Jewish community center in Arizona torched in suspected hate crime

The Jewish community center "Kahal Hasidim" in Casa Grande, Arizona, caught fire last Monday, causing extensive damage to the newly renovated site. The fire, which broke out at around 2 a.m. on Monday, quickly engulfed the building, leaving the local Jewish community in shock.

Last Thursday, Casa Grande police arrested a 30-year-old local resident in connection with the incident, accusing him of arson.

Firefighters from the Casa Grande Fire Department battled the fire for hours, and managed to bring the fire under control around 6:00 a.m. Despite their efforts, the building suffered significant damage, with the interior of the building, which includes a synagogue, a library, and classrooms, being destroyed. The center has been a source of pride for the small but vibrant Jewish community of Casa Grande.

Rabbi Mendy Deitch, the supervisor of the center, expressed shock at the destruction but stressed the community's determination to recover, telling the Yeshiva world news website, "We are devastated, but we are not broken, it is a place of unity and strength, and we will rebuild it." No injuries were reported, the building was not occupied at the time of the fire.

Investigators from the Casa Grande fire department, along with the police, immediately suspected that it was arson. Testimonies collected at the scene indicated arson, which led to the opening of a quick investigation. Authorities announced the arrest of Abralardo Gregorio, a resident of Casa Grande. Gregorio was taken into custody following a police investigation that uncovered evidence linking him to the fire, while the motive is still being investigated.

Casa Grande Police Chief Mark McCarrey commented on the arrest in a statement, saying: "We are committed to ensuring that justice is served in this case. This fire caused significant damage to a valued community space, and we are working diligently to fully understand the circumstances." Details of the evidence that led to Gregorio's arrest have not been released, as the investigation is still ongoing.