Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, was set on fire predawn on Saturday, Jan. 10. Thankfully, no congregants or staff were injured, and the building was unoccupied at the time. The synagogue did have a security camera system, a fact which assisted in the investigation, and which is a reminder of the importance of all the efforts we are undertaking to secure the Jewish community.
The destruction to the synagogue building was extensive, and, while damage assessments are still underway, the congregation is committed to rebuilding. Early reports indicated that several Torah scrolls were burned and others damaged. Thankfully, a Torah scroll rescued from the Holocaust was behind a glass case and survived the fire. The loss of the Sifrei Torah is a profound spiritual and communal loss, and we mourn it deeply with the Jackson Jewish community. At the same time, the fact that a Torah that survived the Holocaust and has been preserved for decades was not damaged reminds us of who we are and how long we have endured.
We have been in direct touch with the leadership of Beth Israel Congregation and with the Institute of Southern Jewish Life, with which we have a long relationship, and which has its offices at the synagogue. We have offered and will continue to offer any and all support that the community may need. We know that many Federations, especially those located nearby, have also offered to help. As you can imagine, this small community is being overwhelmed with inquiries from all around the world.
Of course, the full costs of rebuilding cannot be established at this time.
For those who are asking how they can help now, JFNA has opened a special mailbox at Jewishfederations.org – Beth Israel, Jackson MS Rebuilding Fund. All donations will be forwarded in full to Beth Israel Congregation with appropriate attribution. To donate directly, the synagogue has indicated the following fund will be used to support the costs of the damage and rebuilding: Beth Israel Congregation Rebuilding Fund at bethisraelms.org.
Once again, Jewish history and Jewish life are being tested. This is the same synagogue that was bombed by the Ku Klux Klan in 1967. That history matters. And this attack comes as we mark one year since the devastating fires in Los Angeles, which the LA Federation community continues to navigate with courage and resolve, and just a few short weeks after the attacks in Sydney.
We will support Beth Israel Congregation and the Jewish community of Jackson, Mississippi through this moment of pain and through the long work of rebuilding as we always do.
Like the Torah that survived fire and history, our people persist. Our community is united and our resolve is stronger than ever.
Am Yisrael Chai!
Gary Torgow, chair
Eric Fingerhut, president and CEO
Jewish Federations of North America