The Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara supports the recent statement from the JCC Association of North America.

========

On March 23, 2017, a suspect with dual Israeli-American citizenship was arrested in Israel in connection with dozens of threats made to Jewish Community Centers across the United States and Canada since the beginning of January. All such threats have turned out to be hoaxes. JCC Association of North America leadership was briefed by, and consulted with, the FBI. In response to the arrest, JCC Association of North America President and CEO Doron Krakow said the following:​

“On behalf of the JCC Association of North America and JCCs across the continent, we are gratified by the progress in the investigation, and applaud the commitment and leadership of the FBI, DHS and other federal agencies, Israeli law enforcement, and local law enforcement across the United States and Canada, and the Secure Community Network (SCN) which played a pivotal role in connecting all national agencies. While the threats have been hoaxes, today’s action will hopefully reassure members of our community.

Emblematic of the strength of JCCs and the important model they represent for acceptance, inclusion, and appreciation for diversity is the remarkable support we have received from communities and community leaders across North America, including civic, political and faith community leaders. Throughout this long running period of concern and disruption that we are hopeful has come to an end, JCCs have had the opportunity to review and assess our security protocols and procedures, and we are confident the JCCs are safer today than ever before.”