ORLANDO, Fla. — Jewish community centers across the country have been receiving threats of violence for months, but in Orlando, leaders were hoping a letter signed by all 100 U.S. senators will make a difference.
The letter was sent to the U.S. Attorney General, Secretary of Homeland Security and the director of the FBI.
It demands federal law enforcement agencies “take swift action to deter such threats.”
“The number of incidents is accelerating and failure to address and deter these threats will place innocent people at risk,” the letter said.
The Jewish Federations of North America says during the past two months, 81 Jewish community centers and day schools in 33 states have received threats.
A South Florida Jewish community center received a threat Tuesday.
Keith Dvorchik, with the Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando, said the letter was a hopeful sign that more attention would be given to the threats.
“I was thrilled that all 100 (senators) got together and recognized what’s going on,” he said.
While the letter was an important step forward, Dvorchik said federal funds to increase security was also needed.
“I think the time has really come for both our state and our federal government to step up now with the required funding,” he said, adding that threats against Jewish organizations were not the only concern. “We will not accept hate speech. We will not accept targeting any group of people.”
Cox Media Group
