Israeli Flag Burned At Temple In Bergen County, Police Say

TENAFLY, NJ —After a partly-burned Israeli flag was discovered at a temple in Bergen County on Tuesday, police are looking for suspects.

“We are appalled to learn about the desecration of the Israeli flag at Temple Sinai in Tenafly," said Mayor Mark Zinna on Tuesday night. "It is unfortunate that some individuals allow themselves to be pulled into the deception of anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic rhetoric."

Police Chief Robert Chamberlain said that police were called to Temple Sinai on Engle Street on Tuesday. Representatives of the Temple pointed out a defaced Israeli flag on the southeast corner of their property, Chamberlain said.

The chief said the flag had "damage consistent with burn marks and or being melted by a flame source."

Temple representatives were trying to figure out when the damage might have occurred, police said.

“The Borough of Tenafly will not tolerate hate in any form, particularly hate towardsthe State of Israel and the Israeli people," Zinna said. "“As we witnessed the assassination of Charlie Kirk last week, political hatred can be lethal. We must, therefore, do all that we can to lower the temperature of the political discourse."

Police said that anyone with information related to the incident should call (201) 568-5100.