Jewish schools in Brooklyn evacuate following bomb threats, NYPD finds no explosives on site

The incident followed a similar bomb threat at a Lakewood, New Jersey, Orthodox synagogue earlier in the week, the Anti-Defamation League's New York and New Jersey office said.

Two Jewish schools in Brooklyn were evacuated on Friday after receiving phoned-in bomb threats minutes apart, according to the New York Police Department.

According to police reports cited by local news outlets Patch and News 12 Brooklyn, the first threatening phone call was received at the Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School at approximately 9:54 a.m. Six minutes later, a similar call was placed to the United Talmudical Academy in Williamsburg. Emergency Service Units and K-9 detection teams responded to both schools, ordering evacuations and conducting thorough building searches.

Video footage circulating on social media captured young children being escorted out of the school buildings and marshaled along the street by staff amid the emergency response.

The NYPD stated that no explosives or hazardous materials were found, and both threats were ultimately deemed unfounded. No injuries were reported, and the investigation into the origin of the calls remains ongoing.

Yeshiva warns parents about school lockdown

In a letter sent to parents during the incident, the administration at the Yeshivah of Flatbush wrote that the school was placed in a full lockdown and subsequently evacuated "out of an abundance of caution, and in accordance with our established security protocols and the guidance of the NYPD." The administration added, "Please be assured that the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our absolute highest priority."

The Anti-Defamation League's New York and New Jersey office posted on X that "We are aware of two reported bomb threats at Orthodox Jewish schools in Brooklyn, NY today," adding that the incident followed a similar bomb threat at a Lakewood, New Jersey, Orthodox synagogue earlier in the week. "Jews must be able to pray and go to school without fearing for their safety," the ADL stated.

State Assemblyman Michael Novakhov also addressed the incident on X, writing that he spoke directly with the NYPD immediately after learning of the threat at the Yeshivah of Flatbush.

"I know how frightening this was for students and their families. Thank you to the officers, school staff, and security team for their quick response. No child or parent should have to experience this fear," Novakhov stated.