Burglary in Jerusalem church: thousands of fabric and papal gift stolen!

Burglary in Jerusalem church: thousands of fabric and papal gift stolen!

Valuable objects, including a gift from the Pope and thousands of Schekel, have been stolen in a spectacular slump into a church in Jerusalem. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening when a suspect, a man in the forties, who had previously worked in the church, was arrested, as the Israeli police announced on Wednesday, according to the Catholic News Agency (KNA). The perpetrator used his familiarity with the building to avoid the security measures almost completely. Thanks to a quick reaction from the police, the stolen objects, including golden chest crosses and sealing rings, were secured and returned to a representative of the Latin patriarchate by Jerusalem, such as kathpress.at reported.

In view of these and other attacks on Christians in the city, the Israeli police and Christian church representatives have decided to work closer together. District commander Doron Turgeman expressed that there were many challenges and "loathous and shameful acts" that deserve a clear conviction. In a joint advisory meeting, the police officers indicated that they were both open and hidden against any form of hate crimes, vandalism and violence at religious institutions and individuals. This strategy is considered necessary to ensure religious freedom and personal security, especially during the Orthodox Easter ceremony of the "Holy Fire" in the Grabeskirche. There are also loud katholisch.de already 21 arrests in connection with police investigations against hate crimes since the beginning of the year.

The growing concern about the security situation for Christians in Jerusalem is reinforced by repeated attacks, including spitting attacks by young religious fundamentalists. Such incidents not only damage religious feelings, but also have negative effects on the reputation of Israel in the international Christian community. Against the background of these challenges, the police congratulated the Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa on his promotion to the first cardinal based in Jerusalem, a ceremony that will take place in Rome at the end of September.