Just before dawn on the 16th April 2002, a fire broke out in the Bnei Zion synagogue in Key West, Florida. The synagogue, which was established in 1887 and is considered one of the oldest synagogues in Florida, suffered serious damage. No people were injured and the five Torah scrolls in the building were not burnt but were damaged by smoke and soot. Despite the fact that in the past there had been no antisemitic attacks on the congregation, and because no proof had been found of a failure in the electrical system, the heads of the congregation suspect that this was a deliberate attack. The local ADL chapter has posted a $5000 reward to anyone who can provide information that might cast some light on the incident.
