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JCCs Re-open Doors, Centers Welcome Members in Resuming Regular Activities Following Bomb Threats

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 10, 2017

CONTACT:
Samantha Kupferman, West End Strategy Team
[email protected]; Office: 212-498-9300; Cell: 202-215-9260

JCC Association of North America continues to collaborate with local JCCs, law enforcement, to ensure that centers can safely serve communities

NEW YORK – A day after 16 Jewish community centers in nine states received fake bomb threats, all centers have been declared safe and bomb-free, and have returned to normal operations. JCC Association of North America praises the JCC professionals who relied on established best practices and continue to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and well being of all who use and benefit from their facilities. David Posner, director of strategic performance at JCC Association of North America, who helps to advise local JCCs on security policies and practices, issued the below statement:

“JCC Association appreciates the quick and thorough response from federal and local law enforcement. Local authorities’ investigations have resulted in the all-clear, with all of our JCCs resuming regular operations. Children are at their early childhood programs, adults are attending parenting and senior programs, fitness club members are working out, and the millions of people who pass through the doors of JCCs across the country are continuing to do so as they do every day.

“We are proud of our JCCs and grateful for their professional staffs, who in the face of threatened violence, responded quickly, calmly and professionally by implementing well-practiced procedures and ensuring that no one was harmed.

“JCC Association’s first priority is safety and supporting Jewish community centers and their members across the continent, so that they can fulfill their missions as inclusive, engaging community gathering places and safe spaces.”

The FBI has opened an investigation.

Through its partnership with the Secure Community Network (SCN), which was established after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks to focus on security for Jewish institutions throughout North America, JCC Association provides JCCs access to research, recognized practices, and guidance. Tomorrow, JCC Association will convene an internal webinar where SCN and Department of Homeland Security officials will discuss bomb threat protocols and protective measures with JCC executives.

ABOUT JCC ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA:

JCC Association of North America strengthens and leads JCCs, YM-YWHAs and camps throughout North America. As the convening organization, JCC Association partners with JCCs to bring together the collective power and knowledge of the JCC Movement. JCC Association offers services and resources to increase the effectiveness of JCCs as they provide community engagement and educational, cultural, social, recreational, and Jewish identity building programs to enhance Jewish life throughout North America. By supporting the 25,000 Jewish communal professionals who connect with two million JCC participants each year—JCC Association encourages engaged lives of purpose and meaning. Learn more at jccassociation.org, on Facebook and on Twitter at @JCCA

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