An anti-Semitic attack on a Sephardic synagogue in Eilat on the eve of the Rosh HaShana holiday (Jewish New Year) has raised concerns in the resort town about the possibility that the perpetrators might be members of a growing neo-Nazi movement in Israel.
“Hitler is the Messiah,” “Long live Hitler and Jesus Christ” were scrawled on the walls of the synagogue, which is located in a heavily religious neighborhood, along with a number of crosses and swastikas.
“We were all shocked and stunned” said Rabbi Yair Hadaya, son of the city’s Chief Rabbi, Moshe Hadaya. “I do not view it as an affront to the rabbi, but rather as an affront to the country and the Jewish people.” Police said it appeared to be an isolated incident and have launched an investigation.