Late Thursday afternoon, the FBI tweeted that it has credible information about a widespread threat to synagogues in New Jersey. The FBI urges everyone to take all safety precautions to protect their communities and families.
The warning comes amid recent high-profile cases of anti-Semitic comments.
“It has to be a serious threat if obviously they’re posting it in all the synagogues,” said New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer.
Gottheimer told CBS2’s Kevin Rincon that he has already fielded calls from concerned neighbors and is working to make sure local police are prepared if anything happens. His concern is that the hate spread online could spill over into real life.
“When you put this kind of poison in today’s world, unfortunately, it’s very influential and it has a big impact,” Gottheimer said. “It almost, once again, gives the green light to extremists to come out and make threats.”
Governor Phil Murphy in a tweet says they are closely monitoring the situation and working with local law enforcement to ensure all houses of worship are protected.
Evan Bernstein, with Community Safety Services, works with volunteers who provide protection at synagogues.
“The FBI field office in Newark contacted us and explained that there was a credible threat. They didn’t go into any specific details, but it was enough for them to make that call,” he said.
He says that despite the threats, it is important that they continue to show up to make it clear that hate will not win.
“We cannot let this prevent us from going to the synagogue. We should still be able to have the cadence to go to synagogue, be active Jews, and not let people who hate us stop us from practicing our religion,” Bernstein said.
