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Arson suspect ignites dumpster at historic Philadelphia synagogue
Philadelphia police are asking for the public's help to identify an arson suspect in connection to a fire at a synagogue earlier this week.
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 were unsuccessful in gaining entry.
Philadelphia police have not said if the crimes are connected, but are currently looking for three suspects.
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The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia says this is the latest act of antisemitic vandalism targeting the historic synagogue over the past several months.
Congregation Mikveh Israel is the oldest formal congregation in Philadelphia and the oldest continuous synagogue in the United States.