Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Omaha Steve

(108,653 posts)
Sun Jan 11, 2026, 10:11 AM Jan 11

Suspect arrested after a fire damages a historic Mississippi synagogue

Source: AP

Updated 8:50 AM CST, January 11, 2026

A person was taken into custody late Saturday after a fire ripped through a synagogue in Mississippi, heavily damaging the historic house of worship in what authorities say was an act of arson. No one was injured, reports say.

The blaze erupted at the Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi shortly after 3 a.m. on Saturday. Photos showed the charred remains of an administrative office and synagogue library, where several Torahs were destroyed or damaged, synagogue leaders said.

Charles Felton, the chief fire investigator at the Jackson Fire Department, confirmed the arrest late Saturday to Mississippi Today, but did not provide the suspect’s name or charges. No injuries were reported. Felton said the department determined the fire was arson.

The synagogue, the largest in Mississippi, was the site of a Ku Klux Klan bombing in 1967 — a response to the congregation’s role in civil rights activities, according to the Institute for Southern Jewish Life, which also houses its office in the building.



Read more: https://apnews.com/article/mississippi-fire-arson-beth-israel-7a11b4b0f6524571da85fe4ed96e42bd

11 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Suspect arrested after a fire damages a historic Mississippi synagogue (Original Post) Omaha Steve Jan 11 OP
It's just constant hate in this country TBF Jan 11 #1
It would be good to make a real show of support here Easterncedar Jan 11 #2
Yes. But tell that to Stephen Miller, Bari Weiss and all the Orthodox guys. paleotn Jan 11 #5
And Kushner, Lutnick, Adelson, Ellison, Zuckerberg, etc. etc. dalton99a Jan 11 #8
That would be nice. Behind the Aegis Jan 11 #10
K & R Clouds Passing Jan 11 #3
No name. No charges. Smells like a magat perhaps. paleotn Jan 11 #4
Globalize the Intifada Deep State Witch Jan 11 #6
It's a local who hates Muslims as well wolfie001 Jan 11 #7
Another hateful act. electric_blue68 Jan 11 #9
Damage done Behind the Aegis Jan 11 #11

TBF

(35,937 posts)
1. It's just constant hate in this country
Sun Jan 11, 2026, 10:16 AM
Jan 11

but thank you for posting, Omaha Steve, I hadn't seen this story.

Easterncedar

(5,738 posts)
2. It would be good to make a real show of support here
Sun Jan 11, 2026, 10:23 AM
Jan 11

Our Jewish friends and neighbors need us to stand with them.

paleotn

(21,812 posts)
5. Yes. But tell that to Stephen Miller, Bari Weiss and all the Orthodox guys.
Sun Jan 11, 2026, 12:07 PM
Jan 11

Of all the peoples who should recognize the rise of violent authoritarianism. You'd think, anyway.

paleotn

(21,812 posts)
4. No name. No charges. Smells like a magat perhaps.
Sun Jan 11, 2026, 12:04 PM
Jan 11

Herr Miller and Bari Weiss, founding members of Jews for Shitler, are supporting a movement who's members chanted what at Charlottesville? The won't be replaced by Jews? Hmmm.

Seems to me, Miller, Weiss and others are the modern equivalent of these guys. Maybe they're resting on the presumption they'll be the last to gassed.

Behind the Aegis

(56,017 posts)
11. Damage done
Sun Jan 11, 2026, 02:49 PM
Jan 11

Pictures from Mississippi Today article



This photo shows damage to the Beth Israel Congregation synagogue library from a fire that occurred hours earlier on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, in Jackson. Credit: Courtesy of Beth Israel Congregation


Fire heavily damaged the Beth Israel Congregation synagogue in Jackson, including this lobby, on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. Credit: Courtesy of Beth Israel Congregation


This photo shows damage to the exterior of Beth Israel Congregation synagogue library from a fire that occurred hours earlier on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, in Jackson. Credit: Courtesy of Beth Israel Congregation

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Suspect arrested after a ...