Arson in Mississippi

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The Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, was founded in 1860 by German Jewish immigrants, and soon after purchased land for a cemetery. By the end of 1862, fifteen Jewish families lived in Jackson. After the Civil War, the congregation acquired a site for a modest wood frame schoolhouse that also served as a worship space; this was the first synagogue in the state of Mississippi.

The fire that damaged Beth Israel — and destroyed two Torah scrolls — appears to have been an act of arson by a man who admitted to targeting the institution because of its “Jewish ties,” according to the FBI. The historic building also houses the offices of the Institute of Southern Jewish Life, which supports Jewish life in the region.

In 1967, the Ku Klux Klan bombed the synagogue because its leaders were advocates for racial integration.

Reacting to the recent arson, chief fire investigator Charles Felton said, “A lot of times we hear things happening throughout the country in other parts, and we feel like this wouldn’t happen in our part. A lot of people are in disbelief that this would happen here in Jackson, Mississippi.”

Anya Kamenetz, a journalist, author, educator and speaker, was raised in Louisiana. The Forward published a reflection by her that included this:

…My visceral response to yet another incident like this isn’t only to be afraid and draw closer to fellow members of the tribe. I think about the reason that [Rabbi] Nussbaum and [Beth Israel] were attacked 59 years ago. It’s because they embraced pluralism and coexistence. Because they loved justice and refused to back down to terrorists. Because they raised money for Black churches that were set on fire. They were on the side of the poor and the less powerful — the right side of history. That’s the kind of proud Southern Jew I want to be.

We all feel the heat of hate.

Click here to help rebuild Beth Israel.

(Sources: CBS News; Religious News Service; The Forward)