tells us that there is no threat. This means that, if we were to receive a bomb threat, the building would be evacuated until the police check the building. Depending on when a threat is received it could force evacuation during a service; or the building to be closed for a period of time.
Of course, nobody wants to give these domestic terrorists what they want: to disrupt our schools, programs, and religious services. But our primary commitment is the safety of our children, congregants, and staff. We will continue to work with the local and State police, FBI, Security Communities Network, the Federation Heart of NJ, and other Jewish institutions to coordinate responses and planning. We are commited to keeping everyone safe while continuing to operate a thriving Early Learning Center, Religious School, Lifelong Learning Program, and observing Judaism as Reform Jews.
