Prefer Jewish News on Google
Case dropped against two Jewish youths suspected of vandalising Jerusalem church
Prosecutors drop case against two young men accused of daubing in Hebrew, “Christians to Hell”, on the Dormition Abbey in 2016
Prosecutors have dropped their case against two Jewish young men indicted in the vandalism of a Jerusalem monastery, saying they did not have enough evidence to go forward.
Graffiti, written in Hebrew, including “Christians to Hell,” “May his name be obliterated,” and “Death to the heathen Christians the enemies of Israel,” was spray-painted on the Dormition Abbey in the Jan. 17, 2016 attack.
The abbey, located on Mount Zion just outside the Old City of Jerusalem, is believed to be the site where the Virgin Mary died and near where the Last Supper was held.
It is located next to the site considered to be the tomb of King David.
Prosecutors made the announcement on Monday in Central District Court in Lod that it did not have enough evidence to prosecute Eyal Reuveni, 23, who already has been sentenced to prison for the July 2015 arson attack at the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes in northern Israel. Nor did it have enough evidence to prosecute a second suspect, age 21, who cannot be named since he was a minor at the time of the crime.
In January, the court threw out the confessions of another Jewish right-wing extremist minor accused in the same case, after determining that they were given under extreme duress.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
