Montco Synagogue Evacuated After Bomb Scare Thursday

UPPER DUBLIN TOWNSHIP, PA —The Beth Or Synagogue was evacuated Thursday afternoon after a bomb threat was made against the religious institution and school.

The emailed threat was received at 11:25 a.m. Thursday, prompting the evacuation of the Welsh Road synagogue and an immediate response by law enforcement and first responders, according to the synagogue.

For the safety of the children, the synagogue evacuated children and staff from the building.

The Upper Dublin Township Police Department and staff —"out of an abundance of caution" —conducted a sweep of the building and grounds, the synagogue said. The search yielded negative results.

"At this time, there is no credible threat to our community. Our children, teachers, staff, and clergy are all safe and accounted for," the synagogue said in an email to congregants and their families about the bomb scare.

Beth Or said it was one of many synagogues throughout Pennsylvania Thursday that received a bomb scare threat via email. The Shir Ami Synagogue in Newtown Township, Bucks County, was also evacuated Thursday afternoon due to a bomb threat.

Congregation President Leslie Weiss is working with law enforcement to investigate the source of the bomb scare email.

"Our security remains vigilant and in place as always," the synagogue said. "General building security continues to be in effect per procedure."

The email was signed by Robin Minkoff, the synagogue's executive director, Weiss, and Sara Baum, director of early childhood education.