Jewish Center Administrator On Today’s Bomb Threat

Wilmington – Today, Monday January 9, 2017 the Siegel Jewish Community Center campus received a bomb threat call at approximately 11:45 a.m., according to Seth J. Katzen Chief Executive Officer.

Katzen said that the campus was immediately evacuated within minutes including the Siegel JCC, Albert Einstein Academy, Jewish Family Services of Delaware and Jewish Federation of Delaware.

NCCO police and local FBI arrived in minutes to assess and conduct a campus-wide check including K9 officers. After receiving clearance from law enforcement, the campus was reopened at approximately 2:15 p.m, according to Katzen.

Katzen said he subsequently learned that similar bomb threats were made at JCC’s in Florida (Miami and Jacksonville), Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In each case, no bombs were found and their buildings reopened after several hours.

We thank our local law enforcement who were on campus within minutes and for their due diligence in ensuring a safe and secure Jewish Community Campus, Katzen said in a statement.   He also acknowledged the professional staff representing Federation and the beneficiary agencies who evacuated the campus seamlessly.

The YMCA, CVS, FedEx and a community member, who opened her nearby home, housed the Albert Einstein Academy pre-school students during the incident.

Katzen went on to say that “while this threat cannot be taken lightly, our community immediately responded to ensure the safety of our children, guests and staff. It is reassuring to know we have the ongoing support of our local law enforcement and area businesses who responded in our time of need.”

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