Late Saturday night in Jackson, Mississippi, what began as a quiet early morning erupted into chaos when a fire engulfed Beth Israel Congregation, the state’s largest synagogue.
Surveillance footage captured a masked and hooded young man moving deliberately through the building’s hallways, pouring gasoline over floors and furniture.
The fire quickly spread, leaving a trail of destruction but, fortunately, no injuries to congregants or firefighters.
The Arrest of a Teen Suspect
Nineteen-year-old Stephen Pittman was arrested after being treated for non-life-threatening burns at a hospital.
Federal and local authorities, including the FBI and ATF, charged him with maliciously damaging or destroying a building by fire.
According to an affidavit filed in U.S. District Court, Pittman admitted to starting the fire, referring to the synagogue as “the synagogue of Satan.”
During his first court appearance via video from the hospital, Pittman, with bandaged hands, revealed that he was a high school graduate and had completed three semesters of college.
Prosecutors warned he could face five to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Evidence and Investigation
Investigators pieced together Pittman’s actions from surveillance footage and witness accounts.
Before the attack, he purchased gasoline and removed his car’s license plate.
He used an ax to break a window, poured gas inside, and ignited the flames with a torch lighter.
Authorities recovered a burned cellphone believed to belong to Pittman and a hand torch found by a congregant.
Photos from the scene showed charred remains of the synagogue’s administrative offices and library, including several Torahs that were destroyed or damaged.
Yellow police tape cordoned off the building, which was littered with broken glass and soot, while community members left flowers and notes expressing sympathy.
A Community’s Pain and Resilience
Beth Israel Congregation, founded in 1860, is more than just a place of worship—it is the center of Jewish life in Jackson and houses the Jewish Federation and the Institute of Southern Jewish Life.
The synagogue has a long history of standing up against hate, including surviving a Ku Klux Klan bombing in 1967 due to its role in civil rights activism.
Religious leaders and community activists condemned the attack. CJ Rhodes, a local Baptist pastor, emphasized that assaults on houses of worship strike at the heart of shared moral life.
Jim Berk, CEO of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, highlighted the fire as an attack on both Jewish life and its historic partnership with the Black community in the fight for civil rights.
Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, called the incident a stark reminder of the rise in antisemitic violence across the U.S.
Despite the devastation, Beth Israel affirmed its commitment to continue worship and community activities, even temporarily relocating services to local churches.
Assessing the Damage
Damage assessments revealed that the sanctuary, library, and administrative spaces were covered in soot.
Some Torahs, including one that survived the Holocaust, were spared, while others were destroyed or smoke-damaged.
Floors, walls, and ceilings will require repairs, along with carpeting and upholstery.
The synagogue, home to a small but dedicated Jewish community, also houses summer camps and educational programs that connect children across the South to Jewish life in Mississippi.
Rabbi Gary Zola described Beth Israel as the “capital synagogue” of the state, highlighting its symbolic importance despite Jackson’s relatively small Jewish population.
Looking Forward
Beth Israel’s leadership expressed determination to rebuild.
“We are a resilient people,” said congregation president Zach Shemper.
With the support of local and national communities, the synagogue intends to restore its building and continue its programs.
The attack, though shocking, has galvanized interfaith solidarity and reinforced the commitment to Jewish life in Jackson.
Attorney General Pam Bondi urged prosecutors to pursue “severe penalties” for Pittman, reflecting the seriousness with which both local and federal authorities are treating the case.
Pittman is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary and detention hearing on January 20.
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