Fund-raising effort to rebuild Chabad Center tops $363,000

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A fund-raising effort following an arson-caused fire at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life in Newark has drawn $363,000 in donations. 

The goal for the center has been raised to $1 million.

The late Tuesday night fire caused $75,000 in damage but is believed to have destroyed the structure. Fires listed as arson are not common in the university town. The blaze remains under investigation by the state Fire Marshal’s office.

“We can’t replace what was. Someone maliciously burned down this sacred space, ‘the little blue house that grew so many magnificent memories for hundreds of students over the last 20-plus years,” organizers wrote.

News of the fire drew a  blend of sadness and anger within the University of Delaware community and the state.  Democratic Presidential nominee and University of Delaware alumnus  Joe Biden voiced his support. He was joined by state and local government leaders.

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