ASHAR FireThis hits real close to home. The elementary school I went to named ASHAR, which has been educating the community since 1954, was partially destroyed this morning.

Fire guts auditorium at Schreiber Hebrew Academy in Monsey; Torahs saved from The Journal News has pictures and details. The fire destroyed the huge auditorium and lunchroom. It appears that part of the synagogue was destroyed but they were able to save the Torahs. I also hear from friends that the gym is okay but slightly damaged. Looking at the pictures, it seems the fire started behind the stage area, and then grew.

I play basketball at the school about twice a week I have four nephews who go there. In addition, my brother is probably sending his daughter there next year. All my sibling went to ASHAR, most my friends, and even some of my parents friends went there. There is a lot of history.

The classrooms were not touched by the fire, which is a huge relief. But the school was closed today because of the situation.

Reportedly, a car passing by reported the fire to the police at 3:11 a.m. There is no word yet if it was an arson or just an accidental fire. I know ASHAR has plans to move the school to a new location in the next five years.

The good news - no one was hurt, the torahs were saved and the class rooms were not damaged.

Update: The Journal News now has a video that shows more of the damage. It seems like a lot of the synagogue was also damaged. Notice the interview with the current school principle. I should drive by and see it for myself.

Update 2: It has now been confirmed that it was not arson, as I thought above.