Jerusalem – Police: Shul Fire Seems to be Arson

Jerusalem – A fire in the Heichal Shlomo synagogue on Panim Meirot Street in the capital’s Romema neighborhood was likely the result of arson, police said on Sunday, although a motive or other background to the apparent crime had yet to be identified.

The blaze, which started inside the synagogue on Saturday night as revelers nearby burned bonfires in honor of Lag B’omer, damaged the ark and its curtains before passersby were able to douse the flames.

Both police and synagogue members from the mostly-haredi area told The Jerusalem Post they had no idea who started the fire or why.