The Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah begins Monday evening at sundown, but in Punta Gorda, the celebration is marred by an attack on a local place of worship.

On Friday night, someone intentionally started a fire at the Chabad of Charlotte County on West Henry Street. Punta Gorda police reported that an object was thrown through a window to ignite the fire.

The incident is being investigated as arson and a hate crime. Police confirmed Monday they have developed a person of interest and are working with the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office to advance the investigation.

The fire was contained to one classroom, and no one was injured. In addition to the fire, the letter “J” was spray-painted on walls and sidewalks around the building, further indicating the attack’s hateful intent.

Rabbi Simon Jacobson addressed the community in response to the attack.

"Fear is a terrible way to live. These are known as the Days of Awe. Awe is awesome. Fear is terrible," said Jacobson. "The only way to respond to darkness is by us bringing light. A little bit of light pushes away a lot of darkness," he said.

An anonymous member of the Jewish community expressed concern for the safety of the children who attend the Chabad's school.

"It hurts because it's our kids. We're definitely going to be more vigilant in mind of their safety and everything else," said the community member. "We're a pretty close-knit community. Local support would be greatly appreciated, but the message should be clear that we're strong and we're together. We'll get through this," he said.

The Anti-Defamation League of Florida, the Secure Community Network and the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties have voiced their support for Rabbi Jacobson and the community as they begin the rebuilding process.

The Punta Gorda Police Department has not released any information on a suspect or suspects in relation to this crime. 

The Chabad is enhancing security on Monday. PGPD will have extra patrols circling the area, and there will be extra patrols there for the foreseeable future. Jacobson said that they have also hired a separate security detail, who they've worked with for the past couple of years, to be at the Chabad Monday night as well. That security detail will patrol "as they see fit."

WINK News will continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses.