The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) condemns the recent rash of bomb threats against Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Since the start of the year, at least 14 campuses have received bomb threats, forcing staff and students to live in constant fear of attack.

We refuse to be bystanders in the face of hatred. We stand in solidarity with the students, faculty, and staff of the HBCUs, with the broader African American community, and all others subject to hatred or threats because of their race or ethnicity. We pledge to continue to make the defeat of white supremacy and the pursuit of racial justice a priority for the Jewish community and for our nation.

“This campaign of terror is horrifying and heartbreaking. As Jews, we understand how threats of violence impact communities and individuals: the fear, the disruption, the isolation, the trauma. No one should have to live in fear because of race or ethnicity, and this fear is particularly palpable for Black people, given the history of bombing attacks against Black churches and homes in the 50s and 60s,” said David R. Bohm, Chair of JCPA. “We strongly denounce these threats of terrorism and call on the Justice Department to devote the necessary resources to bring the perpetrators to justice.”