Police are investigating a series of antisemitic incidents at Congregation Mikveh Israel, the oldest continuous synagogue in the U.S., located in Philadelphia.

Earlier this week, an arson incident occurred at the synagogue, where a dumpster was set on fire, damaging a window.

The fire, classified as arson by the fire marshal, took place around 2 a.m. and was captured on surveillance footage.

In addition to the arson, two men attempted to break into the synagogue around 6:30 a.m., causing damage to a fence and door but failing to gain entry.

Later that morning, a religious statue at the synagogue was vandalized with profanity, further escalating concerns about safety.

Local Jewish leaders and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia condemned these incidents as part of a troubling pattern of antisemitic vandalism.

The incidents come amid a national surge in antisemitic hate crimes, with Philadelphia reporting 27 incidents in 2023, the highest since 1997.

This rise in antisemitism coincides with increased threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities in the U.S. amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

If anyone spots the suspect involved in these incidents, they are advised not to approach and to call 911 immediately.

Video footage of the incidents is available on The Philadelphia Police YouTube Channel, where the public can also find more information.

Rabbi Yosef Zarnighian suggested that the recent incidents may be linked to current political tensions and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Police are seeking information regarding these incidents and have encouraged the public to contact their tipline with any leads.