Suspect Arrested After Arson Attack on Jackson, Mississippi’s Only Synagogue – RedState
In another heinous act of anti-Semitism, a Mississippi synagogue was the target of what was likely arson early Saturday morning. The Beth Israel Synagogue in Jackson was set on fire around 3 a.m. Saturday morning.
The fire destroyed Torahs and prompted an investigation by the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force. No worshipers were in the building when the fire broke out. Much of the damage involved an administrative office and the synagogue library.
BREAKING: Jackson, Mississippi — the city’s only synagogue, Beth Israel, was burned on Shabbat.
Police and the FBI arrested a suspect after the fire was ruled arson.
Your online “jokes” have real-world consequences. pic.twitter.com/WOuHaNqnOP
– Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) January 11, 2026
Jackson Mayor John Horhn released a statement saying:
“Acts of anti-Semitism, racism and religious hatred are attacks on Jackson as a whole and will be treated as acts of terror against the safety of residents and freedom of worship.”
READ MORE: Fetterman Slams Democratic Party’s Embrace of Anti-Semitism and the Two-State Solution
Horhn also confirmed that one person was in custody in connection with the fire, but the suspect’s name was not released or what charges he may face. Beth Israel is the only synagogue in Jackson and the largest in the state. This is not the first time that she has been the target of anti-Jewish attacks.
According to the Institute for Southern Jewish Life, which operates out of the building, in 1967 the synagogue was attacked because of its involvement in the civil rights movement. The institute also released a statement saying:
“As Jackson’s only synagogue, Beth Israel is a beloved institution, and it is the fellowship of our neighbors and the broader community that will see us through this.”
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) called the fire a “deliberate and targeted attack on the Jewish community.” ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt added:
“Beth Israel survived a KKK bombing in 1967. That it was attacked again, amid a wave of anti-Semitic incidents across the United States, is a stark reminder that anti-Semitic violence is escalating and it demands total condemnation and swift action from everyone – including community leaders, law enforcement and government officials.
Since Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, incidents of anti-Semitism have increased significantly around the world, including in the United States. In New York, there are questions about how much support the home of the largest Jewish community outside of Israel would receive from the city’s first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani.
In October last year, before the election, Mamdani appeared with Fox News’ Martha MacCallum on “The Story” and refused to condemn Hamas.
Largest Synagogue in Mississippi Destroyed in Sabbath Day Arson. The fact that this isn’t the biggest story of the morning, or the day so far, should tell you how normalized anti-Semitic action is becoming.https://t.co/NcDLqTpWD6
– John Podhoretz (@jpodhoretz) January 11, 2026
As my colleague Jerry Wilson recently reported, after a demonstration in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood, where about 200 pro-Palestinian supporters marched and chanted pro-Hamas slogans, a group of New York elected officials, including Mamdani, suddenly had a jolt of conscience and condemned the anti-Semitic demonstration in a series of quite similar statements.
The timing of these statements was curious, given that one of Mamdani’s first official acts was to rescind several executive orders from former Mayor Eric Adams, including one regarding official action against anti-Semitic activity.
ALSO READ: In one fell swoop, New York Democrats fiercely condemn anti-Semitism, or something like it
In Mississippi, Beth Israel President Zach Shemper said damage to the building was still being assessed and services would be suspended indefinitely. He said: “We have already had contact with other places of worship in the Jackson area and greatly appreciate their support during this very difficult time. »
Another cowardly attack on Judaism in the United States. Thank goodness no one was hurt. And thanks to the police for already apprehending a suspect. Unknown motive, specifies the media.
– Tim Kane, PhD (@TimmerKane) January 11, 2026
[Correction: In a previous version of this story, the headline stated that Beth Israel was the only synagogue in Mississippi. It has since been corrected to reflect that it is the only synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi. We regret the error.]
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