NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Bomb threats were made to synagogues across New York State on Friday as the Jewish community observes Rosh Hashanah, officials said, with Gov. Kathy Hochul calling the threats “horrific and unacceptable.”
The governor said multiple threats were made to synagogues statewide Friday morning but that an investigation determined they were not credible.
“These threats are horrific and unacceptable — and targeting houses of worship on one of the holiest days of the Jewish calendar is particularly craven,” Hochul said in a statement. “We will not tolerate acts of antisemitism or attempts to incite fear. New Yorkers stand united against all forms of hate and violence.”
The threats were made via email and included “vitriolic language,” according to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, which put out a statement on the incident.
Local, state and federal partners have been working to investigate the threats, the sheriff’s office said, adding that none of them involved Putnam County.
Hochul said the state had anticipated potential threats given the Jewish holidays this month and that she had directed state police to coordinate with local law enforcement “to ensure the safety of all communities.”
The deployment of state police will last through at least the one-year anniversary of Hamas’ deadly Oct. 7 terror attack on Israel, which is Monday and falls between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It also comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran and its proxies.
On Wednesday, Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD brass said they had ramped up security citywide for Rosh Hashanah and Oct. 7. They said there were no credible threats to the city and the increased security was a precaution.
"There will be many protections that you will see and there will be many that you will not see," Adams said.