Denver, CO, January 31, 2017 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) issued a security advisory to Jewish institutions today following a series of bomb threats to Jewish community centers around the country, including Colorado. The Boulder Jewish Community Center was evacuated shortly after 9:30 a.m. today after receiving a phoned-in bomb threat.  The Boulder JCC is home to a preschool and early childhood education center.

Today’s threats are part of a series of bomb threats called in to dozens of Jewish community centers in at least 20 states over the past few weeks.  ADL is closely monitoring the situation and has been in touch with federal and local law enforcement agencies in Colorado and across the country. Although the threats do not appear to be credible, ADL is urging all communal institutions to take these threats extremely seriously. Some community centers have been evacuated out of an abundance of caution.

“Although so far none of the threats has been substantiated, we believe each incident needs to be investigated closely,” said Scott L. Levin, ADL Regional Director.  “The Boulder JCC staff, local law enforcement and first responders are to be commended for their rapid response and for ensuring the safety of the children and adults at the center.  Today’s threat is a reminder that all Jewish communal institutions should review their security procedures and remain in close contact with law enforcement.”

In response to the threats, ADL issued a Security Advisory for all Jewish institutions nationwide that included the following action steps:

• Review the Bomb Threat Guidance provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
• Refer to the chapter on Explosive Threat Response Planning in ADL’s Security Manual Protecting Your Jewish Institution, which assists Jewish institutions in creating welcoming environments while keeping them safe.
• Refer to ADL’s list of 18 Best Practices for Jewish Institutional Security.