A fire at a synagogue in Punta Gorda is now being investigated as both arson and a hate crime. The blaze broke out late Friday night at the Chabad of Charlotte County, and congregation members say they believe the attack was deliberate.
The smell of smoke still lingers outside the synagogue, where charred debris marks the damage. Police said the flames were mostly contained to a single classroom where children play and learn.
The fire started shortly after Friday night services, as the Jewish Sabbath began. Congregation members believe the timing was intentional and that the building was targeted.
Rabbi Simon Jacobson expressed his shock at the damage, saying, "They showed me where the fire was. The stench was terrible."
Jacobson, who has never experienced antisemitism in the area before, said, "The local community was always very heartwarming, and I've never experienced any antisemitism here."
The damage is evident throughout the building, with charred and burnt materials left behind.
"A school, a classroom, a house of worship, a community center, should be a safe space for children, primarily, and for everyone who wants to participate," said Jacobson.
Graffiti was also spray-painted on the synagogue and sidewalks outside classrooms where more than 50 children attend classes.
"The only thing we can add at this time is that fortunately the fire was primarily contained to one room, and that we are investigating the fire as an arson," the Punta Gorda Police Department said in an initial statement.
Hole in classroom window where an object was thrown through.
This incident has affected not just the Jewish community but the broader Punta Gorda community as well. Local resident Pete Gaylord, a Christian, described the event as disturbing.
"I was very disappointed to see that many times people are against other people that they don't understand," said Gaylord. "Well, everybody should feel safe in a church or a religious building," he added.
Gaylord emphasized the importance of respect, saying, "We're going through a period of time now where hate seems to be the only thing that people are interested in, and we need to treat people like people, regardless of hair color, eye color, skin color, religious belief."
As the community approaches the High Holy Days, Jacobson hopes that people will not live in fear. "Fear is a terrible way to live. These are known as the Days of Awe. Awe is awesome. Fear is terrible," said Jacobson. "The only way to respond to darkness is by us bringing light. A little bit of light pushes away a lot of darkness. So I believe everyone in this community wants that this community to continue being a peaceful place, a caring place."
On Sunday, Punta Gorda Police spokesperson Eric Burris said detectives are treating the case with urgency.
"I don't have much new information to share, but I can say that we are aggressively investigating the fire," Burris said. "We are looking at this fire as both an arson and a hate crime. I'm sure you have noticed extra patrols and police presence are in the area. We are committing extra resources to help keep our Punta Gorda Jewish community safe."
Emergency crews responded to the synagogue on West Henry Street late Friday. Community members said firefighters had to break into the building to access the flames.
No suspects have been named. Detectives are urging anyone with information to contact the Punta Gorda Police Department.
WINK News will continue to follow this investigation closely.
