Newport Beach Temple Bat Yahm Responds To Recent Bomb Threats

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — A statement from Newport Beach's Temple Bat Yahm was released in response to recent reports of bomb threats toward Jewish community centers across the country.

Many of you are aware that in recent weeks there has been a spike in threats made to Jewish organizations throughout the United States.

Even today, our local Irvine JCC has received a telephone bomb threat (although, thankfully, not credible). Please know, that we, at Temple Bat Yahm view security with the utmost seriousness. The leadership and staff at Temple Bat Yahm is monitoring the situation closely and calibrating our response accordingly.

Over the last several years we have been implementing important security measures – both physical and procedural - to help maintain safety for all who visit our campus. Of course, we are particularly mindful of our responsibility in protecting the children entrusted to our care every day. We have fostered a strong relationship with the Newport Beach Police Department, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigations, and our security team with Lyons Security.

Our local law enforcement does daily checks and even has been on campus for our weekly Shabbat services. We are also in frequent contact with the Anti-Defamation League and Jewish Federation and Family Services of Orange County to make sure that our processes and procedures are up to date and targeted against both long standing and newer threats that may surface.

If you have specific questions or concerns about this, or any other matter, please contact Stan Levy, Executive Director of Temple Bat Yahm at (949) 644-1999.

Photo courtesy Temple Bat Yahm