Summit Police Increase Patrols After Attempted Arson At NJ Synagogue

SUMMIT, NJ — Summit Police are on "high alert" after an attempted at a temple in Bloomfield and increasing patrols around Jewish temples and synagogues, the department said.

Police assured residents there is "no information to suggest that any of the houses of worship in Summit are potential targets" in a Facebook post on Monday.

A man wearing a ski mask threw an ignited Molotov cocktail at Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield early Sunday morning. The glass bottle broke, but didn’t damage the building, according to the Bloomfield Division of Public Safety. Related article — Video Shows Man Hurl Fiery Molotov Cocktail At Bloomfield Synagogue

Summit PD said the department has been in contact with temple and synagogue leaders.

"Summit Police Department condemns this hateful and violent act of antisemitism directed towards the entire Jewish community," police said. "We will continue to work with our partners to denounce and fight antisemitism and to promote safety and security."

The Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, which includes worshipers in Union and Essex counties, released a joint statement with several other organizations.

"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 acts can lead," said the statement signed by the Anti-Defamation League of NY and NJ, American Jewish Committee NJ, CSS - Community Security Service, and Community Security Initiative.