By: News Intern Katherine Jones
DULUTH- A nearly 120-year-old synagogue, Adas Israel, was in ruins on Monday night after an early morning fire in Duluth.
Duluth Police Chief, Mike Tusken said this on the incident: “Any time we see a building that is part of our landscape, it is certainly difficult for us to part with that today.”
Two investigators with the ATF arrived to help determine a cause. Early in the investigation, they say there are no signs accelerants were used.
“We will turn every stone in this investigation to figure out what happened, and certainly we are in the preliminary stages of the investigation,” Tusken said.
In the meantime, the Jewish Community Relations Council has created a relief fund to help with synagogue reconstruction, along with the replacement of Torah scrolls and prayer books.
A firefighter was injured on scene but was treated and released at a local hospital.
There are 60 members in the Adas Israel congregation. Other synagogues and churches in the Duluth area have offered the congregation a place to worship.
