OLD CITY (KYW Newsradio) — Authorities are investigating vandalism, arson and an attempted burglary they say happened over the last two days at a synagogue in Old City.
Police do not believe any of the incidents are connected.
Detectives say it all started with an act of vandalism last Sunday, as someone wrote vulgar words on a memorial for the brother of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outside Congregation Mikveh Israel on Fourth Street between Market and Arch Streets.
“It was sickening to see that,” said Rabbi Yosef Zarnighian, who leads the congregation.
Vandalism
He said nearly 24 hours later after the vandalism, a man jumped into the congregation’s dumpster seemingly scouring for something.
“Perhaps he was looking for some scrap metal or something like that to gather and sell,” said Zarnighian.
As surveillance video obtained by police shows, not long after the man left the dumpster, a fire breaks out. Investigators say the fire broke a window and caused minor damage to the building.
“That fire caused the north side of the building to basically burn in some degree,” said Zarnighian. “The windows in my office shattered, the stench of the smoke is very apparent of course.”
Arson
About four hours after the fire, two robbers then attempted to break into the synagogue. The police have also released surveillance footage of their attempt.
Zarnighian called it “scary,” and said morning services at the synagogue were set to start just 20 minutes before the attempted burglary.
Attempted burglary
The rabbi also said it’s disheartening, but he isn’t surprised.
“I can’t say I am surprised as a whole because the state of affairs in the world as a whole has it that, attacking the Jewish people, dehumanizing the Jewish people is normal, it’s just become normal,” said Zarnighian.
Officials do not know yet if antisemitism was a motivation for the fire or attempted burglary.
Anyone with information is asked to contact them at 215-686-TIPS.