13 Arrested in Christian Arson Case

The capital’s Police Chief Haim Breitenfeld told newsmen here today that 13 arrests had already been made in the investigation into arson at three Christian establishments Monday. Twelve of these would be charged, he said, and one released. He expected more arrests soon. Meanwhile, Christian institutions had been given special protection–which Breitenfeld refused to describe in detail.

Of the 12. all but two were between the ages of 16 and 24. One was under 16 and one was about 40. Some–he would not say how many–were members of the Jewish Defense League headed by Rabbi Meir Kahane. The police chief was careful to avoid saying that the JDL as such had actually organized the triple arson. The JDL, subsequent to the arson incidents, issued a statement praising the bravery of the perpetrators. Breitenfeld said all but one of the arrestees spoke good Hebrew. He would not say what the nationality was of that one–or of those who spoke Hebrew. He said the arrestees were all Orthodox.

Chief Rabbi Shlomo Goren issued a statement condemning the arson. “Such brutal acts are in direct contradiction to the tenets of Judaism.” he wrote.

The three institutions attacked were a Baptist church, a Swedish theological center and hostel for visiting students and a Protestant evangelical center named “Zion House.” Only the latter engages in activities which could be construed as missionary. The police chief said the lead to the case was provided by a young man who appeared at Shaare Zedek Hospital on the night of the arson with serious burns. His interrogation led to other suspects. An anonymous letter, the whereabouts of which were revealed to a journalist by an anonymous phone call, claimed responsibility for the arson. The letter was signed “The Organization for War Against Missionary Influence in Israel.” Breitenfeld said he was not familiar with this body.