JERUSALEM (JTA) — A Conservative synagogue in central Israel filed a complaint with police after it was booby trapped on Tisha b’Av eve.
The front doors of the Yedid Nefesh synagogue in Modiin were blocked with potted plants and ropes were tied in front of other synagogue exits in order to trip congregants leaving the building while members were inside for services on Saturday night, the Masorti movement in Israel reported Sunday on its Facebook page.
There are no suspects and the motivation, whether denominational friction or mischief, was unknown.
Masorti, the Israeli branch of the Conservative movement, called the episode one of “baseless hatred,” which is what is said to have brought about the destruction of the Second Temple commemorated on Tisha b’Av.
The incident “could have ended in serious bodily harm,” the post said. “The congregants went home with a great sense of unease.”
Six years ago, the front doors of the synagogue were set on fire in an arson attack.
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.
