Bomb threat forces evacuation of Greater Vancouver Jewish Community Centre
Vancouver Police conducts extensive search after being alerted of emailed threat
A bomb threat forced the evacuation of the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver Tuesday night.
Vancouver Police say they were advised of the emailed threat at 9 p.m. PT and conducted a thorough search of the building at 41st Ave and Oak Street. No explosive devices were located. The building was declared safe and the threat was deemed to be a hoax.
Last night the JCC received a bomb threat - thankfully a hoax. Read our joint statement sent to community. 1/3 <a href="https://t.co/gvD752ha9h">https://t.co/gvD752ha9h</a>
—@JewishVancouverOn twitter the Jewish Federation of Vancouver said, "Though some may try to spread fear through threats to our community they will fail. Such threats only renew our commitment to enriching Jewish lives, building Jewish community, and spreading values of love and tolerance."
The incident appears to be part of a growing wave of anti-Semitic acts taking place in Canada and the United States.
The JFV says it has asked the VPD to step up patrols of Jewish community institutions. As well it has alerted all Jewish community organizations to have updated safety protocols in place.
Premier Christy Clark released a statement that read in part, "We cannot allow hatred to become routine. We will only stop hatred by calling it out, condemning it – and continuing to lead by example, as a thriving, vibrant example that diversity leads to strength, not weakness."
A investigation by the VPD is ongoing.