Suspected Arson Damages Former Chief Rabbi Yosef’s Jerusalem Synagogue

A synagogue in Jerusalem's Sanhedria neighborhood frequented by Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, the current Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, was the target of a suspected arson attack early Sunday morning. Security footage captured a man entering the Or Haviv synagogue shortly before the fire broke out, causing damage to Rabbi Yosef's ceremonial chair and several religious books, which were mostly saved. Graffiti, including crosses, was found on nearby buildings, raising concerns about a coordinated anti-Semitic vandalism act. Police and forensic teams are investigating the incident, exploring all possible motives without currently linking it to Rabbi Yosef's recent controversial remarks about military conscription or internal ultra-Orthodox disputes. Religious and government leaders, including Ministers Michael Malchieli, Itamar Ben Gvir, and Moshe Arbel, condemned the attack, calling for a strong law enforcement response and denouncing the anti-Semitic nature of the act. No injuries were reported, but the event has heightened tensions over religious and political conflicts in Jerusalem.