The trailer, remnants of which remain on the grounds of the Maimonides Hebrew Day School, stored pews, books and other school supplies while an addition to the main building was being built in advance of the new school year, which begins early next week.

Rochel Rubin, the school's principal and co-director of Chabad of the Capital District, which operates the institution, said that the day school teaches a positive approach to life. Its students visit local hospitals, tutor younger children, and participate in the local Friendship Circle, a group that pairs teens with children with special needs.

"It's bizarre that this happened to our school, which teaches friendship and caring to others," said Rubin. "It was thoughtless and could have had tragic consequences. The fire was very close to a small home.

"Thank G‑d no one was hurt," she added. "That is the main thing."

Rubin promised that the school's expansion would continue. She also expressed thanks to the concern shown by the greater Jewish community in Albany, as well as the hope that no further acts of violence would occur in the New York capital.