Homosexuals suspected of vandalizing synagogue

Homosexuals suspected of vandalizing synagogue
Tensions high as protests mount over Jerusalem 'gay' parade

Worshippers who arrived to services early Thursday morning were shocked to see the windows smashed and grafitti on the walls of the synagogue reading "If we can't march in Jerusalem, you won't walk in Tel Aviv either."

The formidable snowball effect of the pride parade controversy reached the normally sedate Tel Aviv Sheinkin area early Thursday morning.The Geulat Yisrael Synagogue in the heart of Tel Aviv was vandalized last night (Wednesday) apparently by members of the homosexual community or people who support their cause.

Worshippers who arrived to services early Thursday morning were shocked to see the windows smashed and grafitti on the walls of the synagogue reading "If we can't march in Jerusalem, you won't walk in Tel Aviv."

Searches are being conducted in the area for the vandals, who left behind considerable damage but no casualties.

Rabbi Yitzchak Bir, a "gabai," who is in charge of the synagogue said: "It's bewildering that this synagogue of all places was vandalized, a vibrant synagogue which serves all the young people in the area," he said. "I think that had such a thing happened in London or any other place in Europe, the State itself would have wreaked havoc and call for a stop to this lawlessness and vandalism," he added.

Rabbi Yosef Gerlitzky, the Chabad emissary in Tel Aviv and Rabbi of the synagogue told Shturem.net: "It's shocking. This synagogue has been serving the community for over 70 years. We have social services that help out impoverished and needy residents both religious and non-religious.

"Before every holiday the synagogue and Chabad House in it distributes hundreds of food packages to needy families. It organizes a day camp during the summer so young children won't have to roam the streets and get into trouble. It conducts daily activities for senior citizens. Most of all during the war in Lebanon two months ago, the synagogue provided Sabbath meals for dozens of families who fled the north and found refuge in Tel Aviv. How can they stoop so low. It is just beyond me."

The venue of the synagogue is renowned for its urban chic clothing boutiques and stylish cafés, is home to members of both the ultra-orthodox and gay communities. The issue is being treated with the utmost severity by Tel Aviv's police who fear a possible retaliation from the haredim. Security has been upped to the maximum in the final week before the Jerusalem parade next week.