Bomb threat forces evacuation of Greater Vancouver Jewish Community Centre

Vancouver Police conducts extensive search after being alerted of emailed threat

Image | Jewish Community Centre of Vancouver

Caption: The Jewish Community Centre at 41st and Oak was evacuated after receiving a bomb threat. (GP Mendoza/CBC)

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.

Embed | Twitter

Open Full Embed in New Tab (external link)Loading external pages may require significantly more data usage.
On 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.

Image | Jewish Community Centre

Caption: The bomb threat was emailed to the JCC of Greater Vancouver last night and appears to be part of a larger wave of anti-Semitism sweeping Canada and the U.S. (GP Mendoza/CBC)

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.