Police investigating after Israeli flag burned outside New Jersey synagogue
TENAFLY, New Jersey (WABC) -- Investigators in New Jersey are searching for the person behind an act of hate after an Israeli flag was burned outside a synagogue in Tenafly.
Police were alerted to the issue on Tuesday just before 9 a.m. at Temple Sinai on Engle Street.
The synagogue prominently displays three flags on its campus, including an American flag, a Pride flag with a Star of David and an Israeli flag.
The executive director said a parent noticed the damage to the Israeli flag when they were driving by Tuesday morning.
"Our families are concerned, they are worried, but we're also really proud, really proud of Jews and really proud of Israel, so it's important to us to keep going," said executive director Jocelyn Inglis.
Holes were burned into the flag and the culprit also apparently tried to rip the flag down from the pole.
"We are appalled to learn about the desecration of the Israeli flag at Temple Sinai in Tenafly. It is unfortunate that some individuals allow themselves to be pulled into the deception of anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic rhetoric," said Mayor Mark Zinna.
Zinna said the borough of Tenafly will not tolerate hate in any form, particularly toward Israel or Israeli people.
"As we witnessed the assassination of Charlie Kirk last week, political hatred can be lethal. We must, therefore, do all that we can to lower the temperature of the political discourse," Zinna said.
The community came together in June to celebrate the release of Edan Alexander, a Tenafly resident, who was kidnapped on Oct. 7, 2023 in Israel and held hostage for 584 days.
The crisis overseas has many houses of worship stepping up security.
The temple says the flag will be replaced Monday in a special ceremony as the High Holy days begin.
All of the evidence has been turned over to police and a full investigation is underway.
Anyone with information is asked to call (201) 568-5100.
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