A Jewish congregation in Bloomington is stepping up security after bomb threats have targeted Jewish communities across the nation.
A hoax bomb threat shut down the Jewish Community Center in Indianapolis earlier this week, as well as Jewish Community Centers and schools in several other states.
Bloomington’s Congregation Beth Shalom hasn’t been the target of recent threats, but the community is trying to be proactive. They’re instituting a locked door policy, except for during services.
“It’s used mornings, evenings and weekends for all things other than services,” says President Carolyn Geduld. “So, during those times, our doors are locked and people have to ring the doorbell to gain admittance.”
They’re also performing frequent drills at the Beth Shalom preschool.
“We’re also in touch with the FBI and hoping to have one of their agents give us an assessment of our security measures as well,” Geduld says.