Bomb threats called into Jewish day schools in Md., Va.

ROCKVILLE, Md. - Bomb threats were called into Jewish schools and community centers in 12 states on Monday. Two schools that received those threats are in the D.C. region.

The Gesher Jewish Day School in Fairfax received a bomb threat call at around 9:19 a.m., according to Fairfax County police. About 143 students and staff were evacuated from the school, but after a check of the building, an all-clear was given around 10:47 a.m.

Montgomery County police said the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville received a call for a bomb threat at 9:37 a.m. The school was not evacuated, but it was given the all-clear at around 10:44 a.m. after a K-9 unit and fire officials responded to the school.

The JCC Association of North America said in total, there were 21 bomb threat calls made to 13 community centers and eight Jewish day schools across the nation on Monday. The locations included Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia. All of the locations were cleared by law enforcement of any devices or threats.

"Anti-Semitism of this nature should not and must not be allowed to endure in our communities," said David Posner, director of strategic performance at JCC Association of North America, in a statement. "The Justice Department, Homeland Security, the FBI, and the White House, alongside Congress and local officials, must speak out - and speak out forcefully - against this scourge of anti-Semitism impacting communities across the country.

"Actions speak louder than words. Members of our community must see swift and concerted action from federal officials to identify and capture the perpetrator or perpetrators who are trying to instill anxiety and fear in our communities.

"We remain grateful to local law enforcement who continue to serve our communities and ensure that our JCCs and schools remain safe and open for business as the vital community institutions they are."

The JCC Association of North America also said there have been 90 reported threats at 73 different locations - spanning 30 states and a Canadian province - so far this year.