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20 ancient works of art stolen from Jaffa church

Police trying to track down burglars who broke into Orthodox Church in early morning hours, vandalized property before making away with 20 valuable images

Unidentified persons broke into the Orthodox Church in Jaffa in the early morning hours on Wednesday, vandalizing the place and stealing some 20 ancient and valuable works of art which were being kept on display inside the church.

 

Worshippers who arrived at the church on Louis Pasteur Street in Jaffa for Easter services this morning noticed that the doors had been forced open. Upon entry they discovered the considerable property damage the burglars left in their wake, as well as the theft of the artwork.

 

Church officials would only say that the art was of great value, adding that an accurate appraisal would be difficult given the antiquity of the images, all of which depicted religious themes and icons. 

 

Police investigators said the current belief is that the burglars are people familiar with the church.

Last month the church found itself embroiled in scandal after it emerged that one of its security guards was arrested for molesting children who attended services.

 

The guard, Atallah Wahila, confessed to the accusations made against him and said he required professional help.

 


פרסום ראשון: 04.15.09, 18:22
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