new jersey synagogue closed after threats
Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2004 11:53 am
WESTFIELD, New Jersey (AP) -- One of New Jersey's largest synagogues is temporarily closed and placed under police guard after a threat was made against it, authorities said.
The threat was directed at Temple Emanu-El and not an individual, Union County Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow said Friday. Further details were not released.
A message on the synagogue's answering machine said that on the recommendation of Westfield police, the synagogue would be closed from December 31 through January 4 "due to heightened security concerns."
Road barriers and police cars on Friday were blocking the temple, which was founded in 1950 and serves about 1,100 families.
Carolyn Shane, the executive director of the reform congregation, referred calls to Westfield Police Chief Bernard Tracy, who did not immediately return a message.
Westfield is about 25 miles southwest of New York City.
The threat was directed at Temple Emanu-El and not an individual, Union County Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow said Friday. Further details were not released.
A message on the synagogue's answering machine said that on the recommendation of Westfield police, the synagogue would be closed from December 31 through January 4 "due to heightened security concerns."
Road barriers and police cars on Friday were blocking the temple, which was founded in 1950 and serves about 1,100 families.
Carolyn Shane, the executive director of the reform congregation, referred calls to Westfield Police Chief Bernard Tracy, who did not immediately return a message.
Westfield is about 25 miles southwest of New York City.