WHITEFISH BAY–This is a developing story but for the second time in several weeks, The Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center and adjoining Jewish Day School were evacuated today amid unspecified threats.
The first threat and forced evacuation came on January 31. Jewish community centers have faced bomb threats recently in several states – including Florida, Tennessee, California, South Carolina, Maryland, Delaware, New Mexico, New York, Utah, and New Jersey. In an email on Jan. 31 to members, JCC President and CEO Mark Shapiro said, “there was a safe and calm full evacuation of our facilities”
Today, he told JCC members, staff and parents, “we anticipate returning to our building in the near future, and are working with law enforcement to accomplish that goal.”
“Your children are safe and within the expert care of your teachers, administrators, and a number of JCC staff
In a tweet on Jan. 31, the JCC says it is “currently closed and unavailable to members & guests. Early Childhood families will receive additional communication via email.”
Sgt. Patrick Whitaker of the Whitefish Bay Police Department told WISN 12 News that officers were searching the building but that it would take some time to give an all-clear.
No further information is being released at this time. The JCC’s website has a note saying, “The JCC is currently CLOSED. we’ll update you when we have more information.”
Follow Wisconsin Independent for more updates.
