JACKSON, Miss. (RTW) — The FBI announced that Stephen Spencer Pittman has been charged with setting fire to the Beth Israel Congregation, confessing that he aimed to destroy the building due to its Jewish ties. In an affidavit, Pittman revealed that he used gasoline to ignite a fire inside the synagogue, causing significant damage.
The fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday, damaging vital areas, including the library and administrative offices, but thankfully did not injure any individuals. Security footage captured Pittman, masked and hooded, carrying out the attack.
Pittman's admission also included disturbing language, referring to the synagogue as the synagogue of Satan. Law enforcement discovered evidence linking him to the crime, including a burned cell phone and a hand torch handed over by a congregational member.
With only a few hundred Jewish individuals in Jackson, the congregation has been a cornerstone of Jewish life in Mississippi. They celebrated their heritage with pride, making the destruction of the synagogue all the more poignant. Fortunately, one Torah that survived the Holocaust remained undamaged; however, two other Torahs were destroyed in the fire.
The congregation’s president, Zach Shemper, expressed determination to rebuild, highlighting the support from the larger community. Nationwide, memorials and support are emerging, as the congregation reflects on a long history of endurance in the face of adversity, having faced racial violence in the past.
Founded in 1860, Beth Israel has not only served as a place of worship but also as a hub for Jewish culture and history in the region. Following the tragic attack, the congregation faces another chapter in its resilient story, promising to continue its legacy amidst challenges.
