Police Respond to Threatening Call Made to Jewish Community Day School in Providence
Wednesday, March 08, 2017
A threatening phone call was placed to the Jewish Community Day School on Tuesday, prompting the Providence Police -- and Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza -- to respond to the school.
"We had a threatening phone call, yes," said Head of School Adam Tilove. "The police were very responsive, and the Mayor came."
"We've very appreciative of the outpouring of support, and that the city takes this seriously," said Tilove, noting the recent threat made into the Jewish Community Center on the East Side.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTTilove said the call mentioned an active shooter, which is why the school immediately called the police.
"It bothers me that someone who called this in, is sitting somewhere pleased about the press," said Tilove. "But when one person makes a threat, a thousand people come and tell you they support you."
"We teach our kids not to be bystanders, but "upstanders" -- and what's encouraging for us, is how many upstanders there are," said Tilove.
Message to Community
The following message was sent to the community following the incident on Tuesday.
Dear Members of Temple Emanu-El:
Everything is fine. We want to let you know, however, that JCDS received a threatening phone call this morning telling them there was a shooter on the roof of our building. The police were called and they responded immediately with several officers scouring both the inside and roofs of our complex. They found no evidence of trouble and have left, assuring us that all is safe.
Mayor Jorge Elorza and Public Safety Commissioner Steven Pare were here as well to reassure us of their concern and determination to keep us and our community safe. Providence Police will be here later this week to review our security precautions and speak with our staff about the best ways to ensure our security.
They have urged us, and we ask the same of you, to be alert to anything at the Temple which looks out of place and to call them immediately if you see anything that does not look right. This is exactly what Commissioner Pare said to the congregation when he spoke to the congregation this past Shabbat.
Commissioner Pare told us on Shabbat that there are no credible threats in Rhode Island at this time. But with threatening calls continuing, we will do our utmost to maintain security in and around the Temple for the well-being of our entire community.
We look forward to seeing you at minyan, Shabbat services and programs as scheduled.
Rabbi Wayne Franklin
Bob Pelcovits
Paul Stouber
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