Standing Together: Supporting Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson
28 January 2026
10 Shevat 5786
To our MVHC Community,
In the early morning hours of January 10, 2026, a devastating act of antisemitic arson struck the Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi. The fire, which investigators have officially labeled a hate crime, caused extensive damage to the synagogue’s library, administrative offices, and sacred spaces. Most heartbreakingly, two Torah scrolls were destroyed in the blaze.
As a community that values justice and compassion, we cannot stand by while our brothers and sisters in Mississippi face such a trial.
Beth Israel is a pillar of history, the same congregation that was bombed by the KKK in 1967 for its courageous role in the Civil Rights Movement. Once again, they are called to rebuild from the ashes of hatred.
Our Call to Action
The Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center is organizing a community-wide effort to support their recovery. We are asking our members to donate to the Global Tzedakah Fund, which will bundle our collective contributions and send a unified gift from our Island home to the Jackson community.
“The Spirit of God and the words of Torah cannot be driven out of our hearts by acts of hatred,” says Rabbi Caryn Broitman. “By reaching out across the miles to our fellow congregation Beth Israel, we reaffirm that our commitment to one another and to our shared Jewish heritage and values is stronger than fear or hatred.”