### Philadelphia Synagogue Faces Series of Destructive Incidents

Philadelphia police are currently investigating a string of destructive acts targeting the historic Congregation Mikveh Israel synagogue on Tuesday. Located in Center City, this synagogue, established in 1740, holds the title of the oldest continuous synagogue in the United States. The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has labeled these incidents as "acts of antisemitism."

The troubling events began around 2 a.m. when a man ignited a dumpster next to the synagogue, causing damage to a nearby window, according to a news release from the Philadelphia Police Department. Surveillance footage captured the suspect inside the dumpster, followed by smoke and then flames engulfing the receptacle.

Later, at approximately 6:30 a.m., two men attempted to break into the synagogue, damaging a fence and a door in the process, although they were ultimately unable to gain entry. Security video shows the suspects inspecting the burned dumpster before proceeding toward a fence and later walking through an alleyway.

By 12:10 p.m., a further act of vandalism occurred when a man used a marker to write profanity on a statue outside the synagogue, according to information shared with CNN affiliate KYW.

Philadelphia police are asking for public assistance in identifying the suspects involved in the arson and attempted break-in. They have yet to determine if these incidents are related.

The attacks coincide with the Jewish holidays of Sukkot and Simchat Torah, which are observed from October 16 to October 25 this year. The period is also marked by heightened tensions following the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel last year. Reports of hate crimes and bias incidents against Jews, Muslims, and Arabs have surged in the United States since the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel began.

Preliminary data from the Anti-Defamation League indicate that more than 10,000 antisemitic incidents were reported in the US from October 7, 2023, to September 2024, a threefold increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, the Council on American-Islamic Relations reported 8,061 incidents of anti-Muslim bias in 2023.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has urged public officials and community partners to unite in condemning these acts of hatred. "With the help of local law enforcement, we are confident that the perpetrators of these despicable crimes will be brought to justice and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," the organization stated.

Pennsylvania Rep. Brendan Boyle voiced his outrage, calling the acts "disgraceful" and emphasizing Philadelphia’s unity against hatred and antisemitism. "I hope the perpetrator is quickly brought to justice and urge anyone with information to submit a tip to the Philadelphia Police Department," Boyle added.