More than 50 synagogues received bomb threats Tuesday in Florida.
There was a concerning e-mail. In Coral Gables, police said they swiftly assessed the threat and determined it lacked credibility.
“We are reaching out to inform you that we had to evacuate the campus earlier today under the direction of law enforcement in conjunction with our Executive Director and Temple security team. We want to assure you that everyone is safe, and all appropriate measures were taken to address the situation to receive the all-clear from Coral Gables police. Our Temple, along with approximately 50 other synagogues in the state of Florida received a bomb threat via email. Our security team, in collaboration with local law enforcement, responded promptly and efficiently to ensure the safety of everyone on our campus. As a reminder, Coral Gables Police Department, as is our protocol, is also on campus every day.”
Sharon Israel Moskowitz, Executive Director of Temple Judea in Coral Gables.
There were sweeps and precautionary evacuations. There were moments of tension for campers, parents, and staff.
Elsewhere in Coral Gables, a few miles away, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who signed new bills to fund medical research, was unaware of the synagogue threats statewide. His team has since been briefed.
“We allocated tens of millions to combat rising anti-Semitism,” DeSantis said. “If anyone attempts to bring it here, they’ll face significant resistance.”
Meanwhile, attention in Boca Raton focused on the arrest of 26-year-old Paul Morris who is accused of posting social media threats against Jewish people.
Police say the culprit in that case faces charges of writing threats of mass shootings or terrorism.
The threats have made many locals like Rabbi Josh Broide, of the Boca Raton Synagogue, speak out.
“Everyone should care,” said Broide. “Unfortunately, hatred that starts in the Jewish community overflows and it becomes a problem for everyone.”
Moskowitz also stated that the safety of the people who visit her synagogue remains the biggest priority.
“Please be assured that the safety and well-being of our community are our highest priority,” she wrote in part. “We appreciate your understanding, cooperation, and patience as we navigate through these challenging situations and we especially thank our security partner, the Coral Gables Police Department.”
Authorities said a synagogue in Hollywood also went through an evacuation and no injuries or arrests were made at this time.
The email is now in the hands of the CGPD and the governor’s office told Local 10 News that state officials are now investigating the threats.
Read MoreWPLG Local 10
