LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (March 12, 2026) — The Simon Wiesenthal Center is closely monitoring reports of a violent incident at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, where authorities responded after a vehicle reportedly crashed into the synagogue and gunfire was reported.
Our thoughts are with the congregants, families, and community members who were inside the synagogue or nearby at the time. We are grateful for the swift response of law enforcement and first responders who moved quickly to secure the area and protect lives.
Jewish houses of worship must never become targets of violence or intimidation. This incident comes at a time when Jewish communities in the United States and around the world are facing a disturbing rise in antisemitic threats and attacks.
The Simon Wiesenthal Center urges authorities to fully investigate this incident and determine whether antisemitic motives were involved. Jewish communities must be able to gather for prayer, education, and community life without fear. In moments like this, vigilance and solidarity are essential.
For further information, please email Aram Goldberg at agoldberg@wiesenthal.com or Erik Simon at esimon@wiesenthal.com. Join the Center on Facebook, or follow @simonwiesenthal for news updates sent directly to your X feed.
About the Simon Wiesenthal Center
The Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) is a global Jewish human rights organization that combats antisemitism, defends the State of Israel, and uses the lessons of the Holocaust to teach tolerance and combat hate. It holds consultative status at the United Nations, UNESCO, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the OAS and the Latin American Parliament (PARLATINO). Headquartered in Los Angeles, the SWC operates in key centers of Jewish life including New York, Chicago, Florida, Toronto, Jerusalem, Vienna and Buenos Aires. To learn more, visit www.wiesenthal.org.