Fire in Modi’in

The Jerusalem Post reported that on Motzei Shabbat there was an Arson attempt on the Conservative Synagogue in Modi’in.

According to the Jerusalem Post article, the police assessment is that attack was not ideologically motivated, but rather random vandalism by bored teenagers. The leaders of the congregation fear that this is not the case, but that the arson was a response to the sign recently erected identifying the building as a Conservative Congregation.

In either case, an attack on a place of worship is a terrible thing, and is a blow to the spirit of coexistence which makes Modi’in such a wonderful city.

Below is a letter that I just sent to the Rabbi of the Congregation.

Paul,

As a citizen of Modi'in, I just wanted to express my shock on hearing about the arson attempt the the Masorti Congregation last Motzei Shabbat.

One of the big attractions of Modi'in to me and my family is the fact that this is a community made up of a full spectrum of religious and political outlooks. The attack on the synagogue was an attack on this coexistence which defines Modi'in.

There would be some comfort if the police assessment that this attack was not ideologically motivated proves correct, although any damage to a synagogue building is heart rendering.

I sincerely hope that the perpetrators are caught quickly, and the city continues as an example of mutual coexistence.

B'vracha,

Michael Sedley