Video Shows Man Hurl Fiery Molotov Cocktail At Bloomfield Synagogue

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Authorities have released video footage of a person throwing a Molotov cocktail at a Jewish synagogue in Bloomfield last weekend.

A man wearing a ski mask threw the ignited weapon at Temple Ner Tamid on Broad Street early Sunday morning. The glass bottle broke, but didn’t damage the building, according to the Bloomfield Division of Public Safety. Read More: Molotov Cocktail Thrown At Bloomfield Synagogue, Officials Say

Bloomfield police released footage of the incident on Monday (watch the video below).

Videos filmed from multiple angles show the suspect walking down the street with the Molotov cocktail in his hand. He briefly passes by the building, then returns and pauses by the door. He reaches into his pocket for a lighter, lights the device on fire, shifts it into his right hand and hurls it at the temple. The suspect then flees down the driveway.

The Essex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers Program is offering a $10,000 reward forinformation leading to the arrest of the person responsible for the "attempted arson/bias incident."

Authorities said anyone with information can call the Bloomfield Police Department at 973-680-4141. Any videos can be sent to Bloomfield Detective Bureau at detectives@bloomfieldnjpd.com.

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"Everything worked as it should," Rabbi Marc Katz said in a news release, crediting the outcome to recent security enhancements funded by a grant from the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness.

"Our cameras recorded the incident and our shatter-resistant doors held,” Katz said.

Evidence of the attack was discovered Sunday morning as staff and security arrived, according to Temple Ner Tamid leadership. All activities at the synagogue were canceled Sunday and the temple anticipated a heightened police presence as the week continued.

“We have and will continue to do everything in our power to keep our community safe," Katz said.

Katz also addressed the need for spiritual resilience in the wake of the attack.

"There is hate everywhere, and hate wins when we let it penetrate," Katz said.

"When the weight of this grows too heavy, I remind my congregation that every day, despite what is happening, in Jewish communities around the world, babies are named, children are educated, and people are married. Our religious traditions continue. No act of hate can stop the power of religious freedom.”

Bloomfield Mayor Michael Venezia on Sunday offered his prayers for the Jewish community.

"Our Police Department is investigating the situation along with the Prosecutors office," Venezia said in a Facebook post. "Hate and antisemitism will not be tolerated and have no place in our welcoming community."

In addition to working to identify and apprehend the suspect in Bloomfield, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said he had been made aware of an attack Saturday on members of a church in Monmouth County that may have been motivated by bias.

"We are cognizant of the fact that these attacks have occurred while violence continues to erupt in Israel, and while our own nation reckons with violence at home," Platkin said in a statement.

"I want to reassure all New Jerseyans — especially our friends and neighbors of the Black community and the Jewish faith — that law enforcement continues to take the appropriate steps to increase our presence around sensitive places so that everyone in our state can worship, love, and live without fear of violence or threat."

In Livingston, police increased patrols at area temples and urged residents to contact law enforcement if they witnessed anything suspicious.

“This incident comes amidst a climate of intimidation and intolerance, and a rising tide of anti-Jewish hate crimes and hate speech against Jews,” Dov Ben-Shimon and David Saginaw, CEO and president, respectively, of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, said in a statement.

“Our Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ will continue to work with all partners in the community to stand up to hate, build our resilience, and promote safety and security.”

In 2021, the Anti-Defamation League documented 370 antisemitic incidents in New Jersey, the highest number ever recorded in the state and the second-highest number of any state for 2021.

A joint statement was issued Sunday by the federation along with the Anti-Defamation League of New York and New Jersey, the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey, the American Jewish Committee, the Community Security Service and the Community Security Initiative.

"We are outraged to learn of last night's attempted arson at a Greater MetroWest synagogue in New Jersey," the statement said. "This incident comes at a moment when we have seen a spike in antisemitic incidents, including the recent threat in November to New Jersey Synagogues. It also took place on the heels of International Holocaust Remembrance Day when we are reminded of where such horrific actions can lead."

In November, the FBI reported it had received information about a threat to an unspecified New Jersey synagogue, but quickly identified the source of the threat and determined there was no longer a danger to the community. Read More: Suspect Apprehended After Threats To NJ Synagogues, Police Say

U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill was in communication Sunday with law enforcement and pledged to work to end such intolerance and violence.

“My prayers are with Rabbi Marc Katz and the Ner Tamid community,” Sherrill said. “Although I am grateful that damage was minimal and no one was injured, I am heartbroken and angry today.”

“Antisemitic hatred is on the rise in our state, our country, and around the world, and we all must work together to eradicate it,” the congresswoman added. “Our Jewish neighbors are beloved community members — friends, loved ones, and leaders. Attacks against them are attacks against all of us, and we all have a responsibility to stand up against antisemitism wherever it rears its head.”

The Essex County Board of County Commissioners issued a joint statement about the attack, saying it was inspired by "an unfounded fear born of bottomless ignorance."

“The Essex County Board of County Commissioners encourages the residents of our towns to recommit themselves to their belief that our common humanity and interdependence upon each other is what makes our neighborhoods strong, and our future bright,” its members wrote. “We urge everyone to speak out against violence and to promote tolerance and respect at every opportunity.”

“Acts of violence against any individual or group can’t be tolerated,” Commissioner President Wayne Richardson emphasized. “If we are silent about a Molotov cocktail today, what will tomorrow bring?”

The incident also drew condemnation from the New Jersey GOP, which tweeted that the synagogue attack was "disturbing and reprehensible."

"Protecting the right to worship requires vigilance from all of us," the Republican group wrote. "We support law enforcement in their effort to bring these perpetrators to justice and hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law."

This article contains reporting by Anna Schier, Patch staff

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