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Bomb threat forces evacuation of Sylvania synagogue

The Jewish Federation of Toledo says the bomb threat happened during morning Shabbat services at Congregation B'nai Israel. The YMCA/JCC building was also evacuated.

SYLVANIA, Ohio — A bomb threat forced the evacuation of a Sylvania synagogue on Saturday morning according to the Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo.

The bomb threat happened as people were gathered for Shabbat services at the Congregation B’nai Israel on Sylvania Ave. around 10:15 a.m.

The Jewish Federation says the building was evacuated after a text message was sent to a crisis line and received by regional dispatch claiming someone was on their way to the synagogue with a pipe bomb in a backpack.

The Sylvania YMCA/JCC, which is on the same property and is adjacent to the synagogue, was also evacuated.

It’s unknown at this time who made the threat.

On Friday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine visited northwest Ohio to discuss safety in the Jewish and Muslim communities as the situation in Gaza continues.

DeWine visited the Jewish Community Center as well as the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo to discuss recent incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia and what the state is doing to protect the community.

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