Update: New Orleans JCC evacuated after bomb threat
By ALAN SMASON
Despite trying to keep a low profile, the New Orleans Jewish Community Center finally joined the ranks of dozens of other JCCs across the country that have been hit by multiple bomb threats. Like all of the other threats that have hit switchboards and receptionist desks over the course of the past two months, this threat also proved to be a hoax.
The New Orleans Uptown JCC, where a bomb threat was received on Thursday, February 23. (Photo by Alan Smason)
The call to the Uptown facility on St. Charles Avenue was received shortly after 9:10 a.m., according to JCC executive director Leslie Fischman, who was in Metairie at a meeting when the threat was phoned in. Members of the New Orleans Police Department reported they received the initial call at 9:14 and responded with officers on the scene at 9:19. After an assessment that it was an active threat, both police officers and JCC senior management staff then ordered the evacuation of the building at 9:24 as a safety measure, while a sweep was made. According to Fischman, the call was a either a pre-recorded or “robo” call or a live person using software or a device that altered their voice. That would coincide with reports from other JCCs who have also received bomb threats. “It was similar,” she said.
Alerted to the threat, Fischman left her meeting and arrived on scene at 9:35 during the time when the evacuation was still ongoing. An N.O.P.D spokesman reported that after the threat was determined to be a hoax and that it was safe, occupants were allowed back into the JCC at 10:52.
Fischman indicated that she had been in touch with Paul Goldenberg and Secure Community Network, the company that has been dealing with these threats for the Jewish Community Centers Association (JCCA). “I’ve been in touch with them and I’ve had a conversation,” she said. “The F.B.I. is investigating,” Fischman added.
Fischman complimented the N.O.P.D on their rapid response and was also full of praise for her senior management team. “I just want to say that the New Orleans JCC is back up and running. We are a great place, an institution for the community and we pride ourselves on the services and programs we offer,” she stated. “We are vigilant and we hope that they catch these criminals quickly.”
This afternoon Fischman released a message to the JCC membership. “This morning the Uptown JCC received a bomb threat by telephone. Law enforcement tells us this appears to be similar to the hoax threats other JCCs have received in recent weeks. In response, we followed safety and security protocols and coordinated with local law enforcement,” the message read.
Earlier on Tuesday, in response to Monday’s fourth round of bomb threats to other JCCs and reacting to phone calls from JCC members who had heard President Trump finally denounce the previous attacks, Fischman released a statement which noted the New Orleans JCC had not at that time received any threats. It read: “As with the previous threats to other JCCs, we were made aware of the situation yesterday morning by the JCC Association’s national office as soon as the calls began and were prepared to respond if necessary.”
The statement went on to add: “We continue to operate as usual, but with a heightened level of security. The safety of our members, guests and staff continues to be our highest priority. Should we receive a threatening call, we will follow our security procedures and communicate with you as quickly as possible following any evacuation.”
Fischman’s message on Tuesday followed news that a Jewish cemetery in suburban St. Louis had been descecrated by vandals who toppled at least 154 gravestones there. Vice-President Michael Pence spoke at that cemetery yesterday, denouncing anti-Semitism as President Trump had the day before.
