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Arsonist Who Attempted to Destroy Bristol Synagogue Held for Trial; Admits Guilt

January 19, 1947
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Ivor Worth, alleged to be a member of the fascist National Guard, was today held for trial on charges of having attempted to set fire to the only synagogue in Bristol several weeks ago.

At a preliminary hearing, the prosecutor declared that Worth had set fire to oil-soaked rags, placed them beside the door of the synagogue and fled. A caretaker put out the blaze before it caused damage. Police found attached to one of the walls of the building a note signed by the National Guard which read: “This is in reprisal for the flogging of Britons in Palestine.” Worth was traced by a laundry mark on one of the rags.

At first Worth denied the charge, but police say that later he made a statement admitting his part in the fire. “I admit it,” he said, “we are at war with Jewry and the Jews in Palestine and it is time we hit back.”

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