• Published 17:45 16.01.10
  • Latest update 17:46 16.01.10

Arsonists attack Greek synagogue for second time in 3 weeks

Police say about 2,500 books, many of them rare editions, have been destroyed in both fires.

By The Associated Press Tags: Jewish World Israel news

Police say a synagogue on the Greek island of Crete has been targeted by arsonists for the second time in three weeks.

They say an unknown number of people entered the building in the city of Hania, broke through a first-floor door and started a fire.

The fire brigade says the blaze partly destroyed the synagogue's wooden ceiling, as well as many of its archives, computers and CDs. It estimates the damage at $43,000.

The attack occurred around 4 a.m. Saturday.

Police say about 2,500 books, many of them rare editions, have been destroyed in this and a previous arson attack three weeks ago.

  • Print Page
  • Send to a friend
  • Share
  • Text Size +|-
 
 
TalkBacks

Why Facebook Connect?

Comment on Haaretz.com articles with your Facebook login, and share your thoughts on your own wall.

Add a comment

Add your reply

  • 9. 0 0
    SYNAGOGUE ATTACK IN GREECE
    • Jim
    • 27.01.10
    • 05:16

    Perhaps the reason that the Greek government failed to make a statement against anti-semitism after this attack was because it had no obligation to under the circumstances. This article fails to mention that TWO BRITISH suspects were arrested for this crime (and YES, it absolutely is a crime in Greece). It's a shame that Israeli groups have targeted Greece with this abomination. When you consider the facts of history. Greeks protected many Jews during WWII even at the expense of risking their own lives and starving. Let us not forget that Greece, with the aid of women and children, repelled Italian forces back into Albania, forcing Germany to invade Greece and try to finish the job that was given to Mussolini. Ultimately, it was Germany's distraction in Greece that delayed there efforts against Russia where they suffered heavy losses. Greece WAS NOT an allie of Germany. Even the Greek Police refused to turn over Jews to the Germans! Let Hollywood tell that story.

  • 8. 0 0
    No 5, you are wrong
    • Scott Smith
    • 27.01.10
    • 02:52

    They arsonists were 2 Americans, 2 Britons and 1 Greek. All from a NATO base. This has false flag written all over it.

  • 7. 0 0
    to Arnold - confued in Montreal
    • Awakened
    • 27.01.10
    • 01:59

    ! Arnold Per usual... it is a mistake to try and blame Muslims for everything that happens. "According to this Greek news report, the arsonists who set fire to a synagogue in Greece turned out to be two Britons, two Americans from the NATO Base, and one Greek (who is a food supplier for the Base)."

  • 6. 0 0
    gutful
    • Paul
    • 26.01.10
    • 23:54

    Looks like at least one country has had a gutful and is saying as much.

  • 5. 0 0
    Islamic arsonists
    • Arnold
    • 17.01.10
    • 00:56

    If and when the Greek authorities find the arsonists I feel in my heart that they will turn out to be from Greece's Moslem community. The people of Greece are from a great civilization and have respect for others.

  • 4. 0 0
    The "resistance" shows its true colours
    • The Prophet
    • 17.01.10
    • 00:06

    If they burn books today, would they forebear from burning people tomorrow?

  • 3. 0 0
    This is sad
    • Kaska
    • 16.01.10
    • 23:46

    The actions of the Israeli government and it's treatment of palestinians is bound to create more of this disgusting ignorant response. Anti-Semitism is bound to rise because of Israeli presenting itself as the nation of all Jews, so Jewish = Israel enters peoples mind and they get confused and then bored teenagers go on with stuff like this. If Israel presented itself for what it is, the nation of zionists, ignorants like this would be quickly isolated and they would have no justification what so ever. Zionism is harming the jews worldwide who are now witnessing an increase in racist acts against them.

  • 2. 1 0
    Greek Attack on Synagogue
    • Daniel
    • 16.01.10
    • 20:17

    I am curious why a report on this website on Israeli wrongdoing (of any sort) regularly generates dozens of responses -- for and against Israel -- while a report on an attack on a synagogue in Greece generates no comment at all. Isn't it curious to anyone else? And, why would a synagogue in Greece be a target in the first place? After all, is it Israeli policies that generate such strong reactions, or is it Israel itself, or is it Jews? People should be honest in their answer.

  • 1. 0 0
    CLIMATE OF HATE
    • Steve of Mevaserret
    • 16.01.10
    • 18:11

    spreads through Europe as Israeli journalists oblivious to the world they live in continue to slander their own nation with false allegations. Israel Harel's editorial in today's Haaretz about the Turkish Ambassador affair should be required reading for all Israeli journalists writing for our major newspapers.