Albuquerque, NM — On Tuesday, January 31, the Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque (JCC) received a telephone bomb threat, which was part of a wave of similar bomb threats to 55 JCC’s across the United States over the past four weeks.

“JCC gratefully thanks the Albuquerque community, including law enforcement agencies, for the support and solidarity in the wake of this week’s hate crime against our facility,” said Dave Simon, JCC Executive Director.

“Jews have been in New Mexico for over 400 years.  The JCC and Jewish people in general feel welcome and integrated into a multi-cultural New Mexico that appreciates diversity and tolerance.  We shall always use care and compassion to oppose hate and discrimination wherever it exists.”

Simon announced three actions now by JCC to show appreciation and give back to the Albuquerque community:

1.      JCC Open Free to All February 4-5.  JCC is open to all and serves the entire community.  To express gratitude and appreciation to a supportive Albuquerque, JCC will be open free to the entire community on Saturday and Sunday, February 4-5.  The public is welcome to come and utilize the JCC’s recreational facilities from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

2.      Community Invited to Attend “Shabbat 505.”  The public, including people of all faiths, is invited to attend a free Shabbat 505 event on Saturday, February 4, at 7:00 p.m.  Shabbat 505 will be a festive gathering to close the Shabbat day of rest.  The program will include singing, dancing, snacks, and the unveiling of special panels about Jewish history in New Mexico.

3.      JCC will support a special tree planting on City Open Space lands on February 5.  The Jewish holiday Tu B’Shevat, known as the New Year of the Trees, is February 11.  Simon said:  “Trees represent life, longevity, uprightness, renewal and stability and have the ability to survive storms and wind; they may bend and lose leaves, but still remain upright.  The JCC remains steadfast in our commitment to serving our community.”

For more information, see:  jccabq.org or call 505-332-0565.

The JCC of Greater Albuquerque, founded in 2000, is a non-profit organization, open to all regardless of age or religious affiliation. The JCC mission is “to enrich our community by practicing the values of Jewish life.”

Tags: Albuquerque, bomb threat, JCC