Update: A suspect has been arrested. Sources told JJ the suspect is a 19 year-old white male. Security cameras captured him on video. He allegedly burned himself and had to go to the hospital. The Jackson Fire Department, ATF, FBI, and Homeland Security are investigating.
A fire took place at Beth Israel Congregation this morning. The Southern Jewish Life website reported:
Beth Israel in Jackson, the community's sole synagogue and the largest in Mississippi, reported that a fire broke out in the library late last night, and "completely engulfed the library as well as the adjacent office area." In an email to the congregation, President Zach Shemper said that damage is being assessed, and there is "significant" soot and smoke throughout much of the building. There were no injuries. Beth Israel also houses the offices of the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life, which provides services to Jewish communities in 13 states, with a focus on smaller communities. ISJL CEO Michele Schipper, who is a past president of Beth Israel, said the ISJL offices and the sanctuary were not damaged, and the Torahs have been removed for safekeeping.
Shemper said the congregation’s leadership is working with the fire department and law enforcement. No cause has been determined. There were strong thunderstorms in the area for much of the night. Last night, the congregation held its board installation at the 6:15 p.m. service, with a reception following. While there is usually a service and Torah study on Shabbat morning, this week’s had been cancelled. The congregation holds Sunday School classes. Next Shabbat, the congregation has an adult Bat Mitzvah scheduled for Tamar Sharp. The building, which was dedicated in March 1967, has a diamond-shaped layout, with the offices and library on one end, classrooms and other rooms along the sides, and the sanctuary and social hall in the center of the building, with a movable wall in between. Article
Jackson Fire Department units arrived at approximately 4 AM. The cause of the fire is under investigation and yes, the FBI is involved.
12 comments:
Can I be first to say, "Usual Suspects"?
How can we help? can we donate? can we help clean up?
Can I be first to say "I hope not?" Hopefully something innocent.
I was a member at Christ UMC from 1966 to 2000. I was there in 1968 when the KKK bombed the temple. It was unusual because our church, Beth Israel, and St. Phillips got along so well that we were in the "Holy Corner." Beth Israel also let CUMC park on their land on Sunday mornings. I sure hope this was an accident because those people are great and helped me learn how good Jewish people can be.
Im sure the FBI is going to give us the full story on this one just like the State Capitol nooses and the vandalized Jewish cemetary in metro DC.
What ever happened with the nooses? I thought for sure the guilty party would be in jail by now.
Thank you for giving us a more complete story. I do hope there is follow up
Today's anti-Semites are not rural rednecks. They are university endowed professors with fat pensions. Best to look there first.
Now we will see if the Mayor Senator and Jackson City Council members are truly against racism by their reactions to this. Will they be silent? Will they give empty words (condemnations for appearances)? Or will they actually do something to help (not racists)?
Now we will see if the Mayor Senator and Jackson City Council members are truly against racism by their reactions to this. Will they be silent? Will they give empty words (condemnations for appearances)? Or will they actually do something to help (not racists)?
You aren’t wrong 8:44
This is evil. I am truly glad the FBI is involved. It should be noted that over 400 churches were vandalized and burned during the Biden era. The Biden FBI couldn't be bothered with investigating these hate crimes as they were pre-occupied with investigating parents who dared to speak out at school board meetings and Catholic churches using a Latin mass.
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