The antisemitic arson attack against Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, shook not just the city’s tight-knit local Jewish community but also Jews across North America. 

 

Although Jackson doesn't have its own professionally run Federation on the ground in Jackson, as a “network community” in the Jewish Federations system, it has access to critical resources. Jewish Federations quickly mobilized, sending skilled professionals to Jackson to assess the community’s immediate needs and provide support. 

 

“It was important to show that the Jewish community of Jackson is not alone during this moment of crisis,” said Edward Finkel, Managing Director of Network Communities. “They’re dealing with something many have never experienced before, and Jewish Federations will be there every step of the way.” 

 

One of the most pressing issues was physical security. Prior to the arson, Beth Israel did not have full-time security personnel on the premises. Jewish Federations were able to provide two security guards to protect the site because LiveSecure funds supported the Secure Community Network (SCN) to extend their services on a regional basis to communities like Jackson. 

 

The Federation system also opened a donation page for Jackson, with all funds raised going directly to Beth Israel. In the first week, over $100,000 was donated through this online portal. 

 

Unfortunately, this wasn’t the first antisemitic attack against Jackson’s Jewish community. In meetings with synagogue trustees, Federation staff were struck by first-hand testimonies of the 1967 KKK bombing of Beth Israel Congregation. Nearly 60 years later, the youngest generation of Jewish Jacksonians is living through their own experience with antisemitic violence.  

 

Being a young Jewish person in a city – and state – with a very small Jewish community has its own unique challenges; in the wake of this attack, Jackson’s Jewish teens are bearing an especially difficult emotional burden. Federation staff heard about their feelings of isolation and knew they had to help, coordinating with BBYO to invite them to the 2026 International Convention in Philadelphia.  

 

Although damage assessments remain ongoing, and the community is in the early stages of grappling with this tragedy, Jewish Federations have played a vital role in convening partners on the ground to ensure that Beth Israel has everything it needs. Harnessing the resources of 141 Federations, most notably to provide for the physical security of Jackson’s Jewish community, has helped ease the minds of local Jewish leaders and residents.  

 

“Whether they are navigating man-made or natural disasters, Jewish Federations are there anytime and anywhere Jews are in need,” said Finkel. “Our responsibility is to ensure flourishing Jewish life even in communities with smaller Jewish populations.” 

 

To donate to Beth Israel Congregation, click here. Read our full statement about the arson attack here.