Arson suspect arrested after blaze at historic Mississippi synagogue

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Marina DunbarJanuary 11, 2026 at 11:25 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

A suspect is in custody following an arson fire that severely damaged the historic Beth Israel Congregation synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi, early Saturday morning. The fire, which broke out around 3 a.m., damaged the synagogue's library and administrative office, destroying or damaging multiple Torah scrolls. No injuries were reported. Authorities, including the FBI and a joint terrorism taskforce, are investigating the incident, which is being treated as an act of antisemitism and terror. Beth Israel, the largest synagogue in Mississippi and previously targeted in a 1967 bombing, is assessing the extent of the damage and plans to rebuild with community support.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Institute of Southern Jewish Life 30% Jewish Federations of North America 30% Anti-Defamation League 40% Jonathan Greenblatt 40% Michele Schipper ×340% Ku Klux Klan 50% FBI 50% John Horhn ×260% Mississippi ×370% Jackson ×480% Beth Israel Congregation ×590%

Keywords

arson 90% beth israel congregation 80% synagogue 80% antisemitism 70% fire 70% torah scrolls 60% jackson mississippi 60% hate crime 50% jewish community 50% religious hatred 50%