Millburn Officials Respond To Synagogue Attack In Bloomfield

MILLBURN, NJ — After a synagogue in nearby Bloomfield was attacked early Sunday morning, officials in Millburn responded with a statement.

According to police and police video, a man wearing a ski mask threw an ignited "Molotov cocktail" — a bottle with a flammable liquid — at Temple Ner Tamid on Broad Street in Bloomfield. The glass bottle broke, but didn’t cause damage to the building. READ MORE: Video Shows Man Hurl Fiery Molotov Cocktail At Bloomfield Synagogue

Officials say incidents of antisemitism are on the rise. In fact, a federal complaint released Monday said that several comments against Jewish people were found in a notebook left by a man who stole a school bus from Livingston. READ MORE: Man Arrested In Livingston School Bus Theft Faces Federal Charges

The Essex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers Program announced Monday a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for Sunday's attack.

Millburn Town Officials Released This Statement Monday:

At approximately 3 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29, an unknown individual wearing a ski mask threw a “Molotov cocktail” at the front door of Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield.

The Millburn Township Police Department was quickly in touch and continues to maintain contact with both synagogues in town, and provided an additional security detail soon after the incident.

There has been no direct threat made to any houses of worship in Millburn Township. The Police Department will continue to follow these events closely.

Local Rep. Mikey Sherrill released this statement:

"At roughly 3:00 this morning, an unknown man attempted to vandalize Temple Ner Tamid with a Molotov cocktail. Fortunately, the fire did not ignite, and his attempt was unsuccessful. Leaders at Ner Tamid are working with law enforcement, and the Anti-Defamation League and the Federation of Greater MetroWest are partnering to investigate and coordinate security. My prayers are with Rabbi Marc Katz and the Ner Tamid community.

"Although I am grateful that damage was minimal and no one was injured, I am heartbroken and angry today. Anti-Semitic hatred is on the rise in our state, our country, and around the world, and we all must work together to eradicate it. Our Jewish neighbors are beloved community members – friends, loved ones, and leaders. Attacks against them are attacks against all of us, and we all have a responsibility to stand up against anti-Semitism wherever it rears its head.

"I am closely monitoring the situation and in communication with law enforcement. To my friend Rabbi Katz and all of my friends who are part of the Ner Tamid congregation, I will continue to work to end this intolerance and violence wherever I can."

Other Officials

Also in the area, Livingston officials called the attack "cowardly" and said they'd beef up local security.

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