CORAL GABLES, Fla. – More than 50 synagogues received a bomb threat Tuesday in Florida. There were sweeps and precautionary evacuations. There were moments of tension for campers, parents, and staff.
In Coral Gables, police said they swiftly assessed the threat and determined it lacked credibility. Sharon Israel Moskowitz, the executive director of Temple Judea, released a statement.
“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,” Moskowitz wrote.
In Broward County, authorities said a synagogue in Hollywood evacuated and there were no injuries or arrests. State officials were also investigating the threat.
“We allocated tens of millions to combat rising anti-Semitism,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said. “If anyone attempts to bring it here, they’ll face significant resistance.”
In Palm Beach County, Paul Morris was arrested in Boca Raton and accused of posting threats on social media. Police said Morris, 26, faced charges of writing threats of mass shootings or terrorism.
“Everyone should care. Unfortunately, the hatred that starts in the Jewish community overflows and it becomes a problem for everyone,” Rabbi Josh Broide, of the Boca Raton Synagogue, said.
Related statement
“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.