Smirking Right-Wing Extremists Confess To Torching Jerusalem School
Give Peace a Chance: Parents erect signs denouncing racist violence after Jewish extremists firebombed a mixed Arab-Israeli school in Jerusalem. Image by getty images
The three suspects who confessed to carrying out an arson attack on a joint Arab-Jewish school in Jerusalem have been identified as activists for a radical right-wing group.
The trio were captured in photos smiling in a Jerusalem courtroom as they appeared to face the charges.
The suspects, named as Yitzhak Gabai, 22; Nahman Twitto, 18; and Shlomo Twitto, 22, from the West Bank community of Beitar Ilit, are part of the Lehava organization, which works to prevent marriages between Jews and non-Jews.
The suspects confessed to the arson, the Shin Bet security service reported.
A fire was set in the classroom of the joint Arab-Jewish Max Rayne Hand In Hand Jerusalem School on Nov. 29.
A preliminary police investigation found that the blaze was set intentionally.
“Death to Arabs” and “There is no coexistence with cancer” were among the anti-Arab epithets spray-painted on the school walls.
Jewish-Arab tensions have risen in Jerusalem following a recent spate of violence.
The Hand In Hand Jerusalem School is Israel’s largest joint Arab-Jewish school and the only such primary and high school in the city. Five Hand in Hand schools are located throughout the country.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
