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Threats Against Jewish Centers Denounced As 'Evil' By Aldermen

By Heather Cherone | February 22, 2017 1:10pm
 After searching the Hyde Park Jewish Community Center late Monday morning, Chicago police determined the phoned-in threat was unfounded, they said.
After searching the Hyde Park Jewish Community Center late Monday morning, Chicago police determined the phoned-in threat was unfounded, they said.
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Hyde Park Jewish Community Center 

HYDE PARK — The City Council Wednesday denounced the bomb threat made Monday morning against the Hyde Park Jewish Community Center amid a nationwide spate of anti-Semitic acts.

Ald. Ed Burke (14th) called the actions "evil" and said the council must condemn them.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel said there was a rising tide of both bigotry and the acceptance of bigoted language in the country, and called on President Donald Trump to do more to rebuke such actions and statements.

Since January, 53 Jewish Community Centers in 26 states have received threats, according to the Jewish Community Centers Association.

A statement from the FBI said it is "investigating possible civil rights violations in connection with threats to Jewish Community Centers."

At 10:10 a.m. Monday, someone phoned in the threat against the center in the 5200 block of Hyde Park Boulevard, police said. Police determined the threat was not genuine.

Emanuel said the city must live up to its status as a "welcoming city" and take action to help those who are being threatened or feel under siege.

"This can not be accepted," Emanuel said, his voice thick with emotion. "We must find our voice to speak to our better angels."