The FBI has put out a warning for synagogues in the US state of New Jersey, having received information of a "broad threat" to Jewish houses of worship.
"We ask at this time that you take all security precautions to protect your community and facility," the FBI tweeted.
The FBI has received credible information of a broad threat to synagogues in NJ. We ask at this time that you take all security precautions to protect your community and facility. We will share more information as soon as we can. Stay alert. In case of emergency call police. pic.twitter.com/e64XSmQvNc
— FBI Newark (@FBINewark) November 3, 2022
The FBI added that this warning was a "proactive measure" and that it is still investigating the matter.
The bureau also said that it "takes all threats seriously and we are working with our law enforcement partners actively investigating this threat" and that it is "engaged with our faith based partners in the affected community."
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said, "I have been in touch with the New Jersey Attorney General, NJ Homeland Security, and FBI Newark regarding a credible threat to synagogues in NJ. We are closely monitoring the situation and are working with local law enforcement to ensure that all houses of worship are protected."
Jewish community's reaction to the announcement
"We are deeply alarmed by FBI reports of a credible threat to synagogues in New Jersey."
American Jewish Committee
The American Jewish Committee said, "We are deeply alarmed by FBI reports of a credible threat to synagogues in New Jersey. Our thoughts are with the local Jewish community at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation as it develops."
Agudath Israel said about the situation that it "is aware of this and is in touch with law enforcement and is working to spread the message to synagogues and religious institutions in NJ and urges all to take the proper security precautions."
Dov Ben-Shimon, Executive Vice President & Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ told The Jerusalem Post, "We are in contact with authorities and have reached out to community synagogues as part of our Jewish Federation’s commitment to community security and safety. Our Federation has a long-standing commitment to the safety and security of our synagogues and institutions."
He added that "I’m profoundly grateful for and moved by the messages of support we’ve already received from partners and federation friends in Israel."
A rabbi in New Jersey said that police have increased patrols in many areas of New Jersey. Rabbis and community leaders have received updates from law enforcement. The police explained that there isn't a threat on a specific synagogue.
The Post has learned that Rutgers University Police will have increased presence and patrols around the Chabad House.
Jewish volunteer security nonprofit organization the Community Security Service (CSS) issued the following statement:
"The Community Security Service (The CSS) is closely monitoring reports from the FBI field office in Newark of a credible security threat to synagogues in New Jersey.
The CSS is in direct communication with law enforcement, its considerable volunteer network, the Jewish Federations of New Jersey, our partners at the Secure Community Network (SCN), as well as the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) representatives for New York/New Jersey, to raise awareness of this immediate threat and to secure local synagogues."
"The CSS has over 30 synagogues with volunteer teams throughout New Jersey and has trained over 1,000 volunteers in the community since 2007," said CSS National Director and CEO Evan R. Bernstein. "We will spare no effort to ensure that Jewish congregants and their security volunteers are safe in their houses of worship. Antisemitism cannot continue to be normalized in America."
"The CSS will continue to provide updates and will disseminate relevant information as it is made available," the organization added.
This is a developing story. Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.