Arson Attempt On Chicago Synagogue Linked To Gaza Attacks

December 30, 2008 12:08 a.m. EST

Chicago, IL (AHN) - A Molotov cocktail thrown by an unidentified arsonist at an old Chicago synagogue failed to burn and damage the temple and no one was injured from the incident on Monday.

An official of the Temple Sholom of Chicago at 3480 N. Lake Shore Drive suspected that the arson attempt was related to Israel's ongoing air strikes on Hamas militants' positions in Gaza Strip. "I can't help but think there's a relationship," said temple president Roger Rudich, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The fire extinguished itself so the synagogue was not damaged. Police are looking at surveillance cameras in the area to identify and arrest the person who threw the Molotov cocktail.

"The offender drove off and made a derogatory statement" to a witness, Chicago police officer Daniel O'Brien told the Tribune.