Hazmat crews are investigating after a suspicious “envelope” was opened at the office of Beth El synagogue near a school, leading to an evacuation and at least two people reporting symptoms of illness, according to the Baltimore County Fire Department.
Two adults were evaluated by EMS after opening an envelope that was addressed to the school’s location on Park Heights Ave. The building contains both a daycare and a preschool.
The envelope was sent to Beth El Synagogue, which operates the Pauline Mash School For Early Childhood Education at its complex at 8101 Park Heights Ave., according to the Baltimore County Fire Department and a school email to parents. Crews were called about 1:45 p.m.
Thirty-three staff members and 78 children were inside the building during the incident Monday.
Additionally, YWN has learned that a similar-looking letter which was received at Beth El was received at additional locations.
- Mesivta Neimus Hatorah in Baltimore County was one location. The envelope was not opened and Baltimore County PD and the Hazmat team are on the scene at the mesivta as well.
- Ner Tamid (Greenspring Valley Shul) may have also received a similar letter.
- Bait Yaakov Safra.
- Chabad Cheder.
EMS, Hazmat crews now o/s at the Beth El School, 8100 blk Park Heights Ave., #Pikesville. Several people report symptoms of illness after opening a suspicious package. EMS crews evaluating. DT 1245^EA^EA
— Baltimore County Fire Department (@BaltCoFire) December 17, 2018
Correction, hazmat, 8100 blk Park Heights Ave: The suspicious envelope was delivered to the Beth El synagogue offices, not the Beth El school. EA
— Baltimore County Fire Department (@BaltCoFire) December 17, 2018
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11 Responses
Not particularly suspicious. Looks like a missionary letter. “at least two people reporting symptoms of illness” could be psychosomatic, or the effects of avodah zarah on any sane individual.
@rebbeyid… It gets suspicious when the letter was sent to dozens of shuls in baltimore…
wow whoever did this really did his research and crossed the gamut of religious observance or non observance here- a reform temple, a chabad cheder, Sefardi shul, MO synagogue, Mesivta HS.
Ah ha…..What is “suspicious” about some Christian evangelical group doing a google search for all the yiddeshe mosdos in the Baltimore area and mailing them nearly identical letters expressing concerns for their share of olam habah if they haven’t accepted XXus XXst as their moishicach? Could even be a mass mailing from the local Yidden for XXus affiliate. Local police in Baltimore City and County and fire officials have confirmed that they have found no dangerous substances in any of the letters and none of the letters convey any type of threat. Perhaps the two individuals who claimed “illness” were anticipating a lawsuit or otherwise were traumatized about their neshamas not being properly positioned for olam habah.
I read the letter. All it is is the standard quotes about how you need to believe in Jesus so you dont die a sinner and burn in eternal hell. No big deal. Throw it away and move on.
BillyW- No one cared about the letter. It was the powder. To throw it away could have been dangerous and irresponsible. B”H it turned out to be harmless.
All part of a conspiracy and of the same Ayin hoRa, which led to the roof implosion of what would have been the new Mikvah.
Workingmom. Where does it say anything about powder.
Also, they sent the standard “Save your soul” letter. Why would they bother if the point was powder?
If there was powder in the envelopes, YWN neglected to mention it.
How can a letter cause someone to get sick?
Missionaries