A meeting was held tonight between the leaders of 80 Jewish organizations and law enforcement officials to develop strategies for dealing with the four recent attacks on synagogues in Bergen County.
Authorities say they've stepped up the search for those responsible in the firebombing of a synagogue in Rutherford, where nine people live. The head of the New Jersey Anti-Defamation League (ADL) tells News 12 New Jersey that the reward for information on those involved with the Rutherford attack is up to $7,500 and could climb higher.
The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office says it believes more than one person may be involved in Wednesday's incident at Congregation Beth-El, which is being classified as a hate crime. Officials say the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have joined the investigation.
Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli says several Molotov cocktails and other incendiary devices were thrown at a Rutherford home that houses a synagogue on the first floor and Rabbi Nosson Schuman's residence on the second.
The rabbi, his wife, five children and grandparents were sleeping. Police say one device ignited in the rabbi's bedroom, and he suffered minor burns putting it out. The rabbi's father says what he finds most disturbing is that the attackers knew where his son slept.
Prosecutor: More than 1 person sought in Rutherford attack