Historic Philadelphia synagogue targeted by arsonist, vandal, burglars just days apart

PHILADELPHIA - A historic synagogue in Philadelphia has become the target of a recent crime spree, and police are asking for help to identify the suspects.

Early Tuesday morning, video caught a man lighting a dumpster on fire next to Congregation Mikveh Israel on North 4th Street.

The fire damaged a nearby window, and was ruled arson by the Fire Marshall.

Just hours later, two other suspects attempted to break into the synagogue in surveillance footage released by police. The fence was damaged, but they failed to get in.

Both the arson and attempted burglary came just two days after police say another suspect used a marker to write profanities on a marker.

"Obviously, it’s a scary thing," said Rabbi Yosef Zarnighian. "Very, very unsettling feeling because nobody expects it to happen to them."

Philadelphia police have not said if the crimes are connected, but are currently looking for four suspects.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia says this is the latest act of antisemitic vandalism targeting the historic synagogue over the past several months.

"No memorial of any human being should ever be defaced. It’s a disgusting thing to do. It is an evil thing to do," Rabbi Zarnighian remarked. "It's definitely hurtful to see these attacks occur, even if it’s one attack, but certainly if it's back-to-back."

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The three incidents happened at the end of the week-long Jewish holiday of Sukkot, a time of celebration.

"It is supposed to bring us together. It's supposed to be a sign of togetherness," Rabvbi Zarnighian said. "It's kind of ironic these things happened in a time of unity and joy."

Rabbi Zarnighian says they will not tolerate hate or let what’s happened intimidate them. His message to his congregation and others is simple," If we stand up strongly, proudly, firmly and adhere to our traditions and faith even more strongly, ah, we are the victors, not them."

Congregation Mikveh Israel is the oldest formal congregation in Philadelphia and the oldest continuous synagogue in the United States.