The JCC was evacuated on Monday morning after receiving a bomb threat. The building re-opened around 1 p.m.
The Katz JCC in Cherry Hill has been re-opened after receiving a bomb threat on Monday morning.
Cherry Hill Police say a bomb threat was called into the Katz JCC at about 10:40 a.m. on Monday morning. Police responded on scene with investigators with the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office as well several K-9’s from the Camden County and Burlington County Sheriff’s Department.
Nothing was found after an explosive sweep was conducted throughout the building. The JCC was re-opened around 12:30 p.m.
The JCC in Cherry Hill was one of multiple Jewish Community Centers to be evacuated on Monday. Threats were also reported in JCCs in North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Florida.
Due to an emergency situation, the JCC is closed. Further information will follow.
— @JCCYork
In a statement, Cherry Hill Township Mayor Chuck Cahn denounced the threat.
“We are deeply troubled by the events that transpired this morning at the Katz JCC here in Cherry Hill,” Cahn said. “While the threat was ultimately deemed to be unfounded, I want to make clear that there is absolutely no place for hatred, intimidation, or intolerance of any kind within our community.
In light of this and other recent events across the country, I want to take this opportunity to make the following statement. In Cherry Hill, we value our diversity; our differences are an integral part of who we are and what makes our town great.”
Cahn added the township and police department would offer any resources necessary to ensure the health and safety of everyone in the community.
Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli Jr. also released a statement denouncing the threat on Monday.
“Inspired by hate and stupidity, a suspect tried to destabilize a special place in our county by threatening our core values of diversity and tolerance,” Cappelli said. “This perpetrator is trying to undermine some of the strongest tenants of our society and we will not stand for it.”
Cherry Hill Police are continuing to investigate the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact the investigative unit at (856) 488–7833 or tips can be emailed to tips@cherryhillpolice.com or to the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office ccpotips@ccprosecutor.org.
