The FBI warned on Thursday that there was a credible threat to synagogues in New Jersey, asking that they take security precautions to protect their communities and buildings.
“Stay alert,” the FBI’s field office in Newark said in a brief statement. The statement shared no specific details about the threat. FBI agents were investigating the matter, the statement said.
“We will share more information as soon as we can,” the statement said.
Less than 3% of Americans are Jewish, and synagogues across the United States have long been wary of the threat of anti-Semitic attacks. This was heightened in 2018 when a man attacked congregants gathered for Sabbath services at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, killing 11 people with a semi-automatic rifle.
Anti-semitic sentiment has seen an unfortunate upswing after the promotion of anti-Jewish rhetoric by both rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, and NBA all-star Kyrie Irving.
Ye was dropped by multiple business partners following a tweet which stated, “I’m a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I’m going death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE. The funny thing, is I actually can’t be Anti Semitic because black people are actually Jew also. You guys have toyed with me and tried to black ball anyone whoever opposes your agenda.” This followed an interview with Tucker Carlson in which Ye accused Jews of exploiting black artists for profit.
Similarly, Irving was suspended for five games by the Nets after refusing to apologize for posting a link to a film that promoted anti-Semitic sentiments. Following the ruling, Irving finally apologized to those he “hurt from the hateful remarks made in the documentary,” on Instagram and said he took full responsibility for his decision to share the content with his followers.
Irving said the film “contained some false anti-Semitic statements, narratives, and language that were untrue and offensive to the Jewish Race/Religion.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security warned in February of heightened threats from extremist groups against synagogues, churches, and historically black colleges and universities.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said in a statement that his office was “working with local law enforcement to ensure that all houses of worship are protected.”
Copyright 2022 Thomson/Reuters (Additions and edits for FISM News by Michael Cardinal)