Molotov Cocktail Thrown At Bloomfield Synagogue, Officials Say

© Township of Bloomfield Division of Public Safety These images of the person suspected in an attack on a synagogue in Bloomfield were released by law enforcement.

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — A lit Molotov cocktail was thrown at a Bloomfield synagogue early Sunday morning, according to police and temple authorities.

A person wearing a ski mask threw the ignited weapon at the synagogue's front door at about 3 a.m., according to Dov Ben-Shimon and David Saginaw, of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ.

“Thankfully, the device did not work as intended and as such, the damage was limited,” Ben-Shimon, the organization’s CEO, and Saginaw, the president, said in a message posted on Facebook by Ben-Shimon.

Federation leadership was working with local, county and state authorities, according to Ben-Shimon and Saginaw.

Officers responded about 9:30 a.m. to the scene at Temple Ner Tamid, 936 Broad St., for a report of property damage, according to the Bloomfield public safety division. Surveillance revealed a male approached the door with the Molotov cocktail, lit the weapon, and threw it at the door, law enforcement said, noting the glass bottle broke but did not cause any damage to the synagogue. The suspect then fled, according to authorities.

"Our Police Department is investigating the situation along with the Prosecutors office," Bloomfield Mayor Michael Venezia said Sunday morning on Facebook. "Hate and antisemitism will not be tolerated and have no place in our welcoming community. Our thoughts and prayers are with our entire Jewish community."

Livingston police increased patrols at area temples and urged residents to contact law enforcement if they witnessed anything suspicious.

“This incident comes amidst a climate of intimidation and intolerance, and a rising tide of anti-Jewish hate crimes and hate speech against Jews,” Ben-Shimon and Saginaw said.

“Our Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ will continue to work with all partners in the community to stand up to hate, build our resilience, and promote safety and security.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Bloomfield detectives at 973-680-4084 or email videos to detectives@bloomfieldnjpd.com.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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