Jerusalem synagogue set on fire in suspected antisemitic attack

A suspected arson attack struck the “Or Haviv” synagogue in Jerusalem’s Sanhedria neighborhood early Sunday morning. The synagogue, where former Chief Rabbi of Israel Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef regularly leads prayers, suffered fire damage in what authorities are investigating as a deliberate act.

Security footage captured a man entering the premises around 3:00 a.m., shortly before flames broke out. The fire damaged Rabbi Yosef’s personal prayer chair and consumed several sacred texts. Investigators also discovered graffiti and a cross spray-painted on a nearby building, raising concerns over a possible antisemitic motive.

Jerusalem Fire Commander Oren Avrahami, who led the emergency response, reported, “We arrived quickly and contained the blaze before it could spread further. Thanks to rapid action, injuries were avoided and most of the holy items were saved.”

Minister of Religious Affairs Michael Malchieli condemned the incident, calling it “a shocking and hateful act with antisemitic overtones.” He urged all religious leaders to denounce such attacks and called on police to act swiftly in bringing the perpetrators to justice.