Synagogue Arson Repairs Completed

On May 4, 2002, arsonists set fire to the 
Beth Jacob Congregation Synagogue in Oakland, California.
 The rear of the synagogue was completely charred; 
gasoline was found on three sides of the main chapel, but it did not ignite. 
 Today, in the front of the synagogue, community members planted 
two trees to symbolize "rebuilding an repair." 
Rabbi Dardik noted: "Someone out there hated us. 
But someone up there was watching over us. 
And today, many out there are standing with us." 

August 4, 2002 
Oakland, California
Photos by Lonny Shavelson --COPYRIGHT © 2002
                                                        

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Dan Cohen prepares a trowel of dirt to plant a commemorative tree. 



Rabbi Judah Dardik addresses his congregation.



Father Leo J. Edgerly, Jr., 
of Corpus Christi Church in Oakland, 
addresses the synagogue congregation. 




Congresswoman Barbara Lee addresses the congregation



Rabbi Elie Tuchman helps Roni Greenberg place dirt to plant a commemorative tree. 
Roni is a student at the Oakland Hebrew Day School. 



Students from the Oakland Hebrew Day School 
plant a commemorative tree. 

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