MN- Synagogue Arson in Duluth

[StephanieH]

I didn't see this thread started anywhere. The Adas Israel Synagogue in Duluth, MN was burned down last week. Fortunately, the only injury was to a firefighter, and he will be fine. Seven of the 12 Torah scrolls were saved as well.
A man was arrested last night for the arson. Although his name hasn't been released yet, a man named Matthew James Amiot was booked last night for arson.

 

[Vail]

Well good thing that guy is off the streets. As for motive, I'm going to guess it was general disenfranchised delinquency vs anything secular or cult-related. Log into Facebook | Facebook

 

[human]

He is 36 years old. I wonder if you could burn that building down smoking meth or something like that.

The building does not look like a synagogue and I doubt it many people even knew what it was. It did not stand out in any way.

He has some shoplifting and trespassing, I think. I simply do not see it as a hate crime at this time

 

[Laughing]

OMG that building is gorgeous!!! Two sets of doors because the genders are separated in Orthodox worship. Their building has served since the very early 1900's, in my architectural opinion. The stained glass windows!

So wonderful that so many scrolls were saved!

BTW, I served on our local Historic Society board as member, treasurer, and president. I do not envy this congregation's process in deciding what to do with the ravaged building.

(That building's images today do echo the experience of Jews all over the world....)

JMHO YMMV