Sefer Torah Safe Retrieved, Tragic Outcome, In Pomona Heights Shul Fire

by Monsey.info

Following this mornings fire at Chassidim 110 in Pomona Heights, the safe which held the Shul’s Sifrei Torah was retrieved with the use of a backhoe, unfortunately the Sifrei Torah were destroyed.

As previously reported on Monsey.info, the shul, located at 34 North Ridge Road at the intersection of North Ridge and Overlook Road, had previously been the home of the late Dr. Zev Zelenko OBM, with the home repurposed for a Shul after he relocated.

The early morning fire sparked around 5:30am, according to reports, with the fast moving blaze quickly engulfing the entire structure. Firefighters from local stations battled the blaze and extinguished it fairly quickly, but the Shul was already burned to the ground.

As the rescue workers retrieving the safe with the Sifrei Torah lifted it out of the basement, water was pouring out of the sides, making it clear that the safe had not held up and water had leaked in. Once the safe was opened the Sifrei Torah were removed, clearly destroyed, and will be prepared for proper burial.