Flushing synagogue hit by firebomb

A customer in a Carvel ice cream store on Northern Boulevard noticed a fire erupting on the side of Flushing's Temple Beth Sholom at 11:00 p.m. on Friday, July 28. The customer, who was across the street, quickly called the police and the fire department arrived immediately to extinguish the flames.
Arson Squad detectives investigating the incident have determined that an incendiary device, made by filling a glass bottle with flammable liquid and topping it with a rag - commonly called a Molotov cocktail - sparked a rubbish fire that ignited on the Auburndale Lane side of the building. The quickly suppressed fire caused minor damage to the temple's outer structure.
Police detectives have canvassed the entire surrounding area, both inside and outside the temple, located at 171-39 Northern Boulevard, and found no evidence of a bias crime.
&#8220We have always enjoyed our neighbors and so far, there has been no indication of a hateful crime. Unfortunately, the situation was blown out of proportion,” explained Sy Dipkin, the congregation president.
A police squad, financed by Homeland Security, arrived on Monday, July 31 to examine the incident and again, no hate crime was uncovered.
The fire has not impeded the occurrence of religious services and the community members are not worried about the act. Dipkin has assured his community to avoid panic and to continue business-as-usual.
The fire sparked considerable interest after last Friday's Seattle shooting that killed one Jewish woman, and injured 6 others.
&#8220With everything going on in the world, you don't know what's going to happen on any given day,” says Dipkin.
Temple Beth Sholom promises to proceed with its services and continue to maintain close relationships with its surrounding neighbors.