In a disturbing incident on Friday evening, two synagogues in Seattle's Seward Park were targeted with suspicious envelopes containing a white powdery substance.
The unsettling event, which occurred just before the Jewish Sabbath, has prompted an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other law enforcement agencies.
David Cuerpo, Public Information Officer for the Seattle Fire Department (SFD), confirmed to KOMO news that the substance was tested and found to be non-hazardous. "We dont know what it was, and all our tests came up negative, and it was not determined to be harmful," Cuerpo stated. He further explained that the SFD was requested by the Seattle Police Department (SPD) to conduct tests on the substance after the initial 911 call was made.
The FBI, assisting in the investigation, informed King 5 that further testing is required to "fully characterize" the substance. An FBI official stated, "Law enforcement and public safety officials are working to determine how many letters were sent, the individual(s) responsible for the letters, and the motive behind them."
Among the targeted synagogues was the Sephardic Bikur Holim Congregation. Jack Gottesman, Vice President of the synagogue's Board of Directors, expressed his disappointment, stating, "Unfortunately, this isn't a surprise, given the nature of anti-Jewish sentiments and protests and rallies that have taken place globally since the Oct. 7 massacre in southern Israel." He added, "This is something that our community has learned to deal with. But we're strong, we're proud, and we're not running away. Our congregation has been here for 110 years, we're not leaving."
Ari Hoffman, a synagogue leader and editor at The Post Millennial, echoed Gottesman's sentiments, stating, "We are not running, we are not hiding, we are here, and we are always going to be here."
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell expressed his concern over the incident, stating, "This is extremely disturbing." He added, "Im grateful that first responders were able to swiftly determine these were non-hazardous materials." He condemned the act, stating, "There is no doubt that these were sent with the intent to target, harm, and frighten Jewish neighbors. This targeted threat is wrong."
While the investigation was ongoing at the second synagogue, the SPD responded to a third call about a suspicious package near the University of Washington's Center for Jewish Life. However, no powdery substance was found in that package.
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