Jerusalem synagogue desecrated, suspect arrested

A Jewish suspect was arrested regarding the desecration of a synagogue in Jerusalem.

Worshipers arriving at a synagogue in the center of Jerusalem on Wednesday morning were shocked to find was desecrated, with four swastikas spray-painted on the walls and three religious books set on fire.

Police and forensic investigators arrived at the scene, collected evidence and launched an investigation into the incident.

Similarly, police received several complaints of swastikas painted on nearby buildings.

A suspect was arrested later in the day – a 38-year-old Jew said to be mentally unstable and who reportedly committed similar acts in the past.

He was questioned by police and then turned over to the welfare authorities.

Several rabbis and spiritual figures expressed dismay at the vandalism.

“It is inconceivable that worshippers arrived at a synagogue situated in the center of the Holy City and encountered such difficult sights,” the Chief Rabbi of Israel, David Lau, stated.

“I was horrified to hear about the disturbing act of vandalism committed in the Lelov study hall in Jerusalem, Shas party chairman and Interior Minister Aryeh Deri said, Arutz-7 reported. “This is a serious attack against all of us. It is hard to believe that a terrible hate crime like this against religious Jews could take place in the heart of the State of Israel.”

By: World Israel News Staff

Aryeh DeriChief Rabbi of IsraelSwastikaVandalism