Synagogue Evacuated After Fake Bomb Threat: St. Petersburg Police

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Congregation B’Nai Israel was evacuated Saturday night after a fake bomb threat was called in just before 10 p.m., Kenneth Knight, a spokesperson for St. Petersburg Police Department, told Patch.

The threat came in during a special service ushering in Judaism’s High Holy Days, which starts this weekend with Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah begins before Sundown Friday and ends after nightfall on Sunday.

“This is the Jewish new year,” Rabbi Philip Weintraub told Patch. “It’s a very special time of year, a time of reflecting on who we are and who we want to be in life, about living as authentically as we can, as spiritually as we can, trying to live the best life we can.”

• Also Read: Rosh Hashanah 2023 Marks The Start Of Judaism's High Holidays

There were about 40 to 50 people attending Saturday’s service, he said. The call came in as the gathering was ending and people were exiting into the lobby.

“So, our service was not disrupted,” the rabbi said. “It could have been more disruptive and unpleasant.”

The threat is part of a national investigation. As many as 50 synagogues and Jewish organizations around the United States have received similar threats, he said. St. Pete police are working with the FBI and other agencies in the investigation.

“It’s very sad to me that the most ancient hatred remains present in America,” Weintraub said.
Congregation B’Nai Israel has security in place at all services and events. With the Rosh Hashanah holiday this weekend, there will be additional security in place at the synagogue, he said.

He’s disappointed that the security is necessary.

“We’re just trying to look for peace and hop in this world,” Weintraub said. “It’s sad that there are people out there who would rather bring violence into the world.”

Anyone with information about the threat is asked to call SPPD at 727-893-7780. Tips can also be reported anonymously by texting SPPD and the tip to TIP411.