Law enforcement searching for person that threw Molotov cocktail at Bloomfield, N.J., synagogue
BLOOMFIELD, N.J. -- Local, state, and federal agencies have launched an investigation into an attempt to set fire to a New Jersey synagogue early Sunday morning.
Police remained on high alert in the town of Bloomfield.
Police said the suspect, who was seen on surveillance camera wearing a ski mask, black hoodie, black pants, and black sneakers, ignited a Molotov cocktail and threw it at the front door of Temple Ner Tamid.
"Locally at least, in Montclair and Glen Ridge and Bloomfield, the instances of antisemitism in schools and on playgrounds have risen in past months and years," Rabbi Marc Katz said.
The bottle broke, but the fire did not ignite, leaving little damage to the building. Authorities said it happened at around 3 a.m. at the main entrance of the synagogue, located in the back of the building, and only a few hours before children were scheduled to show up for lessons.
"No child should have to face the fear of coming in to their place of worship," Katz said.
All activities were canceled for the day. Bloomfield police said the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, the FBI, the ATF, and the state Office of Homeland Security are investigating.
Katz said the bias incident happened at a time where there has been an increase in anti-Jewish hate crimes.
"Terror and hate work because they try to change your behavior," Katz said.
Gov. Phil Murphy condemned the act, saying there's no place in New Jersey for violence or hate.
In a statement, Rep. Mikie Sherrill said, in part, attacks against the Jewish community "are attacks against all of us, and we all have a responsibility to stand up against antisemitism wherever it rears its head."
Katz said there will be a heightened police presence around the synagogue into the week.
Anyone with information that can help in this case is urged to call the Bloomfield Police Department.
