Police Respond to Possible Bomb Threat at NYC Synagogue in Midst of Jewish New Year

The New York Police Department (NYPD) 78th Precinct warned New Yorkers to stay clear of the area around 8th Avenue and 11 Street in Park Slope Brooklyn due to a police investigation.

An NYPD spokesperson told The Messenger that the police received a call at 11:19 a.m. ET about a bomb threat, but couldn't reveal further details as officers are still investigating the situation.

The updates come in the midst of the Jewish New Year Rosh HaShanah, which is being celebrated this weekend.

Terri Gerstein, the Director of the State and Local Enforcement Project at the Harvard Law School Center for Labor and a Just Economy, tweeted that there is "bomb threat at the synagogue down the street from us."

"Police told us to shelter in place. I’m sure it will all be ok, but what a way to start the year," Gerstein said.

Meanwhile, X account user Themis Haralabides posted a brief video of what seems to be heavy police presence at Park Slope.

The Park Slope area is home to a number of Jewish congregations and synagogues, including Kolot Chayeinu, which is located at 1012 8th Ave, Brooklyn.

The Messenger reached out to the 78th Precinct for additional information but its yet to receive a response.

On Friday, the NYPD 78th Precinct vowed that the police will be "vigilant and proactive in ensuring a safe holiday season for members of the Jewish faith."

Police data released in June showed that 100 anti-semitic crimes happened in New York City since the beginning of the year, The Times of Israel previously reported. The figure is a decline form the 135 anti-Jewish crimes recorded during the same period in 2022.

A Siena College poll in July found that 87% of New Yorkers say that crime in the state is a serious problem, while 57% said it's a problem in their community. The poll also revealed that 61% of New Yorkers are worried about becoming victims of a crime.

Brooklyn councilwoman Inna Vernikov specifically named anti-semitism as one of the reasons she carries a gun with her when she visits her local synagogue.

“With anti-semitism, it doesn’t feel safe in the city anymore. You’re always on edge and watching your back,” Brooklyn councilwoman Inna Vernikov recently told The New York Post.

Udpate 9/16/2023, 1:31 p.m. ET: this article has been updated with additional information