The police are investigating a break-in of a synagogue in the Haredi settlement city of Modi'in Illit in the West Bank, that resulted in the desecration of several Torah scrolls, and the theft of the synagogue's silver artifacts.
According to several members of the synagogue, the sight of the desecrated house of worship was a complete shock.
"One of the Torah scrolls was set on fire," said one of the members. "We're trying to understand who could have done this, we're all absolutely appalled."
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The desecrated Torah scrolls in Modi'in Illit synagogue Torah book
(Photo: Israel Police )
The perpetrators broke into the synagogue's ark (where the Torah scrolls are kept) and set fire to one.
They also vandalized the premises, destroying numerous bookshelves, and stealing the synagogue's silver artifacts.
Representatives of the synagogue said there had been no disputes and they had no leads as to who could have perpetrated the offense.
A similar incident took place six months ago, when a synagogue in ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak was broken into.
"They stole four Torah scrolls and caused massive damage to the prayer hall, they continued to rip security cameras from the walls, and threw holy books on the ground," said one of the synagogue's members back then.
A year ago a synagogue in Jerusalem was broken into, the culprits destroyed the synagogue's ark and threw holy books on the floor.