Authorities said the fire in Congregation Beth El synagogue was sparked by an incendiary device thrown through a window. It was the second reported case of attempted arson against a Jewish house of worship in Bergen County in the past week. Police are also investigating the January 4 firebombing of a Paramus synagogue.



"An attack on a Jewish synagogue is an attack on the entire community," said Etzion Neuer, acting ADL New Jersey Director. "After this horrific attack in Rutherford and other synagogue attacks in Bergen County, we are urging law enforcement to increase patrols and security near synagogues and Jewish community buildings in northern New Jersey to help prevent this from happening again."



"We are also urging Jewish community institutions to consider adding cameras and other preventative security measures that can help deter acts of vandalism or other attacks," said Mr. Neuer. "We can help put a stop to stop these attacks if the entire community is aware and vigilant."



In December, two additional Bergen County synagogues were targeted by anti-Semitic graffiti. No arrests have been made in either of those cases so far.