Hub of Jewish life in Mississippi’s capital city damaged by arson attack
January 12, 2026
A fire has badly damaged the historic Beth Israel Congregation synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi. The blaze, which occurred over the weekend, destroyed parts of the library and administrative offices. Authorities have a suspect in custody but have not released a name. The FBI plans to provide more information later. The synagogue, founded in 1860, has faced violence before, including a bombing by the Ku Klux Klan in 1967. Congregation president Zach Shemper vows to rebuild, with local churches offering space for worship. The fire destroyed two Torahs, but one Holocaust-surviving Torah was unharmed.