For the fourth time this month, a synagogue in Bat Yam, just south of Tel Aviv along the sea coast, has been vandalized with crosses spray-painted at the entrance.
In previous attacks, abusive slogans as well as swastikas were painted on the walls, and windows were broken. Similar attacks have occurred at other synagogues in the vicinity.
The Ha’ohel Central Synagogue in Bat Yam was established by Holocaust survivors who still frequent it. They were shocked and dismayed by these repetitive antisemitic attacks in the heart of Israel.
Synagogue chairman Miki Moskowitz told Tazpit News Agency about the lack of police response to the vandalism: “When there is a ‘price tag’ action in Samaria, the police arrests suspects within days. This has been going on for a month, in the center of Israel, and the police have no leads. I fear for the health of the survivors who have to endure these attacks, now on a regular basis.”
Moskowitz said he knew of no possible suspects who would wish to harm the congregation.
Moshe Yishai, a member of the congregation who is handling the case, said that some of the congregants required medical treatment after encountering the defacement. He announced that the community is planning a protest meeting Thursday, at the synagogue.
The police released a statement that they were investigating the attacks, primarily through intelligence work.