Torah Scroll Stolen From Chabad House in Haifa's German Colony

A Torah scroll was stolen from the Chabad House in Haifa's German Colony neighborhood during Shabbat. The theft was discovered Saturday morning when a representative arrived at the synagogue and found the ark broken into and the scroll missing. Initial investigations indicate that the perpetrators entered by breaking a window.

The stolen Torah scroll is the only one belonging to the local Chabad community, leaving them without a functional scroll for readings. Rabbi Tzvi Gaglula, the Chabad emissary, expressed deep distress, noting that the thieves specifically targeted the Torah scroll and left other valuables untouched. He emphasized the significant spiritual and material loss to the community and its activities.

The incident is particularly concerning due to the Chabad House's location on Ben Gurion Street, an area known for frequent pro-Palestinian demonstrations and a history of antisemitic attacks and vandalism against the Chabad House. This raises fears within the community that the motive may be nationalistic or antisemitic rather than purely criminal.

The Israeli Police have launched an investigation, reviewing security footage and collecting evidence. As of now, no suspects have been arrested, and authorities are seeking information to identify the perpetrators. Rabbi Gaglula has urged the public and security forces to assist in quickly resolving the case and returning the Torah scroll.

The police confirmed they are investigating the theft of a Torah scroll from a synagogue located within a hotel in Haifa, stating that officers are gathering evidence and working to locate the scroll and apprehend the suspect. The Haifa Municipality pledged its full cooperation with the police investigation, emphasizing that the police are the sole authority responsible for the inquiry.