Truck rammed into Michigan synagogue

On March 12, forty-one-year-old Ayman Mohamad Ghazali rammed a truck packed with fireworks and gasoline into Temple Israel, one of the largest synagogues in the country. The FBI called it a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community.

More than 140 sheltered during attack

More than one hundred forty people took shelter during the attack, with children abandoning their lunches in classrooms. Temple relics were destroyed by water damage and smoke from the impact.

Attacker died by self-inflicted gunshot

Ghazali, a Lebanese-born U.S. citizen, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound during the attack. Federal officials labeled it as an act of terrorism inspired by Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group designated by the U.S. as a foreign terrorist organization since nineteen ninety-seven.

Rebuilding costs top fifty-two million

Temple Israel estimates rebuilding costs could top forty million dollars, not including an extra twelve million dollars for heightened security measures, including a newly built security balcony in the main sanctuary.

Congregation returns for High Holidays

The congregation at Temple Israel returned to its sanctuary last week for the first time since March to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Rabbi Jennifer Kaluzny said during the service, we will tell the story of the great miracle that happened here on March twelve for generations to come.

“We will tell the story of the great miracle that happened here on March 12th for generations to come.”

Rabbis emphasize resilience and return

Rabbi Kaluzny said their message is that it is not time to turn away from Judaism, but instead time to lean into it. We are here, we are not going anywhere, she said. We have to make changes to feel secure in our home, but we are coming home.

“We're here, we are not going anywhere. We have to make changes to feel secure in our home, but we're coming home.”