Two Jewish extremists indicted for vandalizing ancient church on Sea of Galilee

July 30, 2015

An Israeli court has indicted two Jewish extremists for the arson attack on an ancient Christian church, the AsiaNews service reports.

The Church of the Multiplication of Church of the Loaves and Fish, on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, was severely damaged by fire on June 18. In addition to torching the church, vandals had scrawled slogans on the walls condemning the worship of idols.

Two young men, Yinon Reuveni and Yehud Asraf, have been indicted for the crime. The prosecutors said that Reuveni was the driving force behind the attack, motivated by his belief that Christians are idol worshippers.

The vandalism of the Church in Tabgha was the latest in a series of attacks on Christian shrines in Israel. Among the targets have been the Annunciation basilica in Nazareth and a church near the Cenacle in Jerusalem.

 

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Further information:

• Two young Jewish extremists arrested over Church of Loaves and fishes arson in Tabgha (AsiaNews)
• Israeli police arrests suspects in arson attack on ancient church (CWN 7/13)