Source: The San Francisco Chronicle
On June 23, 1999, The San Francisco Chronicle reported that up to $6 million in federal loan guarantees will be available to the three burned synagogues as a result of the 1996 Church Arson Prevention Act, which helped churches in the Midwest and South that were destroyed in a string of arsons. Andrew Cuomo, secretary of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development, stated: "I would urge you to consider not just rebuilding the temples, but to expand the temples while you're at it. Let's make a clear sign that this act has not dissuaded us, this act has not torn us apart, but if anything, has brought us together and energized us." In addition, Cuomo also stated that we "must repair the bonds between us as Americans, just as we must repair the building. And frankly, it is sometimes more difficult to repair the bond because that deals with our hearts and minds, rather than just repairing bricks and mortar." California Governor Gray Davis offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the arsonists who struck the synagogues.