Over the past several months, Congregation Mikveh Israel, one of the nation’s most historic synagogues, has been repeatedly targeted by acts of antisemitic vandalism. Yesterday, these hateful attacks escalated into attempted arson.

Let us be unequivocal: these are acts of antisemitism, a vile expression of Jew hatred that threatens not only the Jewish community, but also the very fabric of our American society.

As the “Synagogue of the American Revolution,” Congregation Mikveh Israel, established in 1740, holds a distinguished place in history as the oldest continuous synagogue in the United States, with deep ties to Philadelphia’s and our nation’s founding. This very congregation was among the first to reach out to George Washington upon his inauguration, receiving his blessings of protection.

We, the Jewish community, call on public officials and our communal partners to stand united in condemning this abhorrent 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. 

To those who seek to harm us: know that we will not stand idly by, shaken or fearful. We are a community of strength, resilience and unwavering resolve. Adversity only strengthens our unity and our determination to overcome bigotry in all its forms.

We extend our deepest gratitude to law enforcement for their continued support and commitment to protecting our community.

About the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia

Since 1901, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has served as the hub of the region’s Jewish communities, providing an infrastructure of support for Jewish people and organizations in need. Through grants, emergency funding, restricted gifts, endowments, and our partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Day Schools, we invest more than $61 million each fiscal year to care for those in need, combat antisemitism and global crisis, and strengthen Jewish identity. For more information, please visit: https://jewishphilly.org/.