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A predawn arson attack left Mississippi’s largest synagogue severely damaged early Saturday, prompting a multi-agency investigation and deep concern within the local Jewish population.
Firefighters in Jackson responded to an emergency call shortly after 3 a.m. and arrived at the Beth Israel Congregation building to find flames coming from the synagogue’s windows. Investigators quickly ruled out weather-related causes, despite thunderstorms the previous night. All doors were locked when crews arrived, strengthening suspicions that someone intentionally set the fire.
The Jackson Fire Department is leading the investigation with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Local media reported that authorities arrested a suspect in connection with the fire. Officials have not released the suspect’s identity or detailed the charges.
Torah Scrolls Destroyed, Building Left Unusable
The fire destroyed two Torah scrolls stored in the synagogue’s library, the library itself, and administrative offices. The main sanctuary sustained no structural damage. Congregants later removed the Torah scrolls kept there for safekeeping. A Holocaust-era Torah preserved in a glass case also remained intact.
In an email to members, Beth Israel Congregation President Zach Shemper described extensive smoke and soot damage throughout the building. He later confirmed that the synagogue cannot currently be used and will require major cleanup and repairs. No injuries were reported.
As a result, the congregation suspended prayer services indefinitely. Worshipers who arrived for Shabbat services on Saturday morning helped salvage damaged items from the building.
“We have already had outreach from other houses of worship in the Jackson area and greatly appreciate their support in this very difficult time,” the congregation said in a statement.
A Historic Synagogue Targeted Again
Founded in 1860, Beth Israel Congregation is the only synagogue in Jackson and is believed to be the largest in Mississippi. The state is home to approximately 3,000 Jews, representing about 0.1 percent of the population.
Founded in 1860, the Reform synagogue has faced violent antisemitism before. In 1967, members of the Ku Klux Klan bombed the synagogue and targeted its rabbi, Perry Nussbaum, because of his support for the civil rights movement.
The Beth Israel Congregation building is also home to the Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL).
In 1967 this synagogue in Mississippi was burned to ashes by the KKK.
Today, in 2026 it was attacked again on Shabbat, burning sacred Torah scrolls and holocaust survivor scrolls.
Different decades, same antisemitic hate. pic.twitter.com/gMmRRdqQsI
— Combat Antisemitism Movement (@CombatASemitism) January 11, 2026
City Leaders Call for Unity
Jackson Mayor John Horhn urged residents to reject hatred and division in response to the attack.
“I would hope that all Mississippians and all Jacksonians would commit themselves toward moving beyond such behavior and activity and find a way where we can all get together and get along,” Mayor Horhn said.
Take Action
CAM has launched Report It — a secure app to report antisemitic incidents anonymously and in real time. Don’t stay silent — download it today on the Apple Store or Google Play. See it. Report it. Stop it. Together, we can fight this hate.
