After bombs addressed to synagogues were intercepted last week, the Federal Bureau of Investigation sent an alert to Jewish organizations and synagogues in the Chicago and New York metropolitan areas, warning them of the situation and any mysterious packages.

The FBI expanded the alert to the tri-state area and various cities in New York, including Binghamton.

The FBI issued an alert to Jewish organizations and synagogues last Saturday after two explosive devices were found in packages sent from Yemen to synagogues in Chicago, Ill.

Jewish organizations in the city of Binghamton were warned to stay clear of any incoming packages. Local Jewish congregations, as well as BU’s Jewish organizations, such as Hillel and Chabad, received the alert.

Shana Kantor, executive director of Hillel at BU, said the organization received the alert last week but was not alarmed.

‘We have the edit benefit where all of our mail goes through the University system ‘ we are also in touch with the University police who are constantly on the lookout,’ Kantor said, in response to the level of awareness on campus.

The mail is edited by the Campus Mail Services, where the mail first arrives, and then is delivered to Hillel.

She reassured that there is no reason to feel alarmed by the situation and that the campus is not in danger.

The explosives hidden in ink cartridges sent to the synagogues in Chicago were made of the substance PETN, the same chemical used in the failed attempt to bomb a Northwest Airlines flight going from Amsterdam to Detroit on Christmas day last year.

The explosives found last week were carried unknowingly on Qatar Airway passenger planes and remained undetected during security screenings at Yemen. The two packages were intercepted separately in London and Dubai where officials reported they were found on cargo airplanes.

According to Kantor, the best way to handle the situation is to ‘educate students about local discrimination and anti-Semitism and show them how these events affect their everyday lives and help them understand what anti-Semitism means for them on campus.’

The FBI alert was sent to Chabad of Binghamton along with an alert from the Chabad headquarters in New York City, warning them to look out for any suspicious mail or actions. Although they do not think Jewish organizations at BU are targets of such acts, they emphasized the importance of being aware and cautious of anti-Semitism.

‘We have to make sure we are safe and sound, but at the same time we have to bring more light into the world,’ said Rabbi Levi Slonim, head of programming and development of Chabad at Binghamton. ‘These groups are trying to deter us and make us weaker ‘ our strongest response to anti-Semitism is to strengthen ourselves by increasing our Jewish identity, community and pride.’

Chabad at Binghamton has held many events in the past where it invited speakers ranging from Israeli soldiers to mainstream athletes and TV stars. The speakers informed students about the issues they face as members of a Jewish community and the ongoing battle against anti-Semitism.

Holding events to educate students on anti-Semitism has been a prominent part of BU campus life. Student groups such as BUZO and Bearcats for Israel are responsible for events promoting advocacy and educating students.

‘We live in an isolated world, especially us college students, and the best way to be aware of our surroundings is to stay informed,’ said a student, director of Bearcats for Israel and a sophomore double-majoring in management and entrepreneurship. ‘We need to realize that this is a continuous struggle and what’s important to educate students and keep them informed.’

The FBI alert will remain in effect as long as the U.S. government suspects there are illicit materials circulating within delivered packages, according to The New York Times.

Editor’s Note (3/8/24): This article has been updated to remove a name of a student.