Thane (Maharashtra), In a shocking incident, the iconic ‘Shaar Hashamaim – Gate of Heaven’ Synagogue, standing for 147 years in Thane, the hometown of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, found itself at the center of a bomb threat on Thursday. Authorities swiftly responded, prompting an intensive search operation and heightened security measures.
The threat came in the form of an email, claiming the presence of a planted bomb within the premises of the historic Synagogue. The Thane Police, wasting no time, mobilized a comprehensive team, including the bomb detection and disposal squad. The Synagogue was immediately evacuated, and a meticulous search was conducted, necessitating the closure of nearby shops and the cordoning off of the area.
After a thorough examination, no suspicious items were discovered, leading to the conclusion that the threat might have been a hoax. Nevertheless, as a precautionary measure, the police have bolstered security in the vicinity and are actively pursuing further investigations to trace the source of the threat, as confirmed by Synagogue Director Ezra Moses.
The gravity of the situation prompted the presence of senior police officials at the scene, including Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone I) Ganesh Gawade, Assistant Commissioner of Police Priya Dhakane, Senior Police Inspector Ravindra Kshirsagar, and Senior Police Inspector of Crime Branch Dilip Patil, underscoring the significance attached to securing the Jewish place of worship.
As the community and authorities grapple with the aftermath of this alarming incident, the resilience of Thane’s historic Synagogue stands firm, with a renewed commitment to maintaining the safety and sanctity of this revered establishment.
