Jewish community rallies against anti- Semitic attacks

By Donald H. Harrison

SAN DIEGO – In the wake of a fifth wave of bomb threat hoaxes against Jewish Community Centers throughout the nation, as well as the desecration of Jewish cemeteries in Missouri and Pennsylvania, the Jewish community is mobilizing its defenses.

In New York, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) called upon Jewish institutions to review written material issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and by the ADL itself concerning how to deal with bomb threats and other security issues.

Twenty JCC’s in  13 states were threatened with bombings on Monday, bringing to at least 90 the number of bomb threats made against Jewish institutions since the beginning of 2017, according to the ADL.  Among those threatened on Monday was the Lawrence Family JCC in La Jolla–the third such threat this year.  Pupils at the preschool took shelter around the corner at La Jolla Country Day School.

“We are taking this very seriously and will continue to work intimately with federal and local law enforcement – in addition to our community partners across the country – as they cope during this difficult time,” commented Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL’s CEO.  “Unfortunately, bomb threats are not the only manifestation of anti-Semitism in recent weeks as we have seen Jewish cemetery desecrations strike St. Louis and Philadelphia.”

The National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia announced Monday a new project to preserve the histories of people who are buried in Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Philadelphia and Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in metropolitan St. Louis.

“The Museum is asking those who have friends or loved ones interred (there) to share a picture of their loved one (ond/ or the headstone if available) and a personal sory of up to 150 words by posting on http://MtCarmelStories.tumblr.com or emailing curatorial@nmajh.org .
“Ivy Barksy, the museum’s CEO and Gwen Goodman, director, commented: “We would like those who did this to understand that these are not victimless crimes.  The individuals buried at Mount Carmel were human beings with names, stories, and families.  They contributed to the world while they were here and continue to do so through the loved ones they left behind. We honor their memories.”

U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey (D-New York), whose congressional district includes the Jewish Community Center on the Hudson in Tarrytown, issued the following statement:

“Today, a bomb threat was made against the Jewish Community Center on the Hudson in Tarrytown.  My office has been in contact with local police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to offer all necessary support to the ongoing investigation and to bring the criminals responsible for this horrifying act of terrorism to justice.  We will not allow hatred, bigotry, or anti-Semitic violence to terrorize our families or our community.”

In Washington, it was announced that the wave of anti-Semitism will be an agenda item when the new national Latino-Jewish Leadership Council (LJLC) convenes its first meeting on March 1.

“When the very ethos of American pluralism has been challenged by some, when hate crimes have increased, and when entire communities have been stigmatized, creation of this Council  reinforces the importance of our shared destiny, and the strength and resilience of our nation derives from its diversity,” said Dina Siegel Vann, director of the American Jewish Committee’s Belfer Institute for Latino and Latin American Affairs.

Ronald Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, called the desecration of the Philadelphia cemetery a “despicable and cowardly act of hatred” and urged local authorities and citizens to be vigilant against all signs of anti-Semitism.

“This is an attack not just on the Jewish community but on the very values of liberty and fraternity that America stands for,” Lauder said.  “All Americans must treat these acts with utmost severity and know that when hatred rears its ugly had anyone can be a target.”

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Harrison is editor of San Diego Jewish World.  He may be contacted via donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com