ALBANY – State Senator Shelley Mayer (D, White Plains) is “horrified and outraged” by the arson attack on a Jewish temple in Jackson, Mississippi and by this act of hate directed at the Mississippi Jewish community as a whole.”

The Democratic lawmaker noted that less than one month ago, there was the “horrific attack” at Bondi Beach, and now “the Jewish community is again forced to reckon with violence and with violence and antisemitism.” The synagogue had been attacked back in 1967 by the Ku Klux Klan for its association with the Civil rights movement.

One suspect is in custody and Mayer said she is “relieved that no one was physically harmed, but the damage caused by this fire will have lasting effects.”

She said the congregation must now face the challenges of rebuilding, displacement and “the profound emotional toll of yet another attack on their sacred space and their community.”

Mayer said she “deeply appreciates leaders across our country – Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and secular – who have spoken out and are committed to fighting antisemitism. It is only our unity that will ultimately overcome hate.”