An investigator stands on a lift near markers on the roof of Congregation Beth El, showing fire damage (photo: AP)
Several Molotov cocktails were thrown at a northern New Jersey synagogue early Wednesday morning, setting fire to the second floor of the building which houses the rabbi’s family. The rabbi suffered mild burns while putting out the fire, which caught onto his bed-sheets after one of the firebombs crashed through his bedroom window. Fortunately, no one else was physically injured in the incident.
This was the fourth Jewish institution that has been targeted over the last month in northern New Jersey. On January 3, a synagogue in Paramus was deliberately set on fire, while synagogues in Hackensack and Maywood, New Jersey, were spray-pained with graffiti bearing anti-Semitic slurs.
When I think about my childhood in New York, I can certainly recall some incidences where I was targeted by neighborhood bullies for being Jewish – but that was it. I do not have any memory of synagogues being spray-painted, fire-bombed, or being set on fire. On the other hand, many friends of mine here in Israel who grew up in London, New Zealand, France, Spain, and elsewhere have many unpleasant memories of anti-Semitism.
I recall being shocked when my good friend who migrated to Israel from New Zealand told me that every synagogue in New Zealand has a security team to protect the congregants. I always said, “Things are different in the U.S.” But then I think of the recent attacks in New Jersey, and I remind myself that similar attacks have occurred elsewhere, such as the attacks against synagogues in the Chicago area that occurred during the 2009 Gaza war — and I begin to wonder if my statement still holds true.
Ironically, here in Israel the synagogue is about the only public place where you won’t find a security guard at the entrance. Bus and train stations, shopping malls, movie theatres, as well as restaurants in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem all have guards at the door who check to see that you are not carrying explosives or weapons. Yet when you walk into most synagogues, no one asks to see your bag.
What is most troubling about the recent spate of anti-Semitic attacks in New Jersey is the regularity and severity of these attacks. It’s possible, of course, that all the incidents are connected, and that once the police catch the culprit that will be the end of it. Sadly, however, it’s likely that the trend of anti-Semitism which has already swept through Europe and other parts of the world over the last decade has made its way across the Atlantic and onto the shores of the U.S.
What do you think?
7:23 am
Let us not delude ourselves that this is going to improve. Search the Holy Bible and read what G-d says about the persecution of the Hebrew people (Christians also for we are spiritual Hebrews) before Messiah returns. But do not be discouraged, G-d is not mocked. He alone is holy and omnipotent. Ultimately it is Messiah who wins.
5:07 am
This saddens my heart. Does this mean they are really trying to get back at Jesus? I suspect and hope the rapture will take place soon when we can see our Saviour face to face. God bless the Jews
9:09 pm
This reminds me of Kristallnacht in Germany on November 9-10, 1938. It was called The Night of Broken Glass where 1668 Synagogues were burned, ransacked, and looted. Sadly, history repeats itself.
5:53 pm
The Holy Bible has stated,GOD said “Vengeance is MINE” So many “Natural Disasters” seem to be happening more so in recent times than ever in our recorded history.
1:36 pm
It is not something new that jews suffer the non jew people`s hatred. I really hate these actions. That`s why I keep in prayers for you all, so in Israel, as in the whole world.
1:00 pm
Is this a sign that this brand of violent anti-Semitism is growing in the U.S
12:56 pm
This is so sad. Horrible..I never knew things that eveil happened here in the US. God help us. What happened to the USA that was bprn a christian nation to love an ddo Gods will. We are to love Jews and stand by them ALL ISRAEL that is what God told us.I am so sorry that our world is turning more evil. God will come for us soon I hope > My prayers are with Gods chosen children Jews Israel. GOD BLESS THEM