Bomb threat call against local Jewish congregation turns out to be a hoax, authorities say

• A bomb threat at Congregation Keneseth Israel prompted a swift response Thursday morning
• Allentown authorities declare the bomb threat "unfounded" after a thorough sweep
• The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley reassures the community of safety following the incident
  

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Allentown Police Department responded to a bomb threat report at Congregation Keneseth Israel Thursday morning.

The incident occurred following the conclusion of a funeral service, as community members were departing the premises.

In a joint effort, the Allentown Police Department, the Allentown Fire Department and the FBI conducted a thorough sweep of the facility with sniffer dogs, repeating the process for added precaution.

“We want to reassure you that, as of now, the authorities believe the phone call was a hoax coming from a different state, and there are no credible threats to any other facilities in the Lehigh Valley,” Aaron Gorodzinsky, Director of Campaign and Security Planning with the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley (JFLV), said in a news release.

The Allentown Police Department has also declared the threat “unfounded” in a written statement made on Thursday afternoon.

“The investigation is active and ongoing between the Allentown Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” the statement writes.

The JFLV says its Regional Security Advisor Tim Brook has been in contact with the Secure Community Network (SCN), the official safety and security organization of the Jewish community in North America, to monitor for any potential threats. While the incident is unrelated to the ongoing conflict in Israel, further details may emerge as the FBI continues its investigation, the organization adds.

Anyone who has additional information or tips is encouraged to reach out to Aaron Gorodzinsky with JFLV or Tim Brooks at SCN.