Mississippi’s Oldest Synagogue Torched in Hate Crime Echoing 1967 Klan Attacks
A historic synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi, has been badly damaged by arson in an attack echoing a dark chapter from the past. Beth Israel Congregation, the state’s oldest synagogue, suffered extensive fire damage in 2023—decades after Ku Klux Klan bombings targeted the same community in 1967. The latest incident has left congregants shaken but determined to rebuild.
The fire broke out after 19-year-old Stephen Spencer Pittman set the temple alight, later admitting his motive was its 'Jewish ties.' Authorities charged him with arson of property used in interstate commerce and first-degree arson of a place of worship, with a hate crime enhancement. The blaze destroyed the synagogue’s library and severely damaged its walls, mirroring the destruction of 1967 when Klan members bombed both the synagogue and the rabbi’s home.
Back then, the bombings spread fear through Jackson’s Jewish community, with neighbours suspecting each other of Klan sympathies. The attacks came during the civil rights movement, a time when Jewish leaders actively supported Black activists and funded civil rights efforts. Now, congregants describe the recent arson as a painful reminder of that era, expressing shock and a sense of 'déjà vu.'
Antisemitism has risen sharply in recent years, with 2022 marking the highest number of recorded incidents in the US since 1979. Despite this, Beth Israel’s members remain resolute. They vow to restore their synagogue and continue their traditions, refusing to let hatred disrupt their faith.
The arson has reignited memories of past violence while highlighting the persistence of antisemitism today. Pittman faces serious charges, and the congregation now focuses on recovery. Their resilience reflects a long history of enduring—and overcoming—hate.
