White Oak, PA - Feds Seek Help in Area Synagogue Threats

White Oak, PA - Investigators have posted a $10,000 reward for information about a series of threatening letters sent to two synagogues and the police chief.

For more than two years, someone has sent letters threatening to blow up Temple B'nai Israel and Gemilas Chesed Congregation in White Oak, about 15 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, investigators said.
Several letters had specific death threats against Gemilas Chesed leader Rabbi Irvin Chinn and his family. White Oak police Chief Joe Hoffman also received two death threat letters.

The FBI and U.S. postal inspectors offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to a conviction. Officials would not disclose details of the threats. "These letters are filled with very specific threats and vicious religious hatred," FBI Special Agent Kevin Deegan said. "They threaten harm against Jewish people, Jewish buildings, rabbis and their families."

Each also received a letter containing a white powdery substance, but tests proved the material was harmless, Deegan said.
Investigators hope someone will recognize the writing on the envelopes, Deegan said. The writing is large and contains lowercase and capital letters. Also, the word "Israel" is misspelled "Isreal."

Each synagogue has about 400 members.