Torah Scroll Vanishes From Haifa Synagogue Days Before High Holidays
A mystery surrounds the disappearance of a Torah scroll from a Chabad House in Haifa's German Colony neighborhood, just days before the Jewish New Year. Initially, police announced an investigation into a suspected theft, but later retracted the statement, claiming the scroll was found and returned, and that it was likely not a theft. However, the Chabad House leadership insists it was stolen and the scroll remains missing.
Rabbi Zion Gaggula stated that the missing scroll was the only kosher one in the synagogue, leaving them without a Torah for the upcoming High Holidays. The incident occurred last Shabbat when a hotel's kosher supervisor and two guests visited the synagogue. The supervisor reportedly placed a new cloth cover on the scroll. The synagogue, located opposite the hotel, is used by hotel guests for prayer, with keys provided through hotel security.
On Saturday morning, the scroll was discovered missing. The rabbi reported that the synagogue door was locked, but suspects entry was gained through a window, noting signs of a possible break-in, including mud footprints near a window. Police initially confirmed an investigation into a suspected theft, but their subsequent statement claimed no signs of forced entry were found, and the scroll was located at the adjacent hotel. The hotel has a key to the synagogue for guests, with no strict oversight on its use. A single camera inside the synagogue was found to be disconnected.
The Chabad House leadership expressed surprise at the police's public statement, asserting the scroll has not been returned and that the announcement has hampered efforts to recover it by creating a false impression that the matter is resolved. Despite the public statement, the rabbi indicated that police investigators are still actively working on the case, interviewing people and reviewing security footage.
In response to the incident, the Chabad House is considering enhancing security measures, including cameras, bars, and a dedicated safe for the Torah scroll. They are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to its recovery. The police maintain that their investigation is ongoing, noting that the complainant has been summoned for further testimony but claims inability to appear for the next month.
