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Alerted by CIA, N.H. Authorities Investigating Threats Against Jewish Community

Via Temple Beth Jacob | Facebook

New Hampshire law enforcement is continuing to investigate threats made against the state's Jewish community.

"The Concord Police Department was contacted by the C.I.A. on Friday evening and made aware of numerous email-related threats that have been targeting members of the Jewish faith and possibly law enforcement," said Lt. Sean Ford, Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division at Concord Police Department.

 

[UPDATE: Man Arrested for Threatening Governor Sununu in Connection With Threats to Jewish Community]

 

Ford confirmed that Concord's Temple Beth Jacob has been receiving increased police security but would not comment on any specific groups or individuals included in the threats.

 

The Concord Police Department said it's also working with State Police and federal agencies to track down the source of the threats.  

 

"I would say that I and my congregation are saddened by it,” said Temple Beth Jacob Rabbi Robin Nafshi. “We are also quite resolved, we are a people who have been under attack for thousands of years and we have persevered."

 

It’s not the first time Rabbi Nafshi has had to deal with threatening and anti-semitic activity on the web in recent months. She and dozens of other New Hampshire residents -- including Governor Chris Sununu -- were listed on the now defunct “NH Nationalists” website. The site also hyperlinked to the works of American white nationalists as well as Adolf Hitler’s “Mein Kampf.” Google, which hosted the content through its Blogger platform, confirmed Monday that the company took action against the site based on its policies.

 

News of the current threats under investigation came just before the start of the Jewish Hanukkah Holiday.

 

“It’s unfortunate that these type of messages went out and caused people anxiety and fear at this time of the year, but hopefully we can get to the bottom of it and take whatever proper measures to keep people safe,” Ford said.

Christina joined the Civics 101 team in 2021. Previously, she worked on The Exchange, NHPR's flagship live news talk program, where she produced shows on topics including healthcare, social services, politics, and breaking news. She grew up all over the country, but considers New Hampshire her home base.
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