For Immediate Release: July 30, 2001

Contact: Nickolai Butkevich (202) 775-9770 x107

PRESS RELEASE

ARSONISTS TARGET KOSTROMA, RUSSIA SYNAGOGUE
Quick Action By Synagogue Employees Saves Building

Washington, DC-- Unidentified arsonists attempted to burn down a synagogue in the Russian city of Kostroma yesterday afternoon, according to Andrey Osherov, head of the local Jewish community and regional monitor for UCSJ: Union of Councils for Jews in the Former Soviet Union.

Mr. Osherov informed UCSJ that around 2 PM yesterday, the arsonists placed wooden planks and other construction material being used to repair the building against the right side of the synagogue. They then spread some sort of flammable liquid on the planks and set it ablaze. The fire was first noticed by a librarian, who after smelling the smoke and looking out the window, saw flames as high as five meters tall burning along the side of the building. Luckily, synagogue employees reacted quickly and managed to bring most of the blaze under control during the 12 minutes it took the fire department to arrive. Another factor impeding the spread of the fire was the type of paint used on the planks. Damage is still being assessed, but the community is grateful that at least the building is still standing.

The chief of the fire brigade concluded with 90% certainty that the fire was caused by arson and that it actually started from within the building, where traces of flammable liquid were discovered.

Mr. Osherov informed the city authorities and the local FSB (former KGB) about the incident immediately. He tells UCSJ that, "Nobody now can give us a guarantee that this incident won't be repeated."

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