"A suspect has been taken into custody after a historic synagogue in Mississippi was badly damaged in a fire that authorities described on Sunday as an arson case. According to officials, the blaze broke out shortly after 3am Saturday at Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson. No one was hurt in the fire. Images from the scene revealed blackened debris in an administrative office and the synagogue's library, where multiple Torah scrolls were either destroyed or damaged."
"Jackson's mayor, John Horhn, said a suspect was taken into custody after an investigation involving the FBI and the joint terrorism taskforce. Acts of antisemitism, racism, and religious hatred are attacks on Jackson as a whole and will be treated as acts of terror against residents' safety and freedom to worship, Horhn said in a statement. He did not identify the suspect or say what charges might be filed."
"We are thankful no one was injured, but this wasn't random vandalism it was a deliberate, targeted attack on the Jewish community, Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, said in a statement. Michele Schipper, CEO of the Institute of Southern Jewish Life and a former president of the congregation, told the Associated Press that the synagogue is still evaluating the extent of the damage and has received messages of support from other faith communities."
A fire occurred shortly after 3am Saturday at Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, and authorities characterized the blaze as arson. No injuries were reported. The administrative office and synagogue library sustained heavy damage, and multiple Torah scrolls were destroyed or damaged. One Torah that survived the Holocaust remained protected behind glass and was not harmed. Five Torahs in the sanctuary are being examined for smoke damage. Local leadership and members pledged to restore the building. The FBI and the joint terrorism taskforce participated in the investigation, and the mayor said hateful acts will be treated as terror against residents' safety and freedom to worship.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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