Montclair Officials Decry Attack On Nearby Jewish Synagogue

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair’s mayor and school superintendent have issued statements condemning a Molotov cocktail attack on a nearby synagogue in Bloomfield that took place early Sunday morning.

A man wearing a ski mask threw the ignited weapon at Temple Ner Tamid on Broad Street in Bloomfield. The glass bottle broke, but didn’t damage the building, according to the Bloomfield Division of Public Safety.

Bloomfield police released video surveillance footage of the incident on Monday. Read More: Video Shows Man Hurl Fiery Molotov Cocktail At Bloomfield Synagogue

Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller called the attack “frightening” and “alarming.” On Sunday, he wrote:

“We awoke this morning to the frightening news of an overnight attack on a synagogue in Bloomfield. We are all incredibly relieved no one was hurt at Temple Ner Tamid. But a firebomb thrown at a synagogue is frightening and alarming. Just days after Holocaust Remembrance Day we cannot ignore the greater danger of any single attack. We stand with the congregation and all Jewish communities against antisemitism.”

“I have spoken with our police chief in Montclair,” Spiller said. “They are monitoring the situation, and will take any and all necessary steps based on incoming information.”

• See related: Montclair Isn't Immune To 'Symbols Of Hate,' Mayor Says

Montclair School Superintendent Jonathan Ponds also issued a message to the school community on Sunday, noting that many Montclair families worship at Temple Ner Tamid.

Ponds wrote:

“As some of you may have heard, an as-yet unknown individual threw a Molotov cocktail at the door of Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield early this morning in an attempt to damage or burn down the synagogue. This attack is unconscionable and grotesque. Thankfully there wasn't extensive damage, but the threat itself is terrifying and follows several other recent acts of antisemitism in the area. Many of our Montclair families worship at Temple Ner Tamid and we work regularly with Rabbi Katz. We will have heightened security at all our schools tomorrow and offer additional counseling to any students traumatized by the attack. Our heartfelt support and prayers go out to the congregation.”

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