TENAFLY — U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) on Wednesday denounced the burning of an Israeli flag outside Temple Sinai of Bergen County, calling it “vile, unacceptable, and has no place in our community, state, or country.”
The flag was discovered destroyed early Tuesday, Sept. 16, in what synagogue leaders described as a targeted act of vandalism. It had flown for about two years at the corner of the temple’s Engle Street property, alongside an American flag and a Jewish Pride flag. Only the Israeli banner was damaged.
“This act is rightly being investigated as a hate crime,” Gottheimer said in a statement. “Families across Jersey — no matter their faith — should have the right to worship freely and safely. Our houses of worship, which are a refuge for so many, should never be the target of protest, intimidation, or hate.”
Gottheimer said he has been working to expand the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which provides houses of worship with resources to guard against threats, and is pushing for passage of his bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act.
He added that he spoke with Temple Sinai’s rabbi, Jordan Millstein, about the community’s response and preparations ahead of the High Holy Days.
“We cannot be silent as our friends and neighbors are under threat,” he said. “We must bring those responsible to justice and send a clear message: hate and intolerance against anyone will never win in New Jersey or anywhere in the greatest country in the world.”
Temple leaders confirmed that the Tenafly Police Department is investigating and that the synagogue’s security provider has stepped up monitoring. Local police and private guards will provide a heightened presence during the High Holy Days, which begin the evening of Sept. 22 with Rosh Hashanah.
Rabbi Millstein said parents dropping off children at the preschool first noticed the flag. “Only the Israeli flag was attacked,” he said. “It was clearly targeted. I’m appalled and angry, but not surprised, because acts like this are happening all over.” He stressed that temple programs will continue as scheduled and that a new flag will be raised.
Tenafly Mayor Mark Zinna strongly condemned the attack.
“We are appalled to learn about the desecration of the Israeli flag at Temple Sinai in Tenafly,” Zinna said. “It is unfortunate that some individuals allow themselves to be pulled into the deception of anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic rhetoric. The Tenafly Police Department’s Detective Bureau is investigating this crime and will report back as information becomes available.”
He added that “the Borough of Tenafly will not tolerate hate in any form, particularly hate towards the State of Israel and the Israeli people. We are proud of and stand steadfast with our Israeli American citizenry.”
Zinna also urged lowering the temperature of political rhetoric, referencing recent national events. “As we witnessed the assassination of Charlie Kirk last week, political hatred can be lethal. We must, therefore, do all that we can to lower the temperature of the political discourse,” he said.
The incident comes amid persistently high levels of antisemitism across New Jersey. The Anti-Defamation League recorded 719 incidents statewide last year, including more than 60 at synagogues.
Jason Shames, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey, said stronger consequences are needed. “We’ve seen hate mail, death threats, and vandalism against Jewish people and institutions,” he said. “There needs to be stronger consequences so that hatemongers think twice.”
Despite the vandalism, Millstein said Temple Sinai members remain undeterred. “We will not be intimidated,” he said. “We will put up another flag.”