Small Fire Extinguished At Congregation Beth Israel In Austin

Austin TX

01 November, 2021

11:18 AM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — Arson investigators are looking into the cause of a small fire that happened late Sunday at a Jewish synagogue in central Austin. Austin firefighters responded to an exterior fire around 9:05 p.m. at Congregation Beth Israel on Shoal Creek Boulevard. Fire officials said no one was injured in the fire. Operations at the temple are expected to continue as scheduled on Monday. Live in Austin? Click here to subscribe to our free breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and download our free mobile app on Android or iPhone. Rabbi Steve Folberg and CBI President Lori Adelman told members of the congregation in an email that they were working on securing additional security and extra staff at the temple Monday morning. AFD on scene of a small exterior fire at Congregation Beth Israel 3901 Shoal Creek Blvd. fire is out. No injuries. Arson investigators responding to assist with cause determination. pic.twitter.com/hgMvJNAk5o— Austin Fire Info (@AustinFireInfo) November 1, 2021 "A small fire was set on the portico area outside our main sanctuary sometime Sunday evening," they wrote. "Smoke damage was minimal and confined to the building exterior." Congregation officials thanked the Austin Fire Department and "security partners in both city government and the Jewish community" for their quick response. The small fire comes about a week after community leaders condemned three anti-semitic incidents that occurred, including a protest held by a neo-Nazi group on Oct. 23 that held a banner over Mopac Expressway with the words: "Vax the Jews." RELATED COVERAGE: Neo-Nazi Group Hangs 'Vax The Jews' Banner In Austin That same weekend, a few members from the same hate group also traveled to East Sixth Street to display similar anti-Semitic posters. The group had also traveled to San Antonio for similar protests. Renee Lafair, regional director for the Anti-Demation League chapter in Austin, told the Austin American-Statesman that her organization is currently tracking the group that displayed the banner as they plan to target other Jewish communities throughout Texas. Authorities have not provided any other details on the fire incident or said whether the events last month are connected.