Authorities are launching an investigation into a series of bomb threats that were sent via email to over two dozen synagogues and Jewish institutions in New York City, as well as temples in other areas of the state. Law enforcement sources reported that the emails, sent on Saturday, contained chilling messages warning of bombs planted inside the buildings.

The threatening emails, allegedly sent by a group calling themselves "Terrorizers111," expressed a sense of urgency, stating that the targeted buildings had only a few hours to disarm the bombs or face the consequences. The email further claimed that the threat was not a mere warning, but a violent act waiting to happen with bloodshed.

The targeted locations included 14 synagogues and Jewish centers in Manhattan, five in Queens, and two in Brooklyn. Additionally, two temples upstate and one on Long Island were also among the recipients of the threats. The New York Landmarks Conservancy also received a similar threatening message.

These bomb threats come at a time of heightened antisemitism in New York City and beyond, likely fueled by recent pro-Palestinian protests and anti-Israeli sentiments on college campuses, such as Columbia University and City College. Incidents of antisemitism have witnessed a concerning increase, prompting growing concerns for the safety of places of worship.

In response to the bomb threats and the rising antisemitism, US Senator Chuck Schumer announced on Sunday that $400 million in federal assistance would be allocated to protect houses of worship. This funding will be utilized for measures such as security guards, cameras, and barriers, aimed at reducing fear and ensuring the safety of religious spaces.

According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), antisemitic incidents in the United States surged by 140% in 2022, reaching a total of 8,873 cases. Notably, the number of incidents skyrocketed following a sneak attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists on October 7, which triggered a forceful response from Israel in the Gaza Strip. Post-October 7, the ADL recorded 5,204 antisemitic incidents, including 1,009 bomb threats against Jewish institutions in 2023.

Despite the severity of the situation, the New York Police Department (NYPD) has not yet provided a comment in response to Saturday's bomb threats.

Authorities are working diligently to identify the culprits behind the threats and ensure the safety of synagogues and Jewish institutions across New York City. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the allocation of federal funding are essential steps in combating antisemitic acts and protecting places of worship from future threats.