Authorities investigate same-day incidents targeting historic Philadelphia synagogue

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A historic synagogue in Philadelphia was the target of arson, vandalism, and an attempted burglary in three separate incidents that occurred within hours of each other on Tuesday, police said.

The Philadelphia Police Department told Paste BN that the series of incidents happened at different times at Congregation Mikveh Israel, one of the oldest synagogues in the United States. Police said the department is currently investigating the incidents in collaboration with the FBI.

"At this time, there is no indication that the incidents are connected, but we are thoroughly investigating in close coordination with the FBI to determine if any links exist," the Philadelphia Police Department said in a statement to Paste BN.

At about 2:15 a.m. Tuesday, the Philadelphia Fire Department and police responded to a dumpster fire next to the synagogue. The fire damaged a nearby window and the fire marshal determined the incident to be an act of arson, police said.

Authorities released a video of the suspect — a man wearing a blue hat, gray sweatshirt, blue jeans, gray sneakers, and a backpack — walking near and inside the dumpster. The video later showed smoke coming out of the dumpster before it caught fire.

Then at about 6:30 a.m., surveillance footage caught two suspects attempting to gain entry into the synagogue. Police said the suspects damaged a fence and a door but were unable to break into the synagogue.

Police later described the suspects as two white men — one wearing glasses around his neck, a dark hat, a white t-shirt, tan pants, dark shoes, and a backpack while the other wore all dark clothing and rode a small scooter.

Police later responded to a vandalism report at the synagogue at around 12:10 p.m. and discovered a damaged religious statue with profanity written on it in marker. Police said the scene was secured and a suspect has not been identified.

No arrests have been made as of Wednesday night, according to police. Authorities seek the public's help in identifying the suspects and for anyone with information on the incidents to come forward.

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Synagogue 'repeatedly targeted by acts of antisemitic vandalism'

While authorities have not deemed the incidents as an act of hate, local Jewish leaders called the incidents antisemitic and condemned the vandalism.

"Over the past several months, Congregation Mikveh Israel, one of the nation’s most historic synagogues, has been repeatedly targeted by acts of antisemitic vandalism," the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia said in a statement Wednesday. "Yesterday, these hateful attacks escalated into attempted arson."

"We, the Jewish community, call on public officials and our communal partners to stand united in condemning this abhorrent hatred," the non-profit organization added.

Rabbi Yosef Zarnighian, who has been a rabbi at the synagogue since Sept. 2021, told WPVI-TV that before the incidents Tuesday, the synagogue had not experienced "any serious attacks of any kind" over the last three years.

"It's been peaceful, it's been nice, it's been wonderful. People are on edge with the elections, with the war in the Middle East right now," Rabbi Zarnighian told the television station. "And so for it to hit home, it's difficult."

Antisemitic incidents have increased over recent years but there was a "dramatic" surge in incidents following the deadly October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in southern Israel, according to the Anti-Defamation League. The organization reported earlier this year that it documented 8,873 antisemitic incidents across the U.S. in 2023, with 5,204 incidents occurring after Oct. 7.

One of the oldest synagogues in the U.S.

Congregation Mikveh Israel, which refers to itself as the "Synagogue of the American Revolution," was established in 1740, according to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.

The synagogue "holds a distinguished place in history as the oldest continuous synagogue in the United States, with deep ties to Philadelphia’s and our nation’s founding," the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia said in its statement. The organization added that the synagogue was "among the first to reach out to George Washington upon his inauguration, receiving his blessings of protection."

The synagogue is a Spanish and Portuguese congregation and is the oldest formal congregation in Philadelphia, according to its website.