The Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago is relieved that an arrest finally has been made concerning most of the bomb threats called to Jewish institutions throughout North America during the past few months. We praise Israeli officials for making the arrest and leading the investigation.

That the suspect holds dual Israeli and American citizenship is hard to fathom; however, very little is known at this time of this individual’s motivations, whether he acted alone or with others, and other critical facts. (He is reportedly Jewish and has a brain tumor.)

Meanwhile, rising anti-Semitism and the climate of fear it engenders, cannot and must not be attributed to any single source. Vandalism of Jewish cemeteries and synagogues, and public expressions of anti-Semitism on college campuses and other venues, also are occurring — and are attributable to diverse sources motivated by hate.

In today’s environment, JUF, its agencies, and the institutions we serve, must devote serious attention to the very real threats they face, as delineated by our partners in the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and local police, to whom we are grateful. JUF, in coordination with those partners, continues to provide extensive, security-related services — including audits of facilities and funding to enhance preparedness of personnel and sites — to all requesting, qualified Jewish institutions in the Chicago area.

JUF also thanks our elected officials for their swift response — through resolutions, legislation, and special initiatives — to the increased threats and acts of hate.