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Michigan's Temple Israel to remain closed for immediate future, move school to temporary spot

Myesha Johnson, The Detroit News on

Published in Religious News

WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. — Temple Israel will remain closed for the immediate future after a gunman rammed through the synagogue's front doors last week and exchanged gunfire with security before taking his own life.

Temple Israel officials said in a statement Sunday on social media that while the physical building on Walnut Lake Road, west of Farmington Road, remains closed for the immediate future, the congregation remains active.

Kabbalat Shabbat and Bar/Bat Mitzvah services will proceed as scheduled, but regular programming is suspended through Tuesday as leadership finalizes plans to serve the community in alternate locations.

Members are asked to check its website for updated venue and timing information.

“Temple Israel is not just a building,” the leadership shared in a recent post on Facebook. “Temple Israel is us working together toward a common and sacred goal.”

Ayman Ghazali, 41, of Dearborn Heights allegedly slammed his Ford F-150 through the Temple Israel's front doors shortly after 12 p.m. Thursday. A fire ensued in the synagogue after his engine caught fire, and "several jugs" of gasoline in the trunk were consumed in the fire inside the synagogue, according to FBI Detroit Field Office Special Agent In Charge Jennifer Runyan.

Ghazali died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Runyan said Friday.

About 103 kids were attending classes at Temple Israel when the attack happened, along with 40 to 50 staff members.

Temporary locations are being secured for the Susan & Harold Loss Early Childhood Center and Tyner Religious School. Tyner classes will remain out of session until after the Passover/Spring Break.

 

Yellow police tape remained draped across Temple Israel throughout the weekend, and both entrances to the synagogue were blocked off. Large Belfor trucks were parked outside. Oakland County Sheriff's Office SUVs were stationed outside.

West Bloomfield Police Chief Dale Young, meanwhile, said the police department will remain fully staffed and visible through the township following the attack.

"We stand firmly with our Jewish community and will continue to protect them from those who do them harm," Young said on the department's Facebook page.

The Temple’s phone line remains fully operational and can be contacted for clergy support, hospital visits, or questions at (248) 661-5700.

Those looking to volunteer are asked to wait for upcoming announcements regarding specific needs. And for those wishing to contribute to the rebuilding efforts, 100% of direct donations go to the congregation.

"On behalf of the clergy, leadership, and staff of Temple Israel…Thank you! For the outpouring of love, of support, of offers to help and of solidarity. We feel all of that from you in this very difficult time and that, more than anything else, is what keeps us going," the post from Temple Israel said.

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