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Oceanside JCC evacuated after ‘non-credible’ threat

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The Barry and Florence Friedberg Jewish Community Center in Oceanside was evacuated on Wednesday morning after a non-credible threatening phone call, according to a letter written to JCC members by Executive Director Joni Center.

She added in the letter that police searched the building twice, and a third time — upon the JCC’s request — with a canine unit, and that no evidence of any device or threat was found.

Nassau County police confirmed the reported threat — at 15 Neil Court — and that officers responded at 9:29 a.m., but did not give any further details.

The threat in Oceanside was part of a widespread disruption on Wednesday, as The ADL wrote on their website that it received reports of bomb threats at Jewish Centers in 18 states across the country. The agency subsequently issued a security advisory to Jewish institutions nationwide.

Though Jonathan A. Greenblatt, the ADL’s chief executive officer, said the threats did not appear to be credible, he urged the institutions to review their security procedures and remain in close contact with law enforcement.

“We want to assure our members and visitors that the JCC remains vigilant in monitoring situations such as this, both in the U.S. and around the world,” Center wrote. “…Our security procedures and emergency responses are continuously updated to respond to changing situations, with our primary focus always being the safety of our members, staff and guests.”

The Friedberg JCC reopened for normal business at 12:30 p.m.

“While we are deeply saddened by such activities, we will continue to operate with the same values as we always have, doing our best to encourage goodness and respect among all,” Center continued in the letter. “Our adherence to our ethics and teachings — to act, justify, do kind deeds and treat the stranger as an honored guest — will only be strengthened in the aftermath of events such as the one that occurred today.”

Wednesday's calls come on the heels of 16 other threats made to JCCs around the country on Jan. 9. Anti-Semitic graffiti, including swastikas drawn at Nassau Community College, has also been found throughout the county in recent months.

"We will not allow anyone to intimidate or strike fear in the State of New York," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Thursday in a statement. "In these turbulent times, New Yorkers reject the divisive forces of hate and bigotry. We will not permit anti-Semitism or bias incidents to go unpunished – period."