Synagogue torched in Tunisia

Spokesman for Jewish community condemns arson, says shocked by inaction of police force nearby

Reuters
Published: 02.01.11, 17:47 / Israel News

A synagogue was set on fire by arsonists in the Tunisian city of Ghabes overnight, a spokesman for the Jewish community said on Tuesday.

"I condemn this action and I believe those who did it want to create divisions between Jews and Muslims in Tunisia who have lived for decades in peace," Peres Trabelsi told Reuters.

He added that Torah books had been burned, and criticized police for inaction. "What especially shocked me was the fact that there was a police force not far from the synagogue when it was attacked," he said.