A memorial in the southern city of Beersheba for Turkish soldiers who fell in Israel during World War I was once again vandalized Sunday, though the municipality had just finished cleaning off the graffiti sprayedthere.
The graffiti cleaned off Friday said, "Way to go, IDF", and a Turkish flag was torched at the scene. On Sunday it was found painted black and red.
Cleaning off memorial (Photo: Hertzl Yosef)
Police say an investigation had been launched, though no suspects have been arrested as yet. Civilians who came upon the damage began cleaning it themselves, and were soon joined by municipality workers.
"I severely condemn any case of violence or bullying. It is not our way," said Beersheba Mayor Rubik Danilovich. "I have appealed to the district commander of police, Commander Yohanan Danino, with arequest to take care of this matter immediately."
The memorial was built in October of 2002 by the Turkish Republic and the Beersheba Municipality in memory of 298 Turkish soldiers killed in battle in the city between the years 1914-1918. Israeli and Turkish flags are stationed nearby.