Press Release

ADL Statement on Series of Antisemitic Swatting Incidents Targeting Synagogues

New York, NY, August 12, 2023 ... ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) tonight issued the following statement in response to a series of incidents over the past four weekends involving the disruption of Jewish prayer services through swatting and fake bomb threats targeting synagogues, posed by a group of online trolls.

Statement from Jonathan A. Greenblatt, CEO and National Director:

"For the fourth weekend in a row, ADL has worked with law enforcement and community partners to mitigate the disruption to Jewish prayer services posed by a group of online trolls who swat and call in fake bomb threats targeting synagogues.

"The trolls use highly antisemitic language in these calls and appear to have targeted at least 26 synagogues and two ADL offices in 12 states over this time period. They appear to be targeting synagogues that livestream their services.

"The ADL Center on Extremism continues to work with law enforcement to determine the source or sources of these troubling and potentially dangerous activities. 

"Protecting the ability of Jewish people to observe shabbat in peace is central to the mission of ADL. If you would like to report an incident, please visit our online incident reporting form here.

"We wish the Jewish community a Shavuah Tov and a safe week ahead."

ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all.