Deliberate Fire Destroys Synagogue of Former Chief Rabbi in Jerusalem
Israeli authorities confirm arson at “Or Hachayim” synagogue linked to Shas spiritual leader; anti-Semitic graffiti and swastikas found nearby.
Watan-Israel’s Fire and Rescue Services announced that the fire at the “Or Hachayim” synagogue, associated with former Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, the spiritual leader of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, in Sanhedria neighborhood, Jerusalem, was deliberately set.
According to Israel’s Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, Religious Affairs Minister Mikhail Malchieli of the Shas party responded, saying:“All religious leaders must condemn and denounce these heinous acts.”
Malchieli added:“These are shocking, anti-Semitic scenes. I call on the police to act firmly and enforce the law to its fullest extent against the perpetrators.”
The newspaper reported that hate graffiti and swastikas were found on a nearby building.
Police confirmed that a criminal investigation has been opened. The fire caused property damage, including the burning of the Rabbi’s chair, but no injuries were reported.
Firefighters stated they located the source of the blaze, which had spread through a sound-insulated ceiling inside the synagogue.
