US synagogues evacuated after fake bomb threats ahead of High Holy Days

B’nai Israel, a Conservative congregation, received the threat as congregants were exiting the Selichot services on Saturday, September 9.

Beth Am in northern California

Beth Am in northern California (Photo: Google Maps)

B’nai Israel’s rabbi, Philip Weintraub, said of the incident: “It was not disruptive to our worship.” He told JTA that the police “took it very seriously.”

According to the Anti-Defamation League, at least 49 synagogues in 13 states have received threatening calls since mid-July. None of the calls have been linked to credible bomb threats.

The ADL said it expects the threats to continue when the High Holy Days begin with the start of Rosh Hashanah on Friday.

Last week, police were called to a potential bomb scare in Golders Green, north-west London when a suitcase was left unattended outside a shul.

Police attended the scene and removed the case which was full of clothes and blankets.