ATHENS, Greece (JTA) — Four men have been arrested in connection with two arson attacks on a synagogue on the island of Crete
Two of the men in Greek police custody are British, one is American and one is Greek. They are aged 23 and 33 and have not been named.
The four are being held in the coastal town of Hania, where the Etz Hayim synagogue is located. Police said they are all being held on charges of arson.
The men work as bouncers and waiters at local clubs, according to police.
Asked why they committed the crime, the accused reportedly said it was because they do not like Jews. The Greek man was arrested first, at which point he confessed and gave the names of the others.
The first attack occurred Jan. 5, but it was the second attack on Jan. 16 that caused extensive damage to the synagogue’s interior, its archive material and technical equipment.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
