Congregation Mikveh Israel, one of the oldest synagogues in the United States located in Philadelphia, was the target of arson, vandalism, and attempted burglary in separate incidents that occurred within hours of each other. The incidents are currently being investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department in collaboration with the FBI.
In the first incident, a dumpster fire next to the synagogue was determined to be an act of arson by the fire marshal. Surveillance footage captured a suspect near the fire. Later, two suspects were caught on camera attempting to break into the synagogue. A third incident involved a damaged religious statue with profanity written on it.
While authorities have not confirmed the incidents as acts of hate, local Jewish leaders have called them antisemitic and condemned the vandalism. Rabbi Yosef Zarnighian, who has been at the synagogue since 2021, noted that the synagogue had been peaceful until these recent attacks.
These incidents are part of a larger trend of rising antisemitic incidents in the U.S., with a spike following a deadly attack in Israel in 2023. Congregation Mikveh Israel has a long history, established in 1740, and played a significant role in Philadelphia’s founding. The synagogue remains committed to its heritage and is seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspects involved in the recent incidents.
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