Jackson, Mississippi, Mayor John Horhn on Sunday condemned a fire that broke out overnight atBeth Israel,the city's only Jewish synagogue, calling the incident a targeted attack on religious freedom and the safety of Jackson residents.
"Acts of antisemitism, racism and religious hatred are attacks on Jackson as a whole and will be treated as threats to our residents' safety and freedom to worship," Horhn said in a statement. "Targeting people because of their faith, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation is morally wrong, un-American and incompatible with the values of this city."
The fire occurred around 3 a.m. Saturday morning at the synagogue.The Jackson Fire Departmentresponded and was able to contain and extinguish the blaze.
A suspect has been arrested by JFD's Arson Division, but their identity has not been released. It was not immediately clear whether the fire has formally been classified as arson or a hate crime. JFD could not be reached for further details Sunday morning.
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No one was injured.
"Jackson stands with Beth Israel and the Jewish community, and we'll do everything we can to support them and hold accountable anyone who tries to spread fear and hate here," Horhn said.
Along with JFD's Arson Investigation Division, the Jackson Police Department are leading the investigation, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Beth Israel is Jackson's oldest synagogue, dating to before the U.S. Civil War. Nearly 60 years ago, the Ku Klux Klan bombed both the temple's office and former Rabbi Perry Nussbaum's home in November of 1967. No one was killed during that incident.
Anti-Defamation League releases statements
Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, released a statement on the suspected arson Sunday morning, with more details on the damage to the synagogue.
"A historic synagogue was burned. Sacred Torahs destroyed. We are thankful no one was injured, but this wasn't random vandalism — it was a deliberate, targeted attack on the Jewish community, Greenblatt said in a statement. "Beth Israel survived a KKK bombing in 1967. That it has been attacked again, amid a surge of antisemitic incidents across the US, is a stark reminder: antisemitic violence is escalating, and it demands total condemnation and swift action from everyone — including community leaders, law enforcement, and government officials." "We stand with Beth Israel and Jackson's Jewish community. An attack on any synagogue is an attack on all Jews. We will not be intimidated. We will not be silent."
Additionally, the ADL's South Central region release a statement as well.
"ADL is aware of and horrified by the arson attack that occurred in the early morning hours of Saturday at Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, the state's largest synagogue and a synagogue with deep historical significance to both the Jewish and civil rights communities," said Regional Director Lindsay Bach Friedman in a statement.
"We are thankful that no congregants were injured in this despicable act. It is deeply unfortunate that multiple Torahs were destroyed and damaged in the flames, along with the synagogue's library and administrative offices. We commend the law enforcement agencies and all others involved for their swift action in apprehending a suspect Saturday evening."
"ADL is in direct contact with Beth Israel Congregation leadership, local community leaders, and law enforcement officials to provide support and resources during this difficult time."
"The fact that this historic synagogue, which was bombed by the Ku Klux Klan in 1967 because of Rabbi Perry Nussbaum's civil rights advocacy, has once again been targeted is particularly painful and disturbing. We will continue to monitor this investigation closely and will provide updates to the community as more information becomes available."
Charlie Drapeis the Jackson beat reporter. Contact him at cdrape@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger:Suspect arrested after fire at Jackson MS synagogue Beth Israel
