PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The FBI is investigating bomb threats against synagogues across Pennsylvania, including one here in Philadelphia.
Congregation Rodeph Shalom on Broad Street received an email threatening to detonate an explosive unless a ransom was paid.
Rabbi Eli Freedman with the synagogue said they immediately consulted with other congregations with the Jewish Federation security, as well as the Philadelphia Police Department and other law agencies.
A message sent by administration to congregants said about 10 other local synagogues also got the threatening email.
The FBI is investigating those threats, as well as more in other states. So far, no explosives have been found.
Freedman says the war between Israel and Hamas is heightening tensions here in the United States, and that people of all religions should come together to make sure people are safe to worship.
He said some members of the congregation are afraid to put the Chanukah menorah in their window for all to see.
"Although there's a lot we don't agree on around politics in the Middle East ... and I think that's okay, one thing that we can very much agree on is that we need to keep our houses of worship here in America safe."