Downtown Yerushalayim Synagogue Vandalized

The Pischei Olam synagogue, just off the main thoroughfare King George Road, was found vandalized early Thursday morning. The curtains covering the aron kodesh were destroyed by fire, and swastikas were scrawled onto the doors.

Minister of Religious Affairs Dovid Azulai (Shas) wrote to acting police commissioner Bentzi Sau, calling for an immediate and effective response.

“Particularly in these days of mourning over the destruction of the Bais Hamikdash, do these hoodlums decide to set fire to the Beis Hashem in Yerushalayim…” wrote Azulai. He requested that the full force of the law be brought to bear on the vandals, and that the police take the necessary measures to prevent its repetition in the holy city.

“The curtains were badly burned, but the fire did not harm any of the Torahs,” said police spokesman Mickey Rosenfeld, adding that an investigation has been opened after forensic evidence was taken from the scene.

The synagogue was empty during the attack and, b’chasdei Shamayim, no one was hurt.

This article appeared in print on page 6 of the July 24th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.