Historic Synagogue in Mississippi Set on Fire: One Person in Custody

 

 

 

P.P. Cherian

Mississippi: Police have taken one person into custody in the arson attack on the Beth Israel Congregation, the largest synagogue in the US state of Mississippi. The attack took place at around 3 am on Saturday at this historic place of worship in the city of Jackson.

Damage: The synagogue's library and administrative office were completely destroyed in the fire. Two holy 'Torah' books in the library were burned to death. However, the Torah, which survived the Holocaust and was in the main hall, is safe.

The investigation is being conducted in collaboration with the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force. Authorities have confirmed that this is a deliberate arson attack.

This is one of the oldest Jewish places of worship in Mississippi. The synagogue was bombed by the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in 1967 for its involvement in the civil rights movement.

Jackson Mayor John Horne said, "Hate speech and racism are an attack on our city."

No one was injured in the fire. Synagogue officials said the building would be rebuilt and that services would continue temporarily with the help of nearby churches.