DULUTH, Minn. – Rep. Jen Schultz (DFL – Duluth) and Rep. Liz Olson (DFL – Duluth) issued the following statement in response to the fire that destroyed the Adas Israel Congregation synagogue early Monday morning:
“Monday morning’s fire was a heartbreaking loss for the families of the Adas Israel Congregation and our entire community. We’re grateful for the Duluth Fire Department’s rapid work extinguishing the blaze and protecting priceless Torah scrolls. Most importantly, we’re relieved no one was seriously hurt.
“As this is the third place of worship on Third Street to succumb to fire in just four years, we already know how resilient Duluth’s faith community is and how quickly they come together to support one another, regardless of one’s background or tradition. There’s also a great deal of angst among those who worship, and even the possibility that hate could have been the source of the fire is a difficult idea to process. We hope the investigation will conclude the fire was indeed an accident, and not caused by an intentional attack. In the meantime, with the Jewish High Holy Days approaching, we’re confident our community will continue to provide support, warmth, and love during this unthinkable situation.”