Police in Philadelphia have revealed that a historic synagogue experienced arson, vandalism, and an attempted break-in during three separate incidents that unfolded within hours on Tuesday.

According to the Philadelphia Police Department, these events took place at Congregation Mikveh Israel, one of the nation’s oldest synagogues. The police have stated they are working with the FBI to investigate the situation.

“Currently, there’s no evidence linking these incidents, but we’re working closely with the FBI to explore any possible connections,” a spokesperson from the Philadelphia Police Department mentioned to YSL News.

Around 2:15 a.m. on Tuesday, firefighters and police responded to reports of a dumpster fire adjacent to the synagogue. Damage to a nearby window was noted, and authorities later classified the incident as arson.

Authorities shared surveillance footage showing a male suspect, dressed in a blue hat, gray sweatshirt, blue jeans, gray sneakers, and carrying a backpack, near the smoldering dumpster before it ignited.

Then at approximately 6:30 a.m., two individuals were caught on camera attempting to break into the synagogue. They damaged a fence and door but failed to gain access.

Officials described the would-be intruders as two white men. One wore glasses, a dark hat, a white t-shirt, beige pants, and dark shoes, while the other was dressed entirely in dark colors and used a small scooter.

Later, at roughly 12:10 p.m., police responded to a vandalism incident at the synagogue, finding a religious statue defaced with offensive words written in marker. The area was secured, but the police have not identified a suspect.

As of Wednesday night, no arrests had been made. Authorities are asking for assistance from the public to help identify the suspects and encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward.

Synagogue ‘repeatedly targeted by acts of antisemitic vandalism’

Although officials have not classified these incidents as hate crimes, local Jewish leaders have condemned the vandalism as antisemitic.

“In recent months, Congregation Mikveh Israel, one of the nation’s most historic synagogues, has faced a series of antisemitic vandalism incidents, which escalated into an attempted arson yesterday,” stated the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia on Wednesday.

“We in the Jewish community urge public officials and community partners to unite in denouncing this despicable hatred,” added the non-profit organization.

Rabbi Yosef Zarnighian, who has served at the synagogue since September 2021, told WPVI-TV that prior to Tuesday’s events, the congregation had not endured “any serious attacks” in the past three years.

“The atmosphere has been peaceful and pleasant. With the elections and the current conflict in the Middle East, people are anxious,” Rabbi Zarnighian shared. “So for this to happen here is quite upsetting.”

While antisemitic incidents have been on the rise in recent years, there was a notable increase following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in southern Israel, as noted by the Anti-Defamation League. They reported documenting 8,873 antisemitic incidents across the U.S. in 2023, with more than 5,200 occurring after October 7.

One of the oldest synagogues in the U.S.

Founded in 1740, Congregation Mikveh Israel claims to be the “Synagogue of the American Revolution,” according to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.

The synagogue “holds a distinguished place in history as the oldest continuous synagogue in the United States, with deep connections to Philadelphia’s and our nation’s founding,” stated the Jewish Federation. They added that this synagogue was “among the first to contact George Washington upon his inauguration, receiving his blessings of protection.”

It is a Spanish and Portuguese congregation and is recognized as the oldest established congregation in Philadelphia, as per its website.