RZA Condemns Arson Attack on Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi
New York, NY
January 11, 2026
The Religious Zionists of America–Mizrachi (RZA) condemns in the strongest terms the arson attack on Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, the state’s oldest and largest synagogue.
The deliberate targeting of a synagogue—damaging sacred space, Jewish books, and Torah scrolls—is not an act of random vandalism. It is a hate crime aimed at the Jewish people and at the fundamental American principle of religious freedom.
“An attack on a synagogue is an attack on the Jewish people and on the freedom of religion that America promises every faith community. We stand in solidarity with Beth Israel Congregation and the Jackson Jewish community, confident that intimidation will not defeat Jewish life or Jewish resolve.” – Stephen M. Flatow, President, Religious Zionists of America–Mizrachi
An attack on a synagogue is an attack on every Jew. It is an attempt to intimidate a community by striking at its faith, history, and identity.
The RZA extends its solidarity and support to Rabbi Joseph Rosen, the leadership of Beth Israel, and the entire Jackson Jewish community as they confront the aftermath of this attack. We are grateful that no lives were lost and commend the prompt response of local fire officials and federal investigators.
Beth Israel Congregation represents generations of Jewish life in Mississippi—life that has persisted despite isolation, past intimidation, and now violence. That endurance reflects the strength and dignity of a community that refuses to be intimidated or erased.
Jewish communities in smaller and more remote locations are often especially vulnerable. When they are targeted, the broader Jewish community must not look away.
Jewish history teaches that intimidation fails when communities respond with resolve. Jewish life does not retreat in the face of hatred. It rebuilds, it gathers, and it continues.
The RZA calls on elected officials at every level to treat this crime with the seriousness it demands, to pursue justice swiftly, and to ensure that all houses of worship are protected from acts of hatred and violence.
