JCPA on Mississippi Synagogue Arson Attack: ‘Compounds our Fear at a Moment of Rising Hate and Extremism’

Amy Spitalnick, CEO of The Jewish Council for Public Affairs, issued the following statement in response to Saturday’s devastating arson attack at Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi — the same synagogue that was bombed by the Ku Klux Klan in 1967: 

“This weekend’s horrifying arson attack on the largest synagogue in Mississippi comes alongside a dramatic increase in hate and violence targeting Jewish communities and institutions around the globe, compounding our fear and vulnerability at this already challenging moment. Our hearts are with Beth Israel Congregation and the entire Mississippi Jewish community at this incredibly difficult time.

“All of our leaders have an obligation to speak out, stand with the Jewish community in meaningful ways, and work to build strong coalitions and advance holistic approaches to counter hate, violence, and extremism wherever it exists. This crisis threatens Jews, all communities, and our democracy — and until it’s treated with the seriousness and urgency it deserves, none of us will be safe.”